Suncheon Unpyeong-ri Ancient Tombs is a large-scale Gaya tombs representing the eastern part of Honam, and it is a key historical site that can infer the dynamic situation between Gaya, Baekje, and indigenous groups surrounding the Seomjingang River s...
Suncheon Unpyeong-ri Ancient Tombs is a large-scale Gaya tombs representing the eastern part of Honam, and it is a key historical site that can infer the dynamic situation between Gaya, Baekje, and indigenous groups surrounding the Seomjingang River system in the 5th and 6th centuries. This study tried to find out the contrast process and political character of the Unpyeong-ri group through precise analysis of the tomb structure and comparative review with each Gaya region (northwest and southwestern), apart from the existing dualistic interpretation (area theory vs. exchange theory). According to the structural characteristics of the burial facilities, the three phases of the Unpyeong-ri tombs were analyzed in this paper: Togwangmyo, Seokgwakmyo, and Seoksilmyo. The order of the construction of the old gun was reset based on the analysis, and the three phases of the first, second, and third phases were identified based on this. As a result of the review, the Suncheon Unpyeong-ri group was a strong political body that grew up occupying a strategic location downstream of the Seomjingang River in the 5th and 6th centuries as Daegaya moved south to take control of the southern coastal sea zone. Instead of unilaterally accepting the culture of a particular force, they operated a complex contrast system that selectively combined advanced technologies in the surroundings using geopolitical advantages. However, as Baekje's direct territorialization progressed in the early 6th century, its existing political status was dismantled, and it was gradually absorbed and reorganized into Baekje's new local governance order.