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

TEXT BOX TEXT BOX

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