Second conflict in the Goryeo–Khitan War facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Second Goryeo–Khitan War
Part of Goryeo-Khitan Wars
Date 1010-1011 Location Northern Korean Peninsula Result Liao withdrawal Liao dynasty sacked the Goryeo capital Kaesong but the king had already escaped to Naju After Liao's withdrawal, Goryeo promised a tributary relationship with the Khitan but did not follow through leading to renewed conflict
Belligerents
Goryeo	Liao dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Kang Cho† Yang Kyu† Kim Suk-hŭng† Tae To-su (POW) Ha Kong-jin	Emperor Shengzong Xiao Baiya
Strength
	400,000
Casualties and losses
Severe, main force annihilated	15,000<

The Second Goryeo-Khitan War was a big fight that happened a long time ago, in the 11th century. It was between the Goryeo kingdom (which is now Korea) and the Liao dynasty (led by the Khitan people) from China. This war took place near where China and North Korea are today.

This was the second of three major wars between Goryeo and the Khitan. The first war happened in 993, this second one in 1010, and the third one in 1018.

Why Did the War Start?

When King Seongjong of Goryeo passed away in 997, the Liao dynasty recognized his successor, Wang Song, as the new king. Wang Song became known as King Mokjong.

In 1009, something big happened. A powerful general named Kang Cho led a rebellion. King Mokjong was overthrown and killed during this event. The Liao dynasty used this as an excuse to attack Goryeo the very next year.

The Invasion and Battles

The Liao army, which was very large, invaded Goryeo in 1010.

• At first, Goryeo won a battle against them.
• However, the Liao army won the next fight.
• General Kang Cho was captured by the Liao forces and then killed.

After this, the Liao army took control of several areas near the border in the north.

The Fall of Kaesong

The Goryeo king offered to give up and make peace. But the governor of Kaesong, which was the capital city of Goryeo, decided to fight back. He even killed the people sent by the Liao to talk about peace.

The Liao army then fought a big battle at Kaesong and took over the city. They attacked and destroyed the city, including its palaces, government buildings, and important records. Luckily, the Goryeo king had already escaped to a city called Naju in the south.

Goryeo Fights Back

Even though their capital was destroyed, the Goryeo king and his armies did not give up. They gathered their forces again in the south.

The Liao army started to leave Goryeo. But as they left, the areas they had taken over rose up against them. It was winter, and the Liao forces got stuck in the mountains. They had to leave behind most of their armor and weapons to retreat back north, across the Yalu River.

Aftermath and New Conflicts

After the Liao army left, Goryeo promised to become a "tributary" state to the Liao dynasty. This meant they would send gifts and show respect to the Liao emperor. The Goryeo king asked for peace.

However, the Liao emperor had two big demands:

• He wanted the Goryeo king to come and visit him in person.
• He also wanted Goryeo to give up some important border areas.

The Goryeo court refused these demands. This led to about ten years of bad feelings and fighting between the two nations. Both sides built up their defenses along the border, getting ready for more war. The Liao dynasty attacked Goryeo again in 1015, 1016, and 1017, but these attacks did not lead to a clear winner.

See also

• Goryeo–Khitan War
  • First conflict in the Goryeo–Khitan War
  • Second conflict in the Goryeo–Khitan War
  • Third conflict in the Goryeo–Khitan War