This paper is an exploration and examination of the early history of Koguryo and its development. In the early history of the Koguryo dynasty, the conflicts of interest and subsequent tensions with the late Han-China commanderies and other opposing po...
This paper is an exploration and examination of the early history of Koguryo and its development. In the early history of the Koguryo dynasty, the conflicts of interest and subsequent tensions with the late Han-China commanderies and other opposing political forces around, and the gradual subjugation of all of Okjeo, were all critical factors in shaping Koguryo’s international relations. In this sense, understanding of Koguryo’s international relations and transitions in its diplomatic policy can provide valuable insights about the establishment and development of Koguryo as a nation. In turn, the development within Koguryo and its consequential changes influenced the formation of its international relations. Ultimately, by understanding Koguryo’s international politics and relations, this paper aims to give a diplomatic and political identity to the Koguryo dynasty whose international relations in the past has been primarily understood and studied in relation to its contemporary counterpart dynasties of China. In other words, the study of Koguryo’s autonomous diplomacy and active engagement with other political factions or powerhouses is the key-point of this paper.The international relations of Koguryo in its early history can largely be divided into three parts. Firstly, by conquering numerous tribes and subjugating Okjeo, Koguryo consolidates his power. Secondly, Koguryo becomes engaged in long and numerous campaigns against the Hyeondo and Liaodong commanderies. Also the tension grows between them as Koguryo’s effort for the territorial expansion over Liaodong becomes visibly stronger. Lastly as the struggle for the Koguryo’s territorial domination grows, the mood becomes intensified between the Moyong force and Koguryo, and also between Koguryo and Baekje.In the history of Koguryo, international relations, in particular, that of Koguryo-Sino, occupy a very important position. Put simply, the process of the establishment of Koguryo was the process of overcoming the Hyeondo commandery. In fact, historically the Koguryo dynasty was foremost mentioned in relation to the Hyeondo commandery. When the first Hyeondo commandery was established, Koguryo was about the size of one single commandery. At that time, the Hyeondo commandery was located in the East Okjeo area, presumably stretching from Hamhung to Tonggu marking some important trading positionsIn 75 B.C., Koguryo attacks the Hyeondo commandery. Subsequently the Hyeondo commandery re-locates itself in the Sojaha area. Through this process, Koguryo consolidates the power, and lays the foundation for the establishment of a nation. In turn, Jumong’s political migration from Buyeo speeds up the process of the Koguryo-nation founding. The consolidation of the near-by political factions or forces becomes much faster and stable after his migration or exile.Jumong, after the founding of Koguryo, conquers North Okjeo, and during the reign of Daemusin and Taejo, the expansion into and toward the East Okjeo area becomes much more accelerated; the story of Prince Hodong and the fall of the NangNang commandery describe this very process of Koguryo’s military and territorial expansion. In turn, due to the internal power struggle within the Jamjilack tribe, the diplomatic state between the Nangnang Commandery and Koguryo becomes outwardly hostile. On the other hand, Buyeo aggressively and coercively try to browbeat Koguryo into submission. Daemusin, likewise, aggressively confronts Buyeo’s attitude, and successfully subjugates Buyeo. Taejo roughly completes the subjugation of all the Okjeo area by conquering East Okjeo and consolidating all the near-by political powers.Moreover, Koguryo’s successful military campaigns driving the Hyeondo force away, enables Koguryo to expand the territory into the Liaodong peninsula as well. The Liaodong commandery and Koguryo come under a direct military contact with each other. Here, Koguryo’s diplomacy is noteworthy. Koguryo’s repetitive exercise of submission to and secession from the Hyeondo commandery is a tactical choice. During the reign of Yuri, Koguryo attacks Koguryo-Hyun Castle, and during the reign of Taejo, Koguryo drives the 2ed Hyeondo commandery away. In this process, the 2ed Hyeondo commandery becomes a Liaodong commandery protectorate, and the governor of the Liaodong commandery attacks Koguryo. In the process, Koguryo faces two enemies at the same time, the Liaodong commandery and the weakling but still intact Hyeondo commandery. However, during the reign of Taejo, Koguryo pushes back the Hyeondo commandery to the Musun area, and Koguryo is able to expand into the Sojaha area.In the late 2ed century BC, the fall of the later Han Dynasty in China brings new dimensions and conflicts into Koguryo-Sino relations. Koguryo’s international politics and relations become more reflective of this new phenomenon as well. Gongsun family or Gongsun force, based on Liaodong, proclaims its autonomy and eventual independence from the central government of China, the Cao Wei Dynasty and constantly try to intervene in the power struggle within Koguryo surrounding the crown succession. Thus, the Gongsun family and Koguryo comes under the heavily hostile confrontation. In turn, Koguryo in order to contain the Gongsun Family, opens up an diplomatic relation with both Cao-Wei, and Sun-Wu. This type of international relations, in a way, becomes so-called “a model pattern” for Koguryo. The Cao-Wei Dynasty eventually conquers the Gongsun family, and Koguryo also participates in this campaign as well. However, Koguryo also spies on the newly emerging Moyong family. At the same time, the Cao-Wei Dynasty establishes the DaeBang commandery in order to maintain the power once the Nangnang commandery practiced. Due to this, the Koguryo-Cao-Wei relation becomes intensified, and the war breaks out between them. To take an initiative, Koguryo first attacks Xian ping in order to cut the supply line of the Cao-Wei force, and also to secure the military passage toward the West Sea. In turn, the Cao-Wei dynasty sends Gwan Gu-geom to secure the back of the Cao-Wei dynasty and to punish Koguryo for disrupting its Sino-centric world order. The result was the defeat of Koguryo. Dongcheon goes to take refugee in Okjeo. The governor of the Hyeondo commandery, in pursuit, follows Dongcheon to southern border. The Cao-Wei dynasty falls in the hands of Sima family, and China is unified by the Cao-Wei and West Jin dynasty.The subsequent fall of the West Jin leads to the loss of border control for China. In Liaoxi, Xianbei ethnic Moyong family consolidates its power, and becomes a major regional force. The competition over the domination of Buyeo starts between them. When repelled by the Koguryo force, the remaining Cao-Wei force defects to Moyong family. Koguryo becomes resentful of the Moyong family’s embrace of those defectors. In the mist of volatile international relations the Moyong Huang attacks Koguryo. Koguryo re-locates the capital to Pyong-yang donghwang Castle.In 4th century BC, Koguryo faces a direct military contact with Bakjae due to Koguryo’s territorial expansion into the Nangnang and Daebang commanderies. The Baekje-Koguryo relation becomes tense when Baekje tries to annex part of the Daebang area. Meanwhile Gogukcheon is killed in battle and due to this, Koguryo’s international relations policy goes into drastic changes. Koguryo persistently attacks Baekje, and during the reign of Gwanggaeto the Great captures the Baekje capital. Baekje King, Asin surrenders, and this enable Koguryo to focus on the Northern border of Koguryo. Advancing into the Hu-Yeon territory, Koguryo conquers the whole Liaodong area.The history of Koguryo dynasty starts from the territorial and military struggle with the Hyeondo commandery. The subjugation and conquest of the Nangnang and Daebang commanderies saw the territorial expansion of Koguryo, and the eventual conquest of Liaodong enables Koguryo to deal with, and confront the Southern and Northern Dynasties of China on equal terms.