The Battle of Salsu River Eulji Mundeok

after founding of sui in 589, precarious peace maintained several years between new chinese dynasty , goguryeo. however, in 597, yeongyang launched attack on sui @ battle of linyuguan. in response, sui invaded goguryeo, invasion defeated due constant ambushes , unfavorable weather.

in 7th century, emperor yang learned of secret correspondence between goguryeo , eastern turkic khaganate. emperor yang demanded yeongyang come , submit him or face imperial tour of territories . when yeongyang failed so, emperor yang prepared war. mustered army of on 1,133,000 troops , more 2 million auxiliaries , led them against goguryeo in 612. sui army overran goguryeo s border defenses, camped on banks of liao river , prepared bridge it.

eulji mundeok, commissioned field marshal, called upon defend nation. prepared troops meet numerically superior sui forces strategy of deception, using feigned retreats , sudden attacks. after sui forces crossed liao river, small contingent sent attack city of yodong, repulsed eulji mundeok s forces. rainy season progressed, sui forces launched other small probing attacks, held off making large moves before end of rainy season.

when rains stopped, emperor yang moved forces banks of yalu river in northwestern korea , prepared major battle. fighting small engagements @ times , places of choosing, eulji mundeok drew sui forces further , further supply centers. emperor yang sent advance force of on 305,000 troops take city of pyongyang. after allowing force approach city, field marshal eulji mundeok ambushed it. forces attacked sides, driving sui troops in utter confusion. troops pursued retreating army, slaughtering them @ will. records claim 2,800 men of massive force returned alive main chinese army. battle, battle of salsu, came known 1 of glorious military triumphs in korea s national history.

after battle, winter began set in , sui forces, short on provisions, forced return home in defeat.