• Journal of The Geomorphological Association of Korea
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.79-94
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• 2013

Gyeongju in Saro or Silla one of ancient kingdoms in Yeongnam region of southeast Korea, had been developed as a capital city for thousand years despite its unfavorable geographical location being leaned to the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula. Although this rare case in the world resulted from various facts relevant to political capability and intelligence of the ancient Gyeongju people, the geomorphic characteristics played a key role for its political development. In this paper, we discuss the establishment and growth of ancient kingdoms in Gyeongju area in terms of geomorphological factors such as the Taebaek and Sobaek mountain ranges, distribution of fault lines and alluvial fans along the eastern coast of the peninsula, characteristics of the coastal regions. That is, abundant grain supply from alluvial fans in Gyeongju and surrounding areas, high population-carrying capacity of land and positioning of an ancient supercity were made possible by the geomorphological contributions. Furthermore, Gyeongju could hold the lead in competition with surrounding kingdoms by accumulation of wealth and military superiority derived from production and circulation of salt and iron works. Gyeongju had become the capital of ancient kingdoms due to the geomorphic advantages during the ancient times in Korea.

• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.73
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• pp.91-117
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• 2018

In the tribute system controlling international relations of pre-modern East Asia, conciliation diplomacy between royal authorities was a principle of diplomatic relations among each nation. Therefore, capitals where royal authorities really existed were political centers and diplomatic stages at the same time. Notably, diplomatic relations between United Silla and Japan were maintained dually by conciliation diplomacy between royal authorities and practical diplomacy through Dazaihu located in Tsukushi. Tsukushi located at the northwestern tip of Kyushu was a gateway to foreign nations and stronghold in terms of national defense. Amidst an East Asian war named Baek River Battle in 663, the royal court of Daehwa established Dazaihu here because it was necessary for diplomatic and military responses. Dazaihu established as part of diplomatic negotiation not only took diplomatic functions as an official residence since the latter half of the 7thcentury. and but also was used as a stage of official diplomacy between Silla and Japan. Diplomatic negotiation between Silla and Japan through Dazaihu was made in practical methods and such a situation could be confirmed through diplomatic documents exchanged between Silla and Dazaihu in the middle of the 8thcentury. At that time, protocols became an importan tissue.