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An Overview of the Founding of Joseon

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  1. Political turmoil in late Goryeo and the Withdrawal from Wihwado

    In the late 14th century, Goryeo was experiencing political and social turmoil due to the corruption of powerful aristocratic families and repeated invasions by the Red Turbans and Japanese pirates. In 1388, Yi Seong-gye, who had been ordered to invade the Liaodong region of Ming China, instead turned his army around at Wihwado β€” a move known as the "Withdrawal from Wihwado" β€” and this became the occasion for him to seize political power and lay the groundwork for establishing a new dynasty.

  2. The founding of Joseon (1392)

    In 1392, Yi Seong-gye deposed King Gongyang and ascended the throne, establishing a new dynasty. The new nation was named "Joseon," carrying the meaning of succeeding the ancient kingdom of Gojoseon, and Yi Seong-gye became Joseon's first king, posthumously honored as King Taejo.

  3. The relocation of the capital to Hanyang (1394)

    King Taejo Yi Seong-gye moved the capital from Gaegyeong to Hanyang (present-day Seoul) in 1394. Hanyang, a basin area bordered by the Han River, was judged favorable for defense, transportation, and the movement of goods, and was chosen as the capital of the new dynasty.

  4. Jeong Do-jeon's governing philosophy

    Jeong Do-jeon, a key figure who designed the founding of Joseon, made Neo-Confucianism the fundamental governing philosophy of the state and envisioned a centralized political system led by the chief state councillor. He personally named Gyeongbokgung Palace and various locations throughout the capital, and wrote works such as the "Joseon Gyeonggukjeon" (Administrative Code of Joseon) to organize the new dynasty's governing system.

  5. The Princes' Strife and King Taejong's consolidation of royal power

    As Jeong Do-jeon pursued a chief-state-councillor-centered form of government, conflict with the princes grew, and in 1398 Jeong Do-jeon was eliminated in the First Strife of Princes. King Taejong (Yi Bang-won), who subsequently ascended the throne, abolished private armies and implemented the Six Ministries Direct Reporting System, among other measures, establishing a powerful, monarch-centered system.

  6. The cultural golden age under King Sejong the Great

    Building on the foundation of royal authority Taejong had consolidated, King Sejong the Great, upon his ascension, greatly elevated early Joseon's culture and national strength through the creation of Hangul (Hunminjeongeum), advances in science and technology, and the development of the Four Garrisons and Six Forts region. This period is commonly regarded as Joseon's cultural golden age.

  7. The historical significance of Joseon's founding

    Joseon maintained a Confucian state system based on Neo-Confucian philosophy for more than 500 years, becoming the longest-lasting dynasty in Korean history. The centralized system and governing philosophy established in early Joseon left a deep influence across Joseon society for the remainder of its history.

From Goryeo to Joseon: the background to the dynastic change

In the late 14th century, Goryeo's governing order was severely shaken by the corruption of powerful aristocratic families and repeated foreign invasions. Amid this turmoil, a rising group of reformist scholar-officials and a newly powerful military faction joined forces to establish a new dynasty to replace Goryeo β€” this was Joseon, founded in 1392.

After the founding of Joseon β€” also explore the Imjin War

Joseon developed stably for about 200 years after its founding without major wars, but in 1592, it faced a major crisis that threatened the state's very survival when Japan invaded. If you're curious how the political system established in early Joseon fared through this war, take a look at our overview of the Imjin War as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the country named "Joseon"?

The name "Joseon" was adopted to carry the meaning of succeeding the ancient kingdom of Gojoseon. After founding the country, Yi Seong-gye sent two candidate names β€” "Hwaryeong" and "Joseon" β€” to Ming China for approval, and "Joseon" was ultimately selected.

Was the Withdrawal from Wihwado an act of treason?

From the perspective of the time, it was an act of defying a royal order, but Yi Seong-gye asserted its legitimacy by citing the "Four Reasons Against" the invasion, including the argument that a small country could not defy a large one. This event ultimately became the decisive turning point that led to the fall of Goryeo and the founding of Joseon.