The History of Korea

Early Korea; the Shiji (太史公書; 사기); The Han Dynasty (漢朝; 한조); The Yan Kingdom (연나라; 燕國); The Xiongnu (흉노; 匈奴)

The first Korean state and the politicization and controversy thereof. Chiaoxian; Gojoseon; Gija Joseon; Wiman Joseon; Xiongnu

The Jeulmun and Mumun Periods of pre-historic Korea; Dolmens; The Dangun Wanggeom Creation Myth.

How big is the Korean peninsula? What did Korea look like during the Ice Age? How did Koreans evolve from Homo Erectus? DNA evidence of Koreans and the Denisovan. The origins of the Korean language.

Goryeo finally submits to Kublai Khan; Prince Sim is betrothed to a Mongol princess; The Sambyeolcho continue to lead a resistance; Explosives and gunpowder requested by local Mongol officers.

Description: Jalairtai Qorci’s brutal attacks; Goryeo finally submits; Choe Hang’s death; Choe Ui’s assassination; the Crown Prince Cheon 원종(元宗) finally visits the Mongol Court; King Gojong dies; Mongke Khan dies; Kublai Khan meets Goryeo Prince Cheon  

The Goryeons make the fateful decision to assassinate all 72 Mongol Commissioners, sparking yet another invasion. 72 Daruyacis Killed; Mongol’s 2nd and 3rd invasion of Korea; Tripitaka Koreana (합천 해인사 대장경판,陜川 海印寺 大藏經板; 팔만대장경, 八萬大藏經; Hong Bog-weon 홍복원(洪福源, 1206년 ~ 1258년); Song China’s Capital Hangzhou (杭州市).

After Goryeons resist the Mongol's extortionate tributary demands, and some Mongol envoys mysteriously disappear, the Mongols attack in earnest. Bloodbath ensues.

The Mongols enter the peninsula ostensibly to rid it of the Khitan. It's a brief honeymoon period until the Mongols force Goryeo into its suzerainty. The relationship rapidly deteriorates from there. It’s a short period in time, just 16 years from 1218-1231, but it’s chock full of geopolitics. Not so much battle scenes, which is in the next episode, but plenty of diplomatic intrigue and a little spy craft thrown in. I’m excited, and I know you are, too.

We discuss the lead up to the Mongol's Invasion of Korea in the 13th century. #大元大蒙古國 #대원대몽고국 #몽골 #제국 ᠳᠠᠢ ᠦᠨ ᠶᠡᠬᠡ ᠮᠣᠩᠭᠣᠯ ᠦᠯᠦ

All Choe'd out? Let's step away from the narrative to discuss the fascinating outcasts of medieval Korea: the Baekjeong.

The fall of the House of Choe under the mostly tragic reigns of Choe Hang (최항, 崔沆) and Choe Ui (최의, 崔竩).

Choe U (최우) • Choe’s “Kitchen Cabinet” • The Directorate General of Policy Formulation (Kyojong Togam, 교정도감) • Personnel Authority (정방, 政房) • Ganghwa Island (강화도, 江華島)

Military Dictator Choe Chungheon (최충헌, 崔忠獻) • Goryeo Military • Goryeo Buddhism

Today, we’re going to talk about my favorite period in Korean history: the Military coup of 1170. Why is this my favorite? Because of the chaos. I’m talking slave and peasant rebellions. Even monks revolt! The king's spine is snapped in two and his body is rolled into a rug and thrown into the lake. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s start at the beginning.