Overview
Gaya was a confederacy of city-states that existed for approximately 520 years from 42 AD to 562 AD in the southern Korean Peninsula. Geumgwan Gaya and Daegaya served as the leading states.
Geumgwan Gaya Kings (Gimhae)
Founded by King Suro in 42 AD, existed until surrender to Silla in 532.
| No. | King | Reign | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suro | 42-199 | Founder, married Princess Heo Hwang-ok |
| 2 | Geodeung | 199-253 | |
| 3 | Mapum | 253-291 | |
| 4 | Geojilmi | 291-346 | |
| 5 | Isipum | 346-407 | |
| 6 | Jwaji | 407-421 | |
| 7 | Chwihui | 421-451 | |
| 8 | Jilji | 451-492 | |
| 9 | Gyeomji | 492-521 | |
| 10 | Guhyeong | 521-532 | Surrendered to Silla, ancestor of Kim Yu-sin |
Daegaya Kings (Goryeong)
Founded by King Ijinasi in 42 AD, conquered by Silla in 562.
| No. | King | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ijinasi | Founder of Daegaya |
| - | Gasil | Invented the Gayageum |
| Last | Inoe | Conquered by Silla (562) |
Notable Kings
King Suro (r. 42-199)
Founder of Geumgwan Gaya. According to legend, he was born from a golden egg that descended from heaven. Married Princess Heo Hwang-ok from Ayodhya (India). His tomb still exists in Gimhae.
King Guhyeong (r. 521-532)
Last king of Geumgwan Gaya. Surrendered to Silla in 532. His great-great-grandson was Kim Yu-sin, the general who unified the Three Kingdoms.