Koryŏsa: The History of Koryŏ, Annals of the Kings, 1095–1170 (Book III and Book IV)

Koryŏsa: The History of Koryŏ, Books III and IV continue the groundbreaking English translation of one of Korea’s most important historical texts. Covering the reigns from King Sukchong (r. 1095–1105) to King Ŭijong (r. 1146–1170), these nine volumes of royal annals illuminate a pivotal era in the Koryŏ dynasty (918–1392).

Where the first two translated volumes traced the dynasty’s birth and early foundations, this installment explores its political maturation and the challenges of statecraft. Readers encounter succession disputes, the turbulence of the Yi Chagyŏm rebellion of 1126 and the Myoch’ŏng rebellion of 1135, and the limits of royal authority in the face of aristocratic power and popular unrest.

At the same time, the text reveals Koryŏ’s active engagement in diplomacy, ritual, and warfare with neighboring powers—including Song China, the Khitan Liao, and the rising Jurchen Jin. These annals capture the complexity of a kingdom negotiating its place within the shifting geopolitical order of northeast Asia.

Rich in detail and critical to understanding Korea’s medieval past, these volumes are an indispensable resource for scholars of Korean history, East Asian politics, and comparative world civilizations.

• Howard Kahm, Editor

  Howard Kahm is associate professor at Underwood International College, Yonsei University.

• John B. Duncan, Editor

  John B. Duncan is professor emeritus in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

• Park Jongki, Editor

  Park Jongki is professor emeritus in the Department of History, Kookmin University.

• Lee Joung Hoon, Editor

  Lee Junghoon is research professor at the Institute of Korean Studies, Yonsei University.

• Edward Shultz, Editor

  Edward Shultz is professor emeritus, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.