Third conflict in the Goryeo–Khitan War facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Third Goryeo–Khitan War
Part of Goryeo–Khitan Wars
Date 1018–1019 Location Northern Korean Peninsula Result Goryeo victory
Belligerents
Goryeo dynasty	Liao Dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Kang Kam-ch'an Kang Min-ch'ŏm	Xiao Paiya
Strength
208,000	100,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown	90,000+

The Third Goryeo–Khitan War (Chinese: 第三次高麗契丹戰爭; Hangul: 제3차 고려-거란 전쟁) was a big fight in the 11th century. It happened between the Goryeo dynasty from Korea and the Khitan-led Liao dynasty from China. This war took place near the border of what is now China and North Korea.

This was not the first time these groups fought. The Goryeo–Khitan Wars started in 993. The first big battle was the first campaign. Then came the second campaign.

After the second fight, neither side could win for a while. But in 1018, the Liao dynasty put together a huge army. This army was led by a general named Xiao Paiya.

The Invasion and Retreat

The Liao army crossed the Yalu River in late 1018. But the Goryeo army was ready for them. They set a trap and attacked the Liao soldiers. The Liao army lost many men.

Even with these losses, the Goryeo army had cut off their way back home. So, Xiao Paiya decided to march south. His goal was to capture Kaesong, the capital city of Goryeo.

But the Goryeo soldiers kept attacking them along the way. This made it very hard for the Liao army to move forward. They were forced to turn back and retreat.

The Battle of Gwiju

During their retreat, the Liao army reached a place called Gwiju. Here, the Goryeo army surrounded them. They attacked the Liao soldiers with great force.

The Goryeo army almost completely destroyed the Khitan army. Korean records say that only a few thousand Liao soldiers made it back to their own border. This was a huge victory for Goryeo.

What Happened Next

The next year, the Khitans tried to gather another large army. They wanted to march on Goryeo again. But by this time, both sides understood something important. They realized that neither army could truly defeat the other in battle.

So, in 1020, King Hyeonjong of Goryeo started sending gifts to the Liao dynasty again. This was a sign of peace. In 1022, the Khitans officially said that King Hyeonjong was the rightful ruler of Goryeo.

When King Hyeonjong died in 1031, the Liao court also recognized his successor. This was King Wang Heum. Goryeo continued to have a peaceful relationship with the Liao dynasty. This peace lasted until the Liao dynasty ended.

Some historians say that Goryeo also kept its friendly ties with the Song dynasty of China. King Hyeonjong also kept his own special title for his reign. In 1022, Goryeo and Liao made peace as equals.

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
• Battle of Gwiju