King Muyeol who laid the foundation for the unification of the peninsula

[Teacher]
Here we are at the tomb of King Muyeol who laid the foundation for the unification of three kingdoms on the Korean peninsula.

[Student]
Well, it sounds like there were several countries on the peninsula back then.

[Teacher]
Yes. There were three kingdoms on the peninsula, including Silla. In the beginning, Silla was a small kingdom in the southeast of the peninsula.
At the time it was built, there were already two other neighboring kingdoms which later posed many obstacles to the development of Silla.
But Silla successfully strengthened its power and continued to grow based on its trade with China, Japan and even Arabia. And finally, it unified the peninsula after 700 years of heated war.

[Student]
Oh, then it's King Muyeol who built a firm foundation for the future of Silla which lasted 1,000 years.

[Teacher]
Exactly. As Silla rapidly grew, two other kingdoms on the peninsula joined forces to attack Silla.
To make matters worse, Silla suffered internal conflicts as well. And it was King Muyeol who saved the kingdom from the serious crisis.
When Silla was isolated amid pressure from the two other kingdoms, he resorted to diplomacy, shuttling through China and Japan, and managed to establish an international military alliance. Until Silla eventually won the war between alliances, he played a key part in the defense of the kingdom.

[Student]
Oh, he must be a very important figure in Korean history.

[Teacher]
Indeed. In recognition of his contribution, he was crowned the king of Silla. And later when his son took the throne,
Silla finally completed the unification and defeated China which attacked Silla, building the first unified kingdom on the peninsula.

[Student]
I see. It reminds me of the saying, "Rome wasn't built in a day."

[Teacher]
It sounds like a perfect metaphor! Now, let's look around the tomb and learn more about the king.