The Newly Identified Goryeo Epitaph tablets: Kyeong Hwi and Seok Sumin's Epitaph

Recently, two newly discovered epitaph tablets from the Goryeo Dynasty have been identified overseas. This study attempts to decode and interpret these epitaphs and discuss their historiographic significance through an in-depth review. The < Kyeong Hwi Epitaph >, discovered in the United States, dates back to the mid-13th century and reveals that the main figure, belonging to the rare Kyeong clan, was well-versed in so-called miscellaneous studies, including astronomy and geography. This provides invaluable insights into the intellectual trends during the military regime era. The < Seok Sumin Epitaph >, created in the late 12th century, was previously known only through a transcription by Imanishi Ryū (1875-1932) but has now been confirmed to be housed in the Tokyo National Museum, Japan. Furthermore, obtaining a color photograph of the < Seok SuMin Epitaph > has allowed for the correction of numerous errors in the previous transcription and interpretation. The identification of these two epitaph tablets significantly contributes to the study of Goryeo Dynasty history, which lacks sufficient research materials, and holds substantial importance as it sheds light on the lives of individuals not recorded in official historical records.