The Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) was the last and longest-lived Korean royal Dynasty, ruling the Korean Peninsula for over 500 years. Founded by Yi Seong-gye (King Taejo), it established Hanyang (modern Seoul) as its capital and adopted Neo-Confucianism as the state ideology. This era profoundly influenced the cultural and political landscape of the peninsula, laying essential foundations for modern Korea through its unique social structure, administrative system, and cultural achievements.
History
The Joseon Dynasty was founded in 1392 by Yi Seong-gye, who became King Taejo, following the collapse of the Goryeo Dynasty. He moved the capital to Hanyang (modern Seoul) and established a highly centralized Bureaucracy. The dynasty embraced Neo-Confucianism as its guiding principle, which shaped its governance, Education, and Social Structure, emphasizing Filial Piety and Hierarchy.
The early Joseon period saw significant cultural and scientific advancements. King Sejong the Great, one of Joseon's most revered monarchs, oversaw the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet, and advancements in Astronomy and Printing. This period also codified laws and established a robust administrative system, solidifying Joseon's foundations.
However, the middle Joseon era was marked by severe challenges. The Imjin War (1592–1598), a series of Japanese Invasions, devastated the country, followed by two invasions from the Manchu in the early 17th century. These conflicts weakened the state and led to periods of political instability and economic hardship.
During the late Joseon period, efforts were made towards reform and modernization, but the dynasty increasingly adopted an Isolationist policy. As Western powers and Japan sought influence in East Asia, Joseon struggled to adapt to the changing international landscape. Internal factionalism, corruption, and peasant uprisings further weakened the dynasty. In 1897, the Joseon Dynasty was formally replaced by the short-lived Korean Empire, signaling the end of dynastic rule and the dawn of a new era for Korea.
