Rise of Goryeo's Military Faction

Timeline

1. 1131–1134Northwestern frontier · Northwestern frontierJurchen pressure from the south strained Goryeo's northwestern defenses; border generals gained greater autonomy in military deployment and local control, and military officials' weight in court and public discourse increased accordingly.
2. 1135–1136Western Capital Pyongyang · Western CapitalDuring Myocheong's Rebellion, military officials of the Western Capital garrison clashed with central civil officials over power. After the rebellion was suppressed, border military officials were not thoroughly weakened but instead consolidated local military power through their role in restoring stability.
3. 1137–1140Kaesong · GoryeoOfficers of the Six Guards palace garrison in Kaesong and families of frontier generals accumulated economic strength through military merit and grants of landed estates, as the military group gradually emerged as an independent political force.