History of Korea

The Reign of Tyranny: King Yeonsangun and the Tragedy of the Gapsa Sahwa The Reign of Tyranny: King Yeonsangun and the Tragedy of the Gapsa Sahwa Explore the turbulent reign of King Yeonsangun of the Joseon Dynasty, a period marked by his brutal tyranny and the devastating political purge known as the Gapsa Sahwa of 1504. This article delves into the psychological and political factors that led to his cruelty, the tragic events that unfolded, and the lasting impact on the Joseon court and society. Discover how a monarch's personal trauma and vengeful nature could tear apart a kingdom and reshape its political landscape for decades to come. Table of Contents 1. The Crown of Thorns: The Political and Psychological Roots of Tyranny 1.1 The Discovery and the Descent into Madness 1.2 The First Signs of a Troubled King 2. The Gapsa Sahwa: A Political Purge Born of Vengeance 2.1 The Victims and the Aftermath 2.2 The End of a Reign ...

Walls, Shields, and Swords — Traditional Korean Weapons and Defensive Gear Throughout Korean history, the weapons and armor of its soldiers were more than tools of war — they were reflections of ingenuity, philosophy, and the unyielding will to survive. The evolution of Korean traditional weapons and defensive gear offers a vivid portrait of a culture that merged artistry with utility, adapting continuously to the threats it faced from all directions. From the elegant curvature of the woldo (crescent blade) to the layered protection of scale armor, Korea’s martial tradition is deeply etched in the blades and shields wielded by generations of warriors. This exploration of Korean military equipment takes us from the battlefields of the Three Kingdoms period to the structured arsenals of the Joseon Dynasty, unveiling a legacy forged in fire and tempered by time. Forged for Survival: The Cultural Philosophy Behind Korean Weaponry Korean traditional weapons were not developed in iso...

Crown Prince Sado Incident: The Tragedy of Joseon Royal Family Crown Prince Sado Incident: The Tragedy of Joseon Royal Family Explore the tragic Crown Prince Sado incident that shocked the Joseon Dynasty. Discover the complex family dynamics, political intrigue, and psychological drama that led to one of Korea's most heartbreaking royal tragedies. Table of Contents 1. The Crown Prince Sado Tragedy: A Royal Family's Darkest Hour 1.1 Background and Family Dynamics 1.2 Early Signs of Psychological Distress 2. The Escalation of Crisis and Political Implications 2.1 Court Intrigue and Factional Politics 2.2 Impact on Royal Succession and Legitimacy 3. The Tragic Conclusion and Its Lasting Legacy 3.1 Immediate Aftermath and Court Response 3.2 Long-term Impact on Korean Culture and Literature 1. The Crown Prince Sado Tragedy: A Royal Family's Darkest Hour The Crown Prince Sado incident stands as o...