Goryeo, controlled by a military government led…
1270 CE
Goryeo, controlled by a military government led by the Choe family, has been intermittently invaded by the Mongols from 1231.
The government under the nominal king had fled in 1232, to Ganghwa Island, on which Mongol cavalry had been unable to land.
Because of its fragile government, Goryeo has faced frequent rebellions.
The 1258 rebellion had resulted in the establishment of Ssangseong and Dongnyeong Prefectures under Mongol rule.
Unlike these rebels, the Sambyeolcho (Three Elite Patrols) are an organ of the military government, organized by the Choe family to maintain security.
However, unlike the Choe private guards unit (which is meant to personally protect the family), the Sambyeolcho assume public functions performed by police and combat forces, effectively replacing the Six Divisions of the military.
Choe Ui, the fourth ruler of the Choe family, had been overthrown in 1258, by Kim Jun (also known as Kim Injun) using the Sambyeolcho.
Taking a pro-Mongol stance, Kim Jun had sent Crown Prince Wang Jeon to the Mongol Empire.
At the same time, King Gojong and the crown prince had approached the Mongols to take power from Kim Jun.
Kim Jun had been assassinated in 1268, however, by the Sambyeolcho under the order of Im Yeon.
The next year, Im Yeon's attempt to replace King Wonjong had been reversed by the crown prince (Chungnyeol) with help from the Mongol occupying force.
Im Yeon's successor Im Yumu is killed in 1270 by the pro-Mongol faction using the Sambyeolcho; this marks the end of the military regime.
By order of the Mongol Court, Wonjong moves the capital from Ganghwa Island to …
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