Baekje was one of the ancient three kingdoms located in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula, including Gyeonggi-do, Chungcheong-do, and Jeolla-do. It was also the first country among the three kingdoms to have its prime days, and its geographical characteristics are indispensable. The Yellow Sea(West Sea of Korea), which was directly adjacent to China, was a passage to China and occupied the South Sea together, so exchanges with Japan happened frequently.
The founder of Baekje is Onjo, and the story of the origin of Baekje varies from book to book. What is generally known is that Onjo was a descendant of Go Jumong, the founder of Goguryeo, and created a country with his older brother Biryu in the Han River basin of the current Seoul area to establish a new country. In the 4th century, King Geunchogo led the prime days when cultural exchanges were most active. It occupied the northern part of the Han River to the north and merged with Mahan to the south. In the 5th century, when Goguryeo was in its prime days, Baekje began to lose power and moved the capital twice. Baekje continued to attack Silla at the end of the period, but its diplomatic mistakes worsened its relationship with the Tang Dynasty, which led to its collapse after losing to Silla. The history of Baekje could have been richer if it had used more cultural advantages. However, Baekje lost its advantages as the kingship weakened and political strife continued, as did other countries.
Baekje’s culture and diplomacy are the two of many characteristics of Baekje. The relationship between Baekje and Japan was still good enough back then for historians to study. Many of the cultures necessary for living in Japan were carried out through Baekje. Baekje also delivered religion, which is essential to gather the power of the country. Many wooden buildings were built due to the influence of Buddhism introduced to Japan during this period. What is certain is that if Baekje had made good use of their strengths, the country would not have collapsed helplessly to Tang and Silla.
Baekje was the first of the three kingdoms to grow its country before Goguryeo and Silla, but its power did not last. In common with the fall of other countries, the king’s power was weak, and political forces were not well integrated enough to bring power together. The advantage is that there are many geographically connected countries, allowing cultural exchanges. It was a cultural powerhouse that brought in a lot of cultures outside the country such as from Tang and was able to deliver it to Japan. Currently, Korean culture, food, and music are also gaining popularity. Watching the rise and fall of Baekje, Korea may find ways to transform the present Korea into a cultural powerhouse.
Written by: Soo Min Kim
Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii. Current 4th year university student, Candidate for a Bachelor of Arts in Korean Language Flagship and Second Language Studies at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Exchange student at Korea University and Intern at VANK (Voluntary Agency Network of Korea)