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Chinese in Korea: from 108 BC
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Korea, hanging like an appendix from northern China, cannot avoid being influenced by its powerful neighbour. Korean legend describes a Chinese scholar, by the name of Kija, bringing civilization when he arrives with 5000 followers. Certainly Chinese influence must have penetrated the peninsula long before the formal establishment, in 108 BC, of four Chinese colonies in northwest Korea.
The next century sees the beginning of a more independent Korea, in the Period of the Three Kingdoms. The first of these, Silla, is formed in the southeast in 57 BC; it is followed by Koguryo in the north in 37 BC; and by Paekche in the southwest in 18 BC.
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Three Kingdoms: to AD 668
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During the early centuries of the Christian era there is continual warfare between the three kingdoms, until Silla unites the peninsula by defeating the other two (Paekche in AD 660, Koguryo in 668).
Meanwhile Buddhism in Korea has been profoundly influential, arriving from China. In the 6th century Buddhism takes a further step of great significance, crossing from Korea to Japan. It is a path taken in previous centuries by earlier ideas, such as bronze and iron technology. From at least the 4th century onwards there is a reverse link as well - with Japanese military incursions into the southern tip of Korea. The relationship between Korea and Japan becomes, and remains, one of closely linked rivalry.
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Korea unified and independent: 7th - 13th century
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The kingdom of Silla gives Korea (or Choson, 'land of the morning calm', as it is called at this time) a period of stability and prosperity in which the arts flourish in the service of Buddhism. Temples and stone pagodas are built, large statues of holy figures are carved in granite or cast in bronze. The influences here are from China. But in one Buddhist speciality, that of printing, the Koreans seem to have been the leaders in the 8th century. And six centuries later they remain in that position.
In about 1230 a Korean type foundry is established – the first step in the most significant development in the history of printing, that of creating pages from separate pieces of movable type, cast in metal.
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In about 900 the old kingdom of Koguryo is revived in rivalry to Silla. In 935 the king of Silla abdicates and his place is taken by Wang Kon, the ruler of Koguryo. Controlling the whole peninsula, Wang changes the name of his kingdom to Koryo, meaning 'high and beautiful'. This is the word which the west adopts as Korea. The Wang dynasty lasts more than four centuries, until 1392, ruling the country on largely Chinese principles with a well-tried blend of Buddhism and Confucianism.
The kingdom of Koryo remains for the most part on good terms with China. Its main problem derives from barbarians living beyond the northern border, in Manchuria. One such group, the Khitan, overrun the peninsula and burn the capital city (Kaesong) in 1011. Even more disastrously, in the 13th century Koryo is on the southward route of the Mongols.
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