장수왕 長壽王
20th king of Goguryeo (r. 412–491), son of Gwanggaeto; longest-reigning monarch in Korean history
| Life | 394 ~ 491 |
| Era | 고구려(삼국시대) |
| Clan | 고구려 왕실 |
Life & career
King Jangsu was the 20th monarch of Goguryeo, son of King Gwanggaeto, with the personal name Georyeon. He reigned for 79 years, from 412 until his death in 491, the longest reign of any monarch in Korean history — a fact reflected in his posthumous title, meaning "longevity king."
In 427 he moved the capital from Gungnae to Pyongyang and pursued an active southward expansion policy; in 475 he captured Baekje's capital Hanseong and killed King Gaero, securing full control of the Han River basin. Through pragmatic diplomacy with both the Southern and Northern Dynasties of China, he led Goguryeo into its golden age.
The Jungwon Goguryeo Stele in Chungju, North Chungcheong, records Goguryeo's influence over Silla in the 5th century and is regarded as epigraphic evidence supporting Jangsu's southward policy. The Goguryeo royal house bore the surname Go, but no verified genealogical line connects it to any present-day Korean clan seat.