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King Naemul (356–402) was a monarch of the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla. During his reign, Silla began to emerge as a full-fledged kingdom with the establishment of a hereditary monarchy of the Kim family. This period also saw the promulgation of state laws and decrees, which were crucial steps in consolidating royal power and organizing the state.1

Silla eventually unified Korea in 668 CE under the Unified Silla dynasty, marking the first time the Korean peninsula was unified under indigenous leadership. This unification was achieved through military alliances and conquests of neighboring kingdoms. The Unified Silla period saw significant developments in governance, with a complex administrative system and territorial divisions. Buddhism flourished, leaving a legacy of beautiful temples and art, many of which are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.123

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