Korean Folktale : King Mu of Baekje and Princess Seonhwa

👑 Korean Folktale Series 78

“King Mu of Baekje and Princess Seonhwa”
(백제 무왕과 선화공주 · Baekje Muwang-gwa Seonhwagongju)

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🕰️ 1. The Story

Long ago, during the days of the Three Kingdoms, the kingdom of Baekje was ruled by King Mu, a courageous leader known for his strong will and humble origins. But before he wore the crown, he was simply a young man named Jang, living in a small hut by a lotus-covered pond near the royal temple of Mireuksa.

Each morning, Jang fetched water from a sacred spring that flowed through the temple grounds. It was here that he first met Princess Seonhwa, the gentle and wise daughter of King Jinpyeong of Silla. She visited the temple often to pray for peace between the kingdoms.

One quiet dawn, Seonhwa dropped a lotus petal into the spring, and it drifted toward Jang. Their eyes met.
Though they came from different worlds, something in their hearts recognized each other.

Over time, their meetings grew frequent. They spoke of their dreams—Jang of uniting people with fairness, and Seonhwa of healing the suffering caused by war. Their bond deepened, but their love was forbidden.
A Silla princess could not freely love a man of humble birth from Baekje.

One winter night, soldiers discovered their secret meetings and drove Seonhwa away from the temple. She left without a word, but Jang found a single lotus petal placed upon the stone steps—a silent message: “I believe in you.”

Fueled by determination, Jang rose through the ranks of Baekje. Through bravery, wisdom, and the loyalty of the people, he eventually became King Mu, ruler of Baekje and guardian of Mireuksa Temple.

But he never forgot the princess.

Years passed until one spring morning, a royal envoy from Silla arrived. To everyone’s astonishment, among them walked Princess Seonhwa, now free from court restraints. Silla sought peace with Baekje, and she had chosen to join this mission.

When King Mu approached her, she smiled softly.

“I told you the lotus would guide us.”

Their reunion brought joy to both kingdoms, and soon after, they were wed. Under their united hearts, peace blossomed between Baekje and Silla for a time.

In memory of their love, King Mu expanded Mireuksa, carving lotus patterns on stones and pillars—symbols of the princess who believed in him before he was a king.

To this day, people say that on quiet mornings, lotus petals still gather at the temple’s spring, drifting together as if remembering the love that once bridged two kingdoms.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Lessons

▪️ True love endures separation, distance, and time.
▪️ Faith in someone’s potential can transform their destiny.
▪️ Peace often begins with a single relationship rooted in trust.

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👀 3. Reflections in Life

▪️ Love can inspire greatness when grounded in sincerity.
▪️ Sometimes the heart sees paths that politics cannot.
▪️ When two people choose understanding, even old wounds can heal.

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🌏 4. Similar Tales Around the World

Japan — The Tale of Princess Kaguya
A noble maiden changes the fate of those who love her, though destiny keeps them apart.

China — Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai
A love that bridges social boundaries, remembered for its devotion.

India — The Princess and the Hermit
A royal maiden falls in love with a man of simple origins, inspiring transformation.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“Love becomes a bridge when the heart chooses courage over fear.”

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📌 Note
This is creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission. Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.