The Battle of Cheoin was a battle between Goryeo militants and forces of the Mongol Empire in Cheoin-bugok, Suju, Yanggwang-do(modern day Yongin, Gyeonggi) on December 16, 1232. Despite being outnumbered, civilian forces of the fortress managed to miraculously hold off the Mongol advance. Following the death of the Mongolian general Saritai, the invading force withdrew, effectively ending the second Mongol invasion of Korea.^[2]

Background

In August 1232, the Mongol Empire began its second invasion of Korea. After conquering Gaegyeong and Hanyang, Mongol forces advanced onto Gwangju in November but failed to take over its fortress. Saritai, who was the supreme commander of the invading Mongol forces, decided to make a detour and ordered the most of his army to advance to Ganghwado, where the Korean military government was relocated. Saritai continued his advance south with the rest of his troops until they arrived at Cheoin. Cheoin was then a bugok, a segregational administration where cheonmin peasants made up the majority of the population. Hence, its local fortification, Cheoinseong fortress, was small and earthen, with a circumference of about 425m. Around 1,000 civilians were sheltered at the fortress, guarded by a group of about 100 monk soldiers. As the fortress had a storage of provisions, it also had some strategic value.^[3]

Development

Saritai began preparations for a siege, and split his forces surrounding Cheoinseong fortress. The people of the fortress decided to fight against the Mongols and nominated monk soldier Kim Yun-hu as commander. Saritai initiated his attack on December 16, but failed to take over the fortress and was ambushed by guerilla forces that had been waiting on a hill outside of the Eastern gate. The same day, Saritai was fatally hit by an arrow, most likely shot by a monk archer who was stationed inside the fortress. After his death, Mongol forces collapsed and were forced to retreat.^[4][1]

Aftermath

The battle of Cheoin became a major turning point in the war. As Mongol forces became disorganized, the war turned in Goryeo's favor. The Mongol Empire concluded a peace treaty with Goryeo and withdrew its troops.

The Goryeo government later offered Kim Yun-hu a promotion in his government position, crediting him as the man who shot the Mongol general. However, Kim declined, claiming that he did not possess a bow and an arrow during the battle. Nevertheless, the Goryeosa claims that he was the man who shot Saritai, and he is widely acknowledged as so. Kim later participated in the Battle of Chungju 21 years later, during fifth Mongol invasion of Korea.^[1]

Cheoin-bugok was later promoted to a hyeon.

References