Expansion of Silla, The Stele Built to Honor the Expedition of Silla’s King Jinheung

[Narration]
This is the stele that Silla erected on the summit of Bukhan Mountain in Seoul.

[Tourist]
Is it? Why did they put the stele on the top of the mountain?

[Narration]
This stele is a monument to commemorate the expedition of King Jinheung. He had it erected after personally surveying the area. It may be regarded as being analogous to the act of raising a flag on the top of a mountain.

[Tourist]
Who was King Jinheung?

[Narration]
King Jinheung, one of the greatest kings of Silla, was responsible for the most aggressive expansion of Silla territory. During the 6th century, King Jinheung crushed the Gaya Confederacy and proved the strength of the Silla kingdom by attacking Baekje and Goguryeo in succession. Under his leadership, Silla occupied more than half of the Korean Peninsula. King Jinheung ordered the construction of these monuments to attest to his success.

[Tourist]
That’s amazing!

[Narration]
King Jinheung’s policy of territorial expansion ultimately triggered Silla’s unification of the three kingdoms.

[Tourist]
I see. And what is written on the monument?

[Narration]
The stele was defaced and is now unreadable. However, according to research, the stele recorded the king’s expedition to the Han River and his visit to the Bukhan Mountain region. A list of government officials who assisted the king was also recorded on it. The Han River, which flows through the middle of the peninsula, was strategically important, so all three kingdoms fought to control the area. Silla’s control of the river was critical to the strength of the kingdom.