Berke vs King Gongmin

Berke converted to Islam, becoming the first Mongol ruler to adopt the faith. This decision created a religious divide within the Mongol Empire, aligning Berke with the Mamluk Sultanate and against the Ilkhanate, which remained Buddhist and Christian.

Under Berke's command, the Golden Horde launched a major raid into Poland and Hungary, led by general Burundai. The Mongols sacked Sandomierz and Krak

Berke formed a diplomatic and military alliance with the Mamluk Sultan Baibars against the Ilkhanate. This alliance included trade agreements and joint military planning, and it helped the Mamluks resist Mongol invasions of Syria.

Berke initiated war against his cousin Hulagu, ruler of the Ilkhanate, after Hulagu's sack of Baghdad and the execution of the Abbasid caliph. Berke allied with the Mamluks, leading to battles in the Caucasus that weakened both Mongol states.

Gongmin launched military campaigns to reclaim northern territories that had been ceded to the Yuan dynasty. Goryeo forces recaptured the Ssangseong and Dongnyeong regions, restoring the kingdom's traditional borders.

King Gongmin expelled Mongol officials and military personnel from Goryeo, ending the Yuan dynasty's direct control over the kingdom. He abolished the Mongol-style administrative offices and reasserted Goryeo's sovereignty.

Gongmin implemented a series of reforms to eliminate Mongol influence, including restoring Korean names for government offices, reviving Confucian rituals, and promoting native Korean culture. These reforms strengthened national identity.

Queen Noguk, Gongmin's Mongol wife and close advisor, died under mysterious circumstances, possibly by poisoning. Her death deeply affected Gongmin, leading to his increasing paranoia and erratic behavior in later years.

King Gongmin was assassinated by his eunuchs and close aides, possibly with the involvement of pro-Mongol factions. His death ended the reform era and led to a period of political instability in Goryeo.