Based on the Baekje awareness in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty
Authors:   The Bukak Historical Society, Yoo Joon-sang 
Published: February 2025

This article classified and analyzed the perception of Baekje in the Joseon Dynasty by each century based on the contents recorded in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty.
In the 15th century, Joseon was founded and the foundation of the country was laid, and the negative perception of Baekje in the Goryeo Dynasty was somewhat reconsidered. Paradoxically, the statement that if Taejo's 10th Article of King Taejo's decree not to appoint talents south of Chaeryeong had been thoroughly followed after Taejo Lee Seong-gye ascended the throne, the Joseon Dynasty would not have been established without Goryeo's collapse, was combined with the fact that Jeonju, the Joseon royal family's official residence, was a former Baekje region, and showed room for a little reconsideration of the negative perception of Baekje. Sejong rejected the opinion that only the Silla Dynasty should be memorialized, and ordered the three kingdoms to be renovated and reigned equally.
However, in ｢Sejong Silokjiri｣, the historical perception of the three countries is still described around Silla. Although Gwangju, Yangju, and Chungcheong Province are recognized as Baekje's territory, it was described focusing on the process of King Jinheung's entry into the Han River basin and the unification of the three countries, which led to Baekje's incorporation into Silla's territory. In addition, Baekje was perceived negatively in the process of establishing the national framework for Joseon, such as the compilation of the Gyeongguk Daejeon in King Seongjong's reign.
However, in the 16th century, the loyalty of Baekje's adults began to emerge as a result of Sarim's advance and the overcoming of the private life. Later, around the time of King Seonjo's accession, Sarim led the political situation, and Baekje's loyalty to Gyebaek and Seongchung was positively reevaluated. In the face of the national crisis of Imjin War, the figures who devoted themselves to the state, such as the adult and Gyebaek, were highlighted, and Namhansanseong Fortress was noted as the main point of capital defense, and the former capital of Baekje began to emerge.
In the 17th century, Namhansanseong Fortress was recognized as an important defense facility, such as the establishment of a sign language office at Namhansanseong Fortress. In addition, after the Byeongja Horan, a shrine to King Onjo, the founder of Baekje, was built and managed at Namhansanseong Fortress, and Lee Seo, the head of the Namhansanseong Fortress construction, was oriented together. After the Byeongja Horan, the Joseon royal family and intellectuals showed the same tendency of anti-Cheongui style as the rise of Northern Beolon. In addition, it showed a sense of respect for the founder of Baekje, King Onjo, who was considered the owner of the former Namhansanseong Fortress, and led interest in Baekje.
Political, military, and diplomatic achievements of the late Joseon Dynasty were achieved after the 18th century, such as the establishment of a system of capital defense along with Namhansanseong and Ganghwa Dondae in the late Joseon Dynasty due to the contraction of Bukhansanseong Fortress. In addition, it cannot be overlooked that one of the grounds for promoting the construction of Bukhansanseong Fortress during the reign of King Geunchogo of Baekje was Cheondo.
Through this, it can be seen that after the Byeongja Horan, with the rise of the Northern Verbal theory and the anti-Cheon ritual, the respect for the founder of Baekje continued, and this tended to raise awareness of Baekje. This trend continued in the Yeong and Jeongjo periods. Yeongjo ordered the old tombs of the Goryeo Dynasty, Dangun, Gija, Silla, Goguryeo, and Baekje to be reduced, and during the Jeongjo period, the Myoho of the founder of Baekje was upgraded to Sungryuljeon.