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Question

Some Chinese scholars claim that the history of Balhae should not be described as part of Korean history, triggering controversy between Korea and China. Can you explain why the history of Balhae should be incorporated into Korean history?

Answer

Establishment of Balhae in Succession of Koguryo and the North-South States Period

The reason that Balhae is part of Korean history dates back to the foundation of Balhae, which was in line with the Koguryo revival movement after the fall of Koguryo. In particular, Yodong (Liaodong, 遼東) served as a center for neighboring nations' resistance against Tang China after the 7th century. Daejoyeong (大祚榮), or King Go (高王) of Balhae, led the Koguryo remnant people in Yeongju (營州, today's Chaoyang, China) to Dongmo mountain (東牟山, near modern Dunhua, China). He established the Jin state (震 or 振) and claimed himself the king of Jiin. This means that Balhae was an independent state, not subjected to any other country. In addition, Balhae rulers called themselves emperors and declared their own era names and posthumous titles. King Go pursued diplomatic ties with neighboring nations and established the foundation of Balhae. He received appropriate titles and posts from Silla, and it is recorded in ＜History of Three Kingdoms (Samguk Sagi, 三國史記)＞ that Kings Wonseong (元聖王) and Heondeok (憲德王) of Silla sent envoys to "the North State", which is Balhae. The period in Korean history when Silla and Balhae coexisted is called "the North-South States Period", and the record proves that. ＜History of Goryeo (高麗史)＞ contains the records of the Balhae remnant people who fled to Goryeo for almost 200 years since the collapse of Balhae in 926, which is not possible unless there is affinity between Balhae and Goryeo. Later, Yu Deokgong (柳得恭), a scholar in Joseon Dynasty, contributed to building the theoretical framework for the studies regarding the history of the North-South States. It became clear that Balhae is part of Korean history, as is the case for Silla.

Pragmatic Approach with Relics and Artifacts

The historical territory of Balhae ranges from northeastern part of China, Yeonhaeju of Russia to North Korea. Accordingly, research on the history of Balhae can be considered as international studies in East Asia. It is very important to study and analyze the relics and artifacts of Balhae, for there are only a limited number of records and documents about Balhae. By looking at the relics and artifacts excavated so far, we can see that Balhae carried on Koguryo's culture in many areas, including memorial services held before graves, accommodation, tools, and weapons. In particular, the ruins of a castle from Balhae were discovered in Primorsky Krai (in Yeonhaeju), and there was the largest size of "ondol", a traditional heating system of Koguryo, in the castle. Also, additional excavations confirmed that people of Balhae lived there for a continued period of time. These findings were discovered due to Korea-Russia joint excavation in Yeonhaeju, Russia. Unfortunately, there has been no such joint research project between Korea and China. There are a variety of Balhae relics in China. With joint research and analysis on the relics and artifacts of Balhae, I hope that researchers in each country contribute to enhancing the understanding of the North-South States Period and confirm the fact that Balhae succeeded Koguryo.