Detail

To help the understanding of the Korean identity and roots, the story of Geumwawang of Buyeo Kingdom is introduced, ensuing the story of Dangun Wanggeom introduced in 2008. The story of Geumwawang contained in “Samgukyusa” (the historic chronology of the Three Kingdoms written by the Venerable Ilyeon) is as follows. Aranbul, a subject of the king (Haeburu) of Northern Buyeo, dreamt that God appeared to him and said, “My descendents will establish a new country, therefore, you must move to other lands. On the east coast, there is a land called Gaseopwon, on which fertile soil you will set up a country.” After awaking from the dream, Aranbul recommended to his king to move the country’s capital and establish a new country called East Buyeo. Since Haeburu was childless into his late years, he often went to mountains and rivers to pray for a son. On his way to a mountain at a region called Gonyeon, his horse shed tears looking at a big stone. Thinking this unusual, he had his subject lift the stone, only to find a baby in the shape of a golden frog. Very pleased, he said, “God has given me a son!” He took the baby, named him “Geumwa” and raised him as a prince. As Geumwa grew up, Haeburu appointed him the Crown Prince. When Haeburu died, Geumwa succeeded him and became a king. And Geumwa abdicated the throne to Daeso, the Crown Prince. In BC 59, Haeburu, the king of Northern Buyeo, moved his country to the east and settled in Buyeo-hyeon, north of what is now Jilin Province. This Buyeo kingdom was East Buyeo. East Buyeo collapsed in 494 by surrendering to Goguryeo.