Buyeo, the Planned City

This is a reproduction of the palace of Buyeo, which was built according to the details contained in historical records. Buyeo, the third capital of Baekje, was a meticulously planned city built on a site that was formerly a wasteland. The people of Baekje constructed a fortress, a palace, government offices, temples, roads and waterways and established the infrastructure of the new city.

But why did Baekje relocate the capital city to Buyeo? Originally, the capital city of Baekje was located where Seoul is today. In the 5th century, however, Baekje was invaded by Goguryeo, the kingdom based in the north of Korea, and was forced to retreat to Gongju, where it overcame a further series of crises before successfully reestablishing itself.

In the early part of the 6th century, the king of Baekje risked relocating the capital again, this time to Buyeo. Gongju had certain defensive advantages, but the region was too small and limited to allow further expansion of the city. The site chosen for the new capital was located on broad plains and in close proximity to a large river that allowed access to international sea trade routes.

Despite many hardships and adversities such as natural disasters and enemy attacks, Baekje finally succeeded in constructing the new capital. The city of Buyeo was built by the determination of the people of Baekje and their fervent desire to revive the kingdom.