Gaeguk (Silla)

Gaeguk (開國) was the second era name of King Jinheung of Silla. It was used for 17 years, from 551 to 567. From the time Jinheung ascended the throne at the age of eight until he was under the regency of his mother, Lady Sikdo, he used the Geonwon era name that King Beopheung had used. After he began his personal rule in 551, at the age of 19, he started using the Gaeguk era name.

Events during the Gaeguk era

• First year
  • 9th month: The Silla army led by Geochilbu, together with the allied forces of Baekje, Gaya, and Wa, attacked Goguryeo and seized the Han River basin.
• Second year
  • Goguryeo built Jangan Fortress.
• Third year
  • Construction of Hwangnyong Temple (黃龍寺) – In the 2nd month, Silla built Hwangnyong Temple east of Wolseong.
  • Collapse of the Silla–Baekje alliance – In the 7th month, Silla seized the Han River basin from Baekje and established Sinju (新州).
• Fourth year
  • Death of Seong of Baekje – In the 12th month, King Seong of Baekje, together with the allied forces of Gaya and Wa, attacked Silla's Gwansanseong, but was caught in a Silla ambush, and Seong and four of his senior officials were killed.
• Fifth year
  • Inspection of Bukhansan – In the 10th month, King Jinheung toured Bukhansan in Sinju and erected a Monument.
• Sixth year
  • Establishment of Biyeolhol Province – In the 7th month, Silla's Biyeolhol Province was established in present-day Anbyeon, North Hamgyong region.
• Seventh year
  • Establishment of Gukwon Sogyeong – Silla made Gukwonseong, present-day Chungju in North Chungcheong Province, a secondary capital (小京).
• Eleventh year