Gazetteer of Korea, Volume 21

It is said that Goryeo was centered in Pyongyang, which is the site of the former Lelang Commandery. After it was defeated by the Tang Dynasty, the people migrated eastward. Later, during the Later Tang period 923–937 CE, during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period in China., Wang Geon The founder of the Goryeo Dynasty, reigned 918–943 CE. replaced the Gao family Refers to the ruling house of the Goguryeo Kingdom.. He annexed the territories of Silla and Baekje, greatly expanding his domain, and moved the capital east to Songak Modern-day Kaesong.. He designated Pyongyang as the Western Capital.

During the Zhiyuan era 1264–1294 CE, under the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. of the Yuan Dynasty, the Western Capital was incorporated into the empire's internal administration. The Dongning Route General Administration was established there, with the Taedong River original: "浿江" (Peijiang) serving as the boundary.

In the second year of the Hongwu era 1369 CE of our current dynasty’s Great Emperor Emperor Hongwu, the founder of the Ming Dynasty., King Wang Jeon King Gongmin of Goryeo, reigned 1351–1374 CE. sent a memorial to congratulate the Emperor on his enthronement. The Emperor dispatched Xie Siqi, the Official in Charge of Seals, bearing a gold seal and a patent of investiture to formally enfeoff Jeon as the King of Goryeo. When the envoy arrived to express the King's gratitude, the Emperor casually asked: "How does the King occupy himself in his country? Are the city walls and fortifications in good repair? Are the weapons and armor sharp and effective? Are the palaces and halls grand and imposing?"

The envoy kowtowed and replied: "As a humble subject from the shores of the Eastern Sea, the King spends his mornings and evenings in ritual and spiritual awakening. He is exceedingly reverent; he has no time for other pursuits The envoy is emphasizing the King's piety and lack of aggressive military intent.."

An imperial decree was then sent to advise the King: "The teachings of the Buddha are not the means by which to govern a state. The fate of Emperor Wu of Liang A 6th-century Chinese emperor whose extreme devotion to Buddhism was traditionally blamed for the neglect of his government and the eventual fall of his dynasty. serves as a warning for future generations. The King should not be led astray. Since the King rules over this region, and..."