Gyebaek
 |
| Gyebaek | |
| Hangul | 계백 |
|---|---|
| Hanja | 階伯 |
| Revised Romanization | Gyebaek |
| McCune–Reischauer | 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.
Background
The Baekje Dynasty flourished for six centuries from 18 BCE until it was defeated by Silla in 660. Baekje was established in the southwest corner of the Korean peninsula, close to the site of present-day Seoul by Onjo, the third son of King Dongmyeong, the first king of Goguryeo. It expanded southward and set up a trading relationship with China.
The last battle
Baekje and Goguryeo joined forces to attack Silla, although they were eventually driven back when Silla received aid from Tang Dynasty.
In 660, when a huge united army of Silla and the Chinese invaded Baekje, General Gye Baek 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, Sabi, present-day Buyeo. The two generals met on the plains of Hwangsan Field, in present-day Nonsan. Gye Baek's forces fought bravely but they were outnumbered ten to one and, in the end, he and his men were annihilated.
Aftermath
Baekje was destroyed after 678 years of rule, shortly after Gye Baek'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 well known to many Koreans.
See also
External links
- [1] Nonsan govt text about the battle
- Gyebaek statue
- Another Gyebaek statue