The mural paintings, representing fine arts in the East in the middle ages, date back to the period of the Koguryo Kingdom (277 B.C.-668 A.D.). They picture Koguryo people's character, its social development and manners of life.

They are indicative of the Koreans' outstanding creative wisdom, talents and high-level development of fine arts. About 100 mural paintings of such kinds were discovered until now.

The paintings were drawn on plastered rock walls to prevent them from fading, which is illustrative of the development of colorant technology in the period.

The mural paintings feature figures, four animal guardians and patterns of decorations.

Typical of them is a figure painting found in the mural of King Kogukwon's mausoleum (Anak Tomb No.3).

Besides, they were discovered in the murals of Tokhung-ri tomb in Kangso District, Nampho City, Yaksu-ri tomb, Anak tombs Nos.1 and 2 and Susan-ri tomb.

The murals of the three tombs in Kangso District are characterized by four animal guardians, while the murals of the mausoleum of King Tongmyong in Ryongsan-ri, Ryokpho District, Pyongyang by patterns of decoration.

The Koguryo mural paintings were registered by the UNESCO as one of world heritages in 2004.