War, Peace, and Unification in Silla in the 7th Century

This article re-evaluates the meaning of Silla's war and unification in the 7th century, focusing on how much of the discussion on Silla's unification of the three kingdoms has focused on the absolute majority of the common people, and what kind of zeitgeist should be reflected in this discussion today. The unification of Silla should be given a positive meaning in that it ended the long-lasting conquest and territorial wars and opened an “era of peace.” In the latter half of the 7th century, the people of Silla, from the ruling class to the lower classes, felt the changes resulting from unification. Unification was not about destroying and absorbing other countries to expand territory, but rather a means and result of ending the irrationality of the people having to continue to bear the burden of war and bringing about military and economic stability. The spiritual and cultural commonalities of a people who belonged to one country in the past and shared history, and the universal human value of pursuing peace through friendly diplomacy should be the reason for ‘unification’ and the key to setting the direction of unification, both in the past and now.