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Yuan–Goryeo Relations

Type Event Region Korea Time 1331–1340

In the 1330s, the Yuan dynasty and Goryeo maintained a tributary system, but political turmoil in the Yuan Empire strained ties;…

Timeline

  1. 1331–1334Dadu · ChinaGoryeo regularly sent envoys to Dadu to offer local products and offer congratulations at New Year. The Yuan sent envoys to investiture kings and supervise internal affairs; diplomatic traffic was frequent, with ceremonial standards following Yuan rules for vassal states.
  2. 1334–1336Gaeseong · Korean PeninsulaThe Yuan court repeatedly rebuked Goryeo over inadequate levies, succession changes, and border defense. Under pressure from Yuan envoys, King Chungseong's court adjusted personnel while secretly seeking relief from shipbuilding, postal relay, and military-agricultural colony burdens; Yuan–Goryeo disputes expanded from ritual issues to substantive conflicts of interest.
  3. 1336–1340Yalu River–Liaodong corridor · China–Korea borderAs Yuan rule weakened, Goryeo gained room to pay lip service to tributary obligations. The Liaodong corridor became a sensitive zone for intelligence, refugees, and troops, and Yuan–Goryeo relations began transitioning from stable tributary ties toward an independent orientation after Yuan's fall.

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