Hyeonjong of Goryeo

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Hyeonjong of Goryeo
Hangul 현종 Hanja 顯宗 Revised Romanization Hyeonjong McCune-Reischauer Hyǒnjong
Birth name
Hangul 왕순 Hanja 王詢 Revised Romanization Wang Sun McCune-Reischauer Wang Sun
Courtesy name
Hangul 안세 Hanja 安世 Revised Romanization Anse McCune-Reischauer Anse

Hyeonjong of Goryeo (992–1031, r. 1009–1031) was the 8th ruler of the medieval Korean Goryeo dynasty. He was a grandson of Emperor Taejo. He was appointed by the military leader Gang Jo, whom the previous king Mokjong had called upon to destroy a plot by Kim Chi-yang.

In 1010, Hyeonjong ordered the compilation of a dynastic history of Goryeo. Running to 36 volumes, it was destroyed a few decades later by Khitan invaders. The Khitan attacked again during an internal Goryeo power struggle. King Hyeonjong was forced to flee the capital temporarily, King Hyeonjong directed the court to move far south to the port city of Naju. But Goryeo repulsed the khitan attack. Finally, Khitan forces withdrew.

In 1019, when Goryeo continued to refuse to submit or return the northern territories, the Khitan attacked once more. Goryeo generals, including Gang Gam-chan, were able to inflict heavy losses on the Khitan army in the Battle of Kwiju. The Khitan withdrew without achieving their demands. The Khitan never again invaded Goryeo. Both the Liao Dynasty and Goryeo enjoyed a time of peace, and their cultures were at their height.

[edit] See also

• List of Korea-related topics
• History of Korea
• Rulers of Korea
• Second Goryeo-Khitan War
• Third Goryeo-Khitan War

Preceded by Mokjong

Rulers of Korea (Goryeo Dynasty) 1009–1031

Succeeded by Deokjong