Overview
Goguryeo (37 BC – 668 AD) was a powerful ancient Korean kingdom that dominated the northern Korean Peninsula and Manchuria for 705 years. It held the largest territory among the Three Kingdoms and was a military powerhouse that repelled massive invasions from China"s Sui and Tang dynasties.
Founding and Development
Foundation (37 BC)
Jumong (King Dongmyeong), who migrated south from Buyeo, founded Goguryeo in the Jolbon region. According to founding mythology, Jumong was born from an egg between Haemosu and Lady Yuhwa.
Territorial Expansion
King Taejo (53-146) subjugated Okjeo and Dongye, laying the foundation for expansion into Liaodong. King Gwanggaeto the Great (391-413) conquered Baekje, Silla, and Gaya, and expanded into Manchuria and Liaodong, creating the largest empire in Northeast Asia. His achievements are recorded on the Gwanggaeto Stele.
Golden Age
King Jangsu (413-491) moved the capital to Pyongyang (427) and pursued southern expansion, capturing Baekje"s Hanseong. During this period, Goguryeo possessed vast territories spanning Manchuria, northern Korea, and Liaodong.
Notable Kings
| King | Reign | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| King Dongmyeong (Jumong) | 37-19 BC | Founded Goguryeo |
| King Taejo | 53-146 | Subjugated Okjeo and Dongye |
| King Gwanggaeto | 391-413 | Greatest territorial expansion |
| King Jangsu | 413-491 | Moved capital to Pyongyang |
| King Yeongyang | 590-618 | Repelled Sui invasions |
| King Bojang | 642-668 | Last king of Goguryeo |
Major Wars
Wars with Sui Dynasty (598-614)
Repelled four invasions by Sui Emperors. The Battle of Salsu in 612 under General Eulji Mundeok annihilated 300,000 Sui troops, contributing to the Sui dynasty"s collapse.
Wars with Tang Dynasty (644-668)
The Battle of Ansi Fortress (645) repelled Tang Emperor Taizong"s invasion. However, internal strife after Yeon Gaesomun"s death led to Goguryeo"s fall in 668.
Culture and Legacy
Goguryeo left remarkable cultural heritage including tomb murals at Muyongchong and Gangseodaemyo, and the Gwanggaeto Stele. After its fall, refugees established Balhae (698), continuing Goguryeo"s traditions.