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In the late 10th century, the Goryeo Dynasty faced significant military challenges from the naval forces of Later Baekje, particularly during the attacks in September and October of 932. These incursions resulted in substantial losses for the Goryeo navy, including a direct assault on King Taejo, which led to considerable material damage and plunder. In the immediate aftermath, Goryeo’s response to counterattack and recovery appeared inadequate. However, a pivotal figure emerged in the form of Yu Geum-pil, who was exiled at the time. Recognizing the disarray within the Goryeo naval forces, which had suffered a devastating defeat and were unable to mount an effective defense, Yu Geum-pil mobilized local manpower and initiated the repair of damaged vessels, thereby laying the groundwork for the reconstruction of the navy. Yu Geum-pil’s efforts not only revitalized the naval capabilities of Goryeo but also enhanced the central government’s control over previously neglected island territories. His actions served as a catalyst for the Goryeo administration to actively exploit the human and material resources of these regions. The Goryeo government acknowledged his contributions, and King Taejo, impressed by Yu’s military acumen and the successful restoration of naval power, reinstated him to a position of authority. This restoration marked a significant turning point, as it provided a compelling justification for Yu Geum-pil’s return to political prominence. The reconstruction of the Goryeo navy under Yu Geum-pil’s leadership laid the foundation for the recovery of Goryeo’s prestige, which had been severely diminished. As the navy gradually regained strength, Goryeo began to recover its lost power during the tumultuous period of the Later Three Kingdoms unification wars. Consequently, Yu Geum-pil, a prominent local leader, successfully reestablished his influence and political standing following his exile. Meanwhile, after suffering heavy losses from the Later Baekje naval raids, Goryeo counterattacked on land, attacking and capturing the Later Baekje's strategic stronghold of Ilmo mountain fortress. This allowed Goryeo to lessen the impact of the Later Baekje defeat and turn the tide of the crisis.

This thesis focuses on ‘Envoy Banquet (使臣宴)’ in the Early Goryeo Dynasty, or banquets as diplomatic protocols in Goryeo which were held for envoys from Song Dynasty, Liao Dynasty and Jin Dynasty, seeking to consider the characteristics and historical meanings. For this, first, the thesis has analyzed banquets at guesthouses in the provinces which were held while envoys from Song Dynasty, Liao Dynasty and Jin Dynasty visiting Goryeo came and went between Gaegyeong, the capital of Goryeo, and the border. Second, the thesis has reviewed banquets at guesthouses arranged by country which were held while the envoys stayed in Gaegyeong. Third, the thesis has compared banquets held as the second sequence of ‘Ceremony Receiving Imperial Rescript (迎詔禮)’. Fourth, the thesis has examined banquets which were held under the kings by inviting the envoys to the palaces and setting separate dates. As a result of, through them, figuring out all the sides of the envoy banquets held in various aspects, the thesis has verified: the fact that the envoy banquets held as important diplomatic protocols are sufficiently revealed in the orders of banquets, the arrangement of seats, and the progress methods; or the fact that the relationship of courtesy between subordinates and superiors of both countries can be figured out through the envoy banquets. It means that the thesis could get a sense of the envoy banquets reflected in the fact that, basically, Goryeo was not limited to the frame of the tribute system, but kept its basis of diplomatic protocols which treated all of Song Dynasty, Liao Dynasty and Jin Dynasty as Superior Country.

This study examines how the recommendation system was utilized in the personnel administration of late Goryeo. During the Goryeo period, officials were appointed through the systems such as the state examination (Gwageo), protected appointment (Eumseo), and recommendation (Cheongeo). When appointed, they were granted a prestige position (Sanjik) and prestige title for civil officials (Munsangye). They received working position (Siljik) only when assigned administrative duties. To obtain their first-time working position (Chosajik) after passing the state examination or entering protected appointment, the candidates needed to receive recommendations from other officials. Once again they came to held only prestige positions due to illness, political issues, etc. after their Chosajik, officials had to rely on recommendations to secure promotions or regain working positions. Furthermore, the recommendations were essential when changing in affiliated office or changing officials (gaeban). In the case of literary officials (Munhangan), the appointment could be made only if there was a recommendation by incumbent or former Munhangan. Meanwhile, if an appointed position was thought not to suit him, the official could request a withdrawal of the appointment. Even in this case, the withdrawal request could be made by the official who had initially recommended the position for him. Thus, in the Goryeo Dynasty, both the appointment to official positions and the withdrawal from it were based on recommendations. The appointments to government positions in the Goryeo Dynasty had been determined by the performance evaluation (Gogwa) and Document of Career Experience(Jeongan). Since these assessments were based on work performance, they often ignored essential qualities required for administrative duties, such as virtue and reputation. The recommendation system (Cheongeo) was a system where individuals were recommended based on a comprehensive evaluation of their qualifications, abilities, virtue, and reputation. Only officials with administrative experience were granted the right to recommend others in Goryeo. Through this system, officials used their administrative experience to evaluate candidates holistically and recommend them. This aimed to compensate for the shortcomings of appointments based solely on Gogwa and Jeongan and to ensure that the most suitable officials were appointed to positions.