Budoji

Budoji is a narrative literature about the ancient Korean history written by Bak Je-sang (박제상) during the period of King Nulji of Silla. In 1953, his descendant, Bak Geum (박금), published the book, however, the original version has been unidentified. The published version of the current Budoji is a restored version based on his memorial to the original Budoji. Therefore, it is not thought generally as historical materials.

Outline of Budoji

The Era of Mago

The first era of Korean history is called Mago(마고,麻故). Budoji states that there were four Heavenly people, who were Hwanggung(황궁, 黃穹), Baekso(백소,白巢), Cheonggung(청궁,靑穹) and Heukso(흑소,黑巢). The mother of Hwanggung and Cheonggung was Gungheui(궁희, 穹姬), and the mother of Baekso and Heukso was Soheui(소희,巢姬). The mother of Gungheui and Soheui was Mago. It is said that Mago, Soheui and Gungheui, bore children without a father.

The Era of Budo

This chapter describes the historical story about the four Heavenly people of Hwanggung, Baekso, Cheonggung and Heukso. The first son of Hwanggung, Yuin (유인,有因), received Cheonbusamin (천부삼인, 天符三印), and then he bequeathed the Cheonbusamin to Hwanin.

The Era of Hwanung

The son of Hwanin, Hwanung, received the Cheonbusamin from his father, and established the Budō. Budoji describes the achievement of Hwanung during the era in this chapter.

The Era of Gojoseon

It is described that Imgeom or Dangun is the son of Hwanung. Imgeom also received Cheonbusamin from his father, and then established the state called Gojoseon.

From Samhan to Three kingdoms of Korea

This chapter describes Samhan after the destruction of Gojoseon. Mahan was located in the north, Byeonhan was located in the south and Jinhan was located in the east. Then, Baekje succeeded Byeonhan and Goguryeo succeeded Mahan and Silla succeeded Jinhan.

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