ESSAY+joseon+dynasty

__**The Joseon Dynasty**__ oooo The rise of the Joseon dynasty was a simple one. Long story short: the end of one great dynasty leads to birth of a newer, improved one. The last one lived a great long life, with lots of traditions still used today in Korean culture. However, around 1932, it was time to move on. The first king of the Joseon Dynasty was the dethroner of the last king of the Goryeo. The Joseon kingdom rose to a great civilization, with lots of unique art, agriculture, events, leaders, Economy, and the start of a new alphabet. The world today can learn a lot from this ancient colony, but perhaps the greatest thing that the dynasty has left behind for us is Confucianism. This dynasty was the longest living one under Confucian rule. The Joseon dynasty all began around the 14th century, at the fall of the Goryeo dynasty. __The world today has many things to learn from the rise of the Joseon dynasty.__ oooo Around 1388, the 400-year old Goryeo Dynasty was crumbling at King U’s feet. The government was falling apart, and buildings were literally crumbling after years of war. Following the Ming Dynasty, the royal court of Goryeo split into two sides, led by General Yi (who supported the Ming Dynasty) and General Choe (supporting the Yuan Dynasty). Through a series of invasions, General Yi overthrew King Gongyang and exiled him. Yi, now by the name King Taejo, decided to change the name of the dynasty in order to renew and rebuild the Ancient Korean cultures. The Joseon Dynasty was made public and born in July 1932. The Economy and culture of the dynasty began to make it a unique colony. oooo The Joseon Dynasty was a peaceful one, with a Confucian monarchy teaching morales and lessons that would be passed down into the present. The Joseon Dynasty took reign of all of Korea, which was difficult for previous dynasties. It saw the real start of paintings in Korean art. Many artists rose to become some of the most memorable ones of Korea, such as Jeong Seon, Yun Duseo, Jang Seung-eop, and many more. Inventors such as Jang Yeong-sil were finally able to share their ideas with the world, thanks to King Taejo’s policy that allowed lower-class citizens to work for the government. He invented things such as the first bullet-proof vest, the Udometer, and an automatic water-clock. The Joseon dynasty was also the first to use the turtle boat, which was a dragon boat with an iron roof to keep its passengers safe. These are all things that the world has learned from, and continue to learn from every day. oooo Confucianism was used in government, which meant the less the king did, the more that gets done. Confucian government meant that the king was titled the “calm centre” that the kingdom revolved around. The king’s job was to interfere as little as possible with the flow of the dynasty. To govern by virtue, let us compare it to the North Star: it stays in its place, while the myriad stars wait upon it. (Analects II, 1) Confucianism is a very peaceful practice, even though it meant the fall of Buddhism in Korea. The Confucius Idea was very laid-back, and was only a problem in cases of war. This was a great practice, and I think our world should look back to this time when dealing with a situation regarding lots of people. oooo In conclusion, The Joseon dynasty has a lot of lessons to offer to modern day society. Confucianism is a very well-known system today, and is still used very often. Temples still exist all over the world. Inventions such as the bullet-proof vest, and the armored boat are all very helpful in today’s day-to-day basis. The ideas, lessons, inventions, and morales used in the Joseon dynasty are some very important life tools that are used every day. The world can learn a lot from the Joseon dynasty, things that couldn't be learned elsewhere.
 * by Jan Hughes**

Done? Go back