unified Silla
After Silla unified the Korean Peninsula, she succeeded in driving out the armies of the Tang Empire, achieving political union of the entire Korean Peninsula. Silla had extensive contact with distant countries through its maritime commerce with the outside world.
Traders of that ancient kingdom are known to have established hundreds of settlements along the eastern coast of mainland China-Buddhism flourished as the state religion, Buddhism becoming a dominant force both in spiritual and cultural life of the kingdom. This is evidenced by many highly refined Buddhist sculptures, paintings and architecture which are found in the temples built during the Silla dynasty.
These are among the most valued artistic treasures of Korea today. However, the kingdom of Silla fell victim to growing power struggles and corruption in its latter years, to be finally overthrown by Wang Gon in 918 A.D.
Koryo Dynasty
Wang Gon founded Koryo Dynasty which ruled the Korean Peninsula for 475 years.
The present English appellation of Korea is derived from Koryo.
Buddhism became its state religion and played a do-minant role in the shaping of the kingdom. Buddhist monks held high positions as advisors to the King.
Koryo came under constant harassment by the Mongols and had at one time to accept the overlordship of the Mongol Khan.
The invasions of Mongolian armies, however, served to awaken the country to the advanced cultures of the outside world.
There were frequent exchanges of people and goods between the Mongols and Koreans.Koryo was brought into contact with medicines, astronomy, mathematics, arts and other scientific advances of the west as well.
Koryo inaugurated the civil service examination for the first time in Korea’s history. Bronze coins were invented and used, and highly refined porcelains were produced during this period.
But the same Buddhism which had played an important role in the development of Koryo had a decisive role in sealing the fate of the kingdom.
It was a scheming Buddhist monk who instigated the King to send General Yi Song-gye at the head of an expeditionary force to attack Manchuria.
Aware of the impossible task thrust upon him, General Yi instead turned his army back to dethrone the King and usurp power for himself.