Battle of Cheoin

Battle of Cheoin
Part of the Mongol invasions of Korea
A painting depicting the Battle of Cheoin at the War Memorial of Korea.
Date 16 December 1232 Location Yongin, South Korea Result Decisive Goryeo Victory
Belligerents
Goryeo	Mongol Empire
Commanders and leaders
Kim Yun-hu	Saritai †
Strength
100 monk soldiers 1,000 refugees	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of Cheoin was a battle between Goryeo and Mongol Empire forces in the Korean peninsula.On 16 December 1232, a confrontation occurred. Even though People in Cheoin had been segregated, they fought desperately and finally beat Mongol.^[1]

Background

In August 1232, Mongol Empire started to invade Goryeo the second time. Mongol defeated Gaegyeong, Hanyang, etc. then, Mongol advanced onto Gwangju in November. However, Mongol was beaten and Sartai who was the commander of Mongol decided to make a detour. He ordered the main part of the army to advance onth Ganghwado and he continued moving south with his the rest of the army. Then, Sartai arrived at the Cheoin, one of the Bugok where the people who were segregated were living together and the earthen fortification with about 425m circumference. Cheoin had a storage of provisions. Sartai get ready to besiege by occupying around Cheoin.^[2]

Development

There were abouth 1,000 refugees and 100 monk soldiers including Kim Yun-hu. On 16 December 1232, Sartai splited and allocated the force surrounding the Cheoin. People in Cheoin decided to fight against Mongol and they nominated Kim Yun-hu as a commander. Mongol Empire force attacked under the command of Sartai. However, Goryeo force that had benn waiting in ambush on a hill out of East gate blindsided the Mongol force. Sartai was killed by a missed arrow shotted by Kim Yun-hu. As the commander died, Mongol force collapsed by themselves and the Goryeo force defeated Mongol force completely^[3]

Aftermath

Mongol was shocked by Sartai's death. So, even though the war had been favorable for Mongol, the war situation turned in Goryeo's favor. Mongol Empire urgently concluded a peace treaty with Goryeo and withdrew troops. Goryeo government found it in their heart to promote Kim Yun-hu's position in admiration of his archievment but Kim rejected. Cheoin bugok was promoted to Hyeon.

Notes