🇰🇷Intro to Premodern Korean Literature Unit 7 – Joseon Dynasty: Korea's 500-Year Era

Historical Context and Timeline

• Joseon Dynasty established in 1392 by General Yi Seong-gye, who became King Taejo
• Lasted for over 500 years until 1897, making it one of the longest-ruling dynasties in world history
• Followed the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) and preceded the Korean Empire (1897-1910)
• Confucianism adopted as the official state ideology, replacing Buddhism
• Hanyang (present-day Seoul) designated as the capital city in 1394
• Japanese invasions (Imjin War) occurred from 1592 to 1598, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of cultural heritage
• Manchu invasions in the early 17th century led to Joseon becoming a tributary state of the Qing Dynasty

Key Figures and Rulers

• King Taejo (Yi Seong-gye, r. 1392-1398) founded the Joseon Dynasty and established Confucianism as the state ideology
• King Sejong the Great (r. 1418-1450) known for his patronage of science, literature, and technology
  • Created the Korean alphabet, Hangul, in 1443 to promote literacy among the common people
  • Supported the invention of the rain gauge, sundial, and water clock
• King Seonjo (r. 1567-1608) faced the Japanese invasions and sought military assistance from the Ming Dynasty
• King Gwanghaegun (r. 1608-1623) worked to restore stability and rebuild the country after the Japanese invasions
• King Yeongjo (r. 1724-1776) and King Jeongjo (r. 1776-1800) known for their efforts to reform the government and promote Confucian values

Political Structure and Governance

• Centralized bureaucratic system based on Confucian principles
• King held supreme authority, assisted by a prime minister and various government officials
• Government officials selected through a civil service examination system (gwageo) based on Confucian classics and literature
• Six ministries oversaw different aspects of governance: Personnel, Taxation, Rites, Military Affairs, Justice, and Public Works
• Local administration divided into provinces (do), counties (gun), and villages (myeon), each headed by appointed officials
• Censorate and Office of Inspector General served as check and balance on government officials and the king

Social Classes and Daily Life

• Society divided into four main classes: yangban (aristocrats), jungin (middle class), sangmin (commoners), and cheonmin (lowest class, including slaves)
  • Social mobility was limited, and class status was primarily determined by birth
• Yangban held most government positions and enjoyed privileges such as tax exemptions and land ownership
• Jungin consisted of technical specialists, interpreters, and medical practitioners
• Sangmin made up the majority of the population, engaging in agriculture, crafts, and trade
• Confucian values emphasized filial piety, loyalty, and respect for elders and authority figures
• Women's roles were primarily confined to the domestic sphere, with limited access to education and public life
  • However, some women, such as Queen Sohye and the poet Heo Nanseolheon, made significant contributions to literature and politics

Cultural Developments and Artistic Achievements

• Neo-Confucianism, which emphasized moral cultivation and social harmony, became the dominant philosophical school
• Hangul, the Korean alphabet, invented in 1443, enabling wider literacy and the flourishing of Korean literature
• Painting styles such as the "true-view" landscape (jingyeong sansu) and genre paintings of daily life gained popularity
• Porcelain production reached new heights, with distinctive white porcelain and blue-and-white wares (Joseon baekja)
• Music and dance performances, such as the court dances (jeongjae) and mask dances (talchum), were refined and codified
• Architecture, including palaces (Gyeongbokgung), fortresses (Hwaseong Fortress), and Confucian academies (seowon), showcased Joseon's unique style and craftsmanship

Literary Trends and Major Works

• Vernacular Korean literature, written in Hangul, flourished alongside classical Chinese works
• Sijo, a poetic form consisting of three lines with a fixed number of syllables, became popular among both the elite and commoners
  • Notable sijo poets include Yun Seondo and Hwang Jini
• Gasa, a longer poetic form often dealing with historical or philosophical themes, was also widely composed
• Pansori, a genre of musical storytelling, emerged in the 18th century, combining singing, narration, and drumming
  • "The Story of Chunhyang" and "The Song of Geum-oh" are famous examples of pansori
• Historical works, such as the "Annals of the Joseon Dynasty" (Joseon Wangjo Sillok) and "The History of Goryeo" (Goryeosa), provided detailed records of events and governance
• Novels, such as "The Tale of Hong Gildong" and "The Dream of the Nine Clouds," explored themes of social justice, romance, and spirituality

Foreign Relations and Influences

• Maintained tributary relationships with China, particularly the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties
  • Regular diplomatic missions and cultural exchanges took place between Joseon and China
• Japanese invasions (Imjin War) in the late 16th century had a profound impact on Joseon society and politics
  • The invasions led to increased military preparedness and a shift in foreign policy towards isolationism
• Limited trade and diplomatic contacts with Japan, the Ryukyu Kingdom, and Southeast Asian countries
• Introduction of Christianity in the late 18th century by Catholic missionaries, leading to the growth of a small Christian community
  • However, the spread of Christianity was met with persecution and suppression by the Joseon government

Legacy and Impact on Modern Korea

• Confucian values, such as emphasis on education, filial piety, and social harmony, continue to shape Korean culture and society
• Hangul, the Korean alphabet created during the Joseon Dynasty, remains the official writing system of both North and South Korea
• Many cultural heritage sites, including palaces, temples, and Confucian academies, have been preserved and serve as important tourist attractions
• The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, compiled during the dynasty's reign, provide invaluable historical records and insights into the period
• Joseon Dynasty's artistic and literary achievements, such as sijo poetry and pansori, continue to be celebrated and performed in contemporary Korea
• The legacy of the Joseon Dynasty's political and social structures can be seen in the modern Korean government and society, despite the significant changes brought about by colonialism, division, and modernization