Archival Overview
Nineteenth monarch of the ancient Korean kingdom of Goguryeo (391–413 CE) whose posthumous name means 'Broad Expander of Territory', who conquered sixty-four walled cities and 1,400 villages, transforming Goguryeo into a grand imperial power across Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula.
Biographical Record
Gwanggaeto the Great (374–413 CE) ascended the throne at age seventeen. Deploying elite iron-armored cavalry (Gaemamusa) and riverine naval flotillas, Gwanggaeto launched sweeping campaigns against the Khitans, the Xianbei Later Yan, the Buyeo, and the Mohe across the vast plains of Manchuria.
In 400 CE, when Wa (Japanese) forces invaded southern Korea, Gwanggaeto led 50,000 infantry and cavalry to relieve Silla, routing the invaders and bringing Silla and Baekje under Goguryeo protectorate status. His titanic military achievements were inscribed on the 21-foot Gwanggaeto Stele erected by his son King Jangsu in 414 CE, the oldest surviving comprehensive monument of Korean history.
Key Life Milestones
Conquest of the Han River Basin
Defeated Baekje forces, capturing fifty-eight walled cities and establishing Goguryeo supremacy in central Korea.
Erection of the Gwanggaeto Stele
His son King Jangsu erected the colossal 21-foot granite stele recording his sixty-four conquests.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialJi'an (Jilin), China