Koreans have always viewed such victories as sterling examples of resistance to foreign aggression.

Had Goguryeo not beaten back the invaders, all the states of the peninsula might have fallen under long-term Chinese domination.

Thus commanders such as Eulji Mundeok will become models for emulation hereafter, especially during the Korean War (1950-53).

Baekje cannot hold out under combined Silla and Tang attack, however.

The latter land an invasion fleet in 660, and Baekche quickly falls.

Tang pressure also has weakened Goguryeo, which, after eight successive years of battle, succumbs to a combination of external attack, internal strife, and several famines.

Goguryeo retreats to the north, enabling Silla forces to advance and consolidate their control up to the Taedong River, which flows through P'yongyang.