Throughout 5,000 history of Korea, Goguryeo is meaningful,
and Significant to all Korean.
A leading power during the Three Kingdoms period, Goguryeo occupied
the present territory of North Korea and also held sway over
the vast Manchurian region for some 700 years until the late 7th century AD.
By the 4th century, Goguryeo had been firmly established as a powerful kingdom and
frequently clashed with China, while successfully containing its southern rivals.
II. THE GROWTH OF THE THREE KINGDOMS AND UNIFICATION
The Goguryeo Kingdom was founded in 37 B.C., and by the first century, it had firmly established itself as a powerful state. Koguryo developed into a powerful nation and acted as a bulwark against the aggressive northern nations and China. During this time, the kingdoms of Paekche and Shilla developed rapidly. This increased friction between the Three Kingdoms. These Three Kingdoms were unified by the last of the developed kingdoms, Shilla, thereby marking the first national unity. On the other hand, in Manchuria, the old cradle of Koguryo, Parhae was firmly established and undergoing distinct development. The Three Kingdoms developed as aristocrat-centered societies, and the aristocrats became the leaders of the culture. The Three Kingdoms accepted Buddhism, which greatly advanced and expanded the scope of their culture. In this way, the Three Kingdoms developed a colorful and refined aristocrat-centered Buddhist culture which was eventually introduced to Japan and greatly influenced the development of its ancient culture.
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