Overview
The Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) ruled the Korean Peninsula for 475 years. The English name "Korea" derives from "Goryeo." A total of 34 kings ruled during this period, with an average reign of about 14 years.
Goryeo unified the Later Three Kingdoms, invented the world"s first metal movable type, and created the Tripitaka Koreana and famous celadon pottery.
Complete List of Goryeo Kings
| No. | Name | Reign | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taejo (Wang Geon) | 918-943 | Founded Goryeo, unified Korea |
| 2 | Hyejong | 943-945 | - |
| 3 | Jeongjong | 945-949 | Suppressed Wang Gyu"s rebellion |
| 4 | Gwangjong | 949-975 | Civil service exam, freed slaves |
| 5 | Gyeongjong | 975-981 | Land distribution system |
| 6 | Seongjong | 981-997 | Confucian governance, Ganghwa diplomacy |
| 7 | Mokjong | 997-1009 | Assassinated |
| 8 | Hyeonjong | 1009-1031 | Defeated Khitan, Tripitaka |
| 9 | Deokjong | 1031-1034 | Started Cheolli Wall |
| 10 | Jeongjong | 1034-1046 | Completed Cheolli Wall |
| 11 | Munjong | 1046-1083 | Golden age of Goryeo |
| 12-17 | Sunjong~Injong | 1083-1146 | Various |
| 18 | Uijong | 1146-1170 | Military coup (1170) |
| 19-22 | Myeongjong~Gangjong | 1170-1213 | Military rule period |
| 23 | Gojong | 1213-1259 | Mongol resistance, Tripitaka Koreana |
| 24 | Wonjong | 1259-1274 | Surrender to Mongols |
| 25-30 | Chungnyeol~Chungjong | 1274-1351 | Yuan interference period |
| 31 | Gongmin | 1351-1374 | Anti-Yuan reforms |
| 32-33 | U, Chang | 1374-1389 | Political turmoil |
| 34 | Gongyang | 1389-1392 | Last king, deposed by Yi Seong-gye |
Major Cultural Achievements
- Tripitaka Koreana - 80,000 woodblocks, UNESCO World Heritage
- Goryeo Celadon - Famous jade-green pottery
- Metal Movable Type - World"s first (1234)
- Jikji - Oldest surviving metal type printed book (1377)
Key Historical Periods
Foundation Era (918-981)
Wang Geon unified the peninsula and established governmental systems.
Golden Age (981-1146)
Cultural and political flourishing under Confucian governance.
Military Rule (1170-1270)
Military officers seized power, kings became figureheads.
Mongol Interference (1270-1351)
Kings married Mongol princesses and used "Chung" (Loyal) in their names.
Decline and Fall (1351-1392)
Despite Gongmin"s reforms, Goryeo fell to Yi Seong-gye who founded Joseon.
Sources
Wikipedia, Encyclopedia of Korean Culture, National Institute of Korean History