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King Geunchogo (近肖古王), the 13th king of Baekje, is the talk of the town because of a new TV historical drama, "King Geunchogo". In 50 episodes, the soap opera depicts how its main character, Buyeogu (扶餘句), overcame numerous obstacles before ascending the throne, and extended Baekje's reach southward and northward. More than half of the series have been aired so far.

Some of my friends often ask me, "Do you have any idea how the enmity between the Queens (Buyeohwa and Wihongran) will unfold?" How would I know when there are no historical records left about them? I came to realize how influential an interesting story can be, and enjoy the series where historical facts and elements of fiction are interwoven, just like any other viewer.

In fact, historical records about King Geunchogo are only a handful. The section dealing with King Geunchogo in "Samguk Sagi (三國史記)" (History of the Three Kingdoms), is only two and a half pages, that is, 24 lines in total. Some of the lines are completely filled with as many as 18 Chinese characters while others contain as few as four letters. The total number of letters stands at only 554. "Samguk Sagi" does not have any record regarding the twenty years after King Geunchogo succeeded to the throne: it only states that he ascended the throne in September 346, participated in a ceremonial rite to the gods of the heaven and the earth, and appointed one of his in-laws named Jinjeong (眞淨) as Jojeongjwapyeong (朝廷佐平), a post similar to today's Attorney-General. Another record begins from the 21st year of his reign, 366. It says that he made genuine efforts to build friendly relations with neighboring countries by sending envoys and horses to Silla and paying tributes to the Eastern Jin (東晋). It also states that he spared no effort in fighting against Koguryo, Baekje's adversary.

The front side
of the Seven-
Branched Sword

Only a Handful of records about King Geunchogo

When King Sayu (斯由) of Koguryo, that is, King Gogukwon, tried to invade Baekje territory in 369 with his army of 20,000 troops, King Geunchogo sent his son, Prince Geungusu (近仇首), whose victorious troops killed or captured 5,000 Baekje soldiers. In 371, King Geunchogo, together with his son, led an army of 30,00 troops to attack Pyongyang, the capital of Koguryo, and killed King Gogukwon. In 372, King Geunchogo was conferred the title of Jindongjanggun-yeong-nakrangtaesu (鎭東將軍領樂浪太守) from the Eastern Jin, which was a superpower in Northeast Asia at that time.

People only remember King Geunchogo as someone who crushed Koguryo and significantly extended Baekje's reach, but that is only one aspect of him. Not only did he train his troops well, but he also made notable contributions in other fields, including politics, diplomacy, economy, and administration, embracing different people and cultures. That is why I call him a "seasoned leader of integration", instead of a cold-hearted "charismatic leader".

In mid-4th century when King Geunchogo ascended the throne, Baekje's territory included modern-day Seoul and Gyeonggi area, and the capital was located near Songpa District of Seoul. With wide plains and rich soil, the region was a perfect place for farming, and people from every corner gathered in Baekje, which had rivers, the sea, advanced technology, abundant local products and rich culture. Tribe Ye (濊族) from Buyeo (夫餘) in northern Manchuria and Tribe Maek (貊族) from Koguryo near the Aprok River came down to Baekje and lived together with Tribe Han (韓族), who had settled down near the Han River a long time ago. In addition to these three tribes, there were people who defected to Baekje from Yokjeo (沃沮) and Dongye (東濊) near the east coast; Chinese-Baekje people who moved southward from Nakrang-gun (樂浪郡) near the Daedong River and Daebang-gun (帶方郡) in Hwanghae Province when Koguryo conquered these regions; and Japanese-Baekje people who came to Baekje to learn its refined culture and advanced technology. In short, Baekje was a multicultural society where 700,000 people with different backgrounds, languages, and birthplaces lived harmoniously together.

King Geunchogo brought these people together and achieved unity. He opened the government offices to the talented people from Nakrang and Daebang, and encouraged them to play a leading role in advancing technology, art and literature. The King also made the most of them in promoting diplomatic ties with the Eastern Jin (China) and Wae (Japan): during his reign, scholar Go Heung (高興) compiled a history of Baekje, and scholar Wang In (王仁) was sent to Japan to spread knowledge and culture. Although Nakrang-taesu (樂浪太守) was a mere title, it was the Eastern Jin that conferred the title to King Geunchogo. Thanks to this title, Chinese people were in favor of Baekje. Accordingly, Baekje could exert power against Koguryo, which attempted to dominate Nakrang and Daebang depending on its military forces.

Embracing Different Tribes and Cultures

King Geunchogo maintained friendly relations with Gaya and Shilla, relieving people of Samhan (三韓) from stress and pain, and made it safe to travel to Wae (Japan). He gave the Seven-Branched Sword (七支刀) to the king of Wae and sent scholars and technicians to Wae, spreading cultural and technological prowess. Thanks to his efforts, Wae became a staunch ally of Baekje, sending troops upon Baek's request regardless of who the enemy was.

In late 4th century, Baekje and Koguryo fiercely fought against each other, and there were two groups of countries in East Asia: Baekje joined forces with the Eastern Jin, Gaya, and Silla, while Koguryo allied with the Former Yan (前燕). Unlike Koguryo, how could King Geunchogo bring together a number of neighboring countries?

Baekje was heavily influenced by marine culture due to its geographical location. As China was divided into the Southern and Northern Dynasties (南北朝), it had to come up with seaways across the West Sea to reach the Shandong Peninsula or the Yangtze River; routes to access the western/northern parts of the Korean Peninsula, and Liaodong/Liaoxi of China; and yet another seaways that connect the west/south coast of Korea to the islands of Japan. King Geunchogo knew how to utilize Baekje's geographical local to the fullest. He facilitated the opening of Baekje society and culture by promoting frequent exchanges with remote countries. Baekje's openness, combined with racial diversity, led to a multicultural society. This is why the Pungnaptoseong (風納土城), Baekje's palace during the reign of King Geunchogo, is located near the Han River and artifacts of different cultures and quality – from Nakrang, Koguryo, the Southern/Northern Dynasties, Gaya/Silla, Mahan (馬韓), Wae and others – were excavated from this area.

I believe that King Geunchogo embodies the characteristics of Baekje – maritime culture, openness, and diversity. People from different cultures and races gathered in Baekje with different objectives in mind. They could move out of Baekje anytime via the sea, and King Geunchogo brought them together under the flag of Baekje and beat Koguryo. Under his rule, Baekje reached its greatest geographic extent and political power. This is why I call King Geunchogo a "great leader of integration".