The Khitan Liao dynasty's 1018 invasion of Goryeo ended in near-total destruction of the Liao army at Gwiju, securing Korean independence.
Key Facts
- War start year
- 1018
- Liao commander
- Xiao Paiya
- Decisive battle
- Battle of Gwiju
- Liao survivors
- Only a few thousand retreated to Liao border
- Liao crossing point
- Yalu River
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the inconclusive second Liao campaign against Goryeo, tensions between the Khitan-led Liao dynasty and the Goryeo kingdom of Korea persisted through intermittent conflict. By 1018, the Liao mobilized a large expeditionary army under Xiao Paiya to force a decisive resolution, crossing the Yalu River in late 1018 with the aim of subjugating Goryeo.
The Liao army crossed the Yalu River but was immediately ambushed by a superior Goryeo force, suffering severe losses. With their line of retreat cut, Xiao Paiya marched south toward Kaesong, enduring constant Korean harassment. At the Battle of Gwiju, Goryeo forces encircled and nearly annihilated the Khitan army, with only a few thousand soldiers escaping to the Liao border.
The catastrophic defeat of the Liao army effectively ended the Goryeo–Khitan Wars, leaving Goryeo's sovereignty intact. The near-total destruction of the expeditionary force deterred further Liao military campaigns against Korea and confirmed Goryeo's ability to defend its territory against the dominant continental power of the era.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Xiao Paiya.