Wiryeseong Fortress and the Foundation of Baekje

What you are seeing here is a reproduction of Wiryeseong Fortress, the first capital of the Baekje Kingdom. Originally, Wiryeseong Fortress was located south of the Hangang River, but since it no longer exists, we have recreated it here to show what it once looked like.

So, why did King Onjo, the founder of Baekje, choose to establish the capital south of the Hangang River? Let's explore the foundation mythology of Baekje together.

Onjo and Biryu, the founders of Baekje, were both adopted sons of Jumong, the founder of Goguryeo. When Jumong's biological son Yuri arrived in Goguryeo and became the crown prince, Onjo and Biryu, along with their loyal servants and followers, went south.

Upon reaching the Hangang River basin, the two princes decided to establish their capitals in different locations. Onjo chose a site south of the Hangang River, where it was easy to obtain food and defend against enemies, while Biryu chose the area of modern Incheon, which was advantageous for trade with China.

However, the area Biryu chose in Incheon was largely tidal flats with brackish water, making it difficult to secure drinking water and food. Consequently, they moved to Wiryeseong Fortress, where Onjo had established his capital. This reunion of the people who had traveled together led Onjo to declare the name of the new country as Baekje.

After its foundation south of the Hangang River, Baekje grew into an ancient state and later moved its capital to Pungnaptoseong Fortress in what is now the Songpa-gu of Seoul, further developing the country into a powerful kingdom representing the Korean Peninsula.

Thus, the area south of the Hangang River, initially chosen by King Onjo as the capital, faithfully served as the capital for 500 of the 700 years of Baekje's history.