Hwaju

Hwaju, later known as Yŏnghŭng, was an important centre of Korea's northeastern frontier. From 1258 it served as the seat of the Mongol Ssangsŏng commandery, whose authority extended over neighbouring towns and military posts. In 1356 King Kongmin sent forces to recover the region; local support from Yi Jach'un helped bring the commandery to an end. Yi's son Yi Sŏnggye would later found the Joseon dynasty.