Goryeo

Lore & Background

Goryeo was established when general Wang Kŏn, having served under the erratic Taebong ruler Kung Ye, was chosen by fellow generals to replace him and restore stability. Wang Kŏn changed the kingdom's name back to Goryeo, adopted the era name 'Ch'ŏnsu' (天授, 'Heavenly Bestowal'), and moved the capital to his home of Kaesong. He graciously accepted the capitulation of Later Silla in 935 and, with the help of his former rival Kyŏn Hwŏn, conquered Later Baekje in 936, ending the Later Three Kingdoms period. Goryeo also incorporated much of the ruling class of Balhae, whose origins were in Goguryeo, and the Balhae crown prince was included in the Goryeo royal family.

Reader's Guide

Goryeo's significance lies in its role as a unifying force on the Korean Peninsula, merging the identities of the earlier Three Kingdoms into a single entity that became the foundation of modern Korean identity. It was a Golden Age of Buddhism in Korea, with Buddhism as the state religion and 70 temples in the capital alone in the 11th century. Commerce flourished, with merchants from as far as the Middle East, and the capital Kaesong was a center of trade and industry. Goryeo constantly wrestled with northern empires such as the Liao and Jin, was invaded by the Mongol Empire and became a vassal of the Yuan dynasty, but later attacked the Yuan and reclaimed territories. It fended off Red Turban Rebels and Japanese pirates in the 14th century. A proposed attack against the Ming dynasty led to a coup by General Yi Sŏnggye, ending the dynasty. The name 'Goryeo' itself, originally used by Goguryeo, is the source of the modern name 'Korea'.

Did You Know?

• The name 'Korea' is derived from 'Goryeo', which was first used by Goguryeo in the early 5th century.
• Goryeo achieved a 'true national unification' by incorporating the ruling class of Balhae, who had origins in Goguryeo.