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)
Best Example =
Koreans adopt Buddhism
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)

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

A deal is struck!
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)

Though 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

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

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 China
2 Dynasties Ruled Korea
Silla Dynasty
668 - 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 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