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Goryeo’s Governance of the Jurchen : Insights from the Goryeo Annals

  • Journal of Manchurian Studies
  • Abbr : 만주연구
  • 2024, (37), pp.11~40
  • DOI : 10.22888/mcsa..37.202404.11
  • Publisher : The Manchurian Studies Association
  • Research Area : Social Science > Area Studies > East Asia > China
  • Received : February 25, 2024
  • Accepted : April 22, 2024
  • Published : April 30, 2024

Inuk Heo 1

1한남대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study examines the evolving strategies of the Goryeo dynasty for managing relations with the Jurchen, a significant ethnic group on its borders, as recorded in historical texts. The first documented appearance of the Jurchen in 903 in the Liaoshi occurred during their conquest, referred to as “Nüzhen” at the time. By 948, the Goryeo Annals referred to them as “Dong Yuzhen,” marking the start of Goryeo’s differentiated approach to the eastern and western Jurchen. King Hyeonjong’s reign saw intensified conflicts with the Khitan, which exacerbated internal divisions among the Jurchen, leading to their classification as “Heuksu Malsal” or “Yujin Malsal.” These designations subsequently evolved into Dong Jurchen and Seo Jurchen, reflecting Goryeo’s strategic and detailed management of these tribes and clans. Goryeo distinguished those within its influence as “Hwanae” and those outside as “Hwawei.” The Hwanae Jurchen, often in a state of discontent, served crucial roles as intermediaries, monitoring, or defending against hostile factions in exchange for material rewards and authority from Goryeo. This approach differed from that of the Khitan or Jin, who often instigated conflicts among neighboring Jurchen in order to weaken them. Goryeo maintained neutrality in Jurchen disputes and supported cooperative Hwanae Jurchen with benefits, encouraging them to oversee and restrain hostile Jurchen factions on a voluntary basis. However, this regional defense strategy collapsed in the 10th century when the Wan’anbu Jurchen expanded, absorbing other Jurchen along Goryeo’s borders, which led to significant military confrontations. This study illuminates the complex strategies of boundary management and identity formation in pre-modern Northeast Asia, offering new insights into the geopolitical frameworks of the period.

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