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PersonAD 527

Ichadon

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

When King Beopheung’s wish to promote Buddhism met aristocratic opposition, Ichadon offered to be beheaded. The Samguk yusa says that when his head was cut off white blood spurted out, the sky darkened and flowers rained down. The nobles no longer objected and Buddhism was recognised (527; 528 in the Samguk sagi). The scene is carved on the Ichadon martyrdom stele found at the site of Baengnyulsa in Gyeongju.

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1 related event

  1. 1
    AD 527Ichadon’s Martyrdom and Silla’s Adoption of Buddhismleader

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

People who appear alongside

  • King BeopheungAD 540

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

Themes this person appears in

  • 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