Ureuk's 12 Songs for the Unification of Gaya

Why did Ureuk compose 12 performance songs? The reason is related to the special characteristics of Gaya.

Each state of Gaya had different dialects, and the king of Dae Gaya ordered Ureuk to compose a song for each of the 12 regions to unify them through music. Each song is related to a particular region.

So, from the "12 Songs" we can assume the territory of Dae Gaya. We know that Dae Gaya exercised power over the Goryeong area and the southern coastal region. This generally agrees with Dae Gaya’s territory during its peak in the 5th Century.

Even though the territory was expanded, the unity was weak in the beginning. That’s why the "12 Songs" were composed. The king attempted to encourage unity while solidifying his position.

However, it’s not known precisely when Ureuk composed the "12 Songs." Some say that Ureuk composed them during the peak of Dae Gaya and when he exiled himself to Silla during its fall. Others say that he composed these songs to unify the confederacy when Dae Gaya was under an attack from the neighboring kingdom of Baekje.

As we can see, Ureuk and his music contain the success and fall of Dae Gaya. That’s why he cannot be left out when we discuss the history of Dae Gaya.