He then established a global network which dominated not only
triangular trade among Korea, China, and Japan, but also the
trade between the South and North areas within China, as well
as merchants from Persia and Southeast Asia. From that on, he
made Korean Peninsula the economic center of Northeast Asia,
and he was the first person who controlled the maritime trade
in the East in history.
Also his maritime activities were not just trade, but also
they were comprised of various commercial activities concerned
with trade such as exporting Chinese ware produced by themselves
giving translation and guidance service for the trading activities
of envoys from the three nations, Korea, China, and Japan;
transporting travelers; building and repairing of ships; and
giving religious and cultural support. Through combining military,
manufacturing, and commerce, he presented a new model of trade
and business for various fields and made Korea the trading
hub of Northeast Asia. He was a person who personally proved
the old saying, “He who controls the sea, shall control
the world itself" to be true.
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Maritime Trade Emperor, Chang Po-go, during the 9th Century