Koryo Resistance Against the Mongols (1240s)

Timeline

1. 1241–1246Ganghwa Island · Ganghwa IslandAfter Ögedei Khan's death, the Mongol Empire fell into a struggle over the khanate, with Töregene serving as regent until Güyük's accession in 1246. Koryo used this interval to strengthen Ganghwa Island's defenses, compile woodblocks of the Korean Tripitaka, and maintain a delaying diplomacy with the Mongols, refusing to move back to Kaesong or send hostages.
2. 1246–1248Hwanghae Province · Hwanghae ProvinceAfter Güyük's accession, he dispatched general Amukan with a fourth expeditionary force into Koryo's northern frontier, camping at places like Yeonju and sweeping up refugees in the valleys. Koryo troops and civilians held mountain fortresses, and the Mongols failed to take Ganghwa Island. In summer and autumn 1247, Amukan's forces moved south through Chungcheong Province raiding and plundering; Güyük's death in 1248 prompted the Mongol withdrawal, and the anti-Mongol situation remained unchanged.
3. 1248–1250Kaesong · KaesongAfter the Mongol withdrawal, Koryo continued its scorched-earth policy. Choe Hang died in 1249 and Choe Ui took over power. Northwestern people relocated to Kaesong and the western provinces, and the Jurchens also raided the northern frontier from late 1249 to 1250. Koryo maintained its independence through mountain fortresses, islands, and delaying diplomacy, setting the stage for the fifth and sixth invasions under Möngke Khan.