How Did The Joseon Dynasty Reign In Korea For 500 Years? | The Mark Of Empire (Full Episode)

Peter Lee, a Singaporean scholar, embarks on a journey to uncover the untold histories of the Japanese Isles and Korean Peninsula, exploring the rise and fall of four distinct kingdoms that shaped unique cultures and identities. He reflects on the blend of past and present in South Korea, noting the city's transformation over three decades into an ultra-modern global city while maintaining its 600-year-old heritage, particularly focusing on the significance of the Korean General Yi Seong-gye, who became King Taejo and established the capital in present-day Seoul.

The script delves into the ambitious reconstruction of the Prince's quarters in the Palace, a project that reflects the dedication to history in modern Korea. It highlights the influence of Chinese neighbors and the Confucian ideals that shaped the social hierarchy during the Chosun period. The elite troops, known as the Youngbin, were crucial to the society, and their skill with the bow is showcased, emphasizing the importance of this martial art for character building and personal growth.

This paragraph explores the role of women in society, particularly through the lens of bojagi, a traditional Korean wrapping cloth. Despite the patriarchal system of the Chosun era, women found creative expression through bojagi, which has now become a symbol of female empowerment. The process of making bojagi is described, from cutting squares of fabric to the final turning inside-out technique, reflecting the transformation of a domestic craft into a nationally significant art form.

The script discusses the agricultural practices that sustained the Joseon Kingdom, focusing on the innovative rice paddies of Chongsan Island. The island's challenging conditions led to the development of terraced fields and underground aqueducts, which have been maintained for centuries. The traditional method of harvesting rice with hand and sickle is also highlighted, showing the simplicity and effectiveness of these ancient techniques.

The paragraph examines the external threats faced by the Joseon Kingdom, including Georgian bandits and Japanese Wako pirates. King Sejong's strategic response to these threats through military action and trade deals is detailed. The paragraph also introduces the Hangul script, created in 1443, which played a crucial role in the growth of Korean culture and is still in use today, with its simple and intuitive design.

The script narrates the legendary Admiral Yi Sun-sin's innovative turtle ship, which played a significant role in defending against Japanese invasions. The design and function of the turtle ship are described, along with the tactics used by Admiral Yi to achieve victory against a larger enemy fleet. The ongoing search for shipwrecks from the Japanese invasion adds a modern dimension to this historical narrative.

This paragraph discusses the craft of making dalhangari or munjas, a nearly 400-year-old tradition that flourished during the Joseon era. The unique design of these porcelain pieces and the story of the moon jars, born out of the vacuum left by the Japanese invasion, are highlighted. The moon jars' intentional imperfection is seen as revolutionary, reflecting the resourcefulness and aesthetic style of the Joseon period.

The making of kimchi, a beloved national tradition, is explored in this paragraph. The role of salt as a preservative and the addition of new spices during the Joseon era that defined kimchi's flavor are detailed. The process of fermenting kimchi in porous earthen jars called ongi is described, emphasizing the importance of kimchi in Korean cuisine and its evolution from a survival food to a cultural staple.

The paragraph delves into the mask dance drama, a form of social commentary that allowed commoners to express their opinions during a time of rigid social class divisions. The use of exaggerated masks to represent different societal sections and the role of this dance in highlighting the abuse of power by the yangban nobility are discussed, showing the dance as a form of protest and social critique.

The script describes Wasong Fortress, built as King Jeongjo's political and military base without the use of forced labor, reflecting a new vision for the Joseon Kingdom. The unique design of the fortress, drawing from various sources, and its role as a symbol of reform and technology are highlighted. However, King Jeongjo's sudden death cut short this vision of reform, leading to a period of introspection and creativity.

This paragraph discusses the fusion of traditional Korean music with modern styles, exemplified by the SoDo band, which incorporates elements of pansori, a storytelling tradition from the late Joseon period, into their music. The band's innovative approach to blending traditional lyrics with jazzy tunes is celebrated, reflecting the ongoing trend of integrating past influences into contemporary culture.

The final paragraph reflects on the resilience of the Joseon spirit in modern South Korea, despite the challenges and changes the nation has faced since the fall of the Joseon Dynasty. The trend of 'half new, half retro' in fashion, the popularity of hanok villages for historical cosplay, and the influence of traditional aesthetics in various aspects of Korean life are highlighted, showing the enduring impact of the Joseon era on South Korea's cultural identity.