King Seondeok of Silla (died 785) (r. 780–785) was the successor to King Hyegong and the 37th to rule the Korean kingdom of Silla. He was an eleventh-generation descendant of King Naemul, and the Daughter of haechan Kim Hyo-bang by King Seongdeok's daughter Lady Saso. He married Lady Gujok, the daughter of gakgan Kim Yang-pum.
Seondeok served under King Hyegong in the position of sangdaedeung. When the rebellion of Kim Ji-jeong broke out in 780, he led the royal forces against the rebels. However, the rebels stormed the palace and slew the king, and Seondeok was obliged to take the throne for himself.
After his death in 785, Seondeok was cremated and his ashes scattered on the Sea of Japan (East Sea). Seondeok's successor was King Wonseong.
Famous quotes containing the word king:
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting
doors; and the King of glory shall come in.”
—Bible: Hebrew Psalm XXIV (l. XXIV, 7)