Dobang (), also written as Tobang, was a

Goryeo Dynasty Goryeo (; ) was a Korean state founded in 918, during a time of national division called the Later Three Kingdoms period, that unified and ruled the Korea, Korean Peninsula until the establishment of Joseon in 1392. Goryeo achieved what has b ...

private military unit that originated as the personal body guard for Kyong Tae-sung. After the military revolt of the generals in 1170 during the reign of King

Uijong of Goryeo Uijong (23 May 1127 – 7 November 1173), personal name Wang Hyŏn, was the 18th king of the Goryeo, Goryeo dynasty of Korea. He honoured his civilian advisors with many ceremonies but discriminated against the military officials, often forcing ...

, a series of generals culminating in the Ch'oe military dictators, held the real power in

Goryeo Goryeo (; ) was a Korean state founded in 918, during a time of national division called the Later Three Kingdoms period, that unified and ruled the Korea, Korean Peninsula until the establishment of Joseon in 1392. Goryeo achieved what has b ...

. In their first year, General Yi Ko was murdered by General Yi Ui-bang who subsequently died at the hands of Chŏng Kyun (정균). Chŏng's father, Chŏng Chung-bu next held sway for several years until he was overthrown by Kyong Tae-sung. Kyong Tae-sung was the next to last general to seize power before the Choe family gained and consolidated military control for a longer period of time. Noting the great personal risk that had plagued the previous generals, Kyong Tae-sung organized a personal bodyguard of 100 troops, known as the Dobang, which attended him at all times. The Dobang disbanded upon Kyong Tae-sung's death but was reconstituted by Ch'oe Ch'ung-hŏn shortly after he came to power. Ch'oe expanded the Dobang and divided it into six units (Yuk-beon 육번) which became known as the Yuk-beon Dobang (육번도방) This enabled a regular rotation of the guards. When Ch'oe U came to power, his private army became known as the Inner Dobang (Nae Dobang, 내도방) and the Outer Tobang (Woe Dobang, 외도방).

See also