新羅의 對倭外交와 金春秋

Abstract

This paper reviews the series of diplomatic events that led up to Silla’s unification of three kingdoms on the Korean peninsula in connection to a historical figure, Kim Chun-chu. The fall of Daeya Fortress to Baekje was the immediate cause that induced Kim to appear in the international arena of diplomacy. In an effort to take revenge on behalf of his daughter and her family, who had been brutally massacred by Baekje troops in the battle of Daeya Fortress, he penetrated into Baekje’s enemy territory, Koguryo, to win their support. However, his diplomatic overture to Koguryo proved unsuccessful, which diverted his attention to Wae (Japan). One of the most critical pending issues of Wae at the time was to promote the legitimacy of the newly established Kaishin regime and to resume diplomatic relations with Tang dynasty, which had then been the most developed and influential country in East Asia. Hence Wae dispatched an emissary to Silla, the pro-Tang kingdom amongst the three on the peninsula, and received Kim Chun-chu, the King of Shilla, in return. Fascinated by Kim’s sophisticated eloquence and appearance, the ruler of Wae promoted friendship with Silla. Bringing a sovereign’s message of the ruler of Wae, Kim Chun-chu had an audience with the emperor Taizong of Tang. After the repeated failure of attack on Koguryo, Taizong planned the pincer attack with the combining forces of Tang and Silla. It required enduring efforts for Kim to secure military cooperation from Tang. Silla’s unification diplomacy finally resulted in mobilizing 13 hundred thousand soldiers of Tang, and Baekje was vanquished by the allied forces of Tang and the 50 hundred soldiers of Silla led by Kim. It was only after the fall of Sabi Fortress and the downfall of the royal family when Wae developed the campaign to revive Baekje. Kim’s keen judgment on the international situation, diplomatic skills capturing the opponent’s mind, activity overcoming the limits of the diplomacy were the driving forces of the defeat of Baekje and the unification of the three kingdoms.