A Study on the Relationship between Goguryeo and Silla with the Analysis of Silla-To(新羅土) and Maegeum-To(寐錦土) Inscribed on the Goguryeo Monument at Chungju

This paper examines the terms ‘Silla-To’ and ‘Maegeum-To’ as found in the Goguryeo Monument at Chungju to determine their meanings. Based on this analysis, it explores Goguryeo's perception of Silla's territory and the changes in the relationship between the two nations. The hierarchical relationship depicted in the monument's inscriptions stems from Goguryeo's idealized perception based on its world view, which likely was pursued while acknowledging the reality of Silla. In the inscription, Maegeum-To is described as having independence but as a target that should be included in Goguryeo's order. Maegeum-To changed to Dongi Maegeum-To through the rite of obedience. In contrast, Silla-To is distinguished from Maegeum-To and revealed a subordinate nature to Goguryeo. The term ‘Daewang Gukto’, based on Goguryeo's world view, encompasses both central and local areas without distinction. Silla-To and Maegeum-To reflect the reality that Silla had not established a world view or territorial concept encompassing all areas around Maegeum. During the Maripgan period, Silla's local governance was generally indirect, mediated through local forces. Silla-To was an area where Maegeum's influence indirectly extended, and it was governed by local forces who controlled the border regions and major transportation routes. After King Gwanggaeto's southern expedition in 400, Silla-To became the point where Silla and Goguryeo's governance forms intersected. Maegeum and the Silla royal court had an exclusive perception of the local areas. Maegeum-To was the area where Maegeum's influence directly reached and was the center of Silla, centered on Saroguk. Goguryeo, which established the concept of ‘Daewang Gukto’, recognized Silla's local governance method and divided Silla's territory into Silla-To and Maegeum-To. Goguryeo did not acknowledge the establishment of Silla's territory centered on Maegeum. From the mid-5th century, Silla gradually strengthened its control over major transportation routes and local forces within Silla-To. Consequently, Goguryeo erected the monument to reflect on its past relationship with Maegeum of Silla, and described Silla-To and Maegeum-To separately. Goguryeo unilaterally declared its intention to restore influence over Silla-To, but Silla-To was reorganized into Maegeum's governance system. In summary, Silla's separation from Goguryeo after the mid-5th century was due to the strengthening of Silla's governance system over the local forces that Goguryeo defined as ‘Silla-To’. The terms ‘Silla-To’ and ‘Maegeum-To’ in the Goguryeo Monument at Chungju were established within the context of these changes in the relationship between the two countries.