THE THREE KINGDOMS OF KOREA

Writer: Chhavi Sharma (Surat, Gujarat, India)

Editor: Arpita Jena ( Baripada, Odisha, India)

Just as the topic says, the three Kingdoms are an acronym for the three kingdoms (57 BC—668 AD), namely Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, which were formed by controlling the peninsula and Manchuria until the consolidation of Silla in 676 AD. In 698, the Go of Balhae established the kingdom of Balhae ( Bohai Sea ) in Goguryeo’s territories, which allowed the Northern and Southern States period ( 698- 926 ) of Balhae and Silla to coexist.

_{Picture Credits: WIKIPEDIA}

Goguryeo

Goguryeo was established in 37 BC by the legendary figure named Jumong. Goguryeo is one of the earliest Korean kingdoms to embrace Buddhism. During the rule of King Sosurim in 372, Goguryeo achieved the distinction of being the largest Korean kingdom. Goguryeo, also known as Goryeo (spelled as Koryo), was the inspiration behind the name of modern Korea.

_{Picture Credits: PINTEREST}

Goguryeo attacked a Chinese fortress in 242 AD, leading to the Goguryeo-Wei war. As a result of which Cao Wei of the three kingdoms of China retaliated by invading and destroying Hwando in 244 AD. This resulted in running away of the king with Cao Wei.

In the post-war period, the kingmaker settled in the new capital as Goguryeo focused on rebuilding and regaining control. Once again, they conquered China, this time succeeding as the Chinese fled away from Lelang and Daifang, ending Chinese presence in Korea. But later, in the middle of the 4^th century Xianbei attacked as the king retreated.

_{Video Credits: TDH (The Dragon Historian)}

Gwanggeto the great and his son, Jangsu, expanded their empire to almost all of Manchuria, parts of Russia, parts of Inner Mongolia, and also captured the present-day Seoul from Baekje and hence, became one of the most powerful empires of East Asia during the 5th Century. Goguryeo was also a very militaristic state.

Goguryeo had faced a lot of conflicts with the Chinese Dynasties related to control over the Korean Peninsula. Therefore, the Sui Dynasty in 642 AD led by General Yeon Gaesomun with his army, gained complete control over Goguryeo.

_{Picture Credits: CHINA COLLECTION}

Seeing this, the King/Emperor Tang Taizang of China also led an army, but was defeated. After the death of King/Emperor Tang Taizong, his son, Tang Gaozong, along with Silla, attacked Goguryeo in 662 but failed. But as Yeon Gaesomun died in 666, Goguryeo weakened, and so, in 667, Tang-Silla invaded again, this time succeeding in capturing Goguryeo in 668. As they gained complete control over Goguryeo, Tang-Silla fought (ending their alliance) against each other, with Silla winning and gaining complete control over Goguryeo.

Baekje

Baekje was founded in 18 BC by Onji, who was the third Prince and son of the former founder of Goguryeo, a mighty State. During the 4th Century, under the reign of King Geunchogo, Baekje reached its peak. And through maritime contacts with the Southern Dynasties, Baekje adopted Chinese culture and technology.

_{Picture Credits: WIKIPEDIA}

It also merged many great states and most of western Korea States (including the present-day Jeolla, Hueanghae, Gangoon, Gyeonggi, and Chungcheong) into a centralized government. Baekje was a significant kingdom of the Korean peninsula that played an important role in cultural developments, including Chinese characters, iron production, Buddhism, Ceremonial Burial in Japan, and Advanced Pottery.

Being one of the most powerful states of the Korean Peninsula, it was defeated by the colonization of the Tang and Silla in 660. When the Baekje court retreated to Japan after conquering the Tang and the Silla, the cultural influences were transmitted. This cultural transmission played a significant role in shaping Japan’s cultural development during that period.

_{Picture Credits: WIKIMEDIA}

Silla

Situated in the southeastern part of Korea, it is said that Silla began with the unification of the six chiefdoms of the Jinhan confederacy by Bak Hyeokgeose in 57 BC. Including the present-day Busan, Silla gained control over the sea by destroying the Japanese pirates.

_{Picture Credits: YONHAP NEWS AGENCY}

Silla expanded rapidly due to the occupation of the Nakdong River basin and the uniting of the city-states. Unique Gold metalwork was seen in Silla, which showed the influence of the Northern nomadic steppes and Iranian people, with less Chinese influence than that shown by Goguryeo and Baekje.

By the 2nd Century, Silla was a large state. Silla gained more power when it conquered the Gaya Confederacy in 562. Being smaller in comparison with Baekje and Goguryeo, Silla used to be cunningly diplomatic. In 660, King Muyeol of Silla, in alliance with the Tang, conquered and captured Baekje. In 661, they attacked Goguryeo, but lost and retreated. But in 667, they attacked Goguryeo and won.

_{Picture Credits: WIKIPEDIA}

Gaya

Gaya was a small kingdom in Korea situated along the Nakdong River. Gaya’s plains were rich in iron, hence iron tools export and agricultural flourished. However, due to the three kingdoms surrounding it, it didn’t develop much, and as a result, Gaya was captured by Silla in 562 AD.

_{Picture Credits: WIKIPEDIA}

Are you interested in Korean history? Do let us know in comments.