From the 1st century AD., three ancient kingdoms emerged with Koguryo at the head, and Paekche and Silla soon following. Kogyryo developed in the north of the Korean peninsula and Paekche along the Han River and Silla in the plains of Kyongju, in the South.

Ko Chumong, a good bowman founded Koguryo (B.C 37-668 AD) with her capital in Cholbon Puyo (now called Hwanin-Hsien). The cradle of the Koguryo race was in and around Puyo near Changchun in Manchuria. She grew independently as a state while fighting against Chinese domination. By the fifth century Koguryo conquered a vast territory as far as the Northeastern Manchuria and Mongolia.

Paekche (18BC-660AD) began as a small nation of Mahan which Onjo established in Hannam-Wiryesung(near Seoul) in 18 B.C. The people were chiefly the immigrants from the North. According to Samkukyusa (Three Kingdoms History), Onjo is one of the three sons of Ko Chumong, the founder of Kokuryo.

Silla (BC 57-935 AD) kingdom was developed from Saroguk founded by Pak Hyukkose. It grew with a fully organized state power by the fourth century. During her long history, three dynasties-Pak, Sok, Kim and of the 56 sovereigns and three queens ruled the dynasty. Silla was a powerful nation with high civilization.

Battle among the three kingdoms

Three kingdoms contested for supremacy. During the earlier period, Kokuryo fought Silla and Paekche, and proved herself to be the strongest. At one point in 6th century Silla allied with Paekche to balance against Koguryo. But King Muryol of Silla allied with the T'ang Empire of China attacked Paekche and conquered in 660 and later also destroyed Kokuryo in 668. Silla finally unified all Korea, thereby marking the first national unity in Korean history.

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