AD 668-935 Unified Silla

The Silla kingdom unified the Korean peninsula in AD 668 with the help of China. The Paekche kingdom was defeated in 660 and the Koguryŏ kingdom fell in 668. Silla ruled the peninsula under one monarch until 935. It was a strong and powerful state where Buddhist and aristocratic culture flourished. During the 8th and 9th centuries many luxury goods, books and works of art, especially Buddhist ones, were imported from China. Many monks travelled to China and India to study Buddhism and to visit religious sites.

The capital city of Kyŏngju, located in the southeastern part of the peninsula, rivalled in splendour the Chinese capital of Chang’an (modern-day Sian in Shensi province). Many architectural and sculptural masterpieces date to this time. These include Pulguk Temple and Sŏkkuram cave temple, both located in Kyŏngju. The metal craft industry developed to a high level and many beautiful and technologically advanced objects were made, such as Korea’s finest Buddhist temple bells.

Over time the Silla government weakened and the country entered a period of civil war and rebellion. During this time two new kingdoms were established. A general called Wang Kŏng (877-943) overthrew both kingdoms and established his own kingdom of Koryŏ in 918. Finally, in 935 Silla fell to the Koryŏ.