kids encyclopedia robot

Jinheung of Silla facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Jinheung of Silla
Hangul
진흥왕
Hanja
太祖 眞興王
Revised Romanization Kim sambaekjong
McCune–Reischauer Chinhŭng wang

King Jinheung (born in 526, died in 576; ruled from 540 to 576) was the 24th king of Silla. Silla was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, which were powerful states that existed a long time ago.

King Jinheung followed King Beopheung as ruler and was later followed by King Jinji. Jinheung was King Beopheung's nephew or grandson. King Jinheung was one of Silla's most important kings. He greatly expanded Silla's land. He fought with King Seong of Baekje over the Han River valley. King Jinheung won this fight, making Silla much larger.

How King Jinheung Became King

King Jinheung became king when he was very young. His uncle or grandfather, King Beopheung, passed away. Because Jinheung was too young to rule, his mother acted as a regent. A regent is someone who rules for a king or queen until they are old enough.

When King Jinheung grew up, he started to rule by himself. One of his first actions was to make Kim Isabu the Head of Military Affairs in 541. This meant Kim Isabu was in charge of the army. King Jinheung first tried to have peace with the nearby Baekje Kingdom.

In 551, King Jinheung made a deal with Baekje. They became allies to attack Goguryeo, a kingdom to the north. This attack helped them take control of the Han River estuary, which is where the river meets the sea. Baekje and Silla agreed to share this new land equally.

Silla's Land Grows

Stele of Silla
Stele built to honor King Jinheung's expedition in Seoul, 555 AD.

While King Seong of Baekje was ruling, King Jinheung made a new alliance, this time with Goguryeo. In 553, they attacked the Han River valley again. Silla and Goguryeo had a secret plan. Silla's soldiers attacked the Baekje army when they were tired in late 553.

King Seong of Baekje felt betrayed by Silla. In 554, he attacked Silla. But King Seong was caught in a trap set by a Silla general. He and his companions were killed. King Jinheung held onto this new land for seven years. Then, in 561, he sent General Kim Isabu to conquer Daegaya.

King Jinheung built a special monument in his new territory. He also set up new areas called provinces. He stopped all rebellions and helped the culture in his kingdom grow. In 576, the Hwarang was created. The Hwarang were a group of young, elite warriors. They later played a big part in uniting the Three Kingdoms of Korea.

Death and Who Ruled Next

King Jinheung died in 576 when he was 51 years old. He ruled Silla for 37 years. His time as king was known for conquering new lands and making progress.

King Jinheung's second son, Prince Geumryun, became the next king. He was known as King Jinji of Silla.

Family

  • Father: Galmunwang Ipjong
  • Mother: Queen Jiso
  • Son who became king: King Jinji of Silla

Legacy

King Jinheung's achievements for Silla helped set the stage for Korea to become one united country. People in Korea today remember him as one of Silla's greatest rulers.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Jinheung de Silla para niños

kids search engine
Jinheung of Silla Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.