🇰🇷Intro to Premodern Korean Literature Unit 3 – Three Kingdoms Period in Korean History

Historical Context

• Three Kingdoms period in Korean history lasted from 57 BCE to 668 CE
• Consisted of three rival kingdoms: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla
• Followed the Proto-Three Kingdoms period (1st century BCE-3rd century CE) marked by the rise of numerous small states
• Each kingdom sought to expand its territory and influence on the Korean Peninsula
• Period of significant cultural, political, and technological advancements
• Buddhism introduced to the Korean Peninsula during this era (4th century CE)
• Confucianism also gained influence, particularly in Goguryeo and Baekje
• Ended with the unification of the peninsula under Silla in alliance with the Tang Dynasty of China (668 CE)

Key Figures and Dynasties

• Goguryeo (37 BCE-668 CE) ruled by the Go Dynasty, notable kings include Gwanggaeto the Great and Jangsu
• Baekje (18 BCE-660 CE) ruled by the Buyeo Dynasty, significant rulers include King Geunchogo and King Seong
• Silla (57 BCE-935 CE) ruled by the Park, Seok, and Kim clans, prominent monarchs include King Jinheung and Queen Seondeok
  • Queen Seondeok (r. 632-647) first female monarch of Silla, known for her wisdom and diplomatic skills
• King Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo (r. 391-413) expanded the kingdom's territory and influence
• King Seong of Baekje (r. 523-554) strengthened ties with the Yamato court in Japan and introduced Buddhism to the kingdom
• General Kim Yu-shin of Silla (595-673) played a crucial role in the unification of the Three Kingdoms under Silla

Political Structure and Governance

• Kingdoms were ruled by hereditary monarchies with centralized authority
• Aristocratic class held significant power and influence in each kingdom
  • Aristocrats served as government officials, military leaders, and scholars
• Goguryeo had a complex bureaucratic system with six major ministries overseeing various aspects of governance
• Baekje adopted a hierarchical rank system (16 ranks) for government officials based on their lineage and merit
• Silla developed a unique rank system known as the "bone-rank system" (golpum) that determined social status and political power
  • The "sacred bone" (seonggol) rank was reserved for members of the royal family
• Local administration carried out by appointed officials and regional aristocrats
• Laws and legal codes were established to maintain order and resolve disputes

Cultural Developments

• Buddhism spread throughout the Three Kingdoms, becoming a significant religious and cultural force
  • Buddhist temples and monasteries constructed, such as Goguryeo's Pyongyang Monastery and Baekje's Mireuksa Temple
• Confucianism also gained influence, particularly among the educated elite and in the realm of governance
• Hwarang, an elite warrior group in Silla, embodied the ideals of loyalty, filial piety, and martial prowess
• Distinct art styles emerged, such as Goguryeo's tomb murals and Baekje's gold crowns and jewelry
• Advancements in pottery production, including the development of celadon and stoneware
• Music and dance flourished, with each kingdom developing its own unique styles and traditions
  • Goguryeo's Dongmaeng dance and Baekje's Baekje Gayo gained popularity

Literary Works and Genres

• Hyangga, vernacular poetry, emerged in Silla and reflected native Korean traditions and sentiments
  • "Gonghuin" (公無渡, Ode to Knight Angang) one of the most famous hyangga poems
• Yugi (遺記), historical records and biographies, documented the lives of notable figures and events
  • Samguk Sagi (三國史記, Historical Records of the Three Kingdoms) compiled by Kim Bu-sik in 1145 CE
• Seogi (書記), documentary literature, included official documents, letters, and inscriptions
• Hyeon (懸), religious texts and commentaries, primarily related to Buddhism and Confucianism
• Gasa (歌詞), poetic works set to music, often performed at court and religious ceremonies
• Folktales and legends, such as the "Tale of King Dongmyeong" from Goguryeo, passed down orally

Religious Influences

• Buddhism introduced to the Three Kingdoms in the 4th century CE
  • First to Goguryeo in 372 CE, then to Baekje in 384 CE, and finally to Silla in 527 CE
• Buddhism became the state religion in each kingdom and significantly influenced art, literature, and politics
• Buddhist monks served as advisors to kings and played a role in diplomacy
• Confucianism also gained prominence, particularly in the areas of education and governance
  • Confucian academies established, such as Taehak in Goguryeo and Gukhak in Baekje
• Indigenous Korean shamanism and folk beliefs coexisted alongside Buddhism and Confucianism
• Taoism also had some influence, particularly in the realm of geomancy and the concept of yin and yang

International Relations

• Three Kingdoms period marked by complex relationships with neighboring powers, particularly China and Japan
• Goguryeo frequently clashed with Chinese dynasties (Han, Sui, and Tang) over territorial control in Manchuria
• Baekje and Silla sought alliances with Chinese dynasties to counter Goguryeo's power
  • Silla formed an alliance with the Tang Dynasty to defeat Baekje (660 CE) and Goguryeo (668 CE)
• Baekje and Silla also maintained close ties with the Yamato court in Japan
  • Baekje introduced Buddhism and other aspects of continental culture to Japan
• Diplomatic missions and cultural exchanges occurred between the Three Kingdoms and neighboring states
• Maritime trade routes connected the Three Kingdoms with China, Japan, and Southeast Asia

Legacy and Impact

• Unification of the Korean Peninsula under Silla (668 CE) marked the end of the Three Kingdoms period
• Silla's unification led to the establishment of the Unified Silla period (668-935 CE)
• Cultural, artistic, and literary traditions established during the Three Kingdoms period continued to evolve and influence later Korean dynasties
• Buddhism and Confucianism, which gained prominence during this era, remained significant in Korean culture and society
• The Three Kingdoms period laid the foundation for the development of a distinct Korean identity and culture
• Legends and stories from the Three Kingdoms, such as the "Tale of King Dongmyeong" and the exploits of General Kim Yu-shin, continue to be celebrated in Korean folklore and popular culture
• Archaeological sites and artifacts from the Three Kingdoms, including tombs, temples, and fortresses, provide valuable insights into the period's history and culture