King Muryeong (462-523 r. 501-523) was the twenty-fifth king of Baekje during the period of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. He was born in a small island of Japan. He was called Semakishi (嶋君) and King Shima (斯麻王) in Japanese records because he was born in an island. His father differs among historical sources. He was important for stabilizing his realm so that it could experience a renaissance under his successor, King Seong. In 1971, Muryeong's tomb was excavated in the Korean city of Gongju.

According to both historical and archeological sources, contact and trade between China and Baekje increased during King Muryeong's reign. In 512, according to the Liang shu , King Muryeong sent Baekje's first tribute mission to the newly-established court of the Chinese Liang Dynasty. A second mission was sent in 521, announcing various victories over Goguryeo. In reply, the Liang emperor bestowed various titles on him, including "Great General Tranquilizing the East" and "King of Baekje." These titles were also found engraved on a tablet in King Muryeong's tomb.

According to the chronicles of Japan II (續日本紀), Japanese Emperor Kammu's (桓武天皇) mother is a descendant of King Muryeong.

See also

• History of Korea
• List of Korea-related topics