Gyebaek

Infobox Korean name
hangul=계백
hanja=階伯
rr=Gyebaek
mr=Kyebaek

Gyebaek (died 660) was a general in the ancient Korean kingdom of Baekje during the early to mid 7th century. Little else is known of his personal life—including the year and location of his birth. The Taekwondo pattern Gyebaek is named after him.

Cultural background

The Baekje Dynasty flourished for six centuries from 18 BC until it was defeated by Silla in 660. Baekje was established by Onjo, the third son of the first king of Goguryeo in the southwest corner of the Korean peninsula, close to the site of present-day Seoul. It expanded southward and set up a trading relationship with China.

Military history

In 655, Baekje and Goguryeo joined forces to attack Silla, although they were eventually driven back when Silla received aid from Tang Dynasty China. In 660, when a huge united army of Silla and the Chinese invaded Baekje, General Gyebaek organized 5,000 soldiers of the highest morale and courage to meet them in battle. He knew before he set out that his army was outnumbered and that his efforts would be futile, but he did not hesitate to try to defend his country, reportedly stating "I would rather die than be a slave of the enemy." He then killed his wife and family to prevent them from falling into the hands of opposing forces, and to prevent the thought of them to influence his actions or cause him to falter in battle.

His forces won four small initial battles, but then he was forced to move his forces to block the advance of General Kim Yu-shin on the Baekje capital, Buyeo. The two generals met on the plains of Hwangsan Field, in present day Hamyang, near Chiri Mountain. Gyebaek's forces fought bravely but they were outnumbered ten to one and, in the end, he and his men were annihilated.

The aftermath

Baekje was destroyed after 678 years of rule, but shortly after Gyebaek's defeat and death at Hwangsan Field.As Neo-Confucian philosophy became more influential in the later Korean Dynasties, Gyebaek was recognized by historians and scholars are exemplifying the Confucian ideals of patriotism and devotion to his King and praised as such. Although not much else is known about Gyebaek's life, his actions leading up to his last battle are the stuff of legend well known to most Koreans.

ee also

*List of Korea-related topics
*Korean history
*Three Kingdoms of Korea

External links

* [http://www.buyeotour.net/about/history_img_data/%B0%E8%B9%E9%C0%E5%B1%BA%B5%BF%BB%F3(2).jpgGyebaek statue]
* [http://www.buyeotour.net/about/history_img_data/%B0%E8%B9%E9%C0%E5%B1%BA%B5%BF%BB%F3(1966).jpgAnother Gyebaek statue]