Mid-4th century

After Goguryeo's advancement into the Nakdonggang River basin, Daegaya began to distinguish itself among several Gaya kingdoms and emerged as the most outstanding force in the late 5th century. Defeated by Goguryeo troops, the Gimhae force (Golden Crown Gaya) waned, and the Daegaya force in Goryeong and other inland areas, which avoided war calamities, began to lead late Gaya

1. Decisive momentum for progress

   The most decisive momentum for Daegaya's emergence was its geographical advantage arising from the fact that it was located in Goryeong (Daegaya's capital). Goryeong can be reached by going upstream from the southern coast along the Nakdonggang River. And Goryeong can lead to inland areas like Geochang and Hamyang and further lead to Muju, Jangsu, Imsil and Namwon over Sobaek Mountains. You can go north to Seongju and Gimcheon and then Hwanggan and Yeongdong over Chupungryeong. Going east, you can cross the Nakdonggang River and reach Daegu right away.

2. Geographical advantage

   This geographical strength of Goryeong was the major basis for Daegaya to become the most powerful kingdom in Gaya after the 5th century. Daegaya was able to carry out trade actively thanks to the geographical advantage and absorb advanced cultures more quickly through Baekje and other kingdoms than other Gaya kingdoms. Its major trading goods were steel produced in the Hapcheon Yaro region and agricultural goods produced on the basis of stable farming infrastructure.

3. Basis for growth

   It can be said that Daegaya's emergence as a strong kingdom in the late Gaya period was mainly based on steel exports through the advantageous geographical location and stable agricultural infrastructure. And Daegaya was armed with strong defensive power that helped protect its assets from outside forces. The large-scale ancient tombs like the Jisan-ri tombs represent Daegaya's development.

   Based on its own growth, Daegaya advanced to the nearby Gaya kingdoms and archaeological aspects like pottery show that Daegaya became the leader of the alliance encompassing the Hwanggang River basin and the upstream area of the Namgang River in the mid-5th century. In the late 5th century, Daegaya ruled most nearby areas indirectly.

Daegaya's chronicle