Battle of Kuju facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Kwiju
Part of Third Goryeo-Khitan War
Battle of Kwiju
Date 10 March 1019 Location Kuju (present-day Kusong), North Pyongan Result Goryeo victory
Belligerents
Liao dynasty	Goryeo
Commanders and leaders
Xiao Paiya	Kang Kam-ch'an Kang Min-ch'ŏm Kim Chong-hyŏn
Strength
100,000	208,300
Casualties and losses
90,000+	Few thousand

The Battle of Kwiju, also known as the Battle of Kuju, was a very important fight in the Third Goryeo-Khitan War. It happened in the year 1019. This battle was between the Khitan-led Liao dynasty from China and the Goryeo dynasty from Korea.

The Invasion Begins

The Liao dynasty troops crossed the Amnok River and entered Goryeo. They wanted to attack the Goryeo kingdom. The Goryeo general, Kang Kam-ch'an, was ready for them.

Kang Kam-ch'an's Clever Plan

General Kang Kam-ch'an used a smart trick. He had his soldiers build a dam across a stream. When the Liao troops were crossing, he ordered the dam to be opened. A sudden rush of water hit the Liao soldiers. This caused many of them to be hurt or killed.

Despite this setback, the Liao army kept marching. Their goal was to reach Gaegyeong, which was the capital city of Goryeo.

The Retreat and Final Battle

As the Liao army moved towards the capital, General Kang Kam-ch'an kept bothering them. His soldiers cut off the Liao army's supplies. They also attacked them in small groups, making the Liao soldiers tired.

Goryeo's Victory

The Liao troops became very exhausted. They decided to give up their attack and go back home. General Kang Kam-ch'an watched their movements closely. When the Liao army was near Gwiju, he launched a big attack. The Goryeo army won a complete victory. This battle ended the war.

After the Battle

After the Battle of Kwiju, both sides talked about peace. The Liao dynasty did not invade Korea again. Goryeo agreed to have friendly relations with the Liao. They also kept the new lands they had gained near the Yalu River. After this war, Korea had a long time of peace with its neighbors.

See also

• Goryeo-Khitan Wars
• First Goryeo-Khitan War
• Second Goryeo-Khitan War
• Third Goryeo-Khitan War
• Kang Kamch'an
• Siege of Kusong