Gyebaek
Gyebaek | |
Hangul | 계백 |
---|---|
Hanja | 階伯 |
Revised Romanization | Gaebaek |
McCune–Reischauer | Kaebaek |
Gaebaek (died 20 August 660) was a general in the ancient Korean kingdom of Baekje during the early to mid 7th century. Little else is known of his personal life—including the year and location of his birth.
The last battle
In 660, Baekje was invaded by a force of 50,000 from Silla, supported by 144,000 Tang soldiers. Gaebaek, with only 5,000 troops under his command, met them in the battlefield of Hwangsanbeol. Before entering the battlefield, Gaebaek reportedly killed his wife and children to prevent the thought of them influencing his actions or causing him to falter in battle.
His forces won four initial battles, causing severe casualties to Silla forces. General GaeBaek fought very courageously and killed many Silla soldiers. However, in the end, exhausted and surrounded, Gaebaek's army was outnumbered and overwhelmed. Baekje's forces were annihilated in battle along with their leader Gaebaek.
Gye Baek
Gye Baek was a son of Moo jin his father. His was raised and became a General. At that time the king was Mu "무왕" then when he died KIng Uija became the king. Uija was the last king of Baekje. The loyal subjects of Baekje also included Seong chung and Heung soo. Gye Baek was the General of that country to fight the Tang Dynasty and Silla. Gye Baek defended a lot of the attacks from Silla but they were defeated at Hwangsanbeol.
Aftermath
Baekje was destroyed after 678 years of rule, shortly after Gaebaek's defeat and death at Hwangsanbeol.
As Neo-Confucian philosophy became more influential in the later Korean Dynasties, Gaebaek was recognized by historians and scholars as exemplifying the Confucian ideals of patriotism and devotion to his King and praised as such. Although not much else is known about Gaebaek's life, his actions leading up to his last battle are well known to many Koreans.
In Taekwon-Do
Gaebaek is the 12th pattern or hyeong in the International Taekwon-Do Federation form of the Korean martial art taekwondo. It is part of the criteria for the 2nd Dan black belt.The diagram (I) represents his severe and strict military discipline.
See also
External links
- Nonsan govt text about the battle
- Gyebaek statue
- Another Gyebaek statue