Joseon

Seal of Korea (1884–1897)

Joseon wang bo (Royal Seal Treasure of the Joseon King)

King Taejo Yi 02

Gyeongbok-gung palace-01 (xndr)

영의정하연부부영정3

Joseon was a Korean dynastic kingdom that lasted for approximately five centuries. Founded in 1392 by Yi Seong-gye, who established the capital at Hanyang (present-day Seoul), the Joseon dynasty was characterized by its promotion of Confucianism as the state ideology, which influenced every aspect of Joseon society and governance. It succeeded the Goryeo dynasty and was followed by the Korean Empire in 1897.

Foundation and History

The foundation of Joseon was marked by the end of the Goryeo dynasty, which had been weakened by internal strife and external pressures, particularly from the Mongol Empire. Yi Seong-gye, a prominent general, led a coup that resulted in the establishment of Joseon. He took the throne name King Taejo and moved the capital to Hanyang. The early years of Joseon were marked by efforts to consolidate royal power, reform the bureaucracy, and promote Confucian values throughout the kingdom.

Government and Society

Joseon was governed through a centralized bureaucracy based on Confucian principles. The King of Joseon was the absolute monarch, but his governance was supported by a complex system of officials selected through the Gwageo, a rigorous civil service examination. The society was stratified into a class system, with the yangban (aristocrats) at the top, followed by the chungin (middle class), sangmin (commoners), and the cheonmin (lowest class), which included slaves.

Culture and Achievements

Joseon is renowned for its cultural achievements, particularly in literature, art, and science. The Hangul alphabet, created by Sejong the Great in the 15th century, is among the most significant contributions of the Joseon dynasty to Korean culture. This period also saw the flourishing of Korean painting, ceramics, and the Korean tea ceremony. In science, the invention of the rain gauge and advancements in astronomy and medicine were notable.

Military and Defense

The Joseon dynasty faced numerous external threats during its existence, including invasions by the Japanese in the late 16th century (known as the Imjin War) and the Manchus in the early 17th century. The dynasty's military is known for its development of the turtle ship, an armored warship used with great effect against Japanese naval forces.

Decline and Fall

The late Joseon period was marked by internal corruption, factionalism, and increasing foreign intervention, particularly by Qing China and Japan. These challenges weakened the state and led to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895), after which Joseon became increasingly dependent on foreign powers. The dynasty officially ended in 1897 when it was transformed into the Korean Empire by Emperor Gojong.

Legacy

The legacy of the Joseon dynasty is deeply ingrained in modern Korean culture, politics, and society. Its emphasis on Confucian values and institutions has had a lasting impact on Korean identity. Additionally, many historical sites from the Joseon period, including palaces, tombs, and fortresses, are important cultural heritage sites in South Korea today.