South Korea was once united with the now formidable North Korea before 1945, but the people of the North and South share a common history. For the purpose of this research only South Korea will be focused on, but it is important to reflect on the ancestry and culture of the all Koreans in order to understand the life of South Koreans in present day 2014.
There is evidence of early settlement on the Korean peninsula as early as 2333 B.C. (roughly 700,000 years ago) Korean culture is heavily influenced by religion and legends. The earliest settlers were often similar to our idea of the “caveman”. They even utilized stone tools, “such as choppers, scrappers, hand axes, and cleavers”(Kim, 2012). These people used these handmade tools for survival, including advanced hunting and gathering. Although in time these people were “replaced by newcomers or survivors who migrated to other warmer areas” (Kim, 2012). As time went on, early Korean ancestors began to migrate and integrate with other populations, therefore further advancing with their tools such as “polished stone axes” which allowed them to clear the forests with ease. In a short time after, the early people began to start farming and began to learn to “plant grains” and “practiced agriculture in settled communities or familial clans” (Kim, 2012). As the people advanced they began to feel much more connected and bloodlines began to interconnect as people lived and worked closer to each other. In the Bronze Age, the early people realized the importance for animal’s furs for clothing, shelter, and warmth (“built huts with partitioned rooms”) and began to cultivate their farms with “stone plowshares, hoes, and wooden plows” and were able to grow “millet, barely, beans, and rice” (Kim, 2012). Many scholars report not knowing the exact time and place of early Korean settlement, but estimate that many originate from Manchuria, where resources were plentiful. Korea was built on the succession of both strong and weak dynasties with both powerful and weak rulers. Early settlers faced conflicts with not only their environment, but also their close neighbors the Chinese and the Japanese. These neighbors have always provided external conflict. In ancient times three kingdoms ruled the land: “Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje”, these kingdoms were known for their “fierce battles against Chinese kingdoms” and were often unsuccessful ("History of Korea" 2013). The Chinese had a large impact on their Korean neighbors and “influenced some natives who became accustomed to the Chinese way of life, which promoted class divisions” (Kim, 2012). By this time Koreans have established a standard for living, which included religion, politics, class-structure, and neighboring conflicts. Conflict would become a way a key part of Korean life for many years to come. Korean people realized the importance of weapons, agriculture and the proper use of their resources. Much like in Guns, Germs, and Steel, the Korean people settled in one area where they knew the resources were plentiful and began to farm much like people in the Fertile Crescent. They also realized that animal furs could be used for clothing and warm shelter. The people also began to migrate downward as resources became sparse or the population grew too large. The Korean settlement follow the theories presented, as shown by the movement of the Korean people and the advancement in their lifestyle. Originally, settlers moved out of poor, colder areas to plentiful, warmer areas, probably allowing for more successful crops, which correlate to the theories previously presented. It is important to understand Korean ancestry to further understand the lifestyle and Korean culture of today. Sources used: History of korea. (2013, July 4). Retrieved from http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/AK/AK_EN_1_4_2.jsp Kim, J. (2012). History of korea: From land of the morning clam to states in conflict. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press. |
The Three Kingdoms: Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje divided the once united Korea. Conflicts between the kingdoms was popular as well as between neighboring countries, China and Japan.
Source: Korea at a glance:history. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.korea.net/AboutKorea/Korea-at-a-Glance/History Early Manchuria was home to many original Korean settlers. Over time, Korean settlers moved downward into present day Korea. Notice the overlap of Manchuria into Korea (this overlap is key in future conflicts)
Source: Randall, P., & Doleac, C. (2005). The treaty process: an uncommon commitment to peace. Retrieved from http://portsmouthpeacetreaty.org/process/causes/causes3.html Want more information on the early settlement of Korea? Check out these great sources!
1) Early Korean History: Settlement & Political Geography: http://asiasociety.org/countries/traditions/korean-history-and-political-geography
A brief summary of Korean settlement from the early days, through the Korean War, through present day Korea provides more clear understanding. If you are interested in examining the conflict between Korea and China, this website provides a very thorough explanation of the beginning of the conflict and the reasonings behind them. 2) Korean History: Early History & the Modern Era: http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Ha-La/Korean-Americans.html#b A closer look at Korean dynasties that helped build modern day Korea and each of their impacts on the culture. A timeline-like examination is used to analyze early Korean history. Expands upon the relationship between Korea & Japan and Korea & the United States. Provides an explanation behind a lifelong series of Korean conflicts. |