History & Society
Goryeo dynasty
Korean history
Goryeo dynasty, in Korean history, dynasty that ruled the Korean peninsula as the Goryeo kingdom from 935 to 1392 ce. During this period the country began to form its own cultural tradition distinct from the rest of East Asia. It is from the name Goryeo that the Western name Korea is derived. The dynasty that ruled Goryeo was formed by Gen. Wang Kon, who in 918 overthrew the state of Later Goguryeo, established in north-central Korea by the monk Kung Ye. Changing the name of the state to Goryeo, Wang Kon established his capital at Songdo (present-day Kaesong, North Korea). ...(100 of 428 words)