King Munju (?-477, r. 475-477) was the 21st king of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. He was the first king to rule Baekje from its new capital in Ungjin, present-day Gongju, after the Han River valley was lost to Goguryeo. He ascended to the throne after his father’s death in the sack of the former Baekje capital at Hanseong.
Prior to 475, Munju served as chief minister (Sangjwapyeong ) under his father, King Gaero. In the Goguryeo assault of 475, he went to Silla to request help. According to the Samguk Sagi, he returned with 10,000 Silla warriors but was too late to prevent the fall of the capital.
He sought to refortify Baekje’s remaining defenses and strengthen the country's position against Goguryeo. He was successful in 476 in gaining suzerainty over the kingdom of Tamna on Jeju island. However, his reign saw considerable disunity within Baekje. In 477 he was murdered by an agent of his chief general, Hae Gu .
See also
Last updated: 08-23-2005 14:44:47
