Samguk sagi

Definition

Samguk Sagi, or 'Historical Records of the Three Kingdoms,' is a Korean historical text compiled in the 12th century by Kim Bu-sik. It chronicles the history of the Three Kingdoms of Korea—Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla—covering their foundations, political structures, and cultural achievements. This work is crucial in understanding the political and cultural contexts that shaped early Korean society, and it also reflects on the significance of tomb murals from this period, which often depict historical figures and scenes described in the text.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Samguk Sagi is one of the earliest historical records in Korea, providing detailed accounts of the Three Kingdoms' history and cultural practices.
2. It was commissioned by King Injong of Goryeo to consolidate Korean history and assert a unified national identity during a time of foreign threats.
3. The text consists of 30 volumes, with each volume focusing on different aspects of the Three Kingdoms' histories, including legends, events, and notable figures.
4. Tomb murals from this era frequently depict scenes related to stories found in the Samguk Sagi, illustrating the beliefs and values of people at that time.
5. The Samguk Sagi has served as a primary source for historians studying early Korean history and has influenced subsequent historical writings in Korea.

Review Questions

• How does the Samguk Sagi contribute to our understanding of the Three Kingdoms period in Korea?
  • The Samguk Sagi provides a comprehensive overview of the Three Kingdoms period by detailing the origins, political structures, and cultural achievements of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. By chronicling events and notable figures from this time, it offers valuable insights into the interactions between these kingdoms and their societal dynamics. Additionally, it highlights how these historical narratives were intertwined with the art and culture of the time, as reflected in tomb murals.
• Discuss the role of Kim Bu-sik in compiling the Samguk Sagi and its significance for Korean historiography.
  • Kim Bu-sik played a pivotal role in compiling the Samguk Sagi during the Goryeo Dynasty, which marked a significant shift in Korean historiography. His efforts aimed at documenting the history of the Three Kingdoms served to reinforce a sense of national identity amidst foreign invasions. This historical account has been instrumental in shaping how Koreans view their past and provided a framework for future historians to analyze Korea's rich heritage.
• Evaluate how tomb murals relate to the narratives presented in the Samguk Sagi and their importance for understanding ancient Korean culture.
  • Tomb murals are critical in evaluating the narratives presented in the Samguk Sagi as they visually express themes and stories from Korean history. The murals often depict figures and events described in the text, bridging literature and visual arts while offering insights into daily life, religious beliefs, and social structures. By analyzing these artworks alongside historical records like the Samguk Sagi, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of ancient Korean culture, illustrating how art serves as both a reflection of history and a medium for cultural continuity.

Related terms

Three Kingdoms of Korea: The historical period (approximately 57 BC to 668 AD) when Korea was divided into three rival kingdoms: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla.

Kim Bu-sik: A prominent historian and scholar during the Goryeo Dynasty, known for his role in compiling the Samguk Sagi.

Tomb Murals: Artistic paintings found in tombs from ancient Korea, often depicting scenes of daily life, mythology, and important figures from the deceased's life.