Overview
Gaya was a confederacy of city-states that existed in the southern Korean Peninsula from 42 AD to 562 AD for about 500 years. Centered around the Nakdong River basin, it developed advanced iron culture and maritime trade, exerting significant influence in ancient East Asia.
Basic Information
| Period | 42 AD - 562 AD (approximately 520 years) |
|---|---|
| Territory | Southern Korean Peninsula (Nakdong River basin) |
| Political System | Confederacy of city-states |
| Economy | Iron production, maritime trade |
| Religion | Shamanism, Buddhism (later period) |
Foundation
Founding Myth
According to the Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), in 42 AD, six golden eggs descended from heaven onto Gujibong Peak. From the first egg emerged King Suro, who founded Geumgwan Gaya in Gimhae. The remaining five eggs gave birth to the kings of the other Gaya states.
Legend of Queen Heo Hwang-ok
King Suro married Princess Heo Hwang-ok from the distant kingdom of Ayodhya (present-day India). This legend reflects the active maritime trade and international exchanges of ancient Gaya.
Structure of the Confederacy
Major Gaya States
| State | Location | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Geumgwan Gaya | Gimhae | Early confederacy leader, maritime trade center |
| Daegaya | Goryeong | Later confederacy leader, advanced iron culture |
| Ara Gaya | Haman | Agricultural and iron production center |
| Sogaya | Goseong | Coastal trade hub |
| Seongsan Gaya | Seongju | Iron production base |
| Bihwa Gaya | Changnyeong | Agricultural and commercial center |
Iron Culture
Advanced Iron Production
Gaya possessed the most advanced iron production technology of its time, exporting iron ingots to China, Japan, and beyond. Iron was used not only for weapons and agricultural tools but also as a medium of exchange.
Gaya Iron Armor
Gaya's iron plate armor and helmets were famous for their advanced technology. Particularly, the iron armor excavated from Bokcheon-dong in Busan demonstrates Gaya's outstanding metalworking skills.
Culture
Gayageum
King Gasil of Daegaya invented the Gayageum, a 12-stringed zither that remains one of Korea's most important traditional instruments. The musician Ureuk further developed and spread Gayageum music.
Gaya Pottery
Gaya earthenware is characterized by its hard texture achieved through high-temperature firing and unique shapes such as the horn-shaped cups and mounted cups.
Fall of Gaya
Absorption by Silla
From the 5th century onward, Gaya gradually came under pressure from Silla and Baekje. Geumgwan Gaya was absorbed by Silla in 532, and finally, Daegaya fell to Silla in 562, bringing the 500-year history of Gaya to an end.
Gaya's Legacy
After Gaya's fall, Gaya aristocrats integrated into Silla's bone-rank system, contributing significantly to Silla's culture. General Kim Yu-sin, a key figure in the unification of the Three Kingdoms, was a descendant of the Geumgwan Gaya royal family.
References
- Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms)
- Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms)
- National Museum of Korea - Gaya Exhibition
- Gimhae National Museum