The Goryeo-Khitan Wars Conflicts Shaping East Asian History

The Goryeo - Khitan Wars were significant events in the history of Korea and China, encompassing a series of conflicts between Goryeo and the Khitan (Liao Dynasty) that occurred in 993, 1010, and 1018. These wars reflect the tense relationships and complex political situations of the time, marking a pivotal moment in East Asian history.

introduction

The relationship between Goryeo and the Khitan people traces back to the Goguryeo era, but it became particularly close during the Goryeo period. At this time, the Khitan had transitioned from a state of tribal division to a unified nation.

Goryeo's Founding Era and the Khitan People

During the founding of Goryeo, the Khitan and Jurchen tribes were leading a nomadic life in what is now Mongolia and the Manchurian region. Among them, the Khitan, under the leadership of Yelü Abaoji, unified various tribes and established the Liao Dynasty in 916. In 922 (the 5th year of Taejo of Goryeo), Yelü Abaoji sent camels and horses to Goryeo as a gesture of diplomacy. However, Goryeo's stance towards the Khitan became hostile, especially after the Khitan conquered Balhae in 926. Goryeo's founder, King Taejo, welcomed Balhae refugees and referred to the Khitan as a 'beastly nation,' implementing a policy of northern expansion.

In 942, when the Khitan Emperor Taizong sent 50 camels to Goryeo, King Taejo responded by exiling the 30 envoys to an island and starving the camels to death at the Manbu Bridge. This was part of Goryeo's northern policy, which continued thereafter. During King Jeongjong's reign, Goryeo trained a 300,000-strong army called 'Gwanggun.' Under King Gwangjong, fortresses and military installations were built along the Chongchon River basin to the northwest and in regions like Yeongheung and Gowan to the northeast, preparing for potential invasions from the Khitan.

Diplomatic Relations with Song China

After the establishment of the Song Dynasty, Goryeo adopted a policy of peaceful relations with Song. In 975, a unified Song Dynasty approached Goryeo in 985 (the 4th year of Seongjong of Goryeo) with the proposal of a joint attack against the Khitan. The Song Dynasty also engaged in exchanges with Jeonganguk, an independent state of Balhae refugees, through maritime routes, showing intentions to jointly attack the Khitan. As a result, the Khitan were internationally isolated and hence paid great attention to Goryeo's movements.

Khitan Internal Affairs and Goryeo Relations

After the death of Emperor Taizong of Liao, who had gained territory in the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun during the wars between the Later Liang and Later Tang dynasties but ultimately failed in his southern expeditions into China, the Khitan were embroiled in internal strife between conservative and progressive factions. This left them with little capacity to engage with Goryeo. However, by 982, the domestic situation in Liao had stabilized. Emperor Shengzong of Liao, after annihilating Jeonganguk in 986, began preparing for an invasion of Goryeo by building fortresses in the Yalu River basin at Wiku, Jinhwa, and Naewon in 991.

This period marked a crucial phase in the Goryeo-Khitan relationship, with significant diplomatic and military developments shaping the historical context of Northeast Asia.

A drama that will become a hot topic, "Goryeo Kitan War"

This Korean historical drama series begins airing on KBS from November 11, 2023. It is set against the backdrop of the Yeoyeo War, a conflict between Goryeo and the Khitan people of the Liao Dynasty.

https://youtu.be/Rm9GwjZPOmA

Stories of countless heroes, including Emperor Xuanzong of Goryeo and Kang Gam-chan, who led the 26-year-old war against the powerful Khitan of the time to victory and achieved the prosperity of Goryeo and the era of peace in East Asia

conclusion

The war of 1019 ended, and subsequently, diplomatic relations between Goryeo and the Liao Dynasty were restored through the exchange of envoys. Goryeo accepted the Liao Dynasty's proposal to discontinue the use of Song Dynasty's era name and adopt that of Liao instead. In return, Goryeo did not comply with Liao's demands for a royal visit and the return of the six eastern provinces of Gangdong.

The Liao Dynasty's failure to conquer Goryeo led to a weakening of its control in the Liaodong region and rendered it unable to attack the Song Dynasty as long as Goryeo remained a significant power. This situation resulted in a balanced power dynamic among the three nations of Goryeo, Song, and Liao. However, Goryeo also suffered substantial damage in its northwestern regions, making the continuation of its northern expansion policy challenging. Additionally, to defend against the Liao Dynasty and the Jurchen tribes, Goryeo built the Cheolli Jangseong, a thousandri (an ancient unit of distance) long wall, stretching from the mouth of the Yalu River in the north of Heunghwajin to Dollyeongpo on the East Sea coast, and also constructed fortifications around its capital, Gaegyeong.

Meanwhile, in the civilian sector, trade missions and clandestine trade flourished between Goryeo and Liao until the latter's collapse in 1125. Cultural exchanges were also prominent; the Tripitaka Koreana from the Khitan influenced the publication of Uicheon's "Continued Tripitaka," and Wonhyo's "Exposition on the Awakening of Faith" was introduced and widely disseminated in the Khitan territory.