Goguryeo Tomb Murals in Ji’an: Visual Representation and Educational Practice

This study focuses on the visual symbolic features of the Goguryeo tomb murals in Ji’an and their application value in modern art education. It aims to explore innovative pathways for cultural symbols in educational transformation. Created between the 4th and 7th centuries, the Ji’an Goguryeo murals showcase the religious beliefs, social structure, and aesthetic ideals of the ancient Goguryeo Kingdom, forming an essential part of East Asian historical and cultural heritage. Although extensive research has been conducted on the historical and artistic value of these murals, their role in the educational transmission and transformation of heritage symbols remains underexplored. Using semiotic analysis, this study examines these mural symbols’ forms, functions, and cultural meanings, analyzing their digital re-creation within modern educational contexts. It further evaluates how these re-created symbols enhance students’ cross-cultural understanding, artistic expression, and creative capacities. The results demonstrate that digital creation endows traditional symbols with new interactivity and expressiveness within education, reinforcing students’ cultural identity and offering fresh insights for art and design education. This study provides theoretical and practical support for the application and innovation of traditional cultural symbols in digital education, expanding the scope of cultural heritage within contemporary education.