광개토왕비문의 新判讀과 해석

Abstract

The tombstone of King Gwanggaeto has been the first class historical monument of Goguryeo, which has the research history of about 140 years since it was rediscovered around 1880. Accurate decipherment of the tombstone has been difficult due to the problem of its stone quality and the damage of its surface resulting from fire disaster after rediscovery. Up to now, many different deciphered epitaphs have been suggested by many researchers, but there still exist controversial characters. This study selected and deciphered the characters which are deemed necessary to be reviewed out of those controversial ones. Ultimately this study attempted to identify a more valid reading by comparing the shapes of characters across each rubbed copy for the previously conflicting readings, and presenting examples of other Geumseokmun font. Especially, 1-5-㉖: [妄], 1-7-⑭: [嗣], 1-9-㉝: [六], 2-1-㉒: [咸], and 2-1-㉟: [水] are the characters identified in new decipherment. Despite long years of the research history, the work of decipherment of King Gwanggaeto's epitaph is still in progress, not yet finished. Therefore still remains the possibility of creating new interpretation and historical images in the process of decipherment.