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Goryeo's Submission to the Mongols

Type Event Region Asia Time 1219

In 1219, under Mongol military pressure, Goryeo was forced to submit and pay tribute, becoming a Mongol vassal state and losing diplomatic autonomy.

Timeline

  1. 1219Kaesong · North Hwanghae ProvinceAfter setbacks in border fighting in 1218, King Gojong of Goryeo resolved to yield. The court sent envoys to the Mongol camp to sue for peace, expressing willingness to pay tribute and submit, assist in pursuing Khitan remnants in the realm, and provide grain and military supplies in exchange for a Mongol withdrawal.
  2. 1219Goryeo's northwestern frontier · Korean PeninsulaThe Mongols accepted Goryeo's submission, demanding regular tribute, hostage princes at court, and reserving the right to levy troops and cross the sea at will. After completing the pursuit mission, the Mongol army withdrew north; Goryeo nominally kept its independent state title but was in fact absorbed into the Mongol vassal system.
  3. 1219Korean Peninsula · Korean PeninsulaAfter submission, Goryeo had to meet Mongol demands for supplies and manpower against Khitan remnants and later western campaigns, and was barred from dealing with Mongol enemies. Measures such as moving the capital to Ganghwa Island against Mongol invasion ran parallel to submission and tribute, forming a long-term pattern of 'outward submission, inward self-preservation.'

Sources