The Liao Investiture of Koryŏ during the Reign of King Munjong and Its Political-Diplomatic Significance

This study aims to examine the political and diplomatic nature of the Liao (Khitan) investiture of Goryeo during the reign of King Munjong. In this period, both the frequency of investiture and the level of titles conferred increased markedly compared to earlier reigns. Such reinforcement functioned as a strategic response by the Liao to prevent Goryeo’s defection amid changing regional circumstances, including the Boju territorial dispute, the Liao campaign against Western Xia, and the restoration of Goryeo-Song relations. The gifts presented in the course of investiture operated as institutional components of a standardized ritual system and contributed to stabilizing royal authority by reinforcing the international legitimacy of both King Munjong and the crown prince. In sum, the investiture system under Munjong served as a structural mechanism through which the Liao sought to maintain Goryeo as a friendly power within the multi-layered diplomatic order of East Asia, while simultaneously strengthening the political status of the Goryeo royal house.