Wiryeseong was the name of two early capitals of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. Both were in the modern-day Seoul area. According to Samguk Sagi, the founders of Baekje, the brothers Onjo and Biryu, built Wiryeseong in 18 BC. After about ten years, Biryu moved on and built a new capital at Michuhol (present day Incheon), while Onjo built a new capital, also called Wiryeseong, in a new location. Biryu's capital was unsuccessful, and the new Wiryeseong became the early capital of Baekje.
The former Wiryeseong is called Habuk (north of the river) Wiryeseong and the latter is called Hanam (south of the river) Wiryeseong. The earthen walls of Pungnap Toseong at Gwangju in Gyeonggi Province (not Gwangju Metropolitan City) just outside Seoul are believed by many to be the remains of Hanam Wiryeseong.
See also
Last updated: 10-18-2005 15:35:32
