Battle of Cheoin

The Battle of Cheoin was a battle between Goryeo and Mongol Empire forces in the Korean peninsula. On December 16, 1232, a confrontation occurred. Although people in Cheoin had been segregated, they fought desperately and finally beat Mongol.^[1]

Background

In August 1232, Mongol Empire started to invade Goryeo for the second time. Mongol defeated Gaegyeong, Hanyang, etc. Then, Mongol advanced onto Gwangju in November. However, Mongol was beaten and Sartai who was the commander of Mongol decided to make a detour. He ordered the most of the army to advance to Ganghwado and he continued moving south with the rest of his army. Then, Sartai arrived at the Cheoin, one of the Bugok where the people who were segregated were living together and the earthen fortification with about 425m circumference. Cheoin had a storage of provisions. Sartai got ready to besiege by occupying around Cheoin.^[2]

Development

There were about 1,000 refugees and 100 monk soldiers including Kim Yun-hu. On December 16, 1232, Sartai split and allocated the forces surrounding Cheoin. People in Cheoin decided to fight against the Mongols and nominated Kim Yun-hu as a commander. Mongol Empire force attacked under the command of Sartai. However, Goryeo force that had been waiting in ambush on a hill outside of the East gate blindsided the Mongol force. Sartai was killed by a missed arrow shot by Kim Yun-hu. As the commander died, the Mongol force collapsed and the Goryeo force defeated the Mongol force completely.^[3]

Aftermath

Mongol was shocked by Sartai's death. So, although the war had been favorable for Mongol, the war situation turned in Goryeo's favor. Mongol Empire urgently concluded a peace treaty with Goryeo and withdrew troops. Goryeo government found it in their heart to promote Kim Yun-hu's position in admiration of his achievement but Kim rejected. Cheoin bugok was promoted to Hyeon.

References