Sinification of Korea

1
Sinification of Korea
2
Unique Korean dress, cuisine, and hierarchy

• Koreans descended from Eastern Siberia /Manchuria
• Chinese descended from Mongolian/Turkic
• Adoption of Chinese technology
• Sedentary farming
• Metalworking

3
Han China Conquers Korea

• 109 BCE
• Resistance from Koguryo in north
• Established independent state
• War with Silla and Paekche in south

4
Buddhism spreads Chinese ideas

• Chinese writing
• Universities to study Confucianism
• Chinese bureaucracy
• Han not powerful enough to fully implement

5
Tang Control

• Divide and conquer
• Allied with Silla rulers
• Destroyed Paekche
• Defeat Koguryo
• Constant revolt
• Tribute
• Silla rulers

6
Silla establishes mini-Tang!

• Embassies tribute to China
• Chinese texts
• Chinese dress
• Etiquette
• Kowtow
• Ritual bows
• Prostrate before throne

7
Why pay tribute? Why not fight!?!

• Access to Chinese learning
• Able to purchase Chinese goods
• Learn about Chinese art
• Exchange of scholars
• Cultural exchange

8
Influence on Korean Elite

• Cities emulate China
• Grid
• Parks, lakes
• Elite dominate government
• Favor Buddhism
• Emulate Chinese art
• Improve pottery
• Improve printing

9
Luxury for the Elite!

• Hierarchical elite
• Dominate bureaucracy
• Trade primarily luxury items
• Clothing
• Teas
• Scrolls
• artwork
• Lower classes exist for benefit of elite

10
Revolt and Renewal!

• Periodic revolts by common people
• Ruthlessly put down
• Turmoil of Mongols
• 1392 Yi Dynasty ruled until 1910
• Return of aristocratic rule
• Korea content to live in shadow of Middle Kingdom