Northeast Asian History Network

Western Wall of the Antechamber (Southern Section)

This is a detailed view of the gatekeeper depicted on the southern section of the western antechamber wall. The red inscription above this figure reads "Royal Guard," indicating that he is a military attaché assigned with the important task of protecting royalty. Royal Guards of the Koguryo era were military attachés responsible for serving under kings and high-ranking generals.
This figure is wearing a black military attaché Chaek (headwear with a cone-shaped point), black Jeogori (traditional Korean upper garment), and white trousers. Although mostly covered up, a waistband can be seen below the figure's overlapping hands securing his Jeogori. The waistband is adorned with heart-shaped metal ornaments, indicating that this figure's status is higher than that of a simple gatekeeper. The folds in the fabric have been expressed through the thick red lines of his Jeogori. This Royal Guard’s thick, crescent eyebrows, long, thin eyes, and wispy mustache are facial features commonly found in other figures depicted throughout Anak Tomb No. 3.