Local cities in Unified Silla: A Case Study of Sabeolju

This study examines the spatial characteristics of local cities in Unified Silla and their political and economic implications through the archaeological case of Sabeolju. Around 687 CE, following the unification of the Three Kingdoms, the administrative center (chiso) of Sabeolju was relocated from a defensively oriented mountain fortress to a flatland area favorable for transportation and administrative management. In this process, a planned city with a grid-pattern street system was established, transforming organically developed village spaces into a structured urban layout. The central district combined residential and commercial functions, religious facilities were arranged in the surrounding zones, and a defensive stronghold was located in the hinterland, forming a complex urban structure. This spatial reorganization enhanced the efficiency of urban functions and represents a significant step in promoting long-term urban growth. Local cities in Unified Silla were strategically located at geopolitically important points, serving as hubs for transportation and administration. While the administrative seats of the Nine Provinces and Five Secondary Capitals (so-gyeong) generally adopted grid-based layouts, variations occurred depending on topographical conditions. In particular, Sabeolju, due to its geographical characteristics, likely functioned as an intermediate hub where goods from multiple provinces were collected, playing a key role in the logistical system of Unified Silla. These findings suggest that Sabeolju was not merely a local administrative center but also a significant political and economic hub supporting the centralized governance of Unified Silla.