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Gyeon Hwon, founder of Later Baekje
founded Later Baekje 892; d. 936· Person· Rulers & states
Well documentedSolid records, physical evidence or scientific consensus.
A Silla soldier who founded Later Baekje and fought Goryeo for nearly two decades, until his own son deposed him.
See it on the Korean History map →What happened
Gyeon Hwon (견훤, 867–936) was born near Sangju, son of a farmer turned general, and served as a Silla coastal officer. In 892 he rebelled and took Mujinju (Gwangju); in 900 he declared Later Baekje at Wansanju (Jeonju), vowing to avenge Baekje's fall in 660. In 927 he sacked Gyeongju, forced King Gyeongae to take his own life, and beat Wang Geon at Gongsan. In 935 his eldest son, Singeom, resenting a favored younger brother, locked him in a temple; he fled to Goryeo.
Why it matters
He led the strongest army of the Later Three Kingdoms, yet a family feud handed his kingdom to Goryeo.
Legacy and how we know
His biography in the Samguk sagi and entries in the Goryeosa, both written by the side that won; Jeonju today honors him as the city's royal founder.
Still debated
A Samguk yusa legend says his father was an earthworm in human form; his real origins and early career are unclear.
Connections (2)
▸Gyeon Hwon, founder of Later Baekje launched Later Three KingdomsWell documented
The connection
Gyeon Hwon founded the first breakaway kingdom. Gathering troops in the southwest, he took Mujinju (Gwangju) in 892 and in 900 proclaimed Later Baekje at Wansanju (Jeonju), presenting it as revenge for Baekje's destruction by Silla and Tang in 660. Other strongmen, including Gung Ye, soon followed.
When and how
892–900, in the southwest: Mujinju (today's Gwangju) and Wansanju (today's Jeonju).
How we know
His biography in the Samguk sagi gives the dates and quotes his speech at Wansanju about avenging Baekje's last king, Uija.
Debates and open questions
Sources differ on whether his state began in 892 or 900, and on when he first called himself king.
▸Gyeon Hwon, founder of Later Baekje finally surrendered to Wang Geon (King Taejo of Goryeo)Well documented
The connection
Gyeon Hwon and Wang Geon fought for 18 years: Gyeon Hwon won at Gongsan in 927, Wang Geon at Gochang in 930. In 935 Gyeon Hwon's son deposed him; he escaped to Goryeo, where Wang Geon received him with honors and lands. In 936 he rode with the Goryeo army that destroyed his son's kingdom.
When and how
935–936; he fled from Geumsansa temple in Gimje to Goryeo, and the final battle was at Illicheon, near today's Gumi.
How we know
The Samguk sagi and Goryeosa both record his flight, his welcome and his part in the 936 campaign.
Debates and open questions
His motives, revenge on his son or a bargain for his own safety, are unrecorded; he died within months, by tradition of grief and illness.