One May day in Juche 46 (1957), Chairman Kim Jong Il, together with his classmate, studied for graduation examination of a beginner’s class at a middle school. The mural paintings in the Kangso Three Tombs and in the Ancient Tombs in Anak were so similar that it was hard for the student to correctly understand them. Kim Jong Il advised him to delve into the intrinsic features of the complicated historical data. He explained in plain language:

   As the mural paintings from the period of Koguryo, they are valuable heritage representing the wisdom of our people and their outstanding artistic talents in the world. The Kangso Three Tombs form a cluster of large, middle and small tombs, whereas the Ancient Tombs in Anak consist of Tombs Nos. 1 and 2 scattered 4 km away from one another centred on Tomb No. 3 (Mausoleum of King Kogukwon) in the middle of Anak Plain.

   The mural paintings in the Kangso Three Tombs are characterized by the drawings of imaginary animals and exquisite and fadeless colours. And those in the Ancient Tombs in Anak are marked by the pictures depicting the people’s life. The mural paintings from the period of Koguryo are valuable cultural heritage of our people to be proud of down through generations.

   Looking up at him who had a deep understanding of the valuable national cultural heritage, the student made up his mind to study harder the history of the nation.