Chogo of Baekje

Chogo of Baekje (?-214, r. 166-214) was the fifth king of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea.

Background

He was the son of King Gaeru.

Relations between Baekje and the rival kingdom Silla became hostile after Gaeru had given refuge to a Sillan traitor Gilseon in 165, shortly before Chogo inherited the throne.

Reign

Chogo began attacking Silla in 167, and captured two castles, but the Sillans drove him and his army off.

Chogo ran another campaign (188–190) against Silla, and captured several castles (Castles Mosan, Guyang, Wonsanhyang, and Yogeo). In 204, he destroyed Yocha. He also built new castles, including Castle Jeokhyeon and Sado, in captured territory, and settled people there in 210. The battles occurred around the Sobaek Mountains.

In 214, he waged war against the Mohe. He led 1,000 soldiers to capture Castle Seokmun of Mohe, but the Mohe counter-attacked in the Sulcheon region of Baekje. In July 214 Silla also invaded Baekje, and captured Castle Sahyeon.

Legacy

The 8th king Goi is said to be Chogo's younger brother. The 13th king Geunchogo apparently took Chogo's name to emphasize his lineage after a long rivalry between two royal factions.

References

• The Academy of Korean Studies
• Doosan Encyclopedia

See also

• History of Korea
• List of Korea-related topics