Baekje Kingdom

The Baekje Kingdom was one of the Three Kingdoms – the others being Goguryeo and Silla. Baekje territory was located in the southwest of the Korean peninsula, whilst Silla territory was in the southeast and Goguryeo territory in the north. King Onjo founded Baekje in 18 BC and with time it became a powerful state that lasted until 660 CE when it was conquered by the Silla. The Baekje Kingdom is divided into three different periods based on the location of its capital. The Hanseong Period (18 BCE to 475 CE), the Ungjin Period (475-538 CE) and the Sabi Period (538 to 660 CE). The present-day cities of those capitals are Seoul (Hanseong), Gongju (Unglin) and Buyeo (Sabi). The capital was moved from Hanseong to Unglin when the Baekje were defeated by another of the Three Kingdoms, Goguryeo, whilst the relocation to Buyeo occurred when King Seong (reign 523-554 CE) wanted to revive and strengthen both the kingdom and his royal authority. The Baekje Kingdom made great improvements to previous agricultural endeavours due to its ability to produce a wide range of iron tools and build large reservoirs. The early establishment of shipping transportation routes meant that goods could be imported and exported, and craft workers could travel further afield, allowing Baekje knowledge and methods to spread outside of the Korean Peninsula. Japan was one place where Baekje ideas flourished. They had significant influence on Japanese architectural developments, pottery, metalwork, and possibly even burial styles. The Baekje Kingdom is also responsible for officially introducing Buddhism to Japan as King Seong sent a Buddha statue and scripture to Emperor Kinmei (reign 539 to 571 CE). The Baekje Kingdom ended in 660 CE because of a Silla/Tang Dynasty alliance - a similar fate to that which occurred a few years later to the Goguryeo Kingdom. The Gilt-Bronze Incense Burner of Baekje (pictured), which was found at the Neungsan-ri Temple site in present-day Buyeo, is often used to symbolize the artistic achievements of the period. Today, there is ample evidence of Baekje culture and its achievements in terms of both objects and sites in all three of its capitals – present day Seoul, Gongju and Buyeo.

Gaya Confederacy →

← Goguryeo

References/Further Reading

Baekje World Heritage Centre. Foundation and Expansion of Baekje. http://www1.baekje-heritage.or.kr/html/en/historic/historic_010101.html

Kim, Y. (2016) Balancing Research on Ancient Korean Cultures. National Museum of Korea Quarterly Magazine. Volume 35, Spring. Pages 32-37.

Songpa-gu (n.d.) History of Baekje Seen through Capital Cities. Songpa-gu Office.

Yoshi, H. (2007) The Influence of Baekje on Ancient Japan. Journal of Korean Art & Archaeology, Volume 1. Pages 46-61. https://doi.org/10.23158/jkaa.2007.v1_03