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Conflict1104

Creation of the Byeolmuban

Outmatched by Jurchen cavalry, Goryeo formed the Byeolmuban, a special army of cavalry, infantry and warrior monks, on Yun Gwan’s advice.

In the early 12th century the Jurchens, united under the Wanyan clan, pushed down to Jeongju, and Goryeo lost two battles in 1104. Yun Gwan reported that "the enemy rode horses while we fought on foot" and proposed a special force.

The Byeolmuban comprised the Singigun cavalry, the Sinbogun infantry and the Hangmagun of monks. Anyone with a horse — from officials without posts to clerks, merchants and slaves — joined the cavalry, and the rest the infantry.

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States and rulers at the time
Goryeo — Sukjong

People

  • Yun Gwan1111

    creator · General who created the Byeolmuban army and built the Nine Forts after defeating the Jurchens

  • King Sukjong1054 – 1105

    monarch · Fifteenth king of Goryeo, who minted coins such as Haedong tongbo and created the Byeolmuban army

Before and after

Earlier
1100 Rock-carved Standing Buddha at Icheon-dong, Andong
Later
1107 Yun Gwan’s Jurchen Campaign and the Nine Forts

Themes that include this event

  • Military Systems Through the AgesAD 685 – 1907

    From the Nine Oath Banners to the Two Armies and Six Guards, the Five Commands and garrison system, the Five Army Camps and the Board of Marshals — armies rebuilt at every crisis