Stories of Korea’s National Treasures 33
Photo Credit: Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea
Stele for the Territory Expansion of King Jinheung
(Changnyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do)
🏯 1. A Monument to a King’s Vision
In the quiet countryside of Changnyeong, a solitary stone monument stands — the Stele for the Territory Expansion of King Jinheung (Jinheung-wang Cheokgyeongbi).
Erected in 561 CE, this stele commemorates the great achievements of King Jinheung, the 24th ruler of the Silla Kingdom, who expanded his nation’s borders and solidified its foundation for unification.
More than a record of conquest, this monument embodies the king’s vision of a unified, enlightened realm, where strength served not domination, but order and prosperity.
🪨 2. Historical Context and Form
The stele is made from solid granite, standing approximately 2.4 meters tall. Its surface bears inscriptions in ancient Idu script, a writing system combining Chinese characters with Korean linguistic elements — a valuable clue to the evolution of Korea’s early writing traditions.
The inscription details King Jinheung’s inspection of newly acquired northern territories and his dedication to protecting them. It also includes the names of high-ranking officials who accompanied him, providing rare historical insight into Silla’s administrative system and military organization.
Despite centuries of weathering, the engraved characters still retain remarkable clarity, testifying to the precision and dignity of Silla’s early epigraphic art.
🌄 3. The Spirit of Expansion and Unity
King Jinheung’s reign (540–576 CE) marked one of the most dynamic eras in Korean history. Through diplomatic strategy and military strength, he extended Silla’s territory to the Han River basin, paving the way for the eventual unification of the Korean Peninsula under Silla leadership.
This stele was one of several commemorative monuments erected across key regions, symbolizing the sacred duty of kingship — to expand not merely land, but virtue.
For the people of his time, these stones were both boundary markers and moral beacons — reminders that a great nation must grow not only in power, but in wisdom and righteousness.
🌿 4. Preservation and Legacy
The Changnyeong Stele remains a priceless artifact for historians, linguists, and archaeologists. It reveals the political aspirations of early Silla, the artistry of stone engraving, and the linguistic bridge between classical Chinese and the Korean vernacular.
Designated National Treasure No. 33, it stands as a monument not only to Silla’s expansion, but to Korea’s enduring pursuit of identity and unity.
Even today, it speaks across 1,400 years — a stone voice reminding us that leadership rooted in vision and justice leaves a legacy that time cannot erase.
💬 5. A Warm Reflection
“Beneath the worn letters of this ancient stone lies a promise —
that power guided by wisdom becomes history,
and history, carved in truth, becomes light for those who follow.”
📌 Notice
The National Treasure number indicates the order of designation, not a ranking of value.
For more information, please visit the 👉National Heritage Portal