history of kuk sool won:
1:3 The Three Kingdoms Period: 57 BCE - 668 CE

The tribal era was followed by a period known as the Three Kingdoms. This epoch, which lasted from 57 BCE to 668 CE, was characterised by the partitioning of Korea into three distinct zones: SILLA, KOGURYO and PAEKCHE. These regions were at almost continual war with one another, and the fighting led to a rapid development in the Royal Court martial arts. The advancement of the martial arts during this time was also greatly influenced by the introduction of Buddhism to Korea. Each of the Three Kingdoms will be briefly described, before we turn to inspect in detail the influence of Buddhism on the Korean martial arts .

SILLA: 57 BCE - 935 CE
The founder and first King of SILLA was HYOK KO SE (57 BCE - 3 CE).** There were six clans that formed this kingdom and they were collectively called HAN. The name HAN possibly suggests a degree of influence by the HAN dynasty of China. However, they developed their own indigenous culture, and to a certain degree their influence, in turn, spread to China. Their main occupation was farming and keeping livestock, and they successfully traded farming and cooking implements (probably made of iron) with China.

KOGURYO: 37 BCE - 668 CE
A tribe of wandering nomads called BUYE, comprising of five clans, was to establish the northern part of the peninsula as a kingdom. The founder and first king of KOGURYO was TONG MYONG (37 BCE - 18 BCE). He was renowned for his martial art skill – being especially proficient in the use of KANG SHI (archery). Although under threat from the HAN dynasty of China, KOGURYO managed to retain its independence. Hunting and fishing formed the main way of life for these nomadic people.

PAEKCHE: 18 BCE - 668 CE
The founder and first king of PAEKCHE was ONJO (18 BCE – 27 CE) who was a son of TONG MYONG, first king of KOGURYO. The kingdom of PAEKCHE was formed from tribes called HAN, as was SILLA. Although this kingdom persisted for 686 years, it was destined never to have its own native rulers. Farming and fishing were the main means of survival.