Three Kingdoms of Korea

Quick Facts: Who was Three Kingdoms of Korea?

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Three Kingdoms of Korea

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Period in Korean history when the peninsula was divided among Goguryeo, Paekche, and Silla.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Three Kingdoms of Korea (Korean: 삼국시대; Hanja: 三國時代) or Samhan of Korea, refers to the period in Korean history when the peninsula was divided into three major kingdoms: Goguryeo, Paekche, and Silla (also known as the "Samhan" kingdoms) following the Proto–Three Kingdoms period. These Samhan kingdoms competed for hegemony over the Korean Peninsula during the ancient period of Korean history. During the period, many states and statelets consolidated until, after Buyeo was annexed in 494 and Kaya was annexed in 562, only three remained on the Korean Peninsula: Goguryeo, Paekche and Silla. The "Korean Three Kingdoms" contributed to what would become Korea, and the Goguryeo, Paekche and Silla peoples became the Korean people. The three kingdoms occupied the entire peninsula and roughly half of Manchuria (modern-day Northeast China and small parts of the Russian Far East).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Goguryeo controlled the northern half of the peninsula, as well as Liaodong Peninsula and Manchuria. Paekche and Silla occupied the southern half of the peninsula. The island kingdoms of Tamna and Usan were subordinated to Paekche and Silla, respectively. All three kingdoms shared a similar culture and language. Paekche and Goguryeo shared founding myths which likely originated in Buyeo.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Buddhism, which arrived in Korea in the 3rd century CE from India via Tibet and China, became the state religion of all constituents of the three kingdoms, starting with Goguryeo in 372 CE. The Three Kingdoms of Korea all had a warrior aristocracy in contrast to the literary elite of China. The period ended in the 7th century, after Silla allied with Tang China and unified the peninsula for the first time in history. After the fall of Paekche and Goguryeo, the Tang dynasty established a short-lived military government to administer parts of the Korean Peninsula. Silla was joined by Goguryeo and Paekche loyalists and fought the Tang for hegemony over the Korean Peninsula.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Three Kingdoms of Korea

True or False: “The name 'Samhan' used for the Three Kingdoms of Korea refers to the ancient confederacies in the southern Korean Peninsula only.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The use of 'Samhan' became a common name referring to all of Korea by the Goryeo period and was referenced later during the Joseon dynasty.

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