Contents

An Early Modern Bureaucratic State -Joseon

Chapter 1 The Establishment of the Joseon Dynasty

1. The Revolution Launched by Yi Seonggye and His Followers

2. New Image of the State and New Capital       

3. The Completion of the State Structure       

4. Expansion of Territory and International Relations

Chapter 2 Reform of the Ruling System

1. Reorganization of the Bureaucratic Structure

2. Corvee System

3. Reorganization of the Social Status and Hierarchial Structures       

4. The Education and Official Recruiting Systems       

5. Military Service System and Military Organization

Chapter 3 Economic Development during Early Joseon

1. Development of Agriculture

2. Development of the Handicraft Industry       

3. Development of Commerce       

Chapter 4 Culture of Early Joseon

1. Development of Neo-Confucianism       

2. Compilation of History, Geography, and Ritual Books

3. The Creation of the Hunmin jeongeum (Hangul)       

4. Development of Science and Technology       

5. Literature and the Arts       

Chapter 5 The Growth of the Sarim Faction and its Culture

1. Concentration of Wealth and Excessive Tributes and Military Taxes       

2. The Rise of the Sarim, Literati Purges, and Factionalism       

3. Literati Culture of the 16th Century       

Chapter 6 Japanese and Manchu Invasions

1. Hideyoshi Invasions (1592-1598)

2. Gwanghaegun’s Post-War Reconstruction and his Policy of Neutrality

3. Injo Restoration of 1623 and the Manchu Invasions       

Chapter 7 The Restoration of Dynasty in the 17-18th Centuries

1. Alliances between the Factions and the Campaign to Take Revenge on Qing

2. The Reversal of the Factional Powers and Strengthening of Royal Power

3. Yeongjo’s Impartial Policy and the Revival of Dynasty

4. Jeongjo’s Impartial Policy and Reforms       

5. Improvement of the Taxation System

6. Development of Industry and Changes in the Social Hierarchy System

Chapter 8 The Cultural Renaissance of Late Joseon

1. The Rise and Development of Silhak

2. The Rise of Northern Learning in the Late 18th Century       

3. New Trends in Philosophy and Religion       

4. Development of Gukhak (National Learning) and Science       

5. New Trends in the Arts and Literature

Chapter 9 The Conflict between Seoul and the Regions in the Early 19th Century

1. In-law Politics and the Disorder of the Three Tax Systems       

2. Resistance from the Countryside

3. The Culture of the Early 19th Century

Dynastic Lineages

Index Glossary