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Goryeo Cavalry System

Type Object Region Korean Peninsula Time 918–1270

The Goryeo dynasty's military cavalry system centered on mounted archery, heavy cavalry, and frontier horse administration, blending peninsula agrari…

Timeline

  1. 918–1050Gaeseong · GoryeoAfter its founding, Goryeo inherited Silla and Balhae military traditions, establishing units such as the six-ministry army; cavalry handled mobile strikes and border patrols, with horse administration and pasture management integrated into the state military system.
  2. 1050–1135Northwestern frontier (the Hamhung-Jeongju line) · GoryeoDuring the Liao's height, Goryeo's northwestern frontier repeatedly faced cavalry pressure; the kingdom fortified castles, garrisoned cavalry, and fought several border conflicts with Liao, testing mounted archery tactics and heavy armor in combat.
  3. 1135–1218Frontier from the Yalu River to Hamju · GoryeoAfter Liao's fall, Jin controlled Liaodong; in the 1130s Goryeo maintained diplomatic maneuvering with Jin and strengthened northwestern cavalry patrols, combining cavalry with infantry and castle defenses against highly mobile Jurchen cavalry assaults.

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