history of kuk sool won:
1:4 The Silla Dynasty: 668-935 CE

The period of the three kingdoms was followed by a time of rapid unification when the SILLA kingdom rose to dominate and integrate the other kingdoms into one country. This period also saw further developments in the martial arts.

The unification of the three kingdoms came in a single decade, which saw a successful alliance between SILLA and the rulers of the Chinese TANG dynasty, who had observed that previous single-handed attempts by rulers of the preceding Chinese SUI dynasty had failed time after time to conquer KOGURYO.

In co-ordinated attacks by SILLA and TANG forces, PAEKCHE, a kingdom for 676 years, fell in 663 CE, and subsequently KOGURYO, a kingdom for 705 years, fell in 668 CE. The powerful Chinese rulers set up provisional governments and established military garrisons in both the conquered kingdoms. As soon as this was accomplished, they made preparations to turn against SILLA in order to conquer and thus rule the entire Korean peninsula.

As fierce battles raged between TANG and SILLA, revolts and uprisings began to flourish in the previously conquered territories of PAEKCHE and KOGURYO. To some extent, these revolts were aided by the occupying SILLA troops. After a period of time, the TANG rulers realised they could not control the Korean peninsula and offered to allow the SILLA monarchy to rule the entire Korean peninsula under a special arrangement. It was agreed that each succeeding Korean monarch would first have to apply to the Chinese emperor for a Gold Seal of Recognition of his legitimacy to ascend the Korean throne.

There is no doubt that SILLA's conquest of PAEKCHE and KOGURYO, and eventually the TANG forces - their former allies who had turned against them - was due to the decisive role played the HWA RANG. This elite warrior force, whose dedication to the perfection of their physical and mental skills in the martial arts, and the outstanding heroism of their leader, General KIM YU SHIN, inspired the SILLA armies to many famous victories. Although the HWA RANG were finally victorious in unifying the Korean peninsula, they did not always have it their own way. Other elite, military and cultural groups existed both in PAEKCHE and KOGURYO.