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[#벌거벗은세계사] 거란의 장수 소손녕을 직접 찾아가 설득한 K-네고시에이터 서희🔥 서희가 외교담판을 벌일 수 있었던 이유

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News and Commentary

Khitan Expansion and Changing Targets

The subtitles explain how the Khitan state (Liao) first expanded southward, why it later fought the Song Dynasty, and—crucially—how a diplomatic campaign by Goryeo’s Seo Hui shaped the early outcome of the first Goryeo–Khitan war.

  • After growing from a peripheral tribe into a strong state, the Khitan sought to expand territory.
  • Because conquering the Central Plains south of the Great Wall was difficult during China’s chaotic Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era, they shifted their targets.
  • They attacked Balhae, defeating it quickly and besieging its capital. Balhae’s fall created a direct confrontation between the Khitan and Goryeo.

How the Khitan Gained the “Sixteen Prefectures”

After Emperor Ayu Labo died in 926 during the return from the Balhae campaign, the Khitan exploited instability in the Central Plains.

  • They supported the founding of Later Jin, receiving in return the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun—lands south of the Great Wall.
  • The text emphasizes that this transfer was historically unusual for northern peoples.
  • Through agriculture and economic strength, the gained land became an economic “stepping stone” for the Khitan’s further rise.

War with the Song Dynasty—and the Strategic Problem of Goryeo

By 960, the Song Dynasty unified the Central Plains and viewed Khitan control as a major threat.

  • Song declared war and fought Khitan for over a decade.
  • A turning point came with the rise of Yelü Yongshu, portrayed as a Khitan ruler who led the state into a “golden age.”

Song’s key problem: the Khitan had a dangerous threat on its frontiers—Goryeo. Under the tributary-investiture system, Goryeo was aligned with Song.

Goryeo’s Hatred of Khitan: The “Manbugyo Camel Incident”

Before the larger conflict, the Khitan attempted to improve relations with Goryeo even after Balhae’s destruction (by sending envoys and camels to Wang Geon).

Goryeo rejected the overture harshly:

  • The camels were deliberately starved under the bridge Manbugyo in Gaegyeong, leading to the “Manbugyo camel incident.”
  • After that, exchanges largely ceased.

The Ten Injunctions (Hunyo Sipjo) are described as King Taejo’s legacy warning future kings not to imitate Khitan customs, and stressing the Khitan’s hostile character—reinforcing long-term animosity.

Khitan’s First Move: Invade Goryeo First

Because Goryeo’s alignment with Song made Khitan plans against Song risky, the Khitan decided to neutralize Goryeo first.

  • The First Goryeo–Khitan War began with an invasion in 993 during King Seongjong’s reign.
  • A Khitan force under Shao Sun / Xiao Sun crossed via a relatively easier route through the region later known as Six Districts of Gangdong, clashing first near Bongsan-gun and winning the initial confrontation.

The “Bluff” Threat of 800,000 Troops

The Khitan sent a message claiming 800,000 soldiers had arrived and demanded immediate surrender.

The subtitles argue:

  • This was not a literal troop count.
  • Khitan’s realistic mobilization was far smaller unless the emperor personally led.

Even so, the threat shook Goryeo’s court, splitting opinions into:

  1. Surrender completely
  2. Cede territory

Seo Hui’s Diplomacy: Exchanging Territory for Tributary Relations

The court dispute is resolved by Seo Hui, who argues against simply yielding and instead pursues a strategic solution.

Seo Hui’s position:

  • The Khitan’s underlying goal was not necessarily total conquest.
  • Rather, it aimed to pull Goryeo into a favorable political position.

In a direct meeting, he negotiates terms:

  • If Goryeo could punish the Jurchens obstructing Khitan movement, Goryeo would effectively take control of the Gangdongju area under a tributary relationship with the Khitan.

The Khitan accepts because it achieves its strategic objective, while:

  • Seo Hui leads the campaign, and Goryeo pushes out the Jurchens.

Result: Border Expansion and Fortress Building

Within about two years, Goryeo took control near the Amnok (Yalu) River and built fortresses:

  • Heunghwajin
  • Yongju
  • Cheolju
  • Tongju
  • Gwakju
  • Gwiju

This strengthened Goryeo’s northern defenses.

The subtitles frame the war as ending around December 993 (about two months after the invasion), largely due to Seo Hui’s diplomatic skill—so that Goryeo gained territory rather than losing it.

Presenters or Contributors (Named in the Subtitles)

  • Seo Hui (Goryeo diplomat; key historical figure discussed)
  • Wang Geon (King Taejo of Goryeo; recipient of the camel/envoy gifts)
  • Yelü Yongshu (Khitan emperor)
  • Ayu Labo (Khitan first emperor mentioned)
  • Xiao Sun / Shao Sun (Khitan general leading the invasion)
  • Mr. Kim Hyuk (actor who portrayed Yelü Yongshu in a drama, per subtitles)
  • Professor (host/lecturer speaking; name not given)
  • Lee Young-si (name shown in subtitles as a contributor/host segment; role not fully specified)

Original video