Usan

In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about Usan. From its origin and evolution over the years to its relevance today, through its different applications and uses. Usan has been a topic of interest to many people, and in this article we will try to address every relevant aspect related to Usan. It doesn't matter if you are an expert in the field or if you are just starting to delve into this topic, here you will find valuable information that will help you better understand Usan and its importance in different areas.

For other uses, see USAN (disambiguation).
Usan
우산국 (于山國)
?–1022
StatusKingdom
GovernmentMonarchy
History 
• Established
?
• Subjugation by Silla under General Isabu
512
• Submission to Goryeo
930
• Incorporation into Goryeo
1022
 Succeeded by
Goryeo
Today part ofSouth Korea
∟ Ulleungdo
Usan
Hangul
우산국
Hanja
于山國
Revised RomanizationUsan-guk
McCune–ReischauerUsan-guk
"Samguk Sagi" Book 04. Silla's Records.
In 512, Usan-guk（于山國）was Ulleungdo（鬱陵島）

Usan-guk, or the State of Usan, occupied Ulleung-do and the adjacent islands during the Korean Three Kingdoms period. According to the Samguk Sagi, it was conquered by the Silla general Kim Isabu in 512.[1] He is said to have used wooden lions or tigers to intimidate the residents into surrendering. It has been written that the alias of Usan-guk is Ulleung-do. Usan-guk rarely entered into historical records, but appears to have continued a largely autonomous existence until its loss of independence to Goryeo in 930.[2][3]

History

Historical records

Earliest records that appear in the Records of the Three Kingdoms indirectly attest the existence of the kingdom, which says "When Wang Qi (王頎) (of Cao Wei) has come to Okjeo to conquer Kung (Dongcheon of Goguryeo), he asked a local man whether there are people living in the east sea, and the man replied there are people living in an island that exists in the eastern seas, and they select a girl to put in the ocean every July."[4][5]

In Samguk Sagi, it is said that because of general Isabu's threats with wooden lions, Usan chose to be a vassal state to Silla in 512.[6][7]

In Goryeosa, it is recorded that Usan requested to be submitted under the rule of Goryeo in 930 by sending Paekkil (백길; 白吉) and T'odu (토두; 土豆).[8] In 1018, when Usan was severely affected by Jurchen invasions, the Goryeo king sent Yi Wŏn'gwi (이원귀; 李元龜) with farming equipment, and asked the locals of Usan who have fled from those invasions to return to their lands.[9] Usan was finally abolished and fully incorporated in 1022 as all of the refugees from Usan were settled to the region of Yeju.[9]

Old Korean maps

  • Usan
  • Joseon map (1530): Ulleungdo (鬱陵島) and Usan (于山島)
    Joseon map (1530): Ulleungdo (鬱陵島) and Usan (于山島)
  • 廣輿圖 (Gwang Yeodo,1737-1776) This map showed Ulleungdo with a small island off its eastern shore labeled as "the so-called Usando" (所謂 于山島).
    廣輿圖 (Gwang Yeodo,1737-1776)
    This map showed Ulleungdo with a small island off its eastern shore labeled as "the so-called Usando" (所謂 于山島).
  • Kim Jeong-ho "Daedongyeojido" (1861): East of Ulleungdo (鬱陵島) and Usando (于山)
    Kim Jeong-ho "Daedongyeojido" (1861): East of Ulleungdo (鬱陵島) and Usando (于山)
  • A map by Korean Empire: Ulleungdo (鬱陵島) and Usan (于山)
    A map by Korean Empire: Ulleungdo (鬱陵島) and Usan (于山)

References

  1. ^ "General Isabu of Silla Kingdom Incorporated Dokdo into Korean History". KBS World. December 29, 2011. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  2. ^ The Alleged Title over the Island of Takeshima Invoked by the Republic of Korea jiia.or.jp Retrieved 28 July 2023
  3. ^ "The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea".
  4. ^ Records of the Three Kingdoms, Book 30
  5. ^ Bong-Ryong, Kang (2010). Biography of Isabu and historical implications of his activities. The review of Isabu and east sea.
  6. ^ Samguk Sagi, Book4
  7. ^ Kim, Myung-Ki (2010). A Study on the Legality of the Conquest over Usanguk by General Isabu of Shilla in International Law. The review of Isabu and east sea.
  8. ^ Goryeosa, Book 1
  9. ^ a b Goryeosa, Book4