In the North a new kingdom forms from the old, Tabong. It is Buddhist-controlled, but actually the main power is the grossly immoral Kyung-ye, who calls himself a priest, but who is really a mad man. Eventually his chief general, Wang-gon, replaces him.

Tabong soon changes its name to Koryo as its people look back to the glory days of Korguryo with longing. In 920 old Silla recognizes new Koryo, and a new era has begun. Fifteen years later, after a 992-year stay on the peninsula, Silla breathes its last and is fully incorporated by Wang-gon into the burgeoning Koryo.

The South has been struggling along under Kyunwhun's rule. This attempt at a separate state soon fizzles, and the king is driven out. Needing a place of refuge, Kyunwhun finds it in Koryo. It is looking like the new nation will be the second power to gain the entire peninsula. Kyunwhun's sons surrender to the North in 936.

Buddhism has been making inroads in the new region, and now becomes the state religion. But during the reign of Koryo's third king, Confucianism gets a new impetus and curtails the strength of Buddhism.

Old ties with China re-surface, holding promise of alliance against the threatening Khitan tribe of the North. But when a formal request is made, China is too busy. For now, end of friendship. We will consider more of the Khitan-China-Koryo conflict next time.