“Samgukyusa” (History of the Three Kingdoms), together with “Samguksagi” (Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms), is known as the oldest historical book of all existing national classical legacies.
It was written by a Buddhist monk Il Yon (1206―1289) at the end of the thirteenth century. The histories of Koryo and other ancient states in our country with the main focus on the history of the period of the Three Kingdoms (Koguryo, Paekje and Silla), and the episodes of well-known monks are recorded in the style of unofficial history.
It is in five volumes and nine parts.
At the beginning of Volume 1 is “Wangryok”, a chronological table of dynasties of the Three Kingdoms and Karakguk. The rest of Volume 1, and Volume 2 have 36 articles from every king’s ruling period of Silla and other states after Ancient Korea and 23 articles from Later Silla, Later Paekje and Karakguk.
Volume 3 to Volume 5 mainly deal with Buddhist monks who contributed to the spread of Buddhism, other celebrated monks, towers, Buddhist statues and bells erected on famous mountains and at temples.
The book also contains poems and songs including 14 pieces of old Korean folksongs (native songs pronounced in Chinese characters), tales, history of old names of places, buildings and ways of life and other valuable data in every field including literature, fine art, sculpture, language, geography, folk customs, etc.
Therefore, it reveals some historical limitations. However, for its rich and precious content that cannot be found in other historical books, it is indispensable for research into the history and culture of our country.
Kim Chol Ryong, researcher at the Academy of Social Sciences
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