The strategic value of the ancient Wonju region and Military competition between the three kingdoms

At first, Baekje occupied Wonju and Chungju and collected materials from the middle and upper reaches of the Han River, but the ownership changed with the southward advance of the Goguryeo army during the reign of King Gwanggaeto. When Goguryeo occupied Wonju and Chungju in 396, Hanseong Baekje began to decline, and in 475, it was dealt a decisive blow by Goguryeo and moved its capital to Woongjin. Silla advanced into Wonju in the 12th year of King Jinheung’s reign (551). At that time, Silla allied with Baekje and advanced northward. Silla occupied the middle and upper reaches of the Han River that Baekje had lost. However, Baekje’s occupation of the lower reaches did not last long because of difficulties in supplying from its center (Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province), and it ended up giving up on the area. Silla took over the empty space. It is no exaggeration to say that Wonju, as a strategic point that managed the central section of the Han River waterway supply line, emerged as a defensive stronghold in the lower reaches of the Han River and led the unification of Silla. And even after the unification of the three kingdoms, it is thought that it supported Silla financially as a location for a stable port and warehouse.