Gyeon Hwon vs Wonjong of Goryeo

Gyeon Hwon, a former Silla general, led a rebellion and established the kingdom of Later Baekje in southwestern Korea. He declared himself king, reviving the name of the ancient Baekje kingdom and initiating the Later Three Kingdoms period.

Gyeon Hwon's forces were defeated by the Goryeo army under King Taejo at Gochang. This battle marked a turning point in the Later Three Kingdoms period, weakening Later Baekje and strengthening Goryeo's position.

Gyeon Hwon was deposed by his son, Gyeon Singeom, who seized the throne in a coup. The rebellion was fueled by Gyeon Hwon's favoritism toward his youngest son, leading to internal strife within Later Baekje.

After being deposed, Gyeon Hwon defected to Goryeo and was welcomed by King Taejo. He provided military intelligence and assistance to Goryeo, contributing to the eventual conquest of Later Baekje in 936.

Gyeon Hwon died in Goryeo shortly after the fall of Later Baekje. His death marked the end of the Later Three Kingdoms period and the unification of Korea under Goryeo.

As a prince, Wonjong was sent as a hostage to the Mongol court to secure peace after Goryeo's submission. He spent several years in Mongolia, learning Mongol customs and forming ties with the imperial family.

Wonjong became king with Mongol support, marking the beginning of direct Mongol influence over Goryeo's throne. He agreed to pay tribute, provide troops, and accept Mongol oversight in exchange for peace.

Wonjong, with Mongol military aid, crushed the Sambyeolcho (Three Elite Patrols) rebellion, which opposed the peace with the Mongols. The rebels were defeated on Jeju Island, ending the last major military resistance to Mongol domination.

Wonjong arranged the marriage of his son (future King Chungnyeol) to a Mongol princess, Kublai Khan's daughter. This established a pattern of intermarriage that tied the Goryeo royal family to the Mongol Yuan dynasty.