The language of Jinhan is thought to be the predecessor of the language of Silla, which in turn was the supposed ancestor of the modern Korean language. However, due to multiple evidence stating that Silla, Baekje and Goguryeo spoke similar languages without a need of a translator, it can be deduced that the languages spoken in Jinhan bore close resemblance to languages spoken in countries such as Byeonhan and Mahan at the time. Statelets According to the San Guo Zhi, Jinhan consisted of 12 statelets of 600 to 5000 families each divided from 6 statelets: Saro (사로국, 斯盧國), most powerful state in Jinhan, it is also called Seorabeol. In 503, Saro state renamed itself "Silla". Gijeo (기저국, 己柢國), present-day Andong. Bulsa (불사국, 不斯國), present-day Changnyeong. Geun-gi (근기국, 勤耆國), present-day Pohang or Cheongdo. Nanmirimidong (난미리미동국, 難彌理彌凍國), present-day Miryang. It is also called "Mirimidong". Yeomhae (염해국, 冉奚國), present-day Ulsan. Gunmi (군미국, 軍彌國), present-day Sacheon. Yeodam (여담국, 如湛國), present-day Gunwi. Horo (호로국, 戶路國), present-day Sangju. Juseon (주선국, 州鮮國), present-day Gyeongsan. Mayeon (마연국, 馬延國), present-day Miryang. U-yu (우유국, 優由國), present-day Cheongdo or Yeongdeok. According to Samguk Sagi, the Silla Kingdom (around present-day Gyeongju), was founded by Bak Hyeokgeose in 57 BC, who united the six clans of Jinhan under his rule. The records are sparse and conflicting regarding the relationship of the names Jinhan, Saro, Seorabeol, and the later Silla kingdom. Location Most theories indicate that Jinhan was located in the area later occupied by the Silla kingdom: the Gyeongju Basin and adjacent Sea of Japan coast. It would have been neighbored by the Byeonhan confederacy on the southwest, and by the much larger Mahan confederacy on the west. On the north it would have been bounded by the Chinese commanderies and the small coastal state of Dongye. However, some scholars place Jinhan in the Han River valley, bounded by Mahan on the north and Byeonhan on the south. References Ancient peoples Early Korean history Former countries in Korean history Silla 1st-century BC establishments 4th-century disestablishments Former confederations