North Korean historical institute 'declares it has discovered unicorn lair belonging to founder of ancient kingdom' | Mail Online

By David Baker

PUBLISHED: 20:22 GMT, 30 November 2012 | UPDATED: 22:31 GMT, 30 November 2012

In yet another outlandish claim to come out of North Korea historians have allegedly announced that they have unearthed a unicorn lair.

A report released by the History Institute of the DPRK Academy of Social Sciences claims that archaeologists discovered the lair of the mythical animal just outside a temple in the capital Pyongyang.

And, unsurprisingly, the lair - according to the report - means that Pyongyang was the focal point of an ancient, united Korea.

In what appears to be a suggestion of superiority over nearby enemies South Korea, the report says: 'The discovery of the unicorn lair, associated with legend about King Tongmyong, proves that Pyongyang was a capital city of Ancient Korea as well as Koguryo Kingdom.'

The dubious report, released by the state news agency, says the lair clearly belonged to King Tongmyong, founder of the ancient Korean kingdom Koguryo.

It goes on to say: 'A rectangular rock carved with words "Unicorn Lair" stands in front of the lair.

'The carved words are believed to date back to the period of Koryo Kingdom (918-1392).

'The temple served as a relief palace for King Tongmyong, in which there is the lair of his unicorn.'