The Origin of the Gimhae Kim Clan

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The Gimhae Kim clan is Korea's most populous family, with origins stretching back 2,000 years to the Gaya era. The progenitor, King Kim Suro, founded the Geumgwan Gaya kingdom. More than just a family name, the history of Gimhae Kim reflects the development of the Korean peninsula's early civilizations and the enduring identity of a shared bloodline community.

Birth at Gujibong: The King Born in a Golden Egg

According to the Samguk Yusa and the Garakguk-gi, in 42 AD, nine village chiefs gathered at Gujibong to pray for a king to lead the people. A golden box wrapped in purple cloth descended from the sky containing six golden eggs. From these, six princes were born the next day. The firstborn, named Suro, became the founding king of Geumgwan Gaya. The other five are said to have become rulers of the five other Gaya kingdoms.

Founding of Garakguk and International Marriage

King Suro established the Garak kingdom and married Hur(Heo) Hwang-ok, a princess from Ayuta (believed to be in India), marking Korea's first recorded international marriage. The couple had ten sons; two of them took their mother’s surname, becoming the progenitors of the Heo clan in Korea.

Integration with Silla and Rise of Kim Yushin

After flourishing independently for around 500 years, Geumgwan Gaya was peacefully incorporated into Silla in 532 AD. The Gaya royal family, including the Kim lineage, became part of Silla’s aristocracy. Kim Yushin, a 12th-generation descendant of King Suro, played a pivotal role in unifying the Three Kingdoms and solidified the power of the Gimhae Kim clan in Korean history. Many branches of the Gimhae Kim family revere him as their central ancestor.

Main Lineages of the Gimhae Kim Clan

  • Gyeongpa (京派): The direct lineage of Kim Yushin, with descendants of Kim Mok-kyung, active in Goryeo, mostly settled in Gaegyeong (modern Seoul).
  • Sagunpa (四君派): Descended from Kim Ik-kyung, younger brother of Mok-kyung, known for producing four prominent sons.
  • Samhyunpa (三賢派): Founded by Kim Kwan, a Goryeo-era scholar. His descendants include three renowned sages: Kim Kuk-il, Kim Il-son, and Kim Dae-yu.

Thus, Gimhae Kim is a historic Korean surname that blends myth and history. Through figures like King Suro and Kim Yushin, the clan has left a lasting mark on the nation’s history.

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