Sambyolcho and Pae Jung Son

Pae Jung Son (?-1271) was a general who commanded Sambyolcho (a special capital defence unit) resistance force during the period of the Koryo dynasty (918-1392). Sambyolcho was the term indicating Jwabyolcho, Ubyolcho and Sinuigun.

When a nationwide revolt broke out in the latter half of the dynasty, the bewildered military rulers organized a Byolcho unit with strong and nimble men to be on patrol every night, hence the name Yabyolcho (a unit on patrol at night). Later, when the number of its soldiers increased, Yabyolcho was divided into Jwabyolcho and Ubyolcho. And Sinuigun was formed with young and middle-aged men who had escaped from foreign aggression troops’ capture. Combination of those three units was called Sambyolcho.

In 1231 the foreign invaders, who had emerged as a large force north of Koryo, intruded into the country six times to conquer it. At that time Pae Jung Son, together with his colleagues sharing the same idea with him, inspired the soldiers and the people to the struggle against the aggressors. Responding to his call many people gathered around him at once, and Pae broke the arsenal to arm them. After making full preparations for resistance he led them to Jin Islet in the West Sea of Korea which was very good for checking the enemy’s attack.

The resistance force built a new base on the islet under the command of Pae on the one hand, and waged a vigorous struggle to control the area of Jolla Province, seizing Janghung, Raju and Jonju on the other. Having a complete command of many villages of the province and the West and South seas the resistance force successfully repulsed the attacks of over 1 000-strong aggression force several times. This caused vacillation and confusion inside the enemy, so they dared not attack the islet in haste. When the resistance expanded, the foreign aggressors schemed to appease and deceive the resistance force but the latter launched greater retaliation and made further achievements in battles. Then, owing to the cowardly conducts of some of its commanding officers and a renegade within the ranks, the resistance force was defeated in a battle with the enemy who had suddenly attacked it from three directions with thousands of troops and more than 100 warships in 1271. In the battle Commander Pae died, hit by countless arrows.

Afterwards, Sambyolcho moved its centre of activity to Jeju Island and continued to struggle until 1273. Though their struggle failed, it encouraged the people across the country to wage continuous struggles. Eventually, the foreign aggressors acknowledged the sovereignty of Koryo, and had no other choice but to enter into peaceful diplomatic relations with its government.

The resistance of Sambyolcho demonstrated the resourcefulness and patriotic spirit of the Korean people who fought to defend the independence of the nation, and later helped keep maintaining the sovereignty of the country.