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Gang Gam-chan and the Battle of Gwiju: A Historic Victory That Preserved the Dignity of Goryeo

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It is unclear whether the Khitan cavalry actually looked exactly like this. However, in ancient warfare, resisting an assault by such a mounted force would have been extraordinarily difficult—much like modern infantry attempting to defend against armored vehicles and tanks. By successfully repelling the attack of 100,000 northern cavalrymen, Goryeo ultimately compelled the Liao dynasty to abandon further invasions for the next hundred years. Gang Gam-chan and the Battle of Gwiju: A Victory That Preserved Goryeo’s Dignity and Reshaped the East Asian Order The Battle of Gwiju was a decisive confrontation in which the Goryeo army, led by General Gang Gam-chan, defeated the Khitan cavalry—the most powerful mounted force of its time. This victory elevated the international standing of Goryeo, founded by Wang Geon, and marked a historic turning point in the East Asian geopolitical order. Introduction: Why the Battle of Gwiju Is Still Remembered Today Dear readers, welcome. In a previous post...

The Meaning and Origin of Chuseok — Korea’s Thanksgiving Day and a Festival of Family and Gratitude

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During Chuseok, women dressed in traditional hanbok often go out to enjoy the autumn foliage ๐ŸŒ• Chuseok — Korea’s Thanksgiving Day: Tradition, Family, and Gratitude Chuseok, often called the Korean Thanksgiving, is one of South Korea’s most important traditional holidays. Discover the meaning, customs, food, and modern changes behind this cherished autumn festival that celebrates family, harvest, and gratitude.  Introduction: The Heart of Korean Autumn Hello, dear readers! Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of Korea’s two major traditional holidays — Chuseok (์ถ”์„) , also known as Hangawi (ํ•œ๊ฐ€์œ„) . It’s celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar , which usually falls in September or early October on the solar calendar. While many countries celebrate holidays based on the solar calendar, Korea uniquely observes both the solar and lunar calendars , a reflection of its deep agricultural heritage and harmony with nature. Chuseok is a time when families ...