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Gang Gam-chan

Type Figure Region Asia Time 948–1031 Also known as Eumcheon

Gang Gam-chan (948–1031) was a leading minister and military commander of early Goryeo;…

Timeline

  1. 948–983Geumju · GeumjuBorn a descendant of the wall meritorious subject Gang Gong-jin of Samhan, he studied Confucianism, military strategy, and martial arts in youth; after his father's death in 964 he traveled widely, passed the civil exam as top graduate in 983, and served in posts including Vice Minister of Rites and Hanlin Scholar.
  2. 1010–1011Gaegyeong · GaegyeongParticipated in defenses during the second Khitan invasion of 1010, held key posts during the 1011 peace negotiations, and proposed building a ring wall to strengthen the defense of Gaegyeong, accumulating military-political experience for later resistance.
  3. 1018–1019Gju · GjuAppointed commander-in-chief in 1018, he led 200,000 troops with Gang Min-chan and others against the Khitans, defeating the Liao army through tactics such as breaching dams to release water and ambushing in valleys, and won a decisive victory in the 1019 battle at Gju, forcing the Khitans to negotiate peace and withdraw.
  4. 1019–1031Gaegyeong · GaegyeongAfter the war he was enfeoffed as Baron of Tianshui County, promoted successively to Menhasijung and Marquis of Tianshui Commandery; served as Menhasijung in 1030, died in 1031, King Dejong suspended court for three days, and he was given the posthumous name Inheon and honored in the shrine of King Hyunjong.

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