Purpose and Results of the Dispatch of Envoys to Balhae in the Latter Period of Silla

Abstract

The King Wonseong dispatched envoys to Balhae as a measure to mollify the unrest of political situation. This was possible first because there was no major conflict with Balhae at the time, secondly because the economic cost was manageable, and thirdly because they looked down on that state. This work helped to deal with the confused internal situation, as well as enabling the King Wonseong to maintain his power. At the beginning of his reign, King Heondeok dispatched envoys to Balhae to strengthen his position through the reorganization of the political situation. Since the primary goal of this negotiation was to seize power easily, it was inadequate to develop relationship between the two states. Later, the popular sentiment was confused due to frequent natural disasters and Balhae started expanding its power. For these reasons, it was difficult to progress public negotiations.