---
node: three_kingdoms_of_korea
type: period
slug: three_kingdoms_of_korea
title: "Three Kingdoms of Korea"
lead: "Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla divided the peninsula from their traditional foundings in the 1st century BC. Allied with Tang China, Silla destroyed Baekje in 660 and Goguryeo in 668."
published: 2026-07-09
updated: 2026-07-09
---

## Overview

Goguryeo in the north (traditional founding 37 BC) stretched deep into Manchuria. Baekje held the southwest (trad. 18 BC) and Silla the southeast (trad. 57 BC), alongside the small Gaya confederacy, which Silla absorbed in 562.

## Key developments

All three kingdoms adopted Buddhism — Goguryeo in 372, Baekje in 384, Silla in the 6th century — along with Chinese-style institutions. Goguryeo repelled massive invasions by Sui China, including the Salsu victory of 612 under Eulji Mundeok, and its painted tombs are UNESCO-listed.

Baekje transmitted Buddhism and craft culture to Japan.

## End and transition

Allied with Tang China, Silla destroyed Baekje in 660 and Goguryeo in 668.