Hao Tai Wang Stele

Author: Sun Baowen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-02-01
Features: The Great King Seongwang Stele stands firmly in Dabecun, Jilin City, suburban area of Jilin Province in Northeast China, and is one of the largest stone steles remaining in the country. In 37 BC, the Goguryeo people living in the Xuantu Commandery of the Western Han Dynasty (now the middle reaches of the Yalu River and the Hun River basin) established the Goguryeo Kingdom. This regime lasted for 705 years, with 28 generations of kings. Between 3 and 427 AD, it used present-day Jilin City, Jilin Province, as its capital, leaving behind a wealth of cultural relics in the area. The Great King Seongwang Stele is one of the most precious and important remnants. King Seongwang was the 19th king of the Goguryeo Kingdom. He ascended to the throne at the age of 18 in 391 AD and was known as the Yongle. He passed away at the age of 39 in 412 AD. He fought battles both north and south throughout his life, and during his 22 years in power, he defeated Baekje, attacked Goguryeo, rescued Silla, and fought against Fusang, repeatedly defeating the Japanese, achieving remarkable military exploits, expanding his realm, and after his death, was posthumously honored as the "King of the Great Open Land, Peaceful and Prosperous Seongwang." Therefore, the stele is also known as the Yongle Stele or the Great Open Land Stele. This massive stele was erected by King Changshou, the 20th king of Goguryeo and the son of King Seongwang, in 414 AD to commemorate his father's achievements and honor the tomb attendants. It was built east of the tomb of King Seongwang after he was "moved to the mountain tomb."