2025-05-18 # Gojoseon (고조선, 古朝鮮), meaning "Old Joseon," was the **first Korean kingdom**. The "Go-" prefix was added later to distinguish it from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). Gojoseon's history is a blend of **myth and archaeological evidence**, making its exact origins and extent subjects of ongoing scholarly debate. ### **Foundation Legend:** - According to Korean mythology, recorded in texts like the 13th-century _Samguk Yusa_, Gojoseon was founded in **2333 BCE** by **Dangun Wanggeom** (단군왕검). - Dangun is said to be the son of **Hwanung**, a son of the heavenly ruler Hwanin, and **Ungnyeo**, a bear who transformed into a woman. - This myth is significant as it represents a **divine origin** for the Korean people and their first kingdom, emphasizing a connection to the heavens and nature (bear and tiger are also part of the myth). ### **Historical Existence:** - While the 2333 BCE date is largely considered mythological, archaeological evidence and early Chinese records indicate that a political entity known as Joseon existed in **northern Korea and southern Manchuria** by at least the **4th century BCE**. - The earliest historical mention of Gojoseon is found in the ancient Chinese text _Guanzi_ (likely compiled between the 5th and 3rd centuries BCE), suggesting it was a known entity during that time. - By the 4th century BCE, Gojoseon had developed to a point where it could compete with the **Yan state** of China. ### **Territory and Capital:** - Gojoseon's initial territory is believed to have been centered around the **Liao River basin** in present-day China. - Around the 4th century BCE, its capital is thought to have moved southward to **Wanggeom-seong**, which is generally identified with modern-day **Pyongyang** in North Korea, although some theories place it elsewhere in the Liao River region. - Gojoseon's influence eventually extended across the northern Korean Peninsula and parts of southern Manchuria. ### **Cultural Characteristics:** - **Bronze Culture:** Gojoseon emerged from a Bronze Age background. Distinctive **"mandolin-shaped" or "violin-shaped" bronze daggers**, bronze mirrors, and other bronze artifacts are characteristic of Gojoseon culture and are found across its territory. - **Dolmens:** Gojoseon is notable for its numerous **dolmens**, megalithic burial structures, which are found in high concentrations on the Korean Peninsula. These suggest a stratified society and ritual practices. - **Pottery:** Gojoseon produced distinctive pottery styles, including **Misongni-type earthenware** and other regional variations. - **Agriculture:** Agriculture, particularly the cultivation of millet and later rice, was a key economic activity. - **Early State Formation:** Gojoseon is considered the **first recognizable state of the Korean people**, evolving from tribal confederations towards a more centralized political system with kings and officials. - **Interactions with China:** Gojoseon had complex relationships with various Chinese states, ranging from trade and cultural exchange to conflict and eventual conquest. - **Iron Age Adoption:** By the 3rd century BCE, Gojoseon had adopted **Iron Age culture**, leading to advancements in weaponry and agriculture. ### **Decline and Fall:** - Gojoseon was weakened by internal strife and external pressures, including attacks from the **Yan state** around the 3rd century BCE. - In **194 BCE**, a refugee from the Yan state named **Wiman** (Weiman in Chinese) seized the throne and established **Wiman Joseon**. - Wiman Joseon expanded its territory and controlled trade between China and the southern Korean states. - In **109-108 BCE**, the **Han Dynasty of China** invaded and conquered Wiman Joseon, establishing the **Four Commanderies of Han** in parts of its former territory. This marked the formal end of Gojoseon. ### **Legacy:** - Gojoseon is considered the **foundation of Korean history and national identity**. - The Dangun myth remains a powerful symbol of Korean origins. - Gojoseon's cultural innovations, particularly its bronze culture and dolmens, left a lasting impact on the Korean Peninsula. - The memory of Gojoseon influenced later Korean kingdoms, such as Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, and the subsequent Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, who saw themselves as inheritors of its legacy. The study of Gojoseon continues to be an active area of research, with archaeologists and historians working to uncover more about this important early kingdom through both material remains and historical texts. The relationship between Gojoseon and the **Liao River Civilization (including the Hongshan Culture)**, as mentioned in your previous context, is a significant area of investigation, with evidence suggesting cultural connections and potential influence in the earlier periods of Gojoseon's formation. ---