Wang Kon

Wang Kon, also known as Taejo, was the founder of the Goryeo dynasty in 918 CE. He established a unified Korean kingdom in 936 CE after the surrender of the Silla and Later Baekje kingdoms. The Goryeo dynasty ruled the Korean peninsula until 1392 CE, and it is from this dynasty's name that the Western name "Korea" is derived.12

Wang Kon established his capital at Songdo, which is modern-day Kaesong in North Korea. He aimed to absorb people from overthrown states, including survivors of Balhae, and expanded Goryeo's territory to the Yalu River. The ruling class consisted of provincial lords and former Silla aristocrats, with marriage into powerful families being crucial for social and political advancement. Buddhism and Confucianism were influential, with grand Buddhist temples built and a national academy established to teach Confucianism.12