Gim Al-ji


Gim Al-ji was a historical figure in Korean history. His descendants formed the Gim royal clan of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea.
His legendary birth is said to have occurred during the reign of Silla's fourth ruler, King Talhae of Silla. Though Gim Al-ji did not rule as King of Silla, his descendants did. Today, 1.7 million South Koreans are in the Gyeongju Gim clan, who trace their genealogy to Gim Al-ji.

Birth legend

The Samguk Yusa and Samguk Sagi both contain nearly the same story about Gim Al-ji's birth.
In the year 65, King Talhae heard a rooster crowing in Sirim, west of Geumseong. He sent his minister, Hogong, who was from Japan, to investigate, whereupon Hogong found a golden box hanging on a branch. Light was emanating from the box, and a white rooster was crowing under it.
Hearing this report, the king ordered the box brought to him. When the king opened the box, there was an infant inside. The king was very pleased and adopted him. Because he was born from a golden box and was very clever, the king named him "Gim Al-ji ". The forest where the box was found was named Gyerim, which also was used as the name of Silla.
This legend is similar to the birth legend of the founder of Silla, Bak Hyeokgeose of Silla.
Modern interpreters have suggested that the Gim Al-ji may have been the chief of a "gold" clan of northern Korea/Manchuria.

Death

The circumstances and time of his death are currently unknown and cannot be precisely located within any records, but it is known that his descendants continued to serve as powerful officials within the Silla court until the time came when they took power.

Royal Gim clan

Gim's son was Sehan, and subsequent generations are recorded as: Ado - Suryu - Ukbo - Gudo. Gudo's son was the first Silla king of the Gim line, Michu of Silla.