Early Joseon Period

Definition

The Early Joseon Period (1392 - c. 1550 CE) in Korea was bookended by internal power struggles but witnessed major scientific and societal advances and prosperity. The Joseon (Choson) Dynasty ruled Korea from 1392 CE to 1897 CE, and scholars typically break this 500-year dynasty into three periods: the Early Joseon, the Middle Joseon, and the Late Joseon periods. This period in Korean history saw great strides in science, culture, literature, and education; long periods of peace peppered with invasions from neighboring China and Japan; and isolationist policies from the 18th through the 19th century CE.

More about: Early Joseon Period

Timeline

  • 1392 - 1550
    Early Joseon Period in Korea.
  • 1392 - 1398
    Reign of King Taejo, founder of the Joseon Dynasty.
  • 1398
    Strife of the Princes in Korea; Taejo's sons fight to become their father's heir.
  • 1398 - 1400
    Reign of King Jeongjong of Joseon.
  • 1400
    The Second Strife of the Princes in Korea.
  • 1400 - 1418
    Reign of King Taejong of Joseon.
  • 1418 - 1450
    Reign of Sejong the Great.
  • 1419
    The Gihae Expansion, Tsushima comes under Joseon control.
  • 1420
    Sejong the Great creates the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon) to act both as advisors to the king and as an academic research engine.
  • 1443
    Hangul, the Korean alphabet, is finalized by Sejong the Great.
  • 1443
    The Japanese and Korean governments sign the Treaty of Kyehae which permits legitimate trade with the intention of weakening the wako pirates.
  • 1450 - 1452
    Reign of King Munjong of Joseon.
  • 1452 - 1455
    Reign of King Danjong of Joseon.
  • 1455 - 1468
    Reign of King Sejo of Joseon.
  • 1494 - 1506
    Reign of King Yeonsangun of Joseon.
  • 1494
    The First Literati Purge of the Early Joseon Period.
  • 1506 - 1544
    Reign of King Jungjong of Joseon.
  • 1544 - 1545
    Reign of King Injong of Joseon.
  • 1545 - 1567
    Reign of King Myeongjong of Joseon.
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