The Characteristics of the Ruling Structure during Early Chosŏn
Journal Title: International Journal of Korean History - Year 2005, Vol 9, Issue 1
Abstract
One of the main features of modern historical studies in Korea has been the fact that a great number of scholars have focused on comparing the similarities between the development of Korean history and that of world history. As part of the process of establishing their own theories of history, these scholars have partaken in debates over the classification of the various periods of Korean history and the nature of society during each of these periods, as well as developed detailed study results and historical descriptions which have emphasized either the universal or unique nature of Korean history. To this end, scholars’ perceptions of the historical standing of the Chosŏn dynasty, or of the characteristics of Chosŏn society, have tended to vary in accordance with the particular topic which these scholars’ studies adopted. Nevertheless, very little debate has emerged when it comes to the ruling structure of Chosŏn, which has been generally defined as a centralized ruling system.1 More to the point, early Chosŏn has been perceived as a period in which Koryŏ’s centralized system was not only inherited, but strengthened. Furthermore, early Chosŏn has been regarded as having featured a centralized ruling structure that was more robust than the ones in place during the middle and late stages of Chosŏn.
Authors and Affiliations
Jong-rok Oh
Keywords
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