How a lost kingdom in Northeast Asia became a battleground for modern national identity

History · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Established in 698, the state of Parhae bridged the gap between the fallen Koguryŏ kingdom and the nomadic tribes of the north. Though it once commanded vast territories across Manchuria and Korea, its legacy is now fiercely contested by modern nations, turning its history into a complex academic and political puzzle.

Parhae, also known as Balhae or Bohai, emerged in the 8th century under the leadership of Tae Cho-Yŏng, a former general of the fallen Koguryŏ kingdom. Following the conquest of Koguryŏ by the Silla kingdom and the Chinese Tang dynasty in 668, the region fell under Tang administration. Tae Cho-Yŏng led a rebellion alongside former Koguryŏ aristocrats and members of the northern Malgal tribe, establishing a new state in the Sungari River valley. Initially called Chin, the state was formally recognized as Parhae by the Tang dynasty in 713.

The kingdom’s culture was a sophisticated synthesis of its diverse origins. While its administration was modeled on the Tang bureaucracy, its cultural roots were deeply tied to the traditions of Koguryŏ. Archaeological evidence, such as stone lanterns and Buddhist imagery, highlights the influence of Buddhism in daily life. Parhae maintained complex international relations, trading with Japan and nomadic tribes while navigating a volatile alliance with the Tang. By the mid-8th century, Parhae had become a significant regional power, even acting as a hostile rival to Silla, which constructed defensive fortifications to guard its northern border.

The end of Parhae came in 926, when it was conquered by the Khitan-led Liao dynasty. Despite its collapse, the state remains a subject of intense historiographical debate. Scholars, nations, and linguists argue over its ethnic composition, the legitimacy of its name, and its cultural affiliation. Because historical records are fragmented—often viewed through the lens of Chinese, Korean, or Japanese diplomatic archives—the true nature of Parhae remains elusive. Whether viewed as a successor to Koguryŏ or a distinct multiethnic entity, Parhae serves as a reminder of how the borders and identities of the past are constantly reshaped by the political needs of the present.

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