Biryu

Biryu (?–18 BCE) was the second son of Jumong and So Seo-no, and older brother of Onjo, the traditionally recognized founder of Baekje (18 BCE–660 CE). Baekje was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. In an alternate legend, Biryu himself is described as the founder of Baekje.

The Record of Baekje Founding

The Korean history compilation Samguk Sagi presents two founding legends of Baekje, one crediting Onjo, and an alternate crediting Biryu. The Samguk Sagi relays only Onjo's descendents, not Biryu's, as the royal dynasty of Baekje. However, Biryu's descendents are thought to have maintained enough influence in Baekje for this legend to survive.

Biryu and Onjo were sons of Jumong, the founder of the northernmost of the Three Kingdoms, Goguryeo. Biryu was recognized as successor of the throne but when Jumong's first wife and Yuri, son of Jumong and his first wife, came and succeeded Jumong, Biryu and Onjo left Goguryeo.

According to the main account given in the Samguk Sagi, Biryu settled in Michuhol, thought to be today's Incheon, South Korea. Onjo settled in Hanam (meaning "south of the river") Wiryeseong in or near today's Seoul. When the Michuhol land proved to be inhospitable, Biryu and his people went to Onjo, demanding that he be the King of Shipje. After Onjo refused, Biryu declared war and attacked Hanam, but failed to conquer it and committed suicide. Later, the two groups merged to become Baekje.

Biryu is also recorded in the Haedong goseungjeon (해동고승전 / 海東高僧傳). A river and a statelet absorbed into Goguryeo shared his name. The 11th king Biryu and the 20th king Biyu of Baekje also apparently took their names from him.

Notes

References

• The Academy of Korean Studies
• Korea Britannica