48 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
“Our Northern Border [Hamgil Province] is strategically important for
our security because it adjoins the borders of Jurchens and Tartars as well
as Liaodong and Shenyang. Therefore, even in time of peace, we must store
military provisions and train soldiers to prepare for unexpected conflicts
with our neighbors in the north. Right now, the residents of the Northern
Border are increasingly on good terms with those people on the other side,
through trade or sometimes marriage. That is why the relatives on the other
side lure our people or help the enemy when they invade our country.
“Without lips the teeth become cold. Our problems are not limited to the
Northeast Region. The outcome of battle largely depends on the advantages
or disadvantages provided by the terrain held. The enemy strongholds are
extremely close to the borders of our Northwest Region. Nevertheless, we
pay little attention to our borders.
“As a result, the enemy on the other side entices our people who live in
places such as Oŭpch’o, Kapchu [Kapsan],^113 and Haeyang [Kilchu],^114 by
offering them opportunities for making profits, or as has happened recently,
they invade Tanju, the old place of Tongno’ol^115 of and seize both men and
animals and take them away. This indicates that they have known the vul-
nerabilities of our territory for a long time.
“Since I was appointed to take charge of this region, I cannot just sit idly
by and watch what is happening. So I made plans to reinforce our security
and I submit them to Your Majesty.
“1. One way of repulsing the invaders is to train soldiers and use them
right at the moment of crisis. Nevertheless, we let our soldiers, mostly
untrained, remain scattered all over and mobilize them only when the enemy
invades. Thus, by the time they are called up to fight the invading forces, the
enemy has plundered our territory and left. Even if our soldiers try to pursue
the bandits, their chances of capturing them are extremely uncertain because
they lack military training. They do not know how to follow the orders con-
veyed through banners and drums, not to mention how to fight effectively- An old name of Kapsan in South Hamgyŏng Province.
- An old name of Kilchu in North Hamgyŏng Province.
- Tanju (later Tanch’ŏn) was called Tongno’ol during the Koryŏ period. It used to be a
Jurchen territory for many years until Yun Kwan drove out Jurchens in 1107 and named the
place as Pokchu. Later, Mongols invaded Koryŏ and during its occupancy gave the place a new
Mongol name, Tongno’ol In late Koryŏ, King Kongmin captured the old territory, and his suc-
cessor King U changed the place name to Tanju. Then, the name was again changed to Tanch’ŏn
during the reign of T’aejong, the third king of Chosŏn.