AD 1392-1910 Choson

The Chosŏn dynasty was ruled by the Yi clan, which occupied the throne for longer than any of its dynastic predecessors. It survived major obstacles, most importantly Japanese invasions in the AD 1590s and Manchu invasions in the 1630s. However the isolationist policies of the Taewon’gun (Prince Regent) during the 19th century led to conflict with several foreign powers. By the early 20th century the authority of the Chosŏn government had become seriously weakened. Following Japan’s triumph of 1905 in the Russo-Japanese War, the Korean people had few ways of resisting Japan’s formal occupation of the peninsula in 1910.

In contrast to previous dynasties where Buddhism had been a major force in society, the Chosŏn kingdom was founded on Confucian principles. People were encouraged to live according to Confucian ideals of proper moral and respectful behaviour. Confucianism also stressed the importance of studying. As a result private academies were founded where men gathered to study Confucian texts.

According to Confucian principles a woman’s most important role was to manage the household and she was not encouraged to study. Instead she was taught traditional female tasks of cooking and sewing. Sewing and needlework developed to a high level.