Ilseong of Silla


Ilseong of Silla was the seventh ruler of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. He is commonly called Ilseong Isageum, isageum being the royal title in early Silla. As a descendant of Silla's founder Hyeokgeose, his surname was Bak.

Background

Reports differ as to whether he was the eldest son of King Yuri, or perhaps a more distant relative. Modern scholars believe he was likely the grandson of Yuri. He married a princess of the Bak clan.

Reign

He created bureaucratic offices and built a central administrative building. He ordered the cultivation of new agricultural fields.
He is primarily remembered for his 144 edict banning the use of jewelry and other luxury goods by the populace.
During his reign there were several invasions by the northern Malgal tribes. In 146, he suppressed a rebellion by a tributary state in present-day Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
The tomb of King Ilseong is located in Tap-dong, central Gyeongju City.