옥천 굴산성을 둘러싼 백제와 신라의 각축

Abstract

The Gulsanseong fortress, as documented in the Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms) Silla Annals, which was supposedly reconstructed by Silla in 486, serves as a crucial area for understanding the historical dynamics between Baekje and Silla. Located in Cheongseong-myeon, Okcheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, and its vicinity, the geographical proximity suggests a closer relationship with Boeun-eup rather than the present-day Okcheon-eup. Therefore, the area of Gulsanseong should be understood historically in conjunction with the Boeun region. The early records of Boeun and Okcheon areas in the Samguk Sagi chronicle the conflicts between Baekje and Silla surrounding these regions, which are also connected to the trends in the Gulsanseong area. Originally under Mahan influence, the defection of Bokamsung to Silla marked clashes between Baekje and Silla surrounding Wasanseong and Guyangseong, signifying the confrontation between Mahan and Jinhan powers. By the mid-1st century, Wasanseong, Guyangseong, and Bokamsung fell under Jinhan influence. However, by the late 2nd century, following the victory in the Battle of Wasanseong, Mahan forces occupied both Okcheon and Boeun. Subsequently, Baekje, inheriting the Mahan legacy, maintained control over this region as its territory until the mid-5th century. Archaeological evidence supporting this includes tombs and residential sites dating from the mid-3rd to the early 5th century excavated in Samseung-myeon, Boeun County. Silla's territorial expansion into this area occurred in the mid-5th century. King Jabi ventured into the Boeun region and constructed Samnyeonsanseong as a foothold against Baekje's advances. Additionally, to the north, Silla expanded into Mungye, and to the south, into Cheongsan, Okcheon, Yeongdong, and Hwanggan, building fortresses along the way. It was during this time that Gulsanseong was also constructed. Gulsanseong, established concurrently with Samnyeonsanseong in the 8th year of King Soji's reign (484), became an advanced base for expansion towards Hwanggan and Yeongdong and served as a strategic stronghold for Silla. "At the heart of the ongoing conflicts between Silla and Baekje, separated by the Sobaeksan Mountain Range, always lay the pivotal regions of Boeun and Okcheon, along with Gulsan. Control over this area meant seizing control of the passage leading to the Geumgang and Namhangang river basins, facilitating territorial expansion while losing it meant being pushed into a vulnerable position. Thus, the Gulsan area stood as one of the crucial strategic points that could determine the fate of the nation.