9.4 Korea and Its Traditions

As early as Han times, China expanded its influence to a ring of states and peoples on the border of the Middle Kingdom. To the northeast, Korea lay within the Chinese zone of influence. While Korea absorbed many Chinese traditions over the centuries, it also maintained its own identity.

During the Silla dynasty, Buddhism expanded in Korea and stunning temples, such as the Pulguksa Temple shown here, were built. It is considered the most famous Buddhist temple in Korea.

Objectives

• Describe how geography affected life on the Korean peninsula.
• Understand the influence of China and Buddhism on Korea.
• Explain the major achievements of the Choson dynasty.

Key Terms

• Silla dynasty
• Koryo dynasty
• celadon
• Choson dynasty
• King Sejong
• hangul
• literacy rate

The Geography of Korea

The Korean Peninsula

Korea is located on a peninsula that juts south from the Asian mainland and points toward Japan. At the northern end of the peninsula, mountains and the Yalu River separate Korea from China.

An early visitor once compared Korea's landscape to “a sea in a heavy gale.” Low but steep mountains cover nearly 70 percent of the Korean peninsula.

The most important range is the T'aebaek (ta bak). It runs from north to south along the eastern coast, with smaller chains branching off to form hilly areas. Because farming is difficult on the mountains, most people live along the western coastal plains, Korea's major farming region.

Korea has a 5,400-mile coastline with hundreds of good harbors. In addition, the offshore waters feature thousands of islands. Since early times, Koreans have depended upon seafood for most of the protein in their diet. Today, South Korea has one of the largest fishing industries in the world.

Table of Contents