Bak Hyeokgeose

Founder and first king of Silla; ancestor of the Bak clan

Hangul · Hanja: 박혁거세 · 朴赫居世

History

The Samguk sagi records that in 57 BC the heads of six villages of Seorabeol made him king, the start of Silla’s 992 years.

Legend

He is said to have hatched from a great egg left where a horse knelt and cried in the woods by Najeong. After his death his body fell to earth in five parts, which were buried apart at Oreung, the story goes.

Places in Gyeongju

Najeong Well (Birthplace of Bak Hyeokgeose) Map
Gyeongju Five Royal Tombs

Sources · Samguk sagi · Samguk yusa

Other people of Silla

Aryeong · Seok Talhae · Kim Al-ji · Ichadon · Queen Seondeok · Kim Chun-chu (King Taejong Muyeol) · Kim Yu-sin · King Munmu · Wonhyo · Kim Dae-seong