Joseon period

Joseon (also known as Chosŏn or Chosun) was a Korean dynastic kingdom that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded by Yi Seong-gye in July 1392 and was replaced by the Korean Empire in October 1897. The kingdom was founded following the aftermath of the overthrow of Goryeo in what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul. The kingdom's total territory was 500,000 square kilometers.

History[edit | edit source]

Joseon was the last dynasty of Korean history and the longest-ruling Confucian dynasty. From the end of the 14th century to the late 16th century, Joseon enjoyed many years of peace and saw the creation of the Hangul alphabet by Sejong the Great in the 14th century and the increasing influence of Confucianism in the country.

Culture[edit | edit source]

During the Joseon period, the Confucian ideals and precepts were the social norms. The society was ruled by a rigid hierarchy system and a strong sense of filial piety was demanded. The Joseon period is known for its significant advances in science, literature, and technology in comparison to the previous Goryeo period.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of Joseon was mainly agrarian, based on rice cultivation. Other important cash crops included cotton and ginseng. Handicrafts were an important industry during this period.

Government[edit | edit source]

The government of Joseon was a centralized monarchy. The king had absolute authority, which was mitigated in practice by a system of court politics, including the Yangban class and the Seowon private Confucian academies.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The legacy of the Joseon period extends beyond the confines of Korea to the broader world. The cultural developments and scientific achievements of this period continue to influence modern society.