| Kim
Yu-Shin's tomb (673 AD)
other
sites in Gyeongju |
Gyeongju, Korea |
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Kim Yu-Shin was a prominent general who contributed mightily Silla's unification of the Korean peninsula in 668. Born the great-grandson of King Guhae, the last king of the Gaya kingdom, Kim lived the privileged life of the nobility. Inducted at an early age into the elite group of Hwarang cadets, the young Kim showed a remarkable affinity for leadership and the marshal arts. No doubt he was inspired by the example of his own father, Kim So-Hyun, who served as a valued general under the Silla kings.
At age 35, father and son marched into battle to seize the Goguryeo fort of Nangbisong. Later he married the sister of his friend Kim Chunchu, which proved to be a fortuitous move when Kim Chunchu succeeded to the throne as King Muyeol in 653. Previously Kim Chunchu had been a diplomat responsible for foreign relations, and as King, he used his contacts with Tang China to establish an alliance against Baekje and Goguryo, Silla's chief rivals. Kim Yu-Shin supported this policy and joined with General Su Dingfang of Tang in a two-pronged attack against Goguryeo and Baekje Tang troops first gained a toehold on the west coast of Korea, thrusting deep into Baekje territory, as General Kim led the land assault from the East. Baekje quickly fell. Next, the two generals cooperated in the subjugation of Goguryeo, the more northerly of the two kingdoms.
The long supply lines from China created problems for the Tang army as it marched north. As food supplies dwindled, General Kim organized a massive rice relief for the beleaguered army. The arrival of food raised moral, allowing the Tang army to besiege Pyongyang by winter 661.
Around this time General Kim fell ill and had to retire from active duty. He lived long enough to see unification, however, passing away at the age of 78 in the year 673. Kim is perhaps the most revered of all Korean generals, respected even in his lifetime. His kingly tomb attests to his high standing in the eyes of the Silla court and the Korean people.
Bibliography:
Images copyright 1998-2001 Abe Ahn and Tim Ciccone
Adams, Edward B. Korea's Gyeongju: Cultural Spirit of Silla in Korea
Seoul International Tourist Publishing Company. Seoul. 1983
Iryon or Kim Kyonmyong. Samguk Yusa (Additional Materials of the
Three Kingdoms). 14th century Korea.