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Han conquest of Gojoseon
109–108 BC· War· Wars & invasions
Well documentedSolid records, physical evidence or scientific consensus.
Han China's 109–108 BC war that destroyed Wiman Joseon after a year-long siege of its capital.
See it on the Korean History map →What happened
In 109 BC, after a Han envoy had his Joseon escort killed and Joseon retaliated by killing the envoy, Emperor Wu sent a land army from Liaodong and a fleet across the Bohai Sea. Joseon beat both at first and held its capital, Wanggeom-seong, for about a year. The war (고조선–한 전쟁) dragged as Han generals feuded, but Joseon's court split: ministers defected and King Ugeo was assassinated. The capital fell in 108 BC, and Han carved the land into commanderies.
Why it matters
It ended Korea's first state and put Chinese administration in northern Korea for four centuries, spreading iron, writing and Chinese goods.
How we know
The Shiji's 'Account of Joseon' describes the campaign in detail, including the Han generals' failures; Sima Qian was at the Han court at the time.
Still debated
Where Wanggeom-seong stood, near Pyongyang or in Liaoning, is still disputed, and that shapes where the commanderies were placed.
Connections (2)
▸Han conquest of Gojoseon ended Wiman JoseonWell documented
The connection
Han's 109–108 BC campaign destroyed Wiman Joseon after about a year. Military pressure split the court: ministers defected, King Ugeo was assassinated, and the minister Seonggi's last stand ended when the capital fell. Wiman's dynasty lasted three generations, about 86 years.
When and how
Wanggeom-seong, 108 BC; Emperor Wu's generals Yang Pu and Xun Zhi against King Ugeo and his court.
How we know
Sima Qian's detailed account in the Shiji, written shortly after the war.
Debates and open questions
Where the capital stood, and how much Han won by force rather than through betrayal inside Joseon, are debated.
▸Han conquest of Gojoseon created Han commanderies (Lelang and others)Well documented
The connection
With Wiman Joseon gone, Han organized its lands into four commanderies, Lelang, Zhenfan, Lintun and Xuantu, in 108–107 BC. Each was run by appointed governors with Chinese officials, laws and garrisons. Only Lelang endured for long.
When and how
Former Gojoseon lands in northern Korea and southern Manchuria, 108–107 BC.
How we know
The Han shu's geography records, plus excavated Lelang official seals and inscriptions near Pyongyang.
Debates and open questions
Where Zhenfan and Lintun lay is uncertain, and some nationalist historians dispute Lelang's location at Pyongyang.