Wokou

W?kòu (Chinese: ??; Japanese pronunciation: wak?; Korean pronunciation: ?? waegu) were pirates who raided the coastlines of China and Korea from the 13th century onwards. They were comprised largely of Japanese soldiers, ronin and merchants, and later also of Chinese bandits and smugglers.

Kamakura period

The first raid by Wokou on record occurred in the summer of 1223, on the south coast of Goryeo. The Goryeosa states that "Japanese (pirates) attacked Gumju." Two more minor attacks are recorded for 1226, and continued intermittently for the next four decades. Most of the Wokou originated from Tsushima (called the "island Wae" by the Koreans) and Hizen. Under diplomatic pressure from the Goryeo government, the Kamakura shogunate made an effort to keep seafaring military groups under control. In 1227 Mut? Sukeyori, the shogunate's commissioner in Kyushu, had ninety suspected brigands decapitated in front of a Goryeo envoy. In 1263, after Tsushima Wokou raided Ungjin, Japanese negotiators reconfirmed the policies of limiting trade and prohibiting piracy.

Related Topics:
1223 - Goryeo - 1226 - Tsushima - Hizen - Kamakura shogunate - 1227 - Kyushu - 1263 - Ungjin

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The period around the Mongol invasions of Japan were a low point for Wokou activity. This was partly due to the higher degree of military preparedness in Goryeo. They fortified Gumju in 1251 and in 1265, after entering into tribute relations with the Mongols, the powerful Sambyeolcho (???) was deployed to the southern provinces. The Kamakura shogunate, for its part, increased its authority in Kyushu and was better able to mobilise and control former Wokou groups against the threat of Mongol invasion.

Related Topics:
Mongol - 1251 - 1265 - Sambyeolcho

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As the Kamakura shogunate and Goryeo state both declined following the Mongol invasions, the Wokou again became active. In 1323, for example, a large-scale raid took place in Jeolla province. Raids such as this developed into full-scale pirate attacks by the end of the 14th century.

Related Topics:
1323 - Jeolla

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