Gwanggaeto the Great
광개토대왕
KoreanGoguryeo Period (374-413 CE)
"The Conqueror King, Expander of Empire"
✦ Personality Traits
✦ About
Gwanggaeto the Great (374-413 CE) was the 19th king of Goguryeo and one of the greatest conquerors in Korean history. Ascending to the throne at 18, he spent his 22-year reign in near-constant military campaigns, expanding Goguryeo to its greatest territorial extent.
His campaigns conquered 64 walled cities and 1,400 villages, extending Goguryeo's borders from Manchuria to the Korean peninsula. He defeated the Japanese Wa forces that had invaded the Korean kingdoms, crushed the Khitan tribes, and made Silla and Baekje acknowledge Goguryeo's supremacy.
His achievements are recorded on the famous Gwanggaeto Stele, one of the largest inscribed stelae in the world, erected by his son. The epitaph describes him as a ruler who extended territory and brought glory to the nation.
✦ Famous Story
When Japanese forces invaded Silla, the Silla king sent a desperate plea for help. Gwanggaeto personally led 50,000 cavalry south, crushing the invaders so completely that Japan would not threaten Korea again for over a thousand years.
✦ If You Match
Your features carry the conquering might of Gwanggaeto. There is an expansive, glorious quality to your presence—the look of one who extends boundaries and achieves legendary greatness.
