김유신 金庾信
Renowned Silla general who led the unification of the Three Kingdoms
Same-name figures:
김유신(金有信) — Independence Patriot · Korean Liberation Army · Korean Liberation Army
| Life | 595 ~ 673 |
| Era | 신라 |
| Clan | 김해 김씨 |
Life & career
Kim Yu-sin, a descendant of the royal house of Geumgwan Gaya, served as a central pillar of Silla's government across five reigns from King Jinpyeong to King Munmu. He distinguished himself in the Battle of Nangbiseong in 629, and by marrying his sister Munhui to Kim Chun-chu he cemented an alliance between the two families that helped bring about Kim Chun-chu's enthronement as King Taejong Muyeol.
As supreme commander he crushed Baekje's forces under General Gyebaek at the Battle of Hwangsanbeol in 660, a decisive step toward Baekje's fall, and went on to lay the groundwork for unification through the 668 conquest of Goguryeo and the subsequent Silla-Tang War. He rose to the highest ranks of Sangdaedeung and Taedaegakgan.
After his death he was posthumously honored in 835 as King Heungmu, making him the only subject in Korean history to be elevated to kingship. His tomb, on the slopes of Mt. Songhwa in Gyeongju, is built in royal-tomb style with the twelve zodiac guardian reliefs carved into its retaining stones and is designated Historic Site No. 21.
Grave
Located on the slopes of Mt. Songhwa in Gyeongju, the tomb is built in royal-tomb style with twelve zodiac guardian reliefs carved into its retaining stones, and is designated Historic Site No. 21.
Descendants
Revered as the restorer of the Gimhae Kim clan, he had several sons, including his eldest, Kim Sam-gwang (Ichan rank).