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Religion527

Ichadon’s Martyrdom and Silla’s Adoption of Buddhism

When the nobles resisted Buddhism, Ichadon gave his life for it, and King Beopheung recognized Buddhism as a result.

Buddhism reached Silla from Goguryeo under Nulji Maripgan but was blocked by the nobility. The Samguk yusa says that when Ichadon was beheaded, white blood spouted, the sky darkened and flowers rained down.

The idea of "king as Buddha" raised royal authority and united the people; later kings took Buddhist names such as Beopheung and Jinheung.

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The map in AD 527

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States and rulers at the time
Silla — King Beopheung
Places
Seorabeol (Gyeongju)

People

  • IchadonAD 527

    leader · Courtier of King Beopheung whose martyrdom led to Silla's acceptance of Buddhism

  • King BeopheungAD 540

    monarch · Twenty-third king of Silla, who issued a law code, recognized Buddhism and annexed Geumgwan Gaya

Before and after

Earlier
AD 525 Tomb of King Muryeong
Later
AD 532 Silla Annexes Geumgwan Gaya

Themes that include this event

  • Gyeongju57 BC – 1860

    Silla’s capital for a thousand years — tombs, pagodas, temples and bells from every age of Silla, and the birthplace of Donghak