신라 신문왕대의 對唐外交와 一統三韓 표방

Abstract

This study examined the meanings of ‘Iltong-Samhan (Unification of Three Hans)’ argued by Silla as King Muyeol's meritorious deed in its conflicts with Tang over Taejong, the temple name of the king during the reign of King Sinmun, tracing the process of Silla terminating its confrontational relationship with Tang after Silla-Tang War and restoring its relations with Tang. The Silla-Tang War, which began during the reign of King Munmu, ended after the Gibeolpo battle in the 16th year (676) of King Munmu's reign, but Silla-Tang relations remained confrontational even during the reign of King Sinmun. This is well verified in the fact that Tang asked Silla to change Taejong, the temple name of King Muyeol, after pointing out that it was “presumptuous” during the reign of King Sinmun. The 12th Jo (692) of King Sinmun of Samguksagi offers records about the conflict between Silla and Tang over Taejong, the temple name of King Muyeol. The compilers of Samguksagi, seem to have mentioned it before the death of King Sinmun to highlight his achievements as the king who ended the conflict between Silla and Tang and improved their relationship. As a matter of fact, the conflict between Silla and Tang over Taejong, the temple name of King Muyeol, began after Emperor Zhongzong ascended the throne following the death of Emperor Gaozong in December, 683 and was deposed by Wu Zetian in February, 684. Silla insisted that the temple name Taejong was a posthumous name to Tang, emphasizing King Muyeol's meritorious deed in ‘Iltong-Samhan (Unification of Three Hans)’. It is clear that Silla emphasized ‘Iltong-Samhan (Unification of Three Hans)’ as King Muyeol's meritorious deed and that it was Silla's diplomatic trick to resolve its conflict with Tang. This can be understood in three main ways. First, Silla tried to solve the issues involving Anseung and the wandering Goguryeo people in Bodeokguk with which Tang raised an issue during Silla-Tang War by highlighting King Muyeol's achievement in suppressing Baekje. Secondly, Silla insisted on ‘Iltong-Samhan (Unification of Three Hans)’ as King Muyeol's meritorious deed, showing its intention not to continue its conflict with Tang any longer after the end of Silla-Tang War. Finally, it is estimated that Silla tried to resolve its relations with Tang by reminding the dynasty of Kim Chun-chu's diplomatic activities with Tang as a Tang-friendly figure. In the sixth year (686) of King Sinmun's reign, Silla asked for the classics of rites and the rules of courtesy from Tang and was incorporated into its lord-vassal world order. Silla held Omyoje in the seventh year (687) of King Sinmun's reign, calling King Muyeol by his posthumous name, “Taejongdaewang.” After King Sinmun passed away in 692, Silla-Tang relations improved considerably during the reign of King Hyoso.