Mun of Balhae


Mun, also known as Tae Hŭmmu, was the third and longest-reigning ruler of the Balhae. He succeeded his father King Mu, upon his death in 737. He was the grandson of Tae Choyŏng, the founder of Balhae.

Reign

During King Mun's reign, diplomatic ties with the Tang dynasty were established, and many Balhae scholars went to the Tang to study, extending the influence of Buddhism and Confucianism in Balhae's governance. He also strengthened relations with Silla, which unified the Korean peninsula to the south of Balhae, overseeing the development of the trade route called Silla-road. Balhae also increased diplomacy and trade with Japan.
King Mun moved the capital of Balhae several times, stabilizing and strengthening central rule over various ethnic tribes in his realm, which was expanded temporarily. He also authorized the creation of the Chujagam, the national academy, based on the national academy of Tang.
Although the Tang dynasty recognized him as a king, Balhae itself referred to him as the Taehŭng poryŏk hyogam kŭmnyun sŏngbŏp taewang, Kadokpu, Seongwang and Kiha, Balhae itself referred to him as the posterity of heaven and an emperor.
The tomb of his fourth daughter, Princess Chŏnghyo, was discovered in 1980. The tombstone of his elder daughter, Princess Chŏnghye, has also been found.

Era names

  • Taehŭng
  • Poryŏk

Family