Daegaya was a major chiefdom of the Gaya confederacy during the Korean Three Kingdoms period. Daegaya was located in present-day Goryeong County, in North Gyeongsang Province of South Korea. (It should not be confused with Goryeong Gaya, which was located in present-day Jinju.)
According to "Geographies" in Samguk Sagi, Daegaya existed for about 520 years from the first king, Ijinashi (이진아시왕), to the last, King Doseolji (도설지왕). Daegaya had sixteen kings from King Ininashi to King Doseolji but only four of those are known; 1st King Ijinashi, 9th King Anoi, 16th King Doseolji and King Haji with uncertain generation.
Daegaya played a major role in the Gaya confederacy in 5th century, because of their advanced steel-making craft. Incidental historical records and archeological findings indicate a highly stratified aristocratic society at this time.
King Haji (하지, 荷知) of Daegaya sent an embassy to Namje (南齊, the Southern Qi Dynasty) in 479. According to Chinese records, he received a rank of the third order (one rank below Baekje and Silla). King Haji also allied with Baekje and Silla to attack Goguryeo in 481. Daegaya developed very quickly in the 5th century but their progress was blocked by Baekje and Silla. Daegaya allied with Baekje and joined with Baekje forces in attacking Silla at the battle of Gwan Mountain Fortress in 554. However, both Baekje and Gaya suffered heavy losses, and Daegaya earned the enmity of Silla. This confrontation policy alienated the other states, and Daegaya lost its leadership of Gaya to Ara Gaya.
Daegaya fell to the Silla army under general Lee Sabu in 562.
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