During the Silla Period (57 BC – 935 AD), Korea boasted a military force as beautiful as flowers, known as the Hwarang.
The Hwarang consisted of handsome young men, skilled in both literature and martial arts, always exuding a pleasant fragrance that captivated young women everywhere they went, much like today’s K-pop stars.
In the latter half of the Silla Period, the Hwarang showcased their talents in various fields and seized opportunities for fame. (Image: Koreanhistory.info).
Hwarang, transliterated as Hoa Lang, is derived from two words: “hwa” (flower) and “rang” (young man). Korea has only three historical references to the Hwarang: “Samguk Sagi” (Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms, 1145), “Samguk Yusa” (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms, 1285), and “Haedong Goseungjeon” (Buddhist Biographies, 1215). All three texts were written after the Silla period, which may affect their reliability.
According to these historical texts, the Hwarang originated from the Wonhwa (Flower Girls). The Wonhwa was likely a group of beautiful women or courtesans assembled to serve the royal court. While women in the Joseon period (1392 – 1910) were often seen as “shadows of men,” during the Silla period, they were likely granted more rights.
At the very least, during this era, Korea had three reigning queens: Queen Seon Deok Yeo Dae (? – 647), Queen Jin Deok Yeo (? – 654), and Queen Jin Seong Yeo (? – 897).
According to “Samguk Sagi” and “Samguk Yusa”, the Wonhwa were a group of beautiful girls, meticulously trained in filial piety, loyalty, and sincerity. Unfortunately, the group soon split into two factions led by opposing leaders.
These leaders were Nammo – a talented yet impulsive and ruthless girl who committed murder without remorse, and Junjeong – a virtuous girl who opposed killing for duty. Conflicts between the Nammo and Junjeong factions frequently arose, ultimately leading to the dissolution of the Wonhwa.
The Hwarang succeeded the Wonhwa, forming a group of young men selected and trained to serve the royal court. Members of the Hwarang were typically young nobles with good moral character. After being accepted into the Hwarang, they all changed their surnames to Hwarang while keeping their given names.
Initially, the Hwarang were not established for military purposes. Thus, the Hwarang were not soldiers but rather “handsome boys” in the literal sense. Due to their affluent backgrounds, they dressed cleanly and elegantly.
With ample free time, the Hwarang took care of their skin and hair, meticulously grooming their appearances. They were more knowledgeable about cosmetics than women and quickly became trendsetters in fashion.
In addition to their looks, the Hwarang also paid attention to their body odor. Since ancient times, Koreans have known how to utilize flowers and herbs to create scented incense and fragrance pouches. Hwarang’s clothing was always infused with fragrant incense, and they carried scent pouches at their hips, ensuring their bodies perpetually emitted a pleasant floral aroma.
It was not until the end of the Three Kingdoms period that the Hwarang were trained to become warriors. (Image: Ancient-origins.net).
Continuous Evolution
According to all three historical sources mentioning the Hwarang, beyond their studies, they often gathered in beautiful natural spots, especially sacred mountains and rivers, to socialize, sing, and dance. During the Silla period, Korea flourished with Buddhism.
One significant activity of the Hwarang was the study of religion. They frequently discussed how to harmonize Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
It was not until the Three Kingdoms period (18 BC – 660 AD), amidst ongoing wars in Korea, that the Hwarang began martial arts training to become knights. Their mentors were often monks, responsible for both physical training and psychological guidance.
The martial arts of the Hwarang were focused on self-defense, as their masters emphasized the importance of good deeds and virtues. Throughout their training, the Hwarang followed their masters to the mountains for practice or to collect donations. Their primary mission was to protect the monks and the temple.
It was only at the end of the Three Kingdoms period that the Hwarang were educated by monk Won Gwang Beop Sa (541 – 630) about courage and patriotism, becoming warriors who sacrificed themselves for the honor of the Silla Kingdom.
Monk Won Gwang emphasized three key qualities for a Hwarang: self-defense skills, confidence, and self-discipline. He also established five principles for the Hwarang: loyalty to their lord, filial piety, righteousness, courage, and respect for life.
Although Buddhism flourished during the Silla period, it wasn’t until 527 that the religion was officially recognized as the state religion by the government. The Hwarang were reorganized under strict control from both the royal court and religious authorities, becoming a symbol of harmony between the palace, nobility, and the temple.
From the late 6th century into the early 7th century, the Silla government paid particular attention to the Hwarang. Those from high noble families were appointed to official positions and entrusted with significant responsibilities in overseeing the organization.
Initially, the Hwarang were merely idle handsome men. (Image: Morganparabola.files.wordpress.com)
Hwarang from middle-class noble families had limited opportunities for official titles, but they still received training in swordsmanship, horseback riding, and various other skills. If they performed well on the battlefield, they were recognized, rewarded, and promoted to generals.
Throughout nearly 1,000 years of Silla history, the Hwarang evolved from idle, groomed young men into knights, warriors, generals, and the most capable officials. Whether wielding a sword or a pen, they never neglected their appearance, always dressing impeccably and presenting themselves before the public as perfect handsome men.
The portrayals of Hwarang characters by contemporary Korean screenwriters and directors are perhaps not far from the truth. With their perfect combination of talent and beauty, they truly resemble the idols admired by many.
