Immortal Heroes who Saved the Nation

The Korean Peninsula lies at the tip of Asia, the largest continent in the world, and it is where the Pacific Ocean begins. Due to the geopolitical situation surrounding the peninsula, Korea has suffered countless wars. But whenever Korea was in trouble, there were heroes who saved the nation.

These outstanding war heroes include General Eulji Mundeok(을지문덕), who used his wisdom to defeat the massive forces of the Sui Dynasty of China at the Battle of Salsu(살수) in the 7th century, Admiral Yi Sun-shin, known for his glorious victories against the Japanese navy during the Japanese invasion of Korea in the late 16th century, and independence fighter Kim Jwa-jin(김좌진) who fought against Japanese soldiers in 1920 at the Cheongsanri(청산리) Battle, which is considered the most brilliant victory of Korean independence forces during the Japanese colonial rule.

Another great figure who helped defend the country, however, is Gang Gam-chan, the hero of the epic Battle of Gwiju(귀주), who fended off 100-thousand Khitan soldiers in the 11th century.

Born under the Fourth Star of the Big Dipper

Gang was born in 948 in Geum-ju(금주), which is present-day Bongcheon-dong(봉천동) in Seoul’s Gwanak-gu(관악구) District.

According to the myth surrounding his birth, a large star fell from the sky on the night he was born. The area was named Nakseongdae(낙성대), meaning a “place where a star fell.” It is one of Gwanak-gu residents’ favorite hangouts today.

Also, the following tale is recorded in the History of Goryeo:

According to legend, an envoy saw a big star falling down to a house in the middle of the night. He sent a person to determine what had happened. It turned out that a woman in the house gave birth to a son, who was none other than Gang Gam-chan. Later, when an envoy from China’s Song Dynasty saw Gang, he bowed to him in spite of himself and said, “I haven’t seen the Mungok(문곡) Star for a long time, but I found it right here.”

The Mungok Star refers to the fourth star of the Big Dipper. The star was believed to control the fortune of literature or literary people. From childhood, Gang learned literary and martial arts from his father Gang Gung-jin(강궁진), who helped King Taejo establish the Goryeo kingdom.

After Kang lost his father at the age of 17, he traveled around the country to cultivate himself both physically and spiritually. In 983, when he was 36 years old, he won first place in a state examination and came out to the world.

To the Battlefield...

Gang entered government service as a civil official. When the Khitan Emperor Shengzong invaded Goryeo with a massive contingent of 400-thousand soldiers in 1010, Gang helped Goryeo King Hyeonjong(현종) to escape from the palace and flee to Naju. He was in charge of writing diplomatic documents and also served as the official of the Privy Council and the minister of the personnel office.

In 1018, Gang became the vice head of the Supreme Council and governor of the West Capital, which refers to present-day Pyongyang. The governor of the West Capital was more than just a local administrator. It was a key post that commanded the military. Gang was appointed to the important post apparently on a mission to prepare for a possible re-invasion of the Khitans.

At the time, Goryeo was pushing to expand its territory northward and engage China’s Song Dynasty. Feeling threatened by these intentions, the Khitans invaded Goryeo on two separate occasions—in 993 and in 1010. The Khitan forces again attacked Goryeo in September 1014, signaling the third Goryeo-Khitan War. Gang was named the supreme commander to square off against the 100-thousand elite Khitan troops.

Gwiju Battle

Gang was over 70 years old at the time. But he was a man with unsurpassed resourcefulness and outstanding tactics. He blocked the stream in the Heunghwajin(흥화진) area with a makeshift dam made of cowhide and then destroyed the dam to sweep away the Khitan troops who were crossing the stream. In the vicinity of Gwiju, Gang smashed the retreating enemies, who were all but annihilated.

The Khitans suffered a crushing defeat, as only a few thousand soldiers survived the Gwiju Battle. As a result, the Khitans never again demanded the return of the six provinces in Goryeo’s northwestern region. In recognition of his service, Gang was named Prime Minister, the highest office in government, in 1030.

Afterwards, Gang asked the king to allow him to retire, citing his old age. But the king still allowed him to visit the court every three days. It was not until June the following year that he was allowed to retire. Gang led a quiet life until he died in 1032 at the age of 84. The king suspended the morning assembly for three days and held a state funeral for the great general who was proficient in both scholarship and martial arts. It was an appropriate demonstration of respect for the hero who saved the nation at a time of crisis.