Syllabus for Korea’s Relations with China and Japan



“International Relations in East Asia”(Korea’s Relations with China, Japan & USA, in Context)Syllabus Version 2Hanyang University International Summer School July 3rd ~ 26th, 2018 1-4pm18106 PSD2022 Law Building 3 (building #409), Room 103Prof. David A. MasonTourism Department, Sejong University, Seoulmtnwolf@ 010-9734-9753 san-Course Objectives This is a mainly a Political History and Current International Relations Course, with a measure of Asian Cultural Studies included. Its objective will be will be to make beginning-level students become familiar with the more than 2000 years of history between Korea, China and Japan. Emphasis will be placed on the origins of each nation, general themes of their partnerships and conflicts, crucial incidents, and the intervention of other powers such as Mongolia, Russia, Europe and, mainly, the United States. The origins and significance of the current problem-issues and differing perspectives between the three will be explored, including issues of North Korea and re-unification; the “great game” now being played between those three and the USA will be investigated in light of recent and current events. The lectures and readings will be practical and interesting, focused on important trends and not petty details, and therefore will be memorable for the students. Textbook InformationA few relevant academic articles and Professor’s Handouts will be the main texts used, as posted on the website, and exams will be slightly based on them (but mainly the lectures). Students have the option of reading various other relevant texts. Students should read the assigned handout material before the lecture, and come prepared to ask questions and engage in active discussion. Assessment CriteriaThis course will be graded based on:18% for each of the 5 Exams, so 90%10% Attendance Record and Professor’s assessment of student participationExams will include both factual knowledge and short essay questions. They are not cumulative. The professor will present much information during his lectures that is not covered in the reading, and this material will be included on the exam – therefore, students should take careful notes during the lectures, and ask for clarification of anything not understood. Topics of Each Lecture:00 Mon 7/02 Orientation01 Tues 7/03 Introductions, and Opening Themes of East-Asian Relations 02 Wed 7/04 Korean & Chinese Origins, Earliest Contacts and Ancient Relations03 Thurs 7/05 Early Relations between the Three Nations; Sui attacks Goguryeo04 Mon 7/09 Early & Medieval Relations between the Three Nations first exam05 Tues 7/10 Ancient Transmission of Civilization from Korea to Japan Unified Shilla and Tang China06 Wed 7/11 The Mongol Conquest of Asia and its Aftermath Launch of the Joseon Dynasty07 Thurs 7/12 The Origin, Progress and Consequences of the Imjin War part one08 Mon 7/16 Imjin War part two Manchu Invasion Isolationism 09 Tues 7/17 American and European Involvement in the 1800s10 Wed 7/18 Imperial Japan’s War against Korea, China & etc 1895-1945 part-1 11 Thurs 7/19 Imperial Japan’s War against Korea, China & etc 1895-1945 part-212 Mon 7/23 The Division of Korea by the Great Powers after WW-II Issues and Changes of the Early Modern Era 1953-6913 Tues 7/24 Challenges and Dramatic Transformations of the 1970s-80s Olympics and Democracy in South Korea; collapse of NK14 Wed 7/25 Issues and Changes of the Recent Modern Era15 Thurs 7/26 Final Exam and Final Discussion of the Future of NE Asia 00 Fri 7/27 Graduation Ceremony01 Tues 7/03 Introductions, and Opening Themes of East-Asian Relations Introductions of Students and ProfessorRomanization of Han-geulGeographical setting of North-east Asia and its influences on cultureGeneral Historical and Cultural Themes of North-east Asia, and Scholarship of its HistoryIntroduction of the “Great Game” among the Four Nations involved (and a few others)Overview of Current Issues02 Wed 7/04 Korean & Chinese Origins, Earliest Contacts and Ancient Relations Ancient Transmission of Civilization from Korea to JapanBasic points of Chinese Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism related to relationsBronze-Age Korean Pre-History (Manchuria and Peninsula); formation of identity and ShamanismKing Dan-gun and Foundation Myths of the Three Kingdoms; from the Samguk YusaThe continuing influence of this story on contemporary North-east Asian RelationsOrigin Stories of China and Japan03 Thurs 7/05 Early Relations between the Three Nations; Sui attacks Goguryeo The Mongol Conquest of Asia and its AftermathFormation of the Sam-han, and Four Han Commanderies 108 BCE under Emperor Han Wu-ti.Lelang Commandery (樂浪郡, ???/???, until 313 CE) becomes Pyongyang City.Introduction of Chinese Iron-Age Culture, Kingship and Buddhism by missionaries and tradeMason’s “one package theory”. 4th Cen Chinese Buddhism – its state-oriented and protective-guardian character – Hoguk BulgyoThe Three Kingdoms ???? 三國時代 early conditions and cultural formation of Goguryeo ??? 高句麗 (north) Baekje ??百濟 (SW) Shilla ?? 新羅 (SE)China was dis-united at that time – Civil War from 220 ~ 589 CE, when Sui re-united ChinaStele of Goguryeo King Gwanggaeto was erected near his tomb in 414 by his son King Jangsu, in what is today the city of Ji'an along the Yalu River. Granite, ~7 meters tall, ~4 meters wide, 1802 Classical Chinese characters. Major primary source extant for the history of Goguryeo.Sui attack Goguryeo 612-16, repulsed by General Eulji Mundeok ???? 乙支文德04 Mon 7/09 & 05 Tues 7/10 Early & Medieval Relations between the Three Nations Ancient Transmission of Civilization from Korea to Japan Unified Shilla and Tang ChinaEarly transmission of culture to Japan – in the Yamato period 250–710 CE, centered in Nara, then known as Yamato Province. Strong influence on Japan from Gaya, then Shilla, 500s-600s; some also from Sui China.Japanese Prince Shōtoku 574–622 Regent for Queen, most important early figure in formation of Chinese / Korean style “royal” system of government in Japan during Asuka period 538–710.Shilla Monk Hyecho tutors Japanese crown prince @600Strong influence on Japan from Baekje 660s-70s. Increasing contact with Tang China.Queens Seondeok (r.632-47) and Jindeok (r.647-54) poem-letter to Tang Emp “Unification Era” 663~677 created by General Kim Yu-shin ??? 金庾信 under Great Kings Taejong Muryeol ?? ??? 太宗 武烈王 (r.654-61) and Munmu ???? 文武大王 (r.661-681)China & Shilla defeat Goguryeo & Baekje in 680s, Chinese occupy Baekje but are driven outcalled the Unified Shilla Dynasty Tong-il Shilla ?? ?? 統一新羅 (668 CE - 935 CE)the Balhae Kingdom in former Goguryeo territory lasts 699-926.Japan begins using title “Emperor” somewhere around 600 – and becomes a problem for Korea.Stories of King MunmuEarly China-Japan RelationsJang Bo-go ruled the Yellow Sea region as naval-commander and trader, in the early 800sChoi Chi-won ??? 崔致遠 (857-?) Pen-name Go-un??孤雲 or Hae-un ?? 海雲genius, official career in Tang China, helped defeat great rebellion, returned to save his nation Shilla, in 894 submitted his "Ten Urgent Points of Reform" simu sipyeojo (????? 時務十餘條) to Queen Jinseong (887-897), but his advice ignored. Diplomat to China; quoted by President Xi.06 Wed 7/11 The Mongol Conquest of Asia and its Aftermath Launch of the Joseon DynastyTaejo Wang Geon (b.877, r.918-43) founded the Goryeo Dynasty 935-1390Gaeseong as the new capital city, flowering of State-led Buddhist Culture1184 Goryeo conquers the Tamna Kingdom of Jeju Island, it becomes “Korean”Goryeo Relations with China’s Song, the Jurchen / Jin and the JapaneseMongol conquest (1231-59) and rule (1260-1350)Korea’s worldly but enslaved condition; royalty slowly becomes mongolMongols attacked Japan with Korean labor and wood-shipbuilding from Jeju Nov 1274 and Aug 1281 (kamikaze, 4000 ships lost)population reduction, debauchery of everything. But one great result: Printing!Taejo ??太祖Yi Seong-gye ???李成桂(1335-1408) coup, founded the Joseon Dynasty 1392-1910Radical Neo-Confucianism as the state ideology Hanyang (Seoul) becomes capitalMing Relations, meaning of Joseon, white pine treesEarly Ming Treasure Voyages -- Admiral Zheng HeEast Asia goes to sleep while Europe Awakens from long Dark Ages – starting 1400sKing Sejong –daewang???? 世宗大王 (r.1418-50) – Han-geul, science, good-GovYulgok Yi I – scholar-official who advocated a strong Korean Military, was sadly ignored07 Thurs 7/12 The Imjin War part one1592–1630: invasions by Japan & Manchus, destruction & theft of Arts.Imjin War ???? 壬辰倭亂 suddenly invasion by Hideyoshi, lasts 1592-98.Assistance from Ming China 1593 and 1598Naval victories by Chungmu-gong Yi Sun-shin ??? 忠武公 Martial Loyalty Lord ??? 李舜臣 RIGHTEOUS ARMIES ??: defense by local groups & Buddhist monksMasters Seosan 西山大師 & Samyeong-dang 四溟堂 leads to Namhan-Sanseong 9 templesNon-gae ?? 論介 and the Cult of Loyalty. She killed a famous Japanese General (but who?) in 1593 at the Uiam ?? 義巖, "righteousness rock" of Jinju. Family rewarded and Shrines built. 08 Mon 7/16 After the Imjin War – Manchu Invasion Isolationism Hoguk Bulgyo – state-oriented Buddhism that Defends the Nation Gratitude for Assistance from Ming China in the Imjin WarNeo-Confucian devotion to the Ming Dynasty – Sam-hwangje Ceremony & etc.But then submission to the Manchus by 1630.1630–1850: conservative “hermit kingdom” under philosophy of U-am Song Shi-yeol ????? 尤庵 宋時烈 (1607–1689) – strict Neo-Confucianism enforced, Isolationism 1600s ~ 1800s09 Tues 7/17 American and European Involvement in the 1800s1839–42 The First Opium War 第一次鴉片戰爭 or Anglo-Chinese War, was fought between the United Kingdom and the Qing Empire. British Victory, expansion from Hong Kong; China humiliated.Japan: the Bakumatsu 幕末 or “Opening of Japan” 1853 ~ 1867.The final years of the “Edo Period” when the feudal-isolationist Tokugawa shogunate was defeated by the pro-imperial nationalists. Prelude to the pre-modern empire of the Meiji Period / Era 明治時代 1868 ~ 1912, of rapid modernization and expansion of the Empire of Japan.Korea: Catholicism intro and Persecutions late 1700s through 1800s. 1850–1910: first Western contacts for Korea, introduction of Protestant ChristianityHeungseon Daewon-gun or Yi Ha-eung, regent of Joseon during the minority of King Gojong,Powerful from the 1860s until his death in 1873 – seclusion policy against foreigners, Christians.Great Persecution of 1866 – killing of thousands of Catholics, including 7 French priests. French navy attacks Ganghwa Island 1866, steals royal books – returned in 2006.1866 USS General Sherman IncidentAmerican navy attacks Ganghwa Island 1871Japan–Korea Treaty of 1876 on Ganghwa Island – Busan & etc opened.Korea asks the advice of Yuán Shì-kǎi 袁世凱 (1859-1916), the Chinese general, Foreign Minister, politician, first formal President of the Republic of China, and (briefly) Emperor. He recommends America.1882 Negotiations and Treaty with US Navy officers, then American Embassy in Seoul.“Treaty of Peace, Amity, Commerce and Navigation” ?·??????? 朝美修好通商條約.King Gojong and his wife Queen Min / Minbi / Empress Myeongseong in power 1873-1895.All nations struggle over Korea, but only Japan, China and Russia have strong interest.Attempted reforms fail. the Donghak Rebellion fails 1894, leading to Cheondo-gyo ???Japan defeats China in 1895, and Queen Min was MurderedChristian Missionaries try to assist and inspire – but mostly in futility10 Wed 7/18 Imperial Japan’s War against Korea, China & etc 1895-1945 part-1Korea’s “Independence” & “Empire” declared 1897. New Gate, Gojong “Emperor Gwangmu”.America takes the Philippines from Spain in 1898Japan defeats Russia in 1905. USA just stands by. Taft-Katsura Memorandum 1905Eulsa Treaty in 1907, and then Colonization in 1910Reactions to loss of sovereignty varied. Some cooperate, collaborate, others resistAhn Jung-geun 安重根 ??? shoots diplomat-visionary Ito Hirobuni 伊藤 博文 in 1909Becomes martyr-hero in Korea, Japan says “terrorist”, China supports KoreaFormal Japanese Colonial Occupation from 1910 to 1945early modern nationalism led by American Christian influence, Cheondo-gyo and BuddhistsEthno-nationalist Historian Shin Chae-ho – Sadae-chui ???? now seen as a humiliating treason; the Minjok.Aftermath of WW-I (USpresident Wilson) & Gojong’s funeral ==> 1919 March First Movement (Sam-il-jeol)Seodaemun Prison Tapgol Park11 Thurs 7/19 Imperial Japan’s War against Korea, China & etc 1895-1945 part-2 March First Movement – in the aftermath of this, Republic of Korean Exile Government in China, until 1945Chiang Kai-shek (Jiang Jieshi / Jiang Zhongzheng, 蔣中正, ???), 1887–1975 Top leader of the Kuomintang Chinese Nationalist Party and the Republic of China from 1927 to 1975. Ally of the Republic of KoreaSun Yat-sen 孫中山 ??? 1866-1925 philosopher leader of the Republic of ChinaKorea’s Cultural Nationalism permitted in the 1920s – infrastructure and living-standards improveRepression in the 1930s, as Japan starts following the Nazi German model1936 Berlin Olympics – Sohn Gi-jeong ??? (1912-2002) story – Gold Medal, Trees, Park.Climax of WW-II – Late 1930s~45 – Total War for the three nations. Great Suffering.America interferes in 1941, after Pearl Harbor Hawaii Attack. Battles of Midway, Philippines and Okinawa are decisive.12 Mon 7/23 The Division of Korea by the Great Powers after WW-II Issues and Changes of the Early Modern Era 1953-65Cairo Conference November 1943: FD Roosevelt, PM Winston Churchill and Chiang Kai-shek declare that “the three great allies are fighting this war to restrain and punish the aggression of Japan, they covet no gain for themselves and won't involve themselves in territorial expansion wars after the conflict, Japan will be stripped of all the islands in the Pacific which she has seized or occupied since the beginning of the First World War in 1914, all the territories Japan has stolen from the Chinese, including Manchuria, Formosa, and the Pescadores, shall be restored to the Republic of China, Japan will also be expelled from all other territories which she has taken by violence and greed and that in due course Korea shall become free and independent.”Yalta Conference February 1945 Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin, in Crimea, Soviet Union. Mostly about Europe, but Stalin agreed to make war on the Empire of Japan "in two or three months after Germany has surrendered and the war in Europe is terminated," and then to “keep the nationality of the Korean Peninsula intact.”American insistence on unconditional surrender of Japan, not taking a deal where it could keep Korea etc.Potsdam Declaration Defining Terms for Surrender of the Empire of Japan – July 26, 1945 by Harry Truman, PM Clement Attlee and Chiang Kai-shek – after the Potsdam Conference on the Future of Europe. “the occupation of points in Japanese territory to be designated by the Allies" and "Japanese sovereignty shall be limited to the islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, and such minor islands as we determine," as in 1943 Cairo Declaration.Liberation and Division 1945-49 5-Star General Douglas MacArthur, becomes “Emperor of East Asia” 1944-1951Atlanticism Liberation of Korea by Japan’s surrender 1945.08.15Division of Korea begins as a long-shot accident…!American offer to treat Korea like Philippines, trusteeship; rejected by Kim Gu and others.America’s choice Rhee vs. the popular Choice Kim Gu. Stalin installs Kim Il-sung in North.Trusteeship plans fail, and then unintended division of Korea. RoK established 1948 by the UN, but elections are refused in the North by Stalin America and Russia withdraw in 1949the Korean War 1950.06.26 Macarthur & Truman vs. Chairman Mao Zedong’s armiesSeoul vs. Pyeongyang; North Korea’s pseudo-communist cultish dictatorship;Kim Il-sung’s Juche ideology and destruction of traditional culture in the North 13 Tues 7/24 Challenges and Dramatic Transformations of the 1965-80s Olympics and Democracy in South Korea; collapse of NKROK military dictatorship and resistance to it – the 1965 Treaty with JapanVietnam War sparks Industrialization. 5 reasons that Korea joined.1969 China-Russia Fight Kissinger to Beijing 1971, Nixon 1972 changes the politicsKorea’s relations with America, Japan & the world. Park vs. CarterPark assassinated in October 1979. New coup on 12.12.79The brutal Chun dictatorship 1980-87the 1988 Seoul Olympics Democracy, opening to the world, showing-off tech development, relations with Russia and China, defeat of NK’s boycott campaign / utter humiliation of NK.North Korea fails at attempts to open up under Kim Jong-il, January 1991 Gulf War shows that NK military is useless.despite pressures, leading to ongoing famine and nuclear weapons crisis 1994 ~14 Wed 7/25 Issues and Changes of the Recent Modern Era SK splitting away from the USA and the new cultural nationalism; the 2002 World CupRevived relationships with China and continued bad relations with JapanCultural aspects of Kim & Roh’s Sunshine Policy towards North KoreaRevival of Conservatives, even as society keeps becoming more LiberalImportant ROK Presidents:1948-1960 Syngman Rhee / Yi / I / Lee Seung-man1961-1979 Park Chung Hee / Bak Jeong-hui1980-1987 Chun Doo Hwan / Jeon Duhwan1988-1992 Roh Tae Woo / No Tae-u1993-1997 Kim Young Sam / Gim Yeong-sam1998-2002 Kim Dae Jung / Gim Dae-jung2003-2007 Roh Moo Hyun / No Mu-hyeon 2008-2012 Lee Myung Bak / I Myeong-bak2013-2017 Park Geun Hye / Bak Geun-hye2017-2022 Moon Jae-in / Mun Jae-inKey Points of Korean-American History 19th ~ 20th Centuries1853 first contact between the US and Korea – the gunboat “South America” visited Busan for 10 days while en route to Japan; her officers dined with local officials. Several Americans shipwrecked in Korea in 1855, 1865 and 1866 were treated well and sent to China for repatriation. Not hostile in any way, but Joseon (Heungseon Daewongun) maintained isolationism. Admiral Matthew Perry opened Tokyo in 1853, but no interest in Korea.1866 9–24 July the General Sherman incident, the Daedong River near Pyeongyang. All killed. NK claims attack was led by Kim Il-sung’s great-grandfather. Memorial.1871 US Navy under Captain Robert W. Schufeldt, 5 ships with 650 men, conducted the Korea Campaign or Shinmiyangyo, attacking Ganghwa-do Island. Killed 300 Korean soldiers and 3 Americans. Some items taken; in US Navy Museum. Koreans later consult Yuan Shikai (袁世, 1859-1916), Qing Foreign Minister and later first President of the Republic of China, and the Hongxian Emperor (洪憲皇帝) – he recommended America.1882 Captain Schufeldt returns, negotiates the “United States – Joseon Korea Treaty of Peace, Amity, Commerce and Navigation” ?·??????? 朝美修好通商條約.Including Diplomatic Relations and Ambassadors; mutual assistance. Ambassador moves into Seoul by autumn, breaking treaty by bringing missionary doctor.1884-1904 All nations struggle to influence Korea; King Gojong and Queen Minbi.Gapshin and other Attempted reforms fail. Christianity flourishes, self-evangelization.The Donghak Rebellion fails 1894, leading to Cheondo-gyo ???Japan defeats China in 1895, kills Queen Min – Japan takes control. “Independence” & “Empire” declared 1897, but it fails. USA just stands by, will not help.1905 Japan defeats Russia – wow! USA still stands by, busy in Philippines.1905 Taft-Katsura Memorandum was a discussion (not an agreement, no new policies) between United States Secretary of War William Howard Taft and Prime Minister of Japan Katsura Tarō, regarding the positions of the two nations in greater East Asian affairs, especially regarding the status of Korea and Philippines in the aftermath of Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese War. Remained a secret until 1924.USA explained that it had no special interest in Korea, and J that it had none in Phlp.Early modern nationalism with its American Christian influencethe “Great Revival” starts in Pyeongyang 1907, spreads nationwideAftermath of WW-I (US president Wilson’s declaration) & Gojong’s funeral ==> 1919 March First Movement (Sam-il-jeol)American missionaries try to help in many way; but not the government.Repression in the 1930s, missionaries kicked-out as WW-II gets hot.1945 August 15th Korea liberated by USA’s victory, declares independence. Russians move into the north, leading to “accidental” division. US destroys KPG, confusion; K leaders won’t accept plans for Trusteeship. AMG: General Hodge; Rhee Seung-man vs. Kim Koo 5str Gen Douglas MacArthur busy in Tokyo, as “Emperor of East Asia” 1945-52. 1947-8 Kim Il-sung will not unify or cooperate. RoK established by the UN. Division hardens, much conflict. Rhee power 1948. MACARTHUR DOCTRINE1949 USA leaves. Kim Koo murdered. 1950-53 Korean War. NK wins, then Washington DC finally cares, due to Cold War. Orders MacArthur to intervene; Incheon; victory! But then China interferes! Truman refuses to use the A-bomb in 1952, fires MacArthur. Armistice 7/53 1954-60 Seoul vs. Pyeongyang; North Korea’s pseudo-communist cultish dictatorship Kim Il-sung’s Juche ideology and destruction of traditional culture in the North Stagnation, corruption & hunger in the South. Churches & USG help. American-style culture starts to influence SK.1961-1971 Park Chung Hee – initial protest by US but then acceptance. 1965 Park makes deal with Japan and supports US in Vietnam. 1. Thank-you 2. Anti-communism 3. War-experience 4. money for soldiers 5. construction experience 1973 ME!1975-79 Park becomes opponent of USA, especially Jimmy Carter, HR & D.1980-1985 Chun Doo-hwan – America opposes, then grudgingly accepts in 1982. Gwangju Rebellion – US fault? Anti-Americanism rises on the left.1986-8 USA supports Democracy Movement, passively. 88 OLYMPICS diplomacy!1989-94 USA supports Roh Tae-woo & Kim Young Sam, but much anti-Americanism. South Korea opens, exports soar! Exchanges, English teachers.1995-2002 Good relations, although GWBush didn’t support Kim Dae-jung’s Sunshine. NK nuclear weapons crisis.2002-2006 Anti-Americanism revives with Noh Moo-hyun; “Yankee Go Home”.2007-2016 Relations are good again with Lee Myung-bak & Park Geun Hye, Despite the increasing tilt towards China and troubles with NK.History of the Summer Olympic Games1896 I Athens, Greece1900 II Paris, France 1904 III St. Louis, United States [ 1906 III Athens – not recognized ] 1908 IV London, United Kingdom 1912 V Stockholm, Sweden 1916 VI Berlin, Germany 1920 VII Antwerp, Belgium 1924 VIII Paris, France I Chamonix, France1928 IX Amsterdam, Netherlands II St. Moritz, Switzerland1932 X Los Angeles, United States III Lake Placid, United States1936 XI Berlin, Germany IV Germany1940 XII Tokyo Japan → Helsinki Finland V Sapporo Japan →St. Moritz Switzerland1944 XIII London, United Kingdom V Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy 1948 XIV London, United Kingdom V St. Moritz, Switzerland 1952 XV Helsinki, Finland VI Oslo, Norway1956 XVI Melbourne, Australia VII Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy1960 XVII Rome, Italy VIII Squaw Valley, United States1964 XVIII Tokyo, Japan IX Innsbruck, Austria1968 XIX Mexico City, Mexico X Grenoble, France 1972 XX Munich, West Germany XI Sapporo, Japan1976 XXI Montreal, Canada XII Innsbruck, Austria1980 XXII Moscow, Soviet Union XIII Lake Placid, United States1984 XXIII Los Angeles, United States XIV Sarajevo, Yugoslavia1988 XXIV Seoul, South Korea XV Calgary, Canada1992 XXV Barcelona, Spain XVI Albertville, France 1994 XVII Lillehammer, Norway1996 XXVI Atlanta, United States 1998 XVIII Nagano, Japan 2000 XXVII Sydney, Australia 2002 XIX Salt Lake City, United States2004 XXVIII Athens, Greece 2006 XX Turin, Italy 2008 XXIX Beijing, China 2010 XXI Vancouver, Canada 2012 XXX London, United Kingdom 2014 XXII Sochi, Russia2016 XXXI Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2018 XXIII PyeongChang!!Gaecheon-jeol [Opening Heaven Day], Gojoseon [Ancient Joseon Kingdom] and Dan-gun [Altar King] the “Founder of Korea”The Korean Myth of National Origin, First Story in the Samguk-YusaHwanin ?? 桓因, the King of Heaven or Jeseok, was asked by Hwanung, one of his younger sons or a son by a secondary wife (a junior Prince), to send him down to earth to govern his own land. Hwanin surveyed the mountains of the earth and chose Mount Taebaek-san ??? 太伯山as the best site, Opened Heaven (gaecheon) and sent down his son To Benefit Humanity (hongik-ingan). Hwanung descended with three heavenly seals or treasures and 3000 followers, to a sacred sandalwood tree on the peak of Taebaek-san. Here he established a sacred city (Shinshi ?? 神市 spirit-city). He marshaled the noble spirits of Wind, Rain and Clouds as his Ministers. A government was established with 360 departments to rule with laws and moral codes about agriculture, grain-storage, hunting, fishing, sickness and medicine, education, the arts, family-life, determination of good and evil, and etc.A bear and a tiger both came to Holy Hwanung and prayed (begged) to become human beings. The Heavenly Prince decided to give them a chance, and gave them a bundle of mugwort and twenty bulbs of garlic and told them that if they ate only these sacred food and stayed in the cave (out of the sunlight) for one hundred days that they would become human. The tiger shortly gave up in impatient hunger and left the cave. The bear remained and after 21 days was transformed into a woman.The bear-woman (Ungnyeo; ??; 熊女) was very grateful and made offerings to Hwanung at the stone altar by the sacred tree on the peak. She had no husband, however, and prayed for a son. Hwanung was moved by her prayers to transform himself as a human man, and mated with her. Nine months later she gave birth to a son, who was named Dan-gun Wanggeom ?? ?? 檀君王儉. (the original character 壇 “altar” changed to the similar 檀 “sandalwood” with same pronunciation dan, more Buddhist meaning)Dan-gun founded the first Korean kingdom, with its capital at what is now Pyeongyang and then moved to Asadal, probably at Mt. Guwol-san in Hwanghae Province, and named it Joseon (Choson) “Human-Land” “Morning Fresh” – in the 50th year of the reign of the Emperor Yao (China’s mythical sage-emperor ). We now call this legendary kingdom “Gojoseon” – go- means “old”, “ancient” or “former”.1,500 years later, in the year 1122 BCE, Founding-King Wu / Wen of the Zhou Dynasty (Zhōu Cháo Wuwang 周朝武王) enfeoffed Jizi* to Joseon (bringing iron-age culture). King Dangun moved his capital again, but then returned to Asadal and abdicated his throne, hiding himself in the mountains, becoming an immortal San-shin (Mountain-spirit) at the age of 1,908.*Jizi (箕子 ji1 zi3, Gija ?? in Korean, “Viscount of Ji”, was a semi-legendary Chinese sage who is said to have ruled Korea in the 12th century BC. His family name was Zi (子) and given name was Xuyu (胥餘). Since the title of Viscount of Ji was bestowed on him, he is usually called Jizi. He may have been a prince or noble of the corrupt Shang Dynasty, who helped King Wu overthrow it. Wu then sent him to conquer Korea? ................
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