Jeokseongbi Monument of Silla, Danyang

This monument was erected between 545 and 550 to commemorate the territorial expansion of the Silla kingdom (57 BCE-935 CE) by King Jinheung (r. 540-576) when he conquered the Danyang area, which had been part of Goguryeo kingdom (37 BCE–668 CE).

This monument was discovered in 1978 with the bottom part buried underground and the upper part exposed in the air. The exposed upper part was partially destroyed, while the buried lower part was found to be mostly intact with a legible inscription.

The inscription on the monument reveals the intent of Silla kingdom to appease the locals, formerly subjects of Goguryeo, and incorporate them into Silla. It says the king bestowed an award to a person named Yaicha in this area for his contribution to Silla’s territorial expansion and loyalty to the kingdom. It also states that anyone who showed such a devotion to Silla could be awarded by the court.

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08