Korea and It’s Traditions

Geography of the Korean Peninsula

Korea is covered 70% by mountains. Most people live in the west, where they can farm.

Because the country is so close to China, many people took on aspects of the Chinese culture.

Early Koreans probably migrated from Siberia in Paleolithic and Neolithic times.

Korea United

Between 300 and 600 A.D., there were three separate kingdoms in Korea.

In 668, the Shilla Kingdom united Korea. They ruled from 668-918, the Koryo ruled from 918-1392, and the Choson ruled from 1392-1910.

The Shilla Dynasty

Under the Shilla, they became a Chinese tributary state.

It was like the Confucian relationship of older brother, younger brother.

The Koreans took many Confucian and other ideas from the Chinese, but still maintained their independence.

Koryo Dynasty

During the Koryo age, Korea took on many Buddhist ideas.

They wrote many Buddhist texts using movable type.

Also, the emperor emancipated the slaves during this time.

Choson, the Longest Dynasty

The Choson leader, Yi Song-gye, reduced Buddhist influence during this time.

He set up a government based on Confucian ideas.

They developed their own alphabet-the Hangul, which led to an extremely high literacy rate.

Other things to know about Korea

First wave of Chinese influence to reach Korea was the Han Dynasty

The Shilla, Koryo, and Choson dynasties of Korea are the only dynasties in Korea’s history

In the Shilla dynasty there was the emergence of upper-class women playing a public role

The Koryo dynasty gave us celadon-porcelain with a blue glaze. This is still popular today.

In addition to creating the Hangul-the Chosen dynasty was the longest dynasty (1392-1910) and they created “turtle boats”-metal plated…as a result Japanese attacks were stopped in the 1590s and Korea had a new trade to share with the world.

Korea Today

Korean unity lasted almost 1300 years-however it eventually split

North Korea is a communist country and South Korea a democracy

North Korea has close ties with China and South Korea with the U.S.

Assignment Draw an illustration that expresses the

relationship between Korea and China during either the Shilla, Koryo, or Choson dynasty.

Use symbols to show the exchange of ideas.

Be sure to write a 4-5 sentence paragraph explaining your illustration.

Use Ch. 13-Sec. 3 for help.