Goryeo's Yang-gyu, who protected the country that was almost destroyed by the Khitan

Goryeo's Yang-gyu, who protected the country that was almost destroyed by the Khitan

the life of General Yang Gyu

The passage you provided recounts the exploits of Yang Gyu, a notable figure during the reign of King Mokjong and Hyeonjong in the Goryeo Dynasty of Korea. Here's a summarized and translated version in English

 

During King Mokjong's reign, Yang Gyu advanced through several promotions to become a senior official in the Ministry of Punishments. In 1010, during the Second Goryeo-Khitan War, he was stationed at Heunghwajin. Despite multiple surrender offers from the Khitan forces, Yang Gyu refused to yield. When the Khitan attacked Tongju and defeated the Goryeo forces under General Kang Jo, they sent a forged letter to Yang Gyu, urging him to surrender, but he declined, declaring his loyalty to the king's orders over those of General Kang.

 

Yang Gyu then led about 700 soldiers from Heunghwajin to Tongju, where he gathered an additional 1,000 troops. He launched a night raid in Gwakju, eliminating the remaining Khitan soldiers and rescued about 7,000 men and women trapped in the city.

 

In 1011, as the Khitan army began to withdraw, Yang Gyu ambushed the retreating forces, killing 2,000 Khitan soldiers and rescuing 2,000 captives. He continued his assaults, defeating 2,500 more Khitan troops at Seokryeong and freeing 1,000 prisoners. In several surprise attacks between Gogun and Sunwol, Yang Gyu's forces killed 6,500 enemy soldiers and rescued 30,000 captives, capturing immense spoils of war.

 

However, his military resources depleted, Yang Gyu, along with his subordinate Kim Sukheung, faced the main Khitan force led by Emperor Shengzong in a final stand, where they both fell in battle. For his valor and contributions, Yang Gyu was posthumously awarded the high rank of Minister of Works.

The invasion of the Khitan and the performance of Yang Gyu

Goryeo-Khitan War in 1010-1011, focusing on the actions of Yang Gyu and other Korean leaders. Here's an edited and translated summary in English

 

In November 1010, the Khitan Emperor Shengzong, also known as Yelü Longxu, launched a direct attack on Goryeo under the pretext of avenging the assassination of King Mokjong by Kang Jo. On November 10th, the Khitan army crossed the Yalu River and by the 16th, they had besieged Heunghwajin (in present-day North Pyongan Province). Yang Gyu, serving as the Northwestern Provincial Inspector, defended Heunghwajin with officials like Houbu Langzhong Zheng Cheng, Deputy Commander Lee Soo-hwa, and Judge Zhang Hao. Emperor Shengzong attempted to coax surrender by capturing civilians from Tongju and offering them in exchange, but the Goryeo commanders refused.

 

On December 6th, the Khitan captured Kwakju (now in North Pyongan Province), leaving 6,000 soldiers to guard it. Hearing this, Yang Gyu led 700 soldiers from Heunghwajin to Tongju on the 16th, gathering an additional 1,000 troops. On the 17th, they raided Kwakju at night, defeating the Khitan and rescuing 7,000 men and women.

 

On December 28th, King Hyeonjong, advised by Gang Gam-chan, fled southwards. On January 1, 1011, Emperor Shengzong entered Kaesong, burning temples, palaces, and homes, and began withdrawing on January 11th. Yang Gyu, seizing the opportunity, attacked the Khitan at Murodae on the 18th, killing 2,000 and rescuing 3,000 captives. The next day, he clashed with Khitan forces at Seokryeong, killing 2,500 and freeing 1,000 prisoners. On the 22nd, he fought at Yericham, killing 1,000 Khitan and rescuing 1,000 captives. Finally, at Aetian on the 28th, he ambushed the Khitan vanguard, killing another 1,000.

 

However, Yang Gyu and his subordinate Kim Sukheung, faced with dwindling resources, bravely fought against Emperor Shengzong's main force but ultimately perished in battle. Their valorous defense influenced the Goryeo troops at Heunghwajin, who attacked the retreating Khitan across the Yalu River on the 29th, achieving a significant victory and reclaiming lost territories.

 

During the Second Khitan Invasion of Goryeo in 1010, the Khitan forces used a relatively flat coastal route through Heunghwajin, Tongju, Kwakju, Anbukbu (modern Anju in South Pyongan Province), and Seogyeong (now Pyongyang) to reach the Goryeo capital, Kaesong. However, they failed to subdue Heunghwajin, Tongju, and Seogyeong. Although they initially captured Kwakju, it was swiftly reclaimed by Yang Gyu, resulting in the Khitan losing control over all locations along this coastal route. This inability to secure key locations influenced the Khitan's decision to hastily negotiate peace with Goryeo and withdraw.

 

The Khitan retreat followed a challenging inland route through Guju (modern Guseong in North Pyongan Province) and Murodae, a much more difficult terrain than the coastal path. During their withdrawal, they faced continuous attacks from Goryeo forces until they crossed the Yalu River. Yang Gyu, leading a beleaguered force, engaged the Khitan army seven times over approximately a month, inflicting heavy losses. He captured a significant number of camels, horses, and military equipment, and rescued about 30,000 Goryeo citizens who had been taken prisoner. Yang Gyu's persistent and effective resistance in the Khitan rear was a crucial factor in Goryeo's victory during the Second Khitan Invasion.