Battle of Baekgang
Mouth of the Geum River (then the Baengma River), Korea
What happened
A Tang Chinese and Silla fleet fought a Japanese (Yamato) fleet sent to help supporters of the fallen Korean kingdom of Baekje. Tang China and the Korean kingdom of Silla had conquered Baekje in 660. Baekje loyalists tried to bring it back with Prince Buyeo Pung, and Japan sent ships and soldiers to help. Over two days in the narrow river mouth, the Tang fleet held its line, then trapped and defeated the crowded Japanese ships.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Japan withdrew completely from Korean affairs, and the hope of restoring Baekje ended. Many Baekje nobles settled in Japan, and the prince's brother founded a family line at the Japanese court.
What came next
Many Baekje families settled in Japan. They brought skills that Baekje had long shared with Japan, such as Chinese writing, Buddhism and ironworking.
Did you know?
Prince Buyeo Pung had lived in Japan before returning to Korea to lead the revival, and after the battle he escaped to the kingdom of Goguryeo.
Timeline
- 660Tang and Silla conquer Baekje; its capital, Sabi, falls.
- 660-663Baekje loyalists try to restore the kingdom with Japanese help.
- August 663The Tang-Silla fleet defeats the Japanese fleet at Baekgang.
- After 663Many Baekje refugees settle in Japan.