Pyongyang, January 24 (KCNA) -- New historical relics have been discovered recently in the area of Mt Paektu, the ancestral mountain of the Korean nation. They show high patriotism and customs of Koreans.

Graves dating back to the Feudal Joson Dynasty were found on the mountain and its wide surrounding area. Those relics are strong objective evidence establishing that Koreans had buried their ancestors' remains near the mountain.

A research group of the History Faculty of Kim Il Sung University found those relics during its detailed on-the-spot survey. Five graves, akin to those already found on an islet of Lake Samji No.1, were discovered on the shores of Lake Chon on the top of the mountain. Four graves were also spotted in Taehongdan County of Ryanggang Province and Musan County of North Hamgyong Province.

By fully analyzing the locations of the graves, differences in typical features of domestic and foreign graves and funeral customs, the research group found that the newly discovered graves are essentially different from those of other nations in terms of funeral customs. According to it, the remains in the graves had been wrapped in white birth bark before being placed in pits and covered with earth. Then their mounds had allegedly been carpeted with stones on their overall surface or by half at their lower part. Researchers assert that such style and funeral custom originate from the Koreans of Palhae (698-926).

Through radiocarbon dating in collaboration with Novosibirisk State University of Russia, the research group clarified that the remains are of Koreans who lived in around mid-18th century to mid-19th century. They thus proved the historical truth that Koreans in the area of Mt Paektu had brought and buried their ancestors' remains on the shores of Lake Chon.

The Archaeological Society of the DPRK appreciated after examination that the remains in the newly found graves are of the Koreans who inherited the customs of Palhae.

The recent discovery corroborates that Koreans hewed their path through primeval forests to reach Lake Chon and bury their ancestors' remains a long time ago, deeming it their ancestral mountain and sacred territory. -0-