Chinese Influence on Korea

1. Chinese Influence on Korea Chapter 13 (2 of 3)

2. Korea In 109 B.C.E., Han Dynasty conquered Korea (explains why Chinese culture influenced Korea so much)

3. Korea broke free from China 3 independent Korean kingdoms emerged: Koguryo, Paekche, and Silla

4. Sinification Occurs Throughout Korea Best Example = Koreans adopt Buddhism 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)

5. 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

6. 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)

7. Sinification Increases • 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Social Classes Emerge in China 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

12. Once “Independent” From China2 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

13. In 1231 the Mongols Invaded Korea, Creating Turmoil and Chaos for the Next 150 years TEXT BOX TEXT BOX

14. Yi Dynasty Rose to Power in 1392 During that time, it appeared Korea was content to live in the shadow of China Yi restored order to Korea as well as Chinese influence Yi would rule Korea from 1392 - 1910