A Rising Power in Northeast Asia Dreaming of a Eurasian Empire (Goguryeo's Expansion in the Context of Global History)

 

The Beginning and Early Expansion of Goguryeo

Goguryeo was founded in 37 BCE by Jumong in Jolbon (modern-day Jian, China).
Initially a small tribal state, it gradually grew by pushing back the Four Han Commanderies and absorbing neighboring tribes such as Buyeo, Okjeo, and Dongye by the 2nd century, becoming a dominant power in northern Korea and Manchuria.

[World Context] Early–Mid 4th Century

During this period, East Asia entered the age of northern tribes, and Goguryeo led that regional transformation.

The Great Conquests of King Gwanggaeto (r. 391–413)

King Gwanggaeto the Great expanded Goguryeo’s territory more than any other ruler in its history.
Through a combination of cavalry-based military power, multi-ethnic integration, and proactive diplomacy, he laid the foundation for Goguryeo’s imperial era.

Major Conquests

The Gwanggaeto Stele serves as ancient Northeast Asia’s most powerful propaganda of conquest and legitimacy.

King Jangsu’s Southern Expansion and Capital Relocation (r. 413–491)

King Jangsu, son of Gwanggaeto, moved the capital from Gungnae Fortress to Pyongyang and launched a full-scale southern campaign.

• 475 CE: Baekje’s capital (Hanseong) fell to Goguryeo

• Goguryeo culture spread throughout the Korean Peninsula

• Political-military dominance in both Manchuria and central Korea

At this time, Goguryeo operated as the most stable imperial system in Northeast Asia, while China remained fragmented.

The Contemporary Global Landscape

Goguryeo at this time rivaled or even surpassed the Northern Wei and other northern Chinese states in influence.

Why Was Goguryeo an “Empire”?

• Territorial reach: Northern Korean Peninsula + entire Manchuria

• Multi-ethnic composition: Inclusion of Malgal, Buyeo, and Liaodong tribes

• Independent diplomacy: Engaged with Northern Wei, Baekje, Silla, and Japan as an equal

• Unique culture: Fusion of Buddhist art, Chinese script, mural tombs, and military technology

An “empire” is defined by a broad integration of land, culture, and peoples—Goguryeo met all these criteria.

 

Conclusion: Goguryeo in the World

In the 4th–5th centuries, Goguryeo was the most powerful state in East Asia.
From a global perspective, it remains the only Korean polity that can be called an “empire.”