I’ve been studying Eastern history lately.
I’ve come across information that during the late Mongol period in China and Korea, some Chinese troops (the Red Turban Army) invaded the Korean Peninsula. According to Korean historical records, these Chinese soldiers massacred ordinary Koreans and even raped Korean princesses? And these same people were one of the precursors and main sources of the Ming Dynasty?
This is the answer I found on Google. Does it roughly match actual Korean records?
Yes, the Red Turban Army committed horrific massacres, widespread rapes, and other extreme atrocities during their invasions of Korea (the Goryeo Kingdom) between 1359 and 1362. Driven out of mainland China and Liaodong by the Mongols, these starving rebel forces viewed Goryeo as an unprotected target rich in food and supplies. [1, 2]
Historical Context and Cruelties
Historical records from the Goryeosa (History of Goryeo) detail an extraordinary scale of violence inflicted upon the civilian population, particularly during the second invasion when the rebels captured and briefly occupied the capital city of Gaegyeong (modern-day Kaesong). [1, 2]
- Sacking of Cities & Massacres: The Red Turbans caught Goryeo unprepared, completely sacking several major cities—including Pyongyang and Gaegyeong. They systematically slaughtered civilian men and women who were unable to flee. [1, 2]
- Systemic Sexual Violence: Women and girls across the occupied territories were subjected to mass rape and physical abuse by the invading forces. [1, 2, 3]
- Cannibalism and Extreme Atrocities: Faced with severe starvation and lack of provisions, the Red Turban forces engaged in rampant cannibalism. Records explicitly state that soldiers roasted and consumed civilian men, women, and even the breasts of pregnant women. [1, 2, 3]
- Destruction of Heritage: Before being driven out by Goryeo generals (such as Choe Yeong and Yi Seong-gye), the Red Turbans burned down the royal palace of Manwoldae and reduced much of the capital city to ash. [1, 2]
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