The Later Three Kingdoms period in Korea (889–936 CE) marked a tumultuous era when the once-unified Silla kingdom (668–935 CE) faced decline due to its rigid bone rank system and internal dissent, leading to the rise of regional warlords and widespread banditry. This power vacuum set the stage for the emergence of the Later Three Kingdoms, as opportunistic leaders like Gyeon Hwon and Gung Ye carved out their own states from the remnants of Silla. Gyeon Hwon revived the ancient Baekje in the southwest by 900 CE, while Gung Ye formed Later Goguryeo in the north by 901 CE, showcasing the fragmentation and the struggle for supremacy on the Korean peninsula.

Gung Ye's tyrannical rule and self-proclamation as the Maitreya Buddha led to his downfall and assassination in 918 CE, making way for his minister Wang Geon to take over and establish the Goryeo state. Meanwhile, Gyeon Hwon faced internal strife within his Baekje revival, eventually being overthrown by his son. Amidst the chaos, Silla, the weakest link, sought alliances and faced invasions, notably the sacking of its capital, Gyeongju, in 927 CE. Gyeongae of Silla's subsequent suicide and the installment of a puppet ruler only deepened Silla's crisis.

The unification of Korea was finally achieved under Wang Geon, who took advantage of the disarray within the Baekje and Goguryeo territories. After significant military victories and the voluntary surrender of Silla's last ruler Gyeongsun in 935 CE, Wang consolidated his control. His victory over the Baekje civil war in 936 CE led to the establishment of the Goryeo dynasty, which would preside over Korea for over five centuries, setting the foundation for the modern nation and its name.