The story of Hwa-Rang
The Hwa-Rang (‘Flower of Youth’) were a group of young knights during the Silla Dynasty (57BCE-935CE) who trained their bodies and minds by devoting themselves to hunting, education and the martial arts. The Hwa-Rang were generally noble young men who dedicated themselves to preparing to serve the nation in war. Their tough training, devotion to country and fierce loyalty were important in helping Silla to defeat its neighbours, Koguryo and Paekche, unifying the Korean peninsula under one king.
Hwa-Rang warriors had to be men of character, virtue and courage. They were chosen by popular election from the sons of nobility and consisted of hundreds of thousands of members. They had to take a ten-year training program which taught them to be brave, to love their country and to help their fellow men. They climbed rugged mountains to harden their bodies, swam fierce rivers in the coldest months and trained like warriors to improve their moral principles and military skills. They entertained themselves with music and poetry, and travelled around the country visiting scenic mountains and rivers. Their warrior code was to serve the king; to be true to one’s parents; to be faithful to one’s friends; not to retreat in battle; and not to kill without reason. The Hwa-Rang took these rules very seriously.
One of the most famous Hwa-Rang warriors was Kwan-Chang, who became a Hwa-Rang commander at the age of 16. In 660, he was captured and taken before the Paekche general, Gye-Baek. Surprised by Kwan-Chang's youthfulness, Gye-Baek decided not to execute him, remarking, "Alas, how can we match the army of Silla! Even a young boy like this has such courage."
The Hwa-Rang tradition and the practice of martial arts grew unpopular during the Choseon Dynasty. Some Koreans, however, continued to practice the Hwa-Rang skills, notably Admiral Yi Soon-sin (Choong-Moo) and the Buddhist monk Hyoo-Jong (So-San), both of whom were instrumental in defeating the Japanese invaders in 1597.
The Hwa-Rang (‘Flower of Youth’) were a group of young knights during the Silla Dynasty (57BCE-935CE) who trained their bodies and minds by devoting themselves to hunting, education and the martial arts. The Hwa-Rang were generally noble young men who dedicated themselves to preparing to serve the nation in war. Their tough training, devotion to country and fierce loyalty were important in helping Silla to defeat its neighbours, Koguryo and Paekche, unifying the Korean peninsula under one king.
Hwa-Rang warriors had to be men of character, virtue and courage. They were chosen by popular election from the sons of nobility and consisted of hundreds of thousands of members. They had to take a ten-year training program which taught them to be brave, to love their country and to help their fellow men. They climbed rugged mountains to harden their bodies, swam fierce rivers in the coldest months and trained like warriors to improve their moral principles and military skills. They entertained themselves with music and poetry, and travelled around the country visiting scenic mountains and rivers. Their warrior code was to serve the king; to be true to one’s parents; to be faithful to one’s friends; not to retreat in battle; and not to kill without reason. The Hwa-Rang took these rules very seriously.
One of the most famous Hwa-Rang warriors was Kwan-Chang, who became a Hwa-Rang commander at the age of 16. In 660, he was captured and taken before the Paekche general, Gye-Baek. Surprised by Kwan-Chang's youthfulness, Gye-Baek decided not to execute him, remarking, "Alas, how can we match the army of Silla! Even a young boy like this has such courage."
The Hwa-Rang tradition and the practice of martial arts grew unpopular during the Choseon Dynasty. Some Koreans, however, continued to practice the Hwa-Rang skills, notably Admiral Yi Soon-sin (Choong-Moo) and the Buddhist monk Hyoo-Jong (So-San), both of whom were instrumental in defeating the Japanese invaders in 1597.