Yun Gwan

Timeline

1. 1060–1100Papyeong-hyeon · Papyeong-hyeonHe passed the civil service examination in literary arts under King Munjong and served in the Privy Council and as Pacification Commissioner of the Northwest. During King Sŏjong's reign he twice led campaigns against the Jurchens; after an initial defeat he strongly advocated military reform, laying the groundwork for the later creation of the Byeomuban.
2. 1104–1107Gaeseong · GaegyeongDeeply aware of Goryeo's weak cavalry, he obtained permission between the late reign of King Sŏjong and the early reign of King Yŏjong to establish the Byeomuban, a professional force centered on cavalry. Together with generals such as O Yeonch'ŏng he trained and reorganized the troops in preparation for the third campaign against the Jurchens.
3. 1107–1108northeastern Goryeo frontier · Northeastern CircuitIn 1107 he led roughly 170,000 troops of the Byeomuban and other armies north against the Jurchens; valiant generals such as Tok Chun-gyŏng and O Yeonch'ŏng distinguished themselves. After defeating the Jurchens he built the Nine Fortresses of the Northeast along the border to consolidate frontier defense, capturing over 300 prisoners and 96 horses.
4. 1108–1111Papyeong · Papyeong-hyeonIn 1108 King Yŏjong ordered a withdrawal, and the opposition faction in court pushed for returning the Nine Fortresses of the Northeast to the Jurchens. Yun Gwan was dismissed and imprisoned; after his release in 1110 he refused to take up any further military post. He died of illness in Papyeong in 1111, and was posthumously titled Munsuk.