Final answer:
The relationship between Paekche and Kaya was complex, involving military alliances and cultural exchanges. Both civilizations benefitted economically and culturally from trade and diplomacy, and they supported each other against other regional powers like Koguryŏ. Kaya also functioned as a logistical hub for marine travel within the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
Paekche and Kaya Relationship
The relationship between Paekche and Kaya during the Three Kingdoms period in Korea was multifaceted, encompassing both military alliances and cultural exchanges. Paekche, after being pressured by Koguryŏ's military expansion, sought alliances and developed in the Mahan area. As Koguryŏ's aggression stimulated the formation of stronger states, Paekche built a large walled city and appears in written records asking for aid in war times. Notably, in 372, King Kunch'ogo of Paekche made contact with the Jin state and in 396 King Asin sent his son to Wa for assistance.
Culturally, Paekche engaged in active diplomacy with mainland dynasties, sending missions usually led by royalty or descendants of mainlanders. These missions carried gifts and trade goods and, in turn, sought military and cultural assistance. The exchanges were mutually beneficial, providing wealth and prestige, with Paekche often sending local products, musicians, iron armors, and ceremonial weapons as part of the trade. The Seven-Branched Sword sent to a Wa king in 369 is a notable artifact from this interchange.
Kaya, being strategically located, served as a stopover for ships traveling between Kyushu and Paekche, facilitating rest, resupply, and trade. The Kaya states, sometimes conflated with the Pyonhan area, were important players in regional politics and trade, and although not counted among the Korean Three Kingdoms, they sent missions to Southern Qi in 479, which underscores their diplomatic activity.
The complex interplay between these states demonstrates a pattern of shifting alliances based on military threats and opportunities for cultural and economic exchange, reflecting a 'mutual interaction model.' As a whole, Paekche, Kaya, and other regional states navigated a web of alliances to secure their interests against more formidable contenders like Koguryŏ and Silla.