Balhae's Maritime Route

Did you know that Balhae, which once dominated the Manchurian plains, was actually a formidable 'maritime power' that navigated the rough East Sea? To trade with Japan, Balhae would set sail in the dead of winter, crossing the East Sea. It might seem like a reckless endeavor, but they scientifically leveraged the winter northwest monsoon, which allowed sailing ships to reach Japan the fastest and most accurately. Braving sub-zero temperatures and fierce waves, Balhae's envoys captivated the Japanese court by presenting top-quality sable furs and other treasures. Balhae, often known only as a continental power, was in fact a premier seafaring nation, perfectly understanding the winds and the sea of its time.