Wonjong of Goryeo

Who was Wonjong of Goryeo?

Wonjong of Goryeo was the 24th ruler of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea. He ascended to the throne with the help of Kublai Khan. During his reign, Goryeo became a dependency of the Mongol-founded Yuan Dynasty in China.

He was also the last Goryeo ruler to use the title "temple name" before restoration of the title in the Joseon Dynasty period, as the Goryeo rulers henceforth used the title, "chung", following the demands of Kublai Khan.

In 1269, the military leader Im Yon engineered a coup d'etat to remove Wonjong. Kublai Khan dispatched 3,000 troops to oust the forces of the rebel. Wonjong visited the imperial court in 1271 after his re-accession.

Wonjong was the eldest son of the previous king, Gojong.