Jang Mun-hyu


Jang Mun-hyu was a military commander of Balhae Korea in the 8th century under the reign of King Mu. He is noted for the naval assault against Tang China in 732.

Military Campaign against Tang dynasty

King Mu of Balhae was known for the audacity that he demonstrated against Tang. Balhae embattled Tang over the Issue of Heuksu Malgal tribes. When the Heuksu Malgal in the north of Balhae came under the influence of Tang in 727, he attacked the Heuksu Malgal fearing a pincer attack. To prevent further contacts between Tang and its allies, Heuksu Malgal tribes, King Mu ordered his commander Jang Mun-hyu to attack Dengzhou in Shandong Peninsula. As a result of the a naval assault launched by him in 732, the city’s Chinese prefect, Wei Jun was killed. Dengzhou was occupied for short time by his forces, before his tactical retreat from the city.