Chinese Influence on Korea
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Transcript of Chinese Influence on Korea
Chinese Influence on Korea
Chapter 13 (2 of 3)
In 109 B.C.E., Han Dynasty conquered Korea (explains
why Chinese culture influenced Korea so much)
Korea
Korea broke free from China
3 independent Korean kingdoms emerged:
Koguryo, Paekche, and Silla
Sinification Occurs Throughout Korea
Sinification = The adopting of Chinese
culture (this is what the Taika reforms had tried
to do in Japan)
Other Examples:
- Chinese alphabet used in Korea
-Code of laws modeled after Han China
- Universities created (studied Chinese history not Korean)
- Tried to create Chinese-style bureaucracy (failed b/c aristocrats
afraid of losing power)
Best Example =Koreans adopt Buddhism
China Retakes Korea Under the Tang Dynasty
The 3 Korean kingdoms fought for
hundreds of years
Tang China took advantage of civil
war in Korea
Tang allied with Silla, and together defeated the
Koguryo and Paekche
Tang fought Silla over how to divide the conquered
land Silla had to pay tribute to China, but otherwise Korea was independent (under
Silla control)
A deal is struck!
Sinification IncreasesThough independent (other than paying tribute), Chinese
cultural influence on Korea peaks
Paying tribute to China got Koreans gifts in return, plus they taveled to China and had access to Chinese learning
Silla rulers basically turned Korea into a mini version of the Tang Dynasty
Buddhism Proves Popular
Korean aristocrats preferred Buddhism to Confucianism, and many Buddhist temples
were built in Kumsong
The Buddhism practiced in Korea very similar to that of
China, further linking the two civilizations
Korean Aristocrats Adopt Chinese Ways
Aristocrats built mansions
near the capital
(Kumsong) and made up
huge percentage of population in
capital
Aristocrats studied in Chinese
schools and even took
Chinese-style exams to get jobs in Silla government
But most jobs based on
family connections,
so little incentive to
study, leaving much time for luxurious life of arts and
entertainment
In Fact, Other Than Buddhism, Most Chinese Culture Only Affected Aristocrats
Trade with China focused on
getting goods for the Korean
aristocracy (like fancy clothing)
Aristocrats had strict social ranks,
and aristocrats the ones chosen
for the bureaucracy
Social Classes Emerge in Korea
Korean elites (aristocrats and members of royal family) held great status and were basically the
only ones that counted in Korean society
Everyone else very low in status including:Artisans, traders, peasants, near-slaves (called
“low born”)
The commoners did work for the aristocrats in the capital, and outside of Kumsong, Korea was
mostly a backwards society
Once “Independent” From China2 Dynasties Ruled Korea
Silla Dynasty668 - 935
Koryo Dynasty(918 – 1392)
Commoners often rebelled against the aristocracy, and though the dynasties survived the rebellions, they were weakened, and
helped lead to the downfall of both dynasties
In 1231 the Mongols Invaded Korea, Creating Turmoil and Chaos for the Next 150 years
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Yi Dynasty Rose to Power in 1392
Yi restored order to Korea as well as
Chinese influence
Yi would rule Korea from 1392 - 1910
During that time, it appeared Korea
was content to live in the shadow of
China