Profiles Index

The Joseon Dynasty in Korea
The Joseon dynasty ruled the Korea Peninsula from 1392 until the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1910. Joseon rulers were able to fend off a late 16th century Japanese invasion, as well as 17th century incursions by the Manchus and internal peasant rebellions. The Joseon era solidified the importance of Confucianism in Korean culture; saw the invention of "hangul," the Korean alphabet; witnessed the first Korean tea ceremony; and left lasting monuments such as the Gyungbukgung Palace.