Gojong of Goryeo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gojong of Goryeo고려 고종 高麗 高宗 |
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| King of Goryeo | |||||||||
| Reign | 1213–1259 | ||||||||
| Coronation | 1213 Gang'an Hall, Gaegyeong |
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| Predecessor | Gangjong of Goryeo | ||||||||
| Successor | Wonjong of Goryeo | ||||||||
| Born | Wang Jil 1192 Gaegyeong, Goryeo |
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| Died | 1259 (aged 67) Yugyeong's house, Ganghwa-gun, Goryeo |
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| Burial | Hongneung (홍릉, 洪陵) San–180, Gukhwa-ri, Ganghwa-eup, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon |
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| Spouse |
Queen Anhye
(m. 1211; died 1232) |
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| Issue | Wonjong of Goryeo Yeongjong of Goryeo Princess Suheung A daughter |
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| House | Wang | ||||||||
| Father | Gangjong of Goryeo | ||||||||
| Mother | Queen Wondeok | ||||||||
| Religion | Buddhism | ||||||||
| Korean name | |
| Hangul |
고종
|
|---|---|
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Gojong |
| McCune–Reischauer | Kojong |
| Birth name | |
| Hangul |
왕질, later 왕철
|
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Wang Jil, later Wang Cheol |
| McCune–Reischauer | Wang Chil, later Wang Ch'ŏl |
| Courtesy name | |
| Hangul |
대명 or 천우
|
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Daemyeong or Cheonu |
| McCune–Reischauer | Taemyŏng or Ch'ŏnu |
| Posthumous name | |
| Hangul |
안효대왕
|
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Anhyo Daewang |
| McCune–Reischauer | Anhyo Taewang |
Gojong of Goryeo (1192–1259), whose personal name was Wang Cheol, was the 23rd king of the Korean Goryeo dynasty. He ruled from 1213 to 1259. Gojong's time as king was mainly focused on a long struggle against the powerful Mongol Empire. The Mongols wanted to take over Goryeo, and this conflict finally ended with a peace agreement in 1259. During most of Gojong's reign, the real power was held by the Choe family, who were military leaders.
Contents
Life as King
Early Reign and Military Rule
Even though Gojong became king in 1213, he didn't have much actual power. For many years before he took the throne, Goryeo had been ruled by military leaders. This meant that the military, not the king, made most of the important decisions.
In 1216, a group called the Khitan invaded Goryeo. However, the Goryeo forces were able to defeat them.
Moving the Capital to Ganghwa Island
In August 1232, King Gojong made a very important decision. He moved the capital city of Goryeo from Songdo to Ganghwa. This island was a much safer place because it was harder for invaders to reach.
Once on Ganghwa Island, Gojong started building strong defenses. This was done to protect the kingdom better from the growing threat of the Mongol Empire.
Fighting the Mongols and Making Peace
Gojong and his people bravely resisted the Mongol invasions for almost 30 years. It was a very difficult time for Goryeo. Finally, in 1259, the kingdom was forced to make peace with the Mongols. King Gojong passed away soon after this peace agreement was made.
The Tripitaka Koreana
In 1251, a huge project was finished: the carving of the Tripitaka Koreana. This was a massive collection of Buddhist holy writings. These writings were carved onto about 81,000 wooden blocks.
King Gojong might have hoped that this religious act would help change Goryeo's luck against the Mongols. Sadly, the original wooden blocks were later destroyed by the Mongols. The Tripitaka Koreana that exists today is a copy. It was made about 100 years after the original was lost.
Family Life and Burial
Gojong was married to Queen Anhye. She was the daughter of Huijong of Goryeo, who was the 21st king of Goryeo. Gojong's tomb, where he was buried, is located near the city of Incheon.
Family
- Father: Gangjong of Goryeo (born 1152 – died 1213)
- Mother: Queen Wondeok of the Gaeseong Wang clan (died 1239)
- Wife and Children:
- Queen Anhye of the Yu clan (died 1233)
- Wonjong of Goryeo (born 1219 – died 1274), his first son
- Yeongjong of Goryeo (born August 1223), his second son
- Princess Suheung, his first daughter
- Queen Anhye of the Yu clan (died 1233)
See also
- History of Korea
- Rulers of Korea
- Mongol invasions of Korea
