Yangwon of Goguryeo

Who was Yangwon of Goguryeo?

King Yangwon of Goguryeo was the 24th ruler of Goguryeo, the northernmost of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. He was the eldest son of King Anwon. During Yangwon's reign, Goguryeo gradually grew weaker and was obliged to take various urgent measures to block foreign invasions, eventually losing the Seoul region to the alliance of the other two Korean kingdoms.

He was confirmed as heir to the throne in 533, the third year of King Anwon's reign. Although he was the heir, it is said that the was not able to simply assume power after his father's death. Anwon had three wives, and because the first did not bear him a son, the other queens strove to put their son on the throne. Yangwon's supporters won the military struggle and he was able to succeed to the throne.

Preparing for war in 547, the king rebuilt Baegam fortress and repaired Sin fortress. In 548, he sent 6,000 soldiers against Baekje's Doksan fortress but the Silla general Ju Jin led a relief army and the Goguryeo assault failed. In 550, Baekje invaded and sacked Dosal fortress. Goguryeo counterattacked and struck Baekje's Geumhyeon fortress, but Silla took advantage of this to seize two more Goguryeo castles.