Korea and its Neighbors

9 Entries | Curated by UCLA Korean History and Culture Digital Museum

Towards the end of the sixteenth century, feudal Japan, unified under its leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi, invaded Chosŏn Korea in 1592. The resulting Imjin War was a conflict on a uniquely monumental scale, entailing hundreds of thousands of combatants. It also marked a turning point in the geopolitical situation in East Asia. The massive force of Japanese ashigaru (foot soldiers) and their leading…
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For my high school history class back in 2014, I vaguely recall learning about the Japanese mainland's isolationist principles and America's imperialistic attempts to forcibly open up trade with the island nation in 1853 (“Office of the Historian”). In the 1850s westerners might have thought of Japan as a true isolationist nation. But, what westerners at the time might have thought of as…
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The Chosŏn Dynasty (1392--1910) has long been characterized as a loyal adherent of Confucianism. It has even been described as a "blind follower" of Chinese culture for adopting Confucian traditions that originated in China. However, just because Confucian traditions were practiced in Chosŏn did not mean the Chosŏn court identified with all the political and cultural practices in China or that…
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The identity of the nation and people of Korea are often seen as homogenous and unchanging. In reality, throughout its history, Korea has gone through dramatic changes and taken an active part in the political stage. Diverse peoples have settled in, traded with, warred against and otherwise contributed to the cultural, linguistic and political composition of Korea. Here I will focus in particular…
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This is a painting of the Namhan Mountain Fortress (Namhan sansŏng),), which is the fortress where King Injo of Chosŏn and his soldiers took refuge during Second Manchu Invasion of Korea in 1636. The white snow against the dark tinted background evokes the cold and desolate winter, the time of year the invasion is taking place. This dark tone also represents feelings of despair and uncertainty as…
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How could the Joseon (also, Chosŏn) dynasty (1392–1910) be considered the successor to the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644) that previously ruled China? It’s perhaps quite well known that throughout its history the dynasties of Korea whether it be Goryeo (Koryŏ) or Joseon existed within the Sino-centric tributary system placing the Chinese empire as the central, superior realm and tributary realms such…
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When you hear “Confucian scholar”, what comes to mind? You’re probably thinking of an older, kind-looking Asian man adorned with long robes and a scroll in hand. Maybe he studies in a tranquil garden while sipping tea, allowing nature to be his muse. He upholds the Confucian ideals of having good character, respect for moral autonomy, being righteous, maintaining filial piety, and practicing…
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The Japanese invasion of Korea or the Imjin War (1592–1598) is regarded as one of the most traumatic events in the history of Korea. The invasions broke out into a full-scale East Asian war which included the involvement of the Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans. Despite its atrocities, one significant outcome of the invasions is the discourse of nation that emerged during the sixteenth century. This…
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