5.1 Historical background and cultural achievements

The Goryeo Dynasty marked a pivotal era in Korean history, spanning from 918 to 1392 CE. This period saw significant political changes, including the centralization of power and the introduction of the Gwageo examination system, reshaping Korea's social and political landscape.

Goryeo's cultural achievements were equally impressive. From the development of celadon pottery to the invention of movable metal type printing, this era left an indelible mark on Korean art, technology, and literature. These innovations not only enriched Korean culture but also influenced the broader East Asian region.

Goryeo Dynasty: Key Events and Changes

Establishment and Political Evolution

Top images from around the web for Establishment and Political Evolution

• 

  Historia de Corea (IV): Goryeo (918 – 1392 EC) – Cultura de Corea (조선 목화) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Goryeo - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Goryeo Dynasty (11th Century) | The Goryeo Dynasty (918-… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Historia de Corea (IV): Goryeo (918 – 1392 EC) – Cultura de Corea (조선 목화) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Goryeo - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Establishment and Political Evolution

• 

  Historia de Corea (IV): Goryeo (918 – 1392 EC) – Cultura de Corea (조선 목화) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Goryeo - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Goryeo Dynasty (11th Century) | The Goryeo Dynasty (918-… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Historia de Corea (IV): Goryeo (918 – 1392 EC) – Cultura de Corea (조선 목화) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Goryeo - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Wang Geon founded Goryeo Dynasty in 918 CE unifying Later Three Kingdoms
• Centralization of power under monarchy transformed political landscape
  • Kings adopted "emperor" title
  • Implemented centralized bureaucratic system
• Military regime period (1170-1270) shifted power dynamics
  • Military leaders controlled government
  • Royal family maintained as figureheads
• Gwageo examination system for civil service recruitment reshaped social and political structure
  • Introduced meritocratic elements to governance
  • Emphasized Confucian learning in bureaucracy

Foreign Invasions and Influences

• Mongol invasions (1231-1259) significantly impacted Goryeo's political structure
  • Period of Mongol domination (1270-1356) followed
  • Altered foreign relations and internal governance
• Neo-Confucian ideology gained prominence towards dynasty's end
  • Led to significant political reforms
  • Contributed to eventual downfall of Goryeo in 1392 CE

Cultural Achievements of the Goryeo Period

Artistic and Technological Innovations

• Celadon pottery represented pinnacle of ceramic artistry
  • Characterized by distinctive blue-green glaze
  • Utilized intricate inlay techniques (sanggam)
• Movable metal type printing developed predating Gutenberg's invention by two centuries
  • Revolutionized knowledge dissemination
  • Facilitated production of books and official documents
• Advanced astronomical and calendrical sciences
  • Created sophisticated water clocks (jagyeongnu)
  • Constructed celestial globes for astronomical observations

Literary and Religious Accomplishments

• Tripitaka Koreana compilation showcased advanced woodblock printing
  • Complete collection of Buddhist scriptures
  • Carved on over 80,000 wooden printing blocks
• Buddhist art and architecture flourished
  • Constructed numerous temples (Bulguksa, Haeinsa)
  • Created intricate Buddhist paintings and sculptures
• Korean literature evolved, particularly in poetry
  • Developed new forms (Hyangga, Goryeo gayo)
  • Expanded use of Chinese characters in Korean writing

Goryeo Influence on Korean Culture

Religious and Philosophical Impact

• Established Buddhism as state religion shaping spiritual practices
  • Influenced art, architecture, and daily life
  • Fostered development of Korean Buddhist schools (Seon)
• Gwageo examination system emphasized Confucian learning
  • Promoted social mobility based on merit
  • Shaped educational values in Korean society

Artistic and Linguistic Developments

• Refined traditional Korean arts contributing to unique aesthetic
  • Advanced techniques in dance, music, and calligraphy
  • Developed distinctive styles in visual arts (landscape painting)
• Created distinct Korean writing systems
  • Developed Idu script for transcribing Korean using Chinese characters
  • Laid foundation for later linguistic innovations (Hangul)

Cultural Exchange and Diplomacy

• Engaged in diplomatic and cultural exchanges with Song China and neighboring states
  • Enriched Korean culture through foreign influences
  • Adopted and adapted Chinese customs and technologies
• Established cultural legacy influencing subsequent dynasties
  • Preserved and transmitted traditional knowledge and practices
  • Shaped Korean identity through artistic and scholarly achievements

Goryeo Dynasty: Significance in East Asia

Cultural and Technological Contributions

• Served as cultural bridge between China and Japan
  • Facilitated transmission of Buddhist teachings
  • Spread artistic styles and technological innovations
• Advanced metal movable type printing technology
  • Contributed to knowledge dissemination across East Asia
  • Influenced development of printing in neighboring countries
• Celadon pottery influenced ceramic traditions throughout region
  • Highly prized in China and Japan
  • Techniques adopted and adapted by foreign artisans

Political and Philosophical Influence

• Demonstrated Korea's strategic importance through resistance to Mongol invasions
  • Impacted geopolitics of medieval East Asia
  • Influenced military strategies of neighboring states
• Adopted and adapted Chinese political and philosophical systems
  • Reflected broader intellectual trends in East Asia
  • Contributed to spread of Neo-Confucianism in region

Economic and Diplomatic Significance

• Expanded maritime trade networks enhancing regional economic development
  • Traded luxury goods (ginseng, celadon, textiles)
  • Facilitated exchange of technologies and ideas
• Established diplomatic relations with various East Asian nations
  • Contributed to regional cultural exchange
  • Played role in maintaining balance of power in East Asia