HISTORY OF KOREAOUTLINE

2 ANCIENT KOREA

Heavy Chinese Influence: Characters, Buddhism, Confucianism, Gov’t. 60% of Korean words today come from Chinese But actually descended from the Manchu and Mongols in the North

There was heavy Chinese Influence in the Korean Peninsula. These included the use of Chinese characters, Buddhism, and Confucianism. With these, forms of government followed. Today 60% of Korean words have Chinese origins.1 But Koreans actually were probably descendants from the northern Manchu and Mongol regions.

3 FORMATION OF THREE KINGDOMS

Most evidence from Chinese records Goguryeo became strong enough to provide a threat to China Trade with China through land and sea routes began to grow Southern parts formed kingdoms as well Gaya overlooked – fell to Silla in 6th century

Most written history of Korea came from Chinese records. Goguryeo gradually developed into a kingdom by the 1st century CE, enough to provide a threat to the Chinese. Trade with China through sea routes also began to grow. Eventually, the

southern parts formed kingdoms. Actually, there were 4 kingdoms in the three kingdoms period. Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla, and Gaya. Gaya is usually overlooked, and it fell to Silla in the 6th century.2

4 BAEKJE

Centralized in 3rd century Peaked under King Geunchogo – long term alliance with Japan (Buddhism

official 384: transmitted Buddhism to Japan) Drove back Goguryeo, killing king – coup forces him back Sea Power – Questionable evidence of coastal areas in China

The official beginning of Baekje is listed as 18 BCE, but Baekje kings did not really exert much power before the third century. It enjoyed its peak under King Geunchogo, who centralized the state and militarily drove south to solidify Baekje control. He established the beginning of a long term alliance with the Japanese, and when Buddhism became official in Baekje in 384, this too was transmitted to Japan. Geunchogo then drove northwards and drove back their rivals Goguryeo, killing the Goguryeo king in the process.3 A coup which broke out forced Geunchogo to return to the capital and suppress it, thus ending the Goguryeo campaign prematurely. There is also questionable evidence that he conquered coastal areas in China as well.4

5 GOGURYEO

Really began in 1st century Losses from Manchurians and Baekje in 4th century Brief Recovery: Confucian academy, bureaucracy & laws, Buddhism 372 King Gwanggaeto – Defeated a Chinese state, incorporated tribes in North

and Baekje/Japan/Silla puppet states Silla alliance allowed them to learn from Goguryeo Provided for people through expanded trade

Goguryeo began in 37 BCE, but also didn’t become very centralized until 1st century. It suffered severe losses from the Manchurians in the north and Baekje in the South during the early and middle of the 4th century (remember the king was killed in battle). Goguryeo underwent a brief period of recovery, including the adoption of Buddhism as the official religion, setting up of a Confucian academy, and adopting a Chinese style bureaucracy and code of laws.5 Then, King Gwanggaeto the Great went on several conquests, expanding Goguryeo to its largest. He defeated a Chinese state on its eastern borders, while subjugating tribes to the north, and to the south Baekje and their Japanese allies to puppet states. Silla had an alliance with Goguryeo and learned from their culture. Simultaneously, Gwanggaeto was able to maintain ruthless control domestically and provide for the people through various trades with his puppet states.6

6 GOGURYEO (continued)

Sui 581 – Fighting in Liaodong Peninsula One time broke through, overextended, Ulchi Mundok at river 2700 of 300,000 returned Tang 618 continued to pursue Goguryeo

Sui unified China in 581, and reflexively looked to Goguryeo as a threat on its northern border. Most of the fighting took place in Liaodong peninsula in Manchuria, not on the Korean peninsula, but the Sui broke through one time, closing in on the capital then at Pyongyang.7 General Ulchi Mundok saw that the Sui had overextended their supplies.8 He waited for the Chinese to get overconfident and lured them to the capital, striking when they were spread thin crossing a river. Some say that only 2,700 of the 300,000 Sui soldiers returned. The Sui eventually disintegrated in 618, but the Tang dynasty continued to pursue Goguryeo in the 600s.7

7 SILLA

Centralized 4th century Adopted Buddhism later (spread from China south and east) Hwarang Code – Loyalty to King, Filial Piety to Parents, Trustworthiness to

FriendsSilla officially began before Baekje and Goguryeo, but its first centralized king is probably in the 4th century. Silla accepted Buddhism later than Baekje and Goguryeo as Chinese ideas spread south and east. There is also evidence of Confucian ideals in the Hwarang Code, a code of honor for knights which included loyalty to the king, filial piety to parents, and trustworthiness to friends.9

8 END TO THREE KINGDOMS

Repulsed six invasions – fell 668

Balance of power broken – Silla-Tang Alliance Infighting in Goguryeo after Yeon Gaesomun Many fled and formed Balhae under Dae Joyoung Confucian big brother little brother Tribute trade – Silla culture flourished (stone carvings, temples, etc.)

After the repulsion of six invasions from two of China’s strongest dynasties, Goguryeo finally fell in 668. Up to that point, if any one of the kingdoms became too powerful, the weaker two would form an alliance and maintain a balance of power. However, with the unification of China, Silla made a decisive move to ally with the Tang Chinese. Tang would assist Silla in conquering Baekje, and Silla would then aid the Tang against Goguryeo. Both Baekje and Goguryeo fell to the two-sided threat of the Silla-Tang Alliance. Goguryeo fell quickly because infighting had developed in Goguryeo after the death of its commanding general, Yeon Gaesomun, on how they should best deal with foreign threats. Many Goguryeo Koreans fled east and established a separate kingdom, Balhae, under the leadership of Dae Joyoung. Gradually, Silla and Tang established a big-little brother relationship. Both heavily influenced by Confucian ideals, Tang took great pride in being the big brother, while Silla also took pride as the little brother. From this point on, Korea often sent tributes to China, and China in exchange returned gifts, and a “tribute trade” developed between China and Korea.10 The stability with China allowed Silla’s culture to flourish, and there was a wealth of stone carvings, Buddhist temples, tile-roofed architecture, etc.

9 WANG GEON

Silla divide into regions, Later Three Kingdoms Wang Geon – Rename to Goryeo (tributary status) Protected Silla & gained respect Openly accepted aristocracies – official Silla end 935 Inch Northward – Some Balhae people joined

Eventually, Silla began to divide into regions, and a new three kingdoms formed within Silla. In 918, Wang Geon became the king in Hu-goguryeo and renamed the kingdom Goryeo. The Chinese-like name symbolized Korea’s integration into the Chinese system and its growing importance as a tributary state of China. He protected the old Silla kingdom from Balhae and Hu-baekje attack, and gained the respect of many Korean people. He openly accepted the aristocracies of Hu-baekje and Silla. Silla officially ended in 935 with the surrender of the last king, who sought a role in the new Goryeo kingdom. Goryeo also inched northward as many of the Balhae ruling class joined Goryeo for protection from the Khitans in Manchuria.11

10 GORYEO

Trade & Culture – Mongol invasion (Genghis Khan) Modern Name Neo-Confucianism Jikji 1377 – first metal movable type (vs China wooden, Gutenburg 1436)

The Goryeo Dynasty was characterized by flourishing trade and culture, albeit interrupted by the Mongolian invasion of Genghis Khan. Trade was ripe with Manchuria, China, and Japan, and even reached the West to give Korea its modern name. Neo-Confucianism slowly trickled in from “big brother” China towards the end of the Goryeo Dynasty, and it eclipsed Buddhism completely in the next dynasty, the Joseon Dynasty. Goryeo’s greatest cultural achievement is the printing of several books titled Jikji in 1377 using the world’s first metal movable type. China had printing before, but this was wooden movable type, and Gutenburg only invented his metal movable type printing press in 1436.12

11 YI SEONGGYE

Ming rose, Goryeo reversed loyalty to Mongols 1388 ordered attack on Ming – Yi Seonggye reversed troops 4 year puppet king – stability – new Joseon 1392 Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucianism – Buddhist temples moved, land confiscated Smooth transition = little social change

With the fall of Mongols and the rise of the Ming Dynasty in China, Goryeo reversed its loyalty to the Mongols. However, older brother Ming was suspicious of Goryeo, and the king of Goryeo ordered an attack on the Ming in 1388. While headed towards China, Yi Seonggye, the general in command, reversed the troops and attacked the Goryeo capital rather than travel on what he considered a suicidal war with Ming. Yi Seonggye established puppet kings for four years to retain stability before declaring the Joseon Dynasty in 1392. He moved the capital to modern day Seoul, and the Civil Service Exam based on Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucianism became the basis for wealth and power in the Joseon Dynasty. Buddhist temples and landholdings were confiscated and removed to remote mountain regions. However, the smooth transition meant that there was little social change, and the slaves of the aristocrats had no chance to escape their slavery.13

12 YI BANGWON 5th son + general Yi Seonggye chose different crown prince (half-brother) Killed, established puppet king, stability, take over Sejong: 3rd son + precocious

Yi Bangwon abdicated early to avoid blood bath Two older brothers recognized Sejong: 1st acted recklessly, 2nd monk One of two kings “great”

Although Yi Seonggye did well to establish the dynasty, it was not without problems. His fifth son, Yi Bangwon, worked with his father as a general. However, Yi Seonggye chose a crown prince from his second wife’s son. Yi Bangwon killed his half-brother, installed one of his older brothers as a puppet king, and eventually took over after a degree of stability was reached (much like how his father took over).14 Yi Bangwon’s third son, Sejong, was deemed precocious from an early age. To avoid another blood-bath, Yi Bangwon abdicated early, declaring his eldest son as crown prince. However, Sejong’s two older brothers recognized that Sejong was more capable than they were. His oldest brother deliberately acted recklessly and was exiled, while his second brother wandered out and became a monk. As a result, Sejong became king, and he is only one of two kings in Korean history to be given the title “great”.15

13 SEJONG THE GREAT Hangul – True Alphabet – Spoken language, increased literacy Web of underground literature developed Education, literature & music, scientific inventions – commission Goryeo

history Poems & Literary Works

History of Goryeo Kingdom Music

• Scientific Inventions Rain Gauge Sundial Water Clock

Sejong’s greatest achievement is the invention of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. The Hangul is a true alphabet, unlike the Japanese Hiragana and Katakana based on syllables, and the Chinese characters which derives from pictography. Sejong created this alphabet for two reasons: 1) Korean spoken language was not compatible with Chinese characters. In this respect, it slowly became a political achievement. 2) Because of the difficulty of Chinese characters, most Koreans could not read or write. After the invention of Hangul, literacy rose and a web of underground literature grew. 16 Other than inventing Hangul, Sejong also promoted education, encouraged the development of literature and music, and sponsored numerous scientific inventions. It was he who also commissioned the writing of a history of the Goryeo Kingdom.17

14 JOSEON & THE WEST RCath. 18th century (via China) – serious inroads – persecution

Direct contact w. West late 1800s – US first Reject trade invitations – allowed Japan to eventually invade Sino-Japanese War – no longer protected by big brother – Korean empire Japanese colonization – US-USSR trusteeship – Korean War – Split

In the 18th century, Roman Catholicism arrived in Joseon via China. It made serious inroads, and its conflict with Confucianism led to the persecution of many people.18 Direct contact with the West did not actually happen until the late 1800s, first with the US, and then also with France and other nations. Joseon rejected their attempts to open trade beyond China and Japan. This allowed Japan to eventually invade Joseon, creating a Sino-Japanese conflict which ended with Japanese victory. No longer protected by its “big brother”, a Korean Emperor was declared to gain equality with China and Japan, but Japan colonized Korea in 1910 until its defeat in WW2.19 From that point on, the US and USSR established a trusteeship in Korea, which led to the Korean War and the permanent split of Korea into North and South.

15 NORTH KOREA

Kim Il-Sung – DPRK – Neither – Stalinist (cult, purges) Sino-Soviet Split Chinese Cultural Revolution & Isolation

Kim Il Sung emerged as the leader of North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. However, the country was neither democratic nor a republic, and Kim Il-Sung employed extreme Stalinist measures including purges and a massive cult of personality. When Sino-Soviet relations became strained in the 1950s, Kim played on their divide to gain aid from both Communist powers. As Stalin died and the Soviet Union softened its stance, Kim threw his weight with the Chinese, but the Chinese were occupied with their own Cultural Revolution, leaving North Korea isolated.20

16 NORTH KOREA (continued)

1994 Kim Jong-Il Clinton & Agreed Framework against Nuclear Development Bush, “crack down”, “not honored”, China’s role, 2003 Six Party Talks Border Conflicts – Mar10 Cheonan Coastal Guard 46, Nov10 Yeonpyeong

In 1994, Kim Il-Sung’s son, Kim Jong-Il, took over. Clinton visited Pyeongyang and signed the Agreed Framework against nuclear development. When conservative Bush became president, his administration was eager to crack down on North Korea and criticized that appeasement was not an option. North Korea retaliated that the US had not honored the 1994 agreement. Eventually, China played a major role in bringing North Korea back to the table in the 2003 Six Party Talks among the US, China, the two Koreas, Japan, and Russia.20 There has also been numerous border conflicts since the stalemate was agreed in 1953. Most recently, North Korea was suspected of sinking the South Korean ship, the Cheonan coastal guard, which killed 46 men in March 2010. North Korea denied claims and threatened “all out war” if South Korea retaliated.21 Then, in November 2010, a major crisis occurred when North Korea fired on a border South Korean island, Yeonpyeong. It was rumored that the conflict had to do with the issue of succession, and in late 2011, Kim Jong Il died, and his son Kim Jong Un did take over.22

17 SOUTH KOREA

Long road to stable democracy 5 Republics starting with Yi Seungman Dictatorial president Park Chung-hee assassinated Sixth Republic: Direct elections, 1 term of 5 years Today: Two-party dominated but many influential third parties Roh Moo-Hyun put under impeachment, not convicted, suicide amidst

briberyAfter the end of the war, South Korea faced a long road to stable democracy. It went through 5 Republics beginning with Yi Seungman, an intermittent period of near dictatorship under Park Chung-hee, the assassination of Park, a return to direct elections, and the limiting of the president to 1 term of 5 years. Today, Korean politics is also two-party dominated, but there are many third parties that tend to become involved in the elections and play an important role. The last Korean president, Roh Moo-Hyun, was put under impeachment trial but not convicted. However, a year after his term ended in 2008, he committed suicide amidst bribery controversies.23

18 SOUTH KOREA (continued)

1997 IMF Crisis began in Thailand – No choice but to accept IMF loan & policies

Actually helped Korea recover quickly (heavy losses in 98, recovered in 99) Today: Lee Myung Bak – economically oriented (despite 2007) Brought Korea into the Global Scene – G20 Favorable relationship with Obama Elections this year for 2013-2018 presidency: Park Geun-hye

In 1997, an Asian Financial Crisis began in Thailand. South Korea was heavily affected, and the president had no choice but to accept IMF’s loan and free trade policies. IMF involvement actually helped Korea recover quickly, although one of Korea’s major wealthy company, Daewoo, went bankrupt. Its automobile section was sold to GM. In 1998, Korea faced heavy economic losses, but by 1999, it resumed its role as one of the fastest growing economies in the world.24 Today, Lee Myung Bak has led Korea to economic stability despite the 2007 Financial Crisis. He is most noted for bringing South Korea into the global scene, especially with South Korea’s entry into the G20. The G20 is a collection of the world’s 20 biggest and fastest growing economies in the world. Furthermore, Lee has been able to build a favorable relationship with President Obama. Obama is in office for another four years, but Korea has its own elections coming up this year, with Park Geun-hye in the lead for the incumbent party. Park Geun-hye is the daughter of former president Park Chung-hee who was eventually assassinated and would become the first female president of Korea if she wins.

19 CONCLUSION Appreciate Korean history for its unique/different from China/Japan. Became caught in Soviet Union-United States Cold War conflict Still play a big role in East Asian and now world politics South Korea top economy + major voice in G20 Before, Korea caught between strong China & determined Japan… now

economic eyes on India & China… S.Korea quietly becoming one of the biggest powers in Asia

Also, North-South far from resolved KEEP AN EYE OUT ON KOREA IN THE COMING YEARS!!!

In conclusion, I hope people will begin to appreciate Korean history more, because it is unique and different from China and Japan. Although Korea became caught in the Soviet Union-United States Cold War conflict, the two Koreas continue to play a big role in East Asian and now world politics. For South Korea, its economic growth has propelled itself to become one of the top economies in the world and now has a major voice in the G20. In the past, Korea was neglected caught in between a strong China and a determined Japan, and now the world once again focuses on the economic potentials in China and India, but South Korea is quietly becoming one of the biggest powers in Asia. Furthermore, the North-South conflict is far from

resolved, making Korea an area that the world should definitely keep an eye on in the coming years.

BIBLIOGRAPHY (Images & Information included)

"10000 Won." Language Log. WordPress, n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. <http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/ nll/?p=1515>.

"Baekdu Mountain." 1280x800 WALLPAPER.COM. 1280x800 Wallpaper, 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. <http://www.1280x800wallpaper.com/details/t0x35/download.php>.

"Bill Clinton and Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang." The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones, 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204313604574329662762687616.html>.

Dae Joyoung. KBS. Seoul. 2006-2007. Television.Exaggerated View of Baekje. AsiaFinest.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2012.

<http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t110846.html>."Goguryeo." The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus. DataMomentum, n.d. Web. 16 Nov.

2012. <http://www.japanfocus.org/-Robert_Y_-Eng/3503>.

"History of Korea-375." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopaedia. Wikimedia, 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baekje>.

Jikji. USC Libraries. U of Southern California, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2012. <http://www.usc.edu/ libraries/news/jikji/>.

Joe, Wanne J. Traditional Korea: A Cultural History. Vol. 1. Seoul: Chung'ang UP, 1972. Print.

King Geunchogo. KBS. Seoul. 2010-2011. Television.King Gwanggaeto the Great. KBS. Seoul. 2011-2012. Television."Kim Jong-il Smiles with Father." ABC News. ABC, 19 Dec. 2011. Web. 18 Nov. 2012.

<http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-19/kim-jong-il-and-father/3739158>.

"King Sejong the Great." Asia Society. Asia Society, 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2012.King Sejong the Great. KBS. Seoul. 2008. Television.”King Taejo." KoreanHistory.info. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2012.

<http://koreanhistory.info/ChosonDynasty.htm>”King Taejo." KoreanHistory.info. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2012.

<http://koreanhistory.info/Koryo.htm>McDonell, Stephen. "North Korea Attack Linked to Leadership Succession." ABC

News. ABC, 26 Nov 2010. Web. 18 Nov. 2012.Park Geun-Hye. The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 10 July 2010. Web. 18

Nov. 2012. <http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jul/10/park-geun-hye-korean-president>.

"Peripheral Geography of Korea." Korea. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2012.<http://www.cs.columbia.edu/ ~stratos/opinions/korea/korea.html>.

Peterson, Mark, and Phillip Margulies. A Brief History of Korea. N.p.: Facts on File, 2010. Print.

Ramstad, Evan. "China Urges Restraint in Korea Crisis." Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones, 21 May 2010. Web. 18 Nov. 2012.

Silla Martial Arts Squad. Naver. Naver, 2009. Web. 17 Nov. 2012. <http://blog.naver.com/ PostView.nhn?blogId=kado72&logNo=100086071530&redirect=Dlog&widgetTypeCall=true>.

"Southern and Northern States Period." The Korea Times. Korea Times, 2012. Web. 17 Nov. 2012. <http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2012/09/367_101909.html>.

Syngman Rhee. The James Logan Courier. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. <http://www.jameslogancourier.org/index.php?itemid=6980>.

"Ulchi Mundok." KoreanHistory.info. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2012.

A Brief History of Korea ( Essay)

There was heavy Chinese Influence in the Korean Peninsula. These included the

use of Chinese characters, Buddhism, and Confucianism. With these, forms of

government followed. Today 60% of Korean words have Chinese origins (Peterson 1).

But Koreans actually were probably descendants from the northern Manchu and

Mongol regions.

Most written history of Korea came from Chinese records. Goguryeo gradually

developed into a kingdom by the 1st century CE, enough to provide a threat to the

Chinese. Trade with China through sea routes also began to grow. Eventually, the

southern parts formed kingdoms. Actually, there were 4 kingdoms in the three

kingdoms period. Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla, and Gaya. Gaya is usually overlooked, and it

fell to Silla in the 6th century (Peterson 8-14).

The official beginning of Baekje is listed as 18 BCE, but Baekje kings did not really

exert much power before the third century. It enjoyed its peak under King Geunchogo,

who centralized the state and militarily drove south to solidify Baekje control. He

established the beginning of a long term alliance with the Japanese, and when

Buddhism became official in Baekje in 384, this too was transmitted to Japan.

Geunchogo then drove northwards and drove back their rivals Goguryeo, killing the

Goguryeo king in the process (Peterson 17-18). A coup which broke out forced

Geunchogo to return to the capital and suppress it, thus ending the Goguryeo campaign

prematurely. There is also questionable evidence that he conquered coastal areas in

China as well (King Geunchogo).

Goguryeo began in 37 BCE, but also didn’t become very centralized until 1st

century. It suffered severe losses from the Manchurians in the north and Baekje in the

South during the early and middle of the 4th century (remember the king was killed in

battle). Goguryeo underwent a brief period of recovery, including the adoption of

Buddhism as the official religion, setting up of a Confucian academy, and adopting a

Chinese style bureaucracy and code of laws (Peterson 13-15). Then, King Gwanggaeto

the Great went on several conquests, expanding Goguryeo to its largest. He defeated a

Chinese state on its eastern borders, while subjugating tribes to the north, and to the

south Baekje and their Japanese allies to puppet states. Silla had an alliance with

Goguryeo and learned from their culture. Simultaneously, Gwanggaeto was able to

maintain ruthless control domestically and provide for the people through various

trades with his puppet states (King Gwanggaeto).

Sui unified China in 581, and reflexively looked to Goguryeo as a threat on its

northern border. Most of the fighting took place in Liaodong peninsula in Manchuria,

not on the Korean peninsula, but the Sui broke through one time, closing in on the

capital then at Pyongyang (Peterson 33). General Ulchi Mundok saw that the Sui had

overextended their supplies (Ulchi Mundok). He waited for the Chinese to get

overconfident and lured them to the capital, striking when they were spread thin

crossing a river. Some say that only 2,700 of the 300,000 Sui soldiers returned. The Sui

eventually disintegrated in 618, but the Tang dynasty continued to pursue Goguryeo in

the 600s (Peterson 33).

Silla officially began before Baekje and Goguryeo, but its first centralized king is

probably in the 4th century. Silla accepted Buddhism later than Baekje and Goguryeo as

Chinese ideas spread south and east. There is also evidence of Confucian ideals in the

Hwarang Code, a code of honor for knights which included loyalty to the king, filial piety

to parents, and trustworthiness to friends (Peterson 25-28).

After the repulsion of six invasions from two of China’s strongest dynasties,

Goguryeo finally fell in 668. Up to that point, if any one of the kingdoms became too

powerful, the weaker two would form an alliance and maintain a balance of power.

However, with the unification of China, Silla made a decisive move to ally with the Tang

Chinese. Tang would assist Silla in conquering Baekje, and Silla would then aid the Tang

against Goguryeo. Both Baekje and Goguryeo fell to the two-sided threat of the Silla-

Tang Alliance. Goguryeo fell quickly because infighting had developed in Goguryeo after

the death of its commanding general, Yeon Gaesomun, on how they should best deal

with foreign threats. Many Goguryeo Koreans fled east and established a separate

kingdom, Balhae, under the leadership of Dae Joyoung.

Gradually, Silla and Tang established a big-little brother relationship. Both

heavily influenced by Confucian ideals, Tang took great pride in being the big brother,

while Silla also took pride as the little brother. From this point on, Korea often sent

tributes to China, and China in exchange returned gifts, and a “tribute trade” developed

between China and Korea (Peterson 33-37). The stability with China allowed Silla’s

culture to flourish, and there was a wealth of stone carvings, Buddhist temples, tile-

roofed architecture, etc.

Eventually, Silla began to divide into regions, and a new three kingdoms formed

within Silla. In 918, Wang Geon became the king in Hu-goguryeo and renamed the

kingdom Goryeo. The Chinese-like name symbolized Korea’s integration into the

Chinese system and its growing importance as a tributary state of China. He protected

the old Silla kingdom from Balhae and Hu-baekje attack, and gained the respect of many

Korean people. He openly accepted the aristocracies of Hu-baekje and Silla. Silla

officially ended in 935 with the surrender of the last king, who sought a role in the new

Goryeo kingdom. Goryeo also inched northward as many of the Balhae ruling class

joined Goryeo for protection from the Khitans in Manchuria (Peterson 50-55).

The Goryeo Dynasty was characterized by flourishing trade and culture, albeit

interrupted by the Mongolian invasion of Genghis Khan. Trade was ripe with

Manchuria, China, and Japan, and even reached the West to give Korea its modern

name. Neo-Confucianism slowly trickled in from “big brother” China towards the end of

the Goryeo Dynasty, and it eclipsed Buddhism completely in the next dynasty, the

Joseon Dynasty. Goryeo’s greatest cultural achievement is the printing of several books

titled Jikji in 1377 using the world’s first metal movable type. China had printing before,

but this was wooden movable type, and Gutenburg only invented his metal movable

type printing press in 1436 (Peterson 68-71).

With the fall of Mongols and the rise of the Ming Dynasty in China, Goryeo

reversed its loyalty to the Mongols. However, older brother Ming was suspicious of

Goryeo, and the king of Goryeo ordered an attack on the Ming in 1388. While headed

towards China, Yi Seonggye, the general in command, reversed the troops and attacked

the Goryeo capital rather than travel on what he considered a suicidal war with Ming.

Yi Seonggye established puppet kings for four years to retain stability before

declaring the Joseon Dynasty in 1392. He moved the capital to modern day Seoul, and

the Civil Service Exam based on Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucianism became the basis for wealth

and power in the Joseon Dynasty. Buddhist temples and landholdings were confiscated

and removed to remote mountain regions. However, the smooth transition meant that

there was little social change, and the slaves of the aristocrats had no chance to escape

their slavery (Peterson 74-81).

Although Yi Seonggye did well to establish the dynasty, it was not without

problems. His fifth son, Yi Bangwon, worked with his father as a general. However, Yi

Seonggye chose a crown prince from his second wife’s son. Yi Bangwon killed his half-

brother, installed one of his older brothers as a puppet king, and eventually took over

after a degree of stability was reached (much like how his father took over) (Peterson

83).

Yi Bangwon’s third son, Sejong, was deemed precocious from an early age. To

avoid another blood-bath, Yi Bangwon abdicated early, declaring his eldest son as crown

prince. However, Sejong’s two older brothers recognized that Sejong was more capable

than they were. His oldest brother deliberately acted recklessly and was exiled, while

his second brother wandered out and became a monk. As a result, Sejong became king,

and he is only one of two kings in Korean history to be given the title “great” (King

Sejong the Great).

Sejong’s greatest achievement is the invention of Hangul, the Korean alphabet.

The Hangul is a true alphabet, unlike the Japanese Hiragana and Katakana based on

syllables, and the Chinese characters which derives from pictography. Sejong created

this alphabet for two reasons: 1) Korean spoken language was not compatible with

Chinese characters. In this respect, it slowly became a political achievement. 2)

Because of the difficulty of Chinese characters, most Koreans could not read or write.

After the invention of Hangul, literacy rose and a web of underground literature grew

(Peterson 85-86). Other than inventing Hangul, Sejong also promoted education,

encouraged the development of literature and music, and sponsored numerous

scientific inventions. It was he who also commissioned the writing of a history of the

Goryeo Kingdom (King Sejong the Great).

In the 18th century, Roman Catholicism arrived in Joseon via China. It made

serious inroads, and its conflict with Confucianism led to the persecution of many

people (Peterson 114). Direct contact with the West did not actually happen until the

late 1800s, first with the US, and then also with France and other nations. Joseon

rejected their attempts to open trade beyond China and Japan. This allowed Japan to

eventually invade Joseon, creating a Sino-Japanese conflict which ended with Japanese

victory. No longer protected by its “big brother”, a Korean Emperor was declared to

gain equality with China and Japan, but Japan colonized Korea in 1910 until its defeat in

WW2 (Peterson 118-132).

From that point on, the US and USSR established a trusteeship in Korea, which

led to the Korean War and the permanent split of Korea into North and South. Kim Il

Sung emerged as the leader of North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic

of Korea. However, the country was neither democratic nor a republic, and Kim Il-Sung

employed extreme Stalinist measures including purges and a massive cult of personality.

When Sino-Soviet relations became strained in the 1950s, Kim played on their divide to

gain aid from both Communist powers. As Stalin died and the Soviet Union softened its

stance, Kim threw his weight with the Chinese, but the Chinese were occupied with their

own Cultural Revolution, leaving North Korea isolated.

In 1994, Kim Il-Sung’s son, Kim Jong-Il, took over. Clinton visited Pyeongyang

and signed the Agreed Framework against nuclear development. When conservative

Bush became president, his administration was eager to crack down on North Korea and

criticized that appeasement was not an option. North Korea retaliated that the US had

not honored the 1994 agreement. Eventually, China played a major role in bringing

North Korea back to the table in the 2003 Six Party Talks among the US, China, the two

Koreas, Japan, and Russia (Peterson 245-275).

There has also been numerous border conflicts since the stalemate was agreed

in 1953. Most recently, North Korea was suspected of sinking the South Korean ship,

the Cheonan coastal guard, which killed 46 men in March 2010. North Korea denied

claims and threatened “all out war” if South Korea retaliated (McDonell). Then, in

November 2010, a major crisis occurred when North Korea fired on a border South

Korean island, Yeonpyeong. It was rumored that the conflict had to do with the issue of

succession, and in late 2011, Kim Jong Il died, and his son Kim Jong Un did take over

(Ramstad).

After the end of the war, South Korea faced a long road to stable democracy. It

went through 5 Republics beginning with Yi Seungman, an intermittent period of near

dictatorship under Park Chung-hee, the assassination of Park, a return to direct

elections, and the limiting of the president to 1 term of 5 years.

Today, Korean politics is also two-party dominated, but there are many third

parties that tend to become involved in the elections and play an important role. The

last Korean president, Roh Moo-Hyun, was put under impeachment trial but not

convicted. However, a year after his term ended in 2008, he committed suicide amidst

bribery controversies (Peterson 209-244).

In 1997, an Asian Financial Crisis began in Thailand. South Korea was heavily

affected, and the president had no choice but to accept IMF’s loan and free trade

policies. IMF involvement actually helped Korea recover quickly, although one of

Korea’s major wealthy company, Daewoo, went bankrupt. Its automobile section was

sold to GM. In 1998, Korea faced heavy economic losses, but by 1999, it resumed its

role as one of the fastest growing economies in the world (Peterson 239).

Today, Lee Myung Bak has led Korea to economic stability despite the 2007

Financial Crisis. He is most noted for bringing South Korea into the global scene,

especially with South Korea’s entry into the G20. The G20 is a collection of the world’s

20 biggest and fastest growing economies in the world. Furthermore, Lee has been able

to build a favorable relationship with President Obama. Obama is in office for another

four years, but Korea has its own elections coming up this year, with Park Geun-hye in

the lead for the incumbent party. Park Geun-hye is the daughter of former president

Park Chung-hee who was eventually assassinated and would become the first female

president of Korea if she wins.

In conclusion, I hope people will begin to appreciate Korean history more,

because it is unique and different from China and Japan. Although Korea became

caught in the Soviet Union-United States Cold War conflict, the two Koreas continue to

play a big role in East Asian and now world politics. For South Korea, its economic

growth has propelled itself to become one of the top economies in the world and now

has a major voice in the G20.

In the past, Korea was neglected caught in between a strong China and a

determined Japan, and now the world once again focuses on the economic potentials in

China and India, but South Korea is quietly becoming one of the biggest powers in Asia.

Furthermore, the North-South conflict is far from resolved, making Korea an area that

the world should definitely keep an eye on in the coming years.

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<http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-19/kim-jong-il-and-father/3739158>.

"King Sejong the Great." Asia Society. Asia Society, 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2012.

McDonell, Stephen. "North Korea Attack Linked to Leadership Succession." ABC News.

ABC, 26 Nov 2010. Web. 18 Nov. 2012.

Peterson, Mark, and Phillip Margulies. A Brief History of Korea. N.p.: Facts on File, 2010.

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Ramstad, Evan. "China Urges Restraint in Korea Crisis." Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones,

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