Civilizations: Korea

Overview
The Korean culture has been cultivated through centuries of Mongolian, Chinese, and Japanese influence. With strong Chinese eminency and support, the kingdom of Silla reigned as a dominant force during the 4th century AD. Forces from Silla conquered the kingdoms of Koguryo and Paekche; thereby unifying the peninsula of Korea.

With the strong presence of the Chinese influence, the kingdom of Silla flourished. The Chinese writings and arts dominated Korean culture, and Buddhism became the foremost religion. In 925, Silla was replaced by the Koryo dynasty; which flowered into a strong empire which was marked by literary and artistic achievements and the creation of a strong central government. In 1231, the Mongol hordes launched numerous campaigns against the Koryo, which led to the defeat of Koryo in 1259.

Under Mongolian rule for over 125 years, Koryo was finally able to purge Korea of their Mongol oppressors. However, the new government was unable to restore Korea to its former glory, and it gave way to the Choson dynasty.

The Choson dynasty lasted until 1910, developing a culture unique to Korea, while withstanding multiple Japanese invasions. Under the Confucian system, The Choson dynasty prospered in a golden age for centuries.

However all good things must come to an end. The Choson dynasty met its end in 1910, when the Japanese formally annexed Korea. After which, Korea remained in Japanese hands until the end of the war in the Pacific in 1945, which resulted in the division of Korea into northern and southern halves.

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