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King Mun of Balhae

750 – 793

Korean ruler

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About King Mun of Balhae

Lived 750 – 793 (aged 42–43).

Mun (; 715–793; ), also known as Tae Hŭmmu, was the third and longest-reigning ruler of the Balhae. He succeeded his father King Mu, upon his death in 737. He was the grandson of Tae Choyŏng, the founder of Balhae.

Reign During King Mun's reign, diplomatic ties with the Tang dynasty were established, and many Balhae scholars went to the Tang to study, extending the influence of Buddhism and Confucianism in Balhae's governance. He also strengthened relations with Silla, which unified the Korean peninsula to the south of Balhae, overseeing the development of the trade route called Silla-road . Balhae also increased diplomacy and trade with Japan.

King Mun moved the capital of Balhae several times (Sanggyeong and Donggyeong), stabilizing and strengthening central rule over various ethnic tribes in his realm, which was expanded temporarily. He also authorized the creation of the Chujagam , the national academy, based on the national academy of Tang.

Although the Tang dynasty recognized him as a king, Balhae itself referred to him as the Taehŭng poryŏk hyogam kŭmnyun sŏngbŏp taewang (, 大興寶曆孝感金輪聖法大王), Kadokpu , Seongwang and Kiha , Balhae itself referred to him as the posterity of heaven and an emperor.

The tomb of his fourth daughter, Princess Chŏnghyo, was discovered in 1980. The tombstone of his elder daughter, Princess Chŏnghye, has also been found.

Era names Taehŭng (, 737-774? – 793) Poryŏk (, 774-?, at latest until 781)

Family Father: King Mu (685–737) Younger brother: Tae Wŏnŭi (735–793) Wife: Empress Hyoŭi (715–?) First daughter (732); died prematurely Princess Chŏnghye (737–777), second daughter Tae Koengnim (; 745–780) – father of King Sŏng, first son Princess Chŏngyŏn (정연공주; 747–?), third daughter Tae Chŏngal (; 747–?), second son Tae Ch'ŏngyun (; 748–?), third son King Kang (750–809), fourth son Princess Chǒnghyo (; 757–792), fourth daughter

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Important facts

Born
750
Birth century
Died
793
Also known as
Dae Heum-mu

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped King Mun of Balhae's

Frequently asked questions

Who was King Mun of Balhae?

Korean ruler

When was King Mun of Balhae born?

King Mun of Balhae was born in 750.

When did King Mun of Balhae die?

King Mun of Balhae died in 793.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: King Mun of Balhae

· Wikidata: Q706537

· DBpedia: Mun of Balhae

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). King Mun of Balhae. https://biography.guide/king-mun-of-balhae/

MLA: "King Mun of Balhae." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/king-mun-of-balhae/.

Chicago: "King Mun of Balhae." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/king-mun-of-balhae/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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