Joseon Korea
Confucian Korea's long dynasty
The Founding
Yi Seong-gye's coup, the move from Buddhism to Confucianism, and Hanyang as the new capital
1388–1418
Sejong the Great
Hangul, Jang Yeong-sil's inventions, and the brief moment when Korea led East Asia in science
1418–1450
The Yangban Order
Civil service exams, four classes, the women's collapse, and the philosophical schools that became political factions
1450–1592
The Imjin War
Hideyoshi invades, Yi Sun-sin's turtle ships, the crane-wing formation, and the war that defined Korean memory for four centuries
1592–1598
The Manchu Trauma
Two Manchu invasions, the kowtow at Samjeondo, the murdered crown prince, and the Hermit Kingdom takes shape
1610–1660
Silhak and Late-Joseon Culture
Practical learning, Hwaseong Fortress, true-view painting, and the Catholic church that organized itself without priests
1660–1800
Faction Wars and the Slow Decline
Old Doctrine vs. Young Doctrine, the rice chest, and the in-law clans that hollowed out the dynasty
1700–1860
Opening, Annexation, End
Donghak, gunboats at Ganghwa, the murdered queen, and the annexation that ended 518 years of Joseon
1860–1910