Syllabus for “International Relations in East Asia”

(Korea’s Relations with China, Japan & USA, in Context)

Hanyang University International Summer School

July 5th ~ 28st, 2016 1-4pm18106 PSD2022 School of Business Building, Room 305

Prof. David A. MasonPublic Service Department, Chung-Ang University, Seoul

mtnwolf@gmail.com 010-9734-9753 www.san-shin.org

Course Objectives This is a mainly a Political History and Current International Relations Course, with a measure of Asian Cultural Studies included. Its objective will be will be to make beginning-level students become familiar with the more than 2000 years of history between Korea, China and Japan. Emphasis will be placed on the origins of each nation, general themes of their partnerships and conflicts, crucial incidents, and the intervention of other powers such as Mongolia, Russia, Europe and, mainly, the United States. The origins and significance of the current problem-issues and differing perspectives between the three will be explored, including issues of North Korea and re-unification; the “great game” now being played between those three and the USA will be investigated in light of recent and current events. The lectures and readings will be practical and interesting, focused on important trends and not petty details, and therefore will be memorable for the students.

Textbook InformationA few relevant academic articles and Professor’s Handouts will be the main texts used, as posted on the website, and exams will be slightly based on them (but mainly the lectures). Students have the option of reading various other relevant texts. Students should read the assigned handout material before the lecture, and come prepared to ask questions and engage in active discussion.

Assessment CriteriaThis course will be graded based on:30% the First Exam 30% the Second Exam30% the Third (final) Exam 10% Attendance Record and Professor’s assessment of student participation

Exams will include both factual knowledge and short essay questions. They are not cumulative. The professor will present much information during his lectures that is not covered in the reading, and this material will be included on the exam – therefore, students should take careful notes during the lectures, and ask for clarification of anything not understood.

Topics of Each Lecture:

00 Mon 7/04 Orientation

01 Tues 7/05 Introductions, and Opening Themes of East-Asian Relations

02 Wed 7/06 Korean & Chinese Origins, Earliest Contacts and Ancient Relations

03 Thurs 7/07 Early Relations between the Three Nations; Sui attacks Goguryeo

04 Mon 7/11 Early & Medieval Relations between the Three Nations first exam Ancient Transmission of Civilization from Korea to Japan

05 Tues 7/12 The Mongol Conquest of Asia and its Aftermath Launch of the Joseon Dynasty

06 Wed 7/13 The Origin, Progress and Consequences of the Imjin War

07 Thurs 7/14 No Class – make-up assignment

08 Mon 7/18 second exam American and European Involvement in the 1800s 09 Tues 7/19 Imperial Japan’s War against Korea, China & etc 1895-1945

10 Wed 7/20 The Division of Korea by the Great Powers after WW-II The Issues and Changes of the Early Modern Era

11 Thurs 7/21 Challenges and Dramatic Transformations of the 1970s-80s Olympics and Democracy in South Korea; collapse of NK

12 Mon 7/25 Issues and Changes of the Recent Modern Era - and Final Exam

13 Tues 7/26 Student Presentations on NE Asian Issues part one

14 Wed 7/27 Student Presentations on NE Asian Issues part two

15 Thurs 7/28 Student Presentations on NE Asian Issues part three Final Discussion of the Future of NE Asia 00 Fri 7/29 Graduation Ceremony

01 Tues 7/05 Introductions, and Opening Themes of East-Asian Relations

Introductions of Students and Professor

Romanization of Han-geul

Geographical setting of North-east Asia and its influences on culture

Introduction of the “Great Game” among the Four Nations involved (and a few others)

Overview of Current Issues

02 Wed 7/06 Korean & Chinese Origins, Earliest Contacts and Ancient Relations Ancient Transmission of Civilization from Korea to Japan

General Historical and Cultural Themes of North-east Asia, and Scholarship of its History

Basic points of Chinese Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism related to relations

Bronze-Age Korean Pre-History (Manchuria and Peninsula); formation of identity and Shamanism

King Dan-gun and Foundation Myths of the Three Kingdoms; from the Samguk YusaThe continuing influence of this story on contemporary North-east Asian Relations

03 Thurs 7/07 Early Relations between the Three Nations; Sui attacks Goguryeo The Mongol Conquest of Asia and its Aftermath

Formation of the Sam-han, and Lolang Commandery 108 BC under Emperor Han Wu-ti.Introduction of Chinese Iron-Age Culture, Kingship and Buddhism by missionaries and trade; Mason’s “one package theory”. 4th Cen Chinese Buddhism – its state-oriented and protective-guardian character – Hoguk Bulgyo

The Three Kingdoms 삼국시대 三國時代 early conditions and cultural formation of Goguryeo 고구려 高句麗 (north) Baekje 백제百濟 (SW) Shilla 신라 新羅 (SE) China was dis-united at that time – Civil War from 220 ~ 589 CE, when Sui re-united China

Stele of Goguryeo King Gwanggaeto was erected near his tomb in 414 by his son King Jangsu, in what is today the city of Ji'an along the Yalu River. Granite, ~7 meters tall, ~4 meters wide, 1802 Classical Chinese characters. Major primary source extant for the history of Goguryeo.

Sui attack Goguryeo 612-16, repulsed by General Eulji Mundeok 을지문덕 乙支文德

04 Mon 7/11 Early & Medieval Relations between the Three Nations Ancient Transmission of Civilization from Korea to Japan The Mongol Conquest of Asia and its Aftermath

Early transmission of culture to Japan – in the Yamato period 250–710 CE, centered in Nara, then known as Yamato Province. Strong influence on Japan from Gaya, then Shilla, 500s-600s; some also from Sui China.

Japanese Prince Shōtoku 574–622 Regent for Queen, most important early figure in formation of Chinese / Korean style “royal” system of government in Japan during Asuka period 538–710.

Shilla Monk Hyecho tutors Japanese crown prince @600

Strong influence on Japan from Baekje 660s-70s. Increasing contact with Tang China.

Queens Seondeok (r.632-47) and Jindeok (r.647-54) poem-letter to Tang Emp

“Unification Era” 663~677 created by General Kim Yu-shin 김유신 金庾信 under Great Kings Taejong Muryeol 태종 무열왕 太宗 武烈王 (r.654-61) and Munmu 문무대왕 文武大王 (r.661-681)

China & Shilla defeat Goguryeo & Baekje in 680s, Chinese occupy Baekje but are driven outcalled the Unified Shilla Dynasty Tong-il Shilla 통일 신라 統一新羅 (668 CE - 935 CE)the Balhae Kingdom in former Goguryeo territory lasts 699-926.

Japan begins using title “Emperor” somewhere around 700 – and becomes a problem for Korea.Stories of King Munmu

Jang Bogo ruled the Yellow Sea region as naval-commander and trader, in the early 800s

Choi Chi-won 최치원 崔致遠 (857-?) Pen-name Go-un 고운孤雲 or Hae-un 해운 海雲genius, official career in Tang China, helped defeat great rebellion, returned to save his nation Shilla, in 894 submitted his "Ten Urgent Points of Reform" simu sipyeojo (시무십여조 時務十餘條) to Queen Jinseong (887-897), but his advice ignored. Diplomat to China; quoted by President Xi.

Taejo Wang Geon (b.877, r.918-43) founded the Goryeo Dynasty 935-1390

Gaeseong as the new capital city, flowering of State-led Buddhist Culture

1184 Goryeo conquers the Tamna Kingdom of Jeju Island, it becomes “Korean”

05 Tues 7/12 The Mongol Conquest of Asia and its Aftermath Launch of the Joseon Dynasty

Mongol conquest (1231-59) and rule (1260-1350)

Korea’s worldly but enslaved condition; royalty slowly becomes mongol

Mongols attacked Japan with Korean labor and wood-shipbuilding from Jeju Nov 1274 and Aug 1281 (kamikaze, 4000 ships lost)population reduction, debauchery of everything. But one great result: Printing!

Tripitaka Koreana / Palman-daejang-gyeong 고려팔만 대장경 高麗八萬大藏經carved on Ganghwa-do 1236-51 (moved to Haein-sa 1399) 81,000 blocks! 52mil words!

Taejo 태조太祖 Yi Seong-gye 이성계李成桂(1335-1408) coup, founded the Joseon Dynasty 1392-1910Radical Neo-Confucianism as the state ideology Hanyang (Seoul) becomes capitalMing Relations, meaning of Joseon, white pine trees

06 Wed 7/13 The Origin, Progress and Consequences of the Imjin War

King Sejong –daewang 세종대왕 世宗大王 (r.1418-50) – Han-geul, science, good-Gov

Yulgok Yi I – scholar-official who advocated a strong Korean Military, was sadly ignored

1592–1630: invasions by Japan & Manchus, destruction & theft of Arts.Imjin War 임진왜란 壬辰倭亂 suddenly invasion by Hideyoshi, lasts 1592-98.

defence by local groups & Buddhist monks; Masters Seosan 西山大師 & Samyeong-dang 四溟堂 leads to Namhan-Sanseong 9 temples

Naval victories by Chungmu-gong Yi Sun-shin 충무공 忠武公 Martial Loyalty Lord 이순신 李舜臣

08 Mon 7/18 second exam American and European Involvement in the 1800s

Non-gae 논개 論介 and the Cult of Loyalty. She killed a famous Japanese General (but who?) in 1593 at the Uiam 의암 義巖, "righteousness rock" of Jinju. Family rewarded and Shrines built. Assistance from Ming China 1593 and 1598. Gratitude for that. But then submission to the Manchus by 1630.

1630–1850: conservative “hermit kingdom” under philosophy of U-am Song Shi-yeol 우암송시열 尤庵 宋時烈 (1607–1689) – strict Neo-Confucianism enforced, devotion to the Ming – Samhwangje & etc.

1839–42 The First Opium War 第一次鴉片戰爭 or Anglo-Chinese War, was fought between the United Kingdom and the Qing Empire. British Victory, expansion from Hong Kong; China humiliated.

Japan: the Bakumatsu 幕末 or “Opening of Japan” 1853 ~ 1867.The final years of the “Edo Period” when the feudal-isolationist Tokugawa shogunate was defeated by the pro-imperial nationalists. Prelude to the pre-modern empire of the Meiji Period / Era 明治時代 1868 ~ 1912, of rapid modernization and expansion of the Empire of Japan.

Korea: Catholicism intro and Persecutions late 1700s through 1800s.

1850–1910: first Western contacts for Korea, introduction of Protestant Christianity

Heungseon Daewon-gun or Yi Ha-eung, regent of Joseon during the minority of King Gojong,Powerful from the 1860s until his death in 1873 – seclusion policy against foreigners, Christians.

Great Persecution of 1866 – killing of thousands of Catholics, including 7 French priests. French navy attacks Ganghwa Island, steals royal books – returned in 2006.

1866 USS General Sherman IncidentAmerican navy attacks Ganghwa Island 1871

Japan–Korea Treaty of 1876 on Ganghwa Island – Busan & etc opened.

Korea asks the advice of Yuán Shì-kǎi 袁世凱 (1859-1916), the Chinese general, Foreign Minister, politician, first formal President of the Republic of China, and (briefly) Emperor. He recommends America.1882 Negotiations and Treaty with US Navy officers, then American Embassy in Seoul.“Treaty of Peace, Amity, Commerce and Navigation” 조·미수호통상조약 朝美修好通商條約.

09 Tues 7/19 Imperial Japan’s War against Korea, China & etc 1895-1945 The Division of Korea by the Great Powers after WW-II The Issues and Changes of the Early Modern Era

King Gojong and his wife Queen Min / Minbi / Empress Myeongseong in power 1873-1895.All nations struggle over Korea, but only Japan, China and Russia have strong interest.

Attempted reforms fail. the Donghak Rebellion fails 1894, leading to Cheondo-gyo 천도교

Japan defeats China in 1895, and Queen Min was Murdered

Christian Missionaries try to assist and inspire – but mostly in futility

Korea’s “Independence” & “Empire” declared 1897. New Gate, Gojong “Emperor Gwangmu”.

America takes the Philippines from Spain in 1898

Japan defeats Russia in 1905. USA just stands by. Taft-Katsura Memorandum.

Formal Japanese Colonial Occupation from 1910 to 1945

early modern nationalism led by American Christian influence, Cheondo-gyo and Buddhists

Reactions to loss of sovereignty varied. Some cooperate, collaborate, others resist

Aftermath of WW-I (USpresident Wilson) & Gojong’s funeral ==> 1919 March First Movement (Sam-il-jeol)

Repression in the 1930s.

10 Wed 7/20 The Division of Korea by the Great Powers after WW-II part 1 The Issues and Changes of the Early Modern Era

WW-II – Late 1930s~45 – Total War for the three nations. Great Suffering.America interferes in 1941.5-Star General Douglas MacArthur, becomes “Emperor of East Asia”

Liberation and Division 1945-49Division of Korea begins as a long-shot accident…!American offer to treat Korea like Philippines; rejected by Kim Gu and others.America’s choice Rhee vs. the popular Choice Kim Gu. Stalin installs Kim Il-sung in North.

11 Thurs 7/21 The Division of Korea by the Great Powers after WW-II part 1 The Issues and Changes of the Early Modern Era

RoK established 1948 by the UN, and then the Korean War 1950-53.

Seoul vs. Pyeongyang; North Korea’s pseudo-communist cultish dictatorship;

Kim Il-sung’s Juche ideology and destruction of traditional culture in the North

ROK military dictatorship and resistance to it – the 1965 Treaty with Japan

Vietnam War sparks Industrialization. 5 reasons that Korea joined.

Korea’s relations with America, Japan & the world. Park vs. CarterPark assassinated in October 1979. New coup on 12.12.79

The brutal Chun dictatorship 1980-87

the 1988 Seoul Olympics Democracy, opening to the world, showing-off tech development, relations with Russia and China, defeat of NK’s boycott campaign / utter humiliation of NK.

North Korea fails at attempts to open up under Kim Jong-il, January 1991 Gulf War shows that NK military is useless.despite pressures, leading to ongoing famine and nuclear weapons crisis 1994 ~

SK splitting away from the USA and the new cultural nationalism; the 2002 World Cup

Revived relationships with China and Japan

Cultural aspects of Kim & Roh’s Sunshine Policy towards North Korea

Revival of Conservatives, even as society keeps becoming more Liberal

Important ROK Presidents:

1948-1960 Syngman Rhee / Yi / I / Lee Seung-man

1961-1979 Park Chung Hee / Bak Jeong-hui

1980-1987 Chun Doo Hwan / Jeon Duhwan

1988-1992 Roh Tae Woo / No Tae-u

1993-1997 Kim Young Sam / Gim Yeong-sam

1998-2002 Kim Dae Jung / Gim Dae-jung

2003-2007 Roh Moo Hyun / No Mu-hyeon

2008-2012 Lee Myung Bak / I Myeong-bak

2013-2017 Park Geun Hye / Bak Geun-hye

Key Points of Korean-American History 19th ~ 20th Centuries1853 first contact between the US and Korea – the gunboat “South America” visited Busan for 10 days while en route to Japan; her officers dined with local officials. Several Americans shipwrecked in Korea in 1855, 1865 and 1866 were treated well and sent to China for repatriation. Not hostile in any way, but Joseon (Heungseon Daewongun) maintained isolationism. Admiral Matthew Perry opened Tokyo in 1853, but no interest in Korea.

1866 9–24 July the General Sherman incident, the Daedong River near Pyeongyang. All killed. NK claims attack was led by Kim Il-sung’s great-grandfather. Memorial.

1871 US Navy under Captain Robert W. Schufeldt, 5 ships with 650 men, conducted the Korea Campaign or Shinmiyangyo, attacking Ganghwa-do Island. Killed 300 Korean soldiers and 3 Americans. Some items taken; in US Navy Museum. Koreans later consult Yuan Shikai (袁世, 1859-1916), Qing Foreign Minister and later first President of the Republic of China, and the Hongxian Emperor (洪憲皇帝) – he recommended America.

1882 Captain Schufeldt returns, negotiates the “United States – Joseon Korea Treaty of Peace, Amity, Commerce and Navigation” 조·미수호통상조약 朝美修好通商條約.Including Diplomatic Relations and Ambassadors; mutual assistance. Ambassador moves into Seoul by autumn, breaking treaty by bringing missionary doctor.

1884-1904 All nations struggle to influence Korea; King Gojong and Queen Minbi.Gapshin and other Attempted reforms fail. Christianity flourishes, self-evangelization.The Donghak Rebellion fails 1894, leading to Cheondo-gyo 천도교Japan defeats China in 1895, kills Queen Min, takes power. “Independence” & “Empire” declared 1897, but it fails. USA just stands by, will not help.

1905 Japan defeats Russia – wow! USA still stands by, busy in Philippines.1905 Taft-Katsura Memorandum was a discussion (not an agreement, no new policies) between United States Secretary of War William Howard Taft and Prime Minister of Japan Katsura Tarō, regarding the positions of the two nations in greater East Asian affairs, especially regarding the status of Korea and Philippines in the aftermath of Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese War. Remained a secret until 1924.USA explained that it had no special interest in Korea, and J that it had none in Phlp.

Early modern nationalism with its American Christian influencethe “Great Revival” starts in Pyeongyang 1907, spreads nationwide

Aftermath of WW-I (US president Wilson’s declaration) & Gojong’s funeral ==> 1919 March First Movement (Sam-il-jeol)

American missionaries try to help in many way; but not the government.Repression in the 1930s, missionaries kicked-out as WW-II gets hot.

1945 August 15th Korea liberated by USA’s victory, declares independence. Russians move into the north, leading to “accidental” division. US destroys KPG, confusion; K leaders won’t accept plans for Trusteeship. AMG: General Hodge; Rhee Seung-man vs. Kim Koo 5str Gen Douglas MacArthur busy in Tokyo, as “Emperor of East Asia” 1945-52.

1947-8 Kim Il-sung will not unify or cooperate. RoK established by the UN. Division hardens, much conflict. Rhee power 1948. MACARTHUR DOCTRINE

1949 USA leaves. Kim Koo murdered.

1950-53 Korean War. NK wins, then Washington DC finally cares, due to Cold War. Orders MacArthur to intervene; Incheon; victory! But then China interferes! Truman refuses to use the A-bomb in 1952, fires MacArthur. Armistice 7/53

1954-60 Seoul vs. Pyeongyang; North Korea’s pseudo-communist cultish dictatorship Kim Il-sung’s Juche ideology and destruction of traditional culture in the North Stagnation, corruption & hunger in the South. Churches & USG help. American-style culture starts to influence SK.

1961-1971 Park Chung Hee – initial protest by US but then acceptance. 1965 Park makes deal with Japan and supports US in Vietnam. 1. Thank-you 2. Anti-communism 3. War-experience 4. money for soldiers 5. construction experience 1973 ME!

1975-79 Park becomes opponent of USA, especially Jimmy Carter, HR & D.

1980-1985 Chun Doo-hwan – America opposes, then grudgingly accepts in 1982. Gwangju Rebellion – US fault? Anti-Americanism rises on the left.

1986-8 USA supports Democracy Movement, passively. 88 OLYMPICS diplomacy!

1989-94 USA supports Roh Tae-woo & Kim Young Sam, but much anti-Americanism. South Korea opens, exports soar! Exchanges, English teachers.

1995-2002 Good relations, although GWBush didn’t support Kim Dae-jung’s Sunshine. NK nuclear weapons crisis.

2002-2006 Anti-Americanism revives with Noh Moo-hyun; “Yankee Go Home”.

2007-2016 Relations are good again with Lee Myung-bak & Park Geun Hye, Despite the increasing tilt towards China and troubles with NK.

History of the Summer Olympic Games1896 I Athens, Greece1900 II Paris, France 1904 III St. Louis, United States [ 1906 III Athens – not recognized ] 1908 IV London, United Kingdom 1912 V Stockholm, Sweden 1916 VI Berlin, Germany 1920 VII Antwerp, Belgium 1924 VIII Paris, France I Chamonix, France1928 IX Amsterdam, Netherlands II St. Moritz, Switzerland1932 X Los Angeles, United States III Lake Placid, United States1936 XI Berlin, Germany IV Germany1940 XII Tokyo Japan → Helsinki Finland V Sapporo Japan →St. Moritz Switzerland1944 XIII London, United Kingdom V Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy 1948 XIV London, United Kingdom V St. Moritz, Switzerland 1952 XV Helsinki, Finland VI Oslo, Norway1956 XVI Melbourne, Australia VII Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

1960 XVII Rome, Italy VIII Squaw Valley, United States

1964 XVIII Tokyo, Japan IX Innsbruck, Austria

1968 XIX Mexico City, Mexico X Grenoble, France

1972 XX Munich, West Germany XI Sapporo, Japan

1976 XXI Montreal, Canada XII Innsbruck, Austria

1980 XXII Moscow, Soviet Union XIII Lake Placid, United States

1984 XXIII Los Angeles, United States XIV Sarajevo, Yugoslavia

1988 XXIV Seoul, South Korea XV Calgary, Canada

1992 XXV Barcelona, Spain XVI Albertville, France 1994 XVII Lillehammer, Norway1996 XXVI Atlanta, United States 1998 XVIII Nagano, Japan 2000 XXVII Sydney, Australia 2002 XIX Salt Lake City, United States2004 XXVIII Athens, Greece 2006 XX Turin, Italy 2008 XXIX Beijing, China 2010 XXI Vancouver, Canada 2012 XXX London, United Kingdom 2014 XXII Sochi, Russia2016 XXXI Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2018 XXIII PyeongChang!!

Gaecheon-jeol [Opening Heaven Day], Gojoseon [Ancient Joseon Kingdom] and

Dan-gun [Altar King] the “Founder of Korea”The Korean Myth of National Origin, First Story in the Samguk-Yusa

Hwanin 환인 桓因, the King of Heaven or Jeseok, was asked by Hwanung, one of his younger sons or a son by a secondary wife (a junior Prince), to send him down to earth to govern his own land. Hwanin surveyed the mountains of the earth and chose Mount Taebaek-san 태백산 太伯山 as the best site, Opened Heaven (gaecheon) and sent down his son To Benefit Humanity (hongik-ingan). Hwanung descended with three heavenly seals or treasures and 3000 followers, to a sacred sandalwood tree on the peak of Taebaek-san. Here he established a sacred city (Shinshi 신시 神市 spirit-city). He marshaled the noble spirits of Wind, Rain and Clouds as his Ministers. A government was established with 360 departments to rule with laws and moral codes about agriculture, grain-storage, hunting, fishing, sickness and medicine, education, the arts, family-life, determination of good and evil, and etc.

A bear and a tiger both came to Holy Hwanung and prayed (begged) to become human beings. The Heavenly Prince decided to give them a chance, and gave them a bundle of mugwort and twenty bulbs of garlic and told them that if they ate only these sacred food and stayed in the cave (out of the sunlight) for one hundred days that they would become human. The tiger shortly gave up in impatient hunger and left the cave. The bear remained and after 21 days was transformed into a woman.

The bear-woman (Ungnyeo; 웅녀; 熊女) was very grateful and made offerings to Hwanung at the stone altar by the sacred tree on the peak. She had no husband, however, and prayed for a son. Hwanung was moved by her prayers to transform himself as a human man, and mated with her. Nine months later she gave birth to a son, who was named Dan-gun Wanggeom 단군 왕검 檀君王儉. (the original character 壇 “altar” changed to the similar 檀 “sandalwood” with same pronunciation dan, more Buddhist meaning)

Dan-gun founded the first Korean kingdom, with its capital at what is now Pyeongyang and then moved to Asadal, probably at Mt. Guwol-san in Hwanghae Province, and named it Joseon (Choson) “Human-Land” “Morning Fresh” – in the 50th year of the reign of the Emperor Yao (China’s mythical sage-emperor ). We now call this legendary kingdom “Gojoseon” – go- means “old”, “ancient” or “former”.

1,500 years later, in the year 1122 BCE, Founding-King Wu / Wen of the Zhou Dynasty (Zhōu Cháo Wuwang 周朝武王) enfeoffed Jizi* to Joseon (bringing iron-age culture).

King Dangun moved his capital again, but then returned to Asadal and abdicated his throne, hiding himself in the mountains, becoming an immortal San-shin (Mountain-spirit) at the age of 1,908.

*Jizi (箕子 ji1 zi3, Gija 기자 in Korean, “Viscount of Ji”, was a semi-legendary Chinese sage who is said to have ruled Korea in the 12th century BC. His family name was Zi (子) and given name was Xuyu (胥餘). Since the title of Viscount of Ji was bestowed on him, he is usually called Jizi. He may

have been a prince or noble of the corrupt Shang Dynasty, who helped King Wu overthrow it. Wu then sent him to conquer Korea?

General Eulji Mundeok destroys Sui Army and retains Korea’s Independence

This is a poem originally written by General Eulji Mundeok 을지문덕 of the Goguryeo Kingdom to an Army Commander of China's Sui Dynasty in 612. The Sui Emperor Yangdi (son of Sui Wen-ti the Great) had invaded Goguryeo with an army over a million members strong, maybe the largest in history by that point. After defending fortresses against the Sui army and navy for several months, Gen. Eulji misled the Sui's army across the Yalu River with guerilla tactics, even to chase them across the Salsu River (in North Korea), too far from their supply centers.

After Sui's soldiers crossed the river, Gen. Eulji moved all soldiers, food and crops into the Pyeongyang Fortress and poisoned all wells outside the fortress. When Sui's army was running out of food and water, and many soldiers were falling sick, General Eulji sent this poem to Sui's general Yu Zhongwen, calling for him to retreat.

The poem reads as follows:

Hangul Hanja English 신책구천문 神策究天文 Your divine plans have plumbed the heavens; 묘산궁지리 妙算窮地理 Your subtle reckoning has spanned the earth; 전승공기고 戰勝功旣高 You win every battle, your military merit is great;지족원운지 知足願云止 Why then not stop the war and be content…?Or:Heaven knows how marvelous you are in your strategy,Earth knows how shrewd you are in your calculation,Your fame already knows no bounds in this war,Isn’t it time to know satisfaction in your efforts…?

While belatedly retreating back across the Salsu, Sui's troops were greeted by an ambush (flooded river) and suffered massive casualties, which led to an overall campaign loss of all but 2,700 out of the remaining 305,000 Sui soldiers. Only they made it back to the Great Wall.

Goguryeo forces, although outnumbered, overwhelmed the Sui troops and emerged victorious. Mighty Sui collapsed in bankruptcy in 617.