First Manchu expedition to Korea

The Manchus under Hong Taiji made the first expedition to Korea in 1627. In Korea, this event is called Jeongmyo-Horan (丁卯胡亂; 정묘호란), which is insulting to the Manchus.

Table of contents

1 Background 2 War 3 Passage Afterwards

Background

Joseon helped Ming China when she attacked Manchus' Later Jin under Nurhaci in 1619, but Korean General Gang Hong-rip surrendered to Nurhaci. Gang insisted that Korea did not hold anything against the Manchus and that she sent reinforcements only to repay an obligation to Ming. Nurhaci and his son Daišan were not interested in conquering Korea too. This antiwar policy lasted until Nurhaci's death.

In Korea the Westerners faction deposed the realist king Gwanghaegun and installed King Injo in 1623. This faction took explicit pro-Ming, anti-Manchu policies. In addition, Ming Mobile Corps Commander Mao Wenlong engaged in guerrilla warfare making an island of Korea his base.

The first Manchu expedition was triggered by Yi Gwal's rebellion against King Injo in 1624. The revolt was soon crushed but remnants fled to Manchuria. They recommended Hong Taiji to invade Korea.

War

In 1627, Hong Taiji dispatched Amin, Jirgalang, Ajige and Yoto to Korea guided by Gang Hong-rip and other Koreans. The Korean army was no match for Manchu one. The Manchu also defeated Mao Wenlong's troops but failed to capture the commander. When the Manchus advanced southward to Hwangju, King Injo fled from Hanseong (Seoul) to Ganghwa Island in astonishment.

Despite the dominant situation, the Manchus pushed peace negotiations, probably because Hong Taiji was concerned about the home defence. The following was the settlement in Gwanhwa Island:

1. Korea abandons the Ming era name Tianqi (天啓).
2. Korea offers Yi Gak as a hostage as a substitute for a royal prince.
3. (Later) Jin and Korea will not violate each other's territory.

After three-day looting, Amin signed another settlement in Pyongyang which was more favorable to the Manchus. After the four month expedition, the Manchu army finally returned to Mukden.

Passage Afterwards

The two sides conducted postwar negotiations. The Manchus forced Korea to open markets near the borders because the long conflict with Ming brought economic hardship to the Manchus. Korea also returned the Warka tribe to Later Jin. The Manchus regularly exacted tribute from Korea.

The relationship between Later Jin and Joseon remained dark. Korean Confucians continually advocated unrealistic attacks to the Manchus to help the surezain state Ming. They did never enhance military power, however. The unstable peace was destroyed in 1636. See: Second Manchu expedition to Korea.