King Munmu took the throne in the midst of a long conflict against Baekje and Goguryeo, shortly after General Gyebaek and Baekje had been defeated at Sabi by General Kim Yu-shin in 660.
Raja Munmu naik memimpin di tengah-tengah konflik yang panjang melawan Baekje dan Goguryeo, tak lama kemudian Jenderal Gyebaek dan Baekje dikalahkan di Sabi oleh Jenderal Kim Yushin pada tahun 660.