The Silla warriors, known as Hwarang, represent one of the most fascinating figures in Korean history. Originating from the kingdom of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, the Hwarang were born following the dissolution of the group of female warriors called Wonhwa, who in that era had the reputation of not only being very skilled fighters, educated in every form of art but practicing and teaching Buddhism, they were probably nuns who, following their dissolution, supported and became the spiritual guides of the Hwarang.
The Hwarang were an elite group of young nobles trained not only in martial arts, but also in philosophy, arts, and culture. The term "Hwarang" literally means "flower boys" or "flower knights", reflecting their upbringing and role as paragons of virtue and beauty.
The Hwarang's training was rigorous and multidisciplinary. In addition to fighting techniques, they studied classical texts and poetry. The Hwarang followed a code of conduct known as the "Six Commandments", attributed to the Buddhist monk Won Gwang in the 6th century, and are considered fundamental to understanding the discipline and ethics of this group. The Hwarang's training was rigorous and multidisciplinary.
The first commandment is loyalty to one's sovereign, a principle that emphasizes the importance of loyalty and service to the state and the king.
The second commandment it is filial piety towards parents, which reflects the value of the family and respect for the elderly.
The third commandment it is loyalty to friends, which emphasizes the importance of friendship and mutual support.
The fourth commandment it is courage in battle, a principle that encourages the Hwarang to be courageous and fight with honor for their homeland.
The fifth commandment it is the prohibition on killing without just cause, which promotes the idea of fighting only for a just cause and avoiding unnecessary violence.
The sixth commandment it is moderation in pleasures, a principle that teaches the importance of self-control and personal discipline.
These six commandments played a crucial role in shaping the character and morals of the Hwarang, making them not only formidable warriors, but also individuals of great integrity and virtue.
The contribution of the Hwarang was crucial in Silla history, especially during the military campaigns that led to the unification of the Korean Peninsula under the Silla kingdom in the 7th century.
The group's founding is attributed to King Jinheung of Silla, who reigned from 540 to 576 AD. King Jinheung saw the need to train a new generation of young warriors not only in martial arts, but also in moral, cultural, and spiritual principles. The goal was to create an elite that could support the kingdom in both times of peace and war.
–Portrait of Emperor Jinheung era Image from www.morningsunday.com
Their training included a wide range of physical and intellectual activities. On the physical plane, Hwarang warriors practiced Taekkyon, an ancient Korean martial art, as well as fencing, archery, and other military disciplines.
Photo from Image source www.mk.co.kr Chŏng Ch’angsŏb, Hwarang Training (정창섭-화랑도의수련) 197×290.9cm, 1977. Oil on canvas. Preserved at the Academy of Korean Studies (한국학중앙연구원).
The Hwarang warriors played a crucial role in the defense of the Silla kingdom and its unification with Korea's other two kingdoms, Goguryeo and Baekje. They were known for their courage and loyalty, values that were instilled in them from a young age.
The Hwarang were strongly influenced by Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. This mix of physical, cultural and spiritual education helped create complete and well-balanced warriors.
The most famous Hwarang warrior is probably Kim Yu-sin. Born in 595 AD, Kim Yu-sin is an emblematic historical figure of ancient Korea, particularly renowned for his crucial role in the unification of the three kingdoms of Silla, Goguryeo and Baekje. Kim Yu-sin became a legend thanks to his extraordinary military skills and charismatic leadership.
Throughout his career, Kim Yu-sin served as a general and strategist. His dedication and courage in battle not only earned him the respect and admiration of his contemporaries, but also an honored place in Korean history. His exploits are celebrated in various historical texts and legends, helping to perpetuate his memory as one of Korea's greatest heroes.
Cover photo taken from the web from the 2016 Kdrama Hwarang The Poet Warrior
Paola Pelissa