The Story of Prehistoric Culture
Once upon a time, our ancestors lived in ancient times, spanning from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, centered around Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula. They formed the foundations of our nation, living dispersed across Northeast Asia.
First, let’s travel back to the Paleolithic era. People in this period lived by hunting, using tools known as flaked stone tools. These included hand axes and choppers for hunting, and scrapers and grinders for food preparation. Their homes were in caves or rock shelters, and sometimes they built makeshift homes near rivers. Paleolithic people lived in groups, moving around to hunt and gather food. They experienced various natural changes together, living in communities led by experienced or older members.
Next, let’s move on to the Neolithic era. People of this period primarily lived near rivers or coastal areas, with sites like Amsa-dong in Seoul being representative. They used polished stone tools such as stone hoes, shovels, and sickles for farming, and stone mills and grinding stones for food preparation. They also made unique pottery called comb-pattern pottery for storing and cooking food. Using spindle whorls and bone needles, they made clothes and nets.
Neolithic people lived in pit houses, settling down as agriculture began. They formed clan societies through exogamy and maintained an egalitarian society. They had spiritual beliefs such as animism, totemism, and shamanism. They also created art, making masks and ornaments from shells.
Hand axes were significant tools in the Paleolithic era, crafted by chipping both ends of stone blades. These tools were used for hunting and digging. Grinding stones and stone mills were used from the Neolithic era for removing husks from acorns or grains and grinding them into flour. Despite the advent of farming, hunting and gathering remained crucial.
In the Bronze Age, people lived by farming and raising livestock. In some regions, rice cultivation began. Bronze farming tools such as dagger-shaped knives and mirrors with coarse patterns were used, along with crescent-shaped stone knives. Pottery from this period includes plain pottery and Misong-ri style pottery.
The Story of Gojoseon
With the beginning of the Bronze Age, the kingdom of Gojoseon emerged, experiencing many changes and developments.
Socially, private property became widespread, and conquest wars were frequent. The way people built houses evolved from pit houses to above-ground houses, forming villages on hills or slopes with rectangular house sites. Graves were primarily dolmens, large stone tombs symbolizing the power of rulers at that time.
Dolmens are particularly found in Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa in Korea. These dolmens, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000, indicate the power of ancient rulers due to the manpower required to build them.
Gojoseon’s history is documented in various records, such as "Samguk Yusa," "Jewang Ungi," and "Dongguk Tonggam." With the formation of agricultural society, farming techniques spread. By the 4th century BCE, Gojoseon clashed with the Yan state of China. In the 3rd century BCE, kings like Bu and Jun established hereditary monarchies, with officials like Daebu and generals.
Gojoseon society had a centralized political organization centered around the king. Land was nationalized, and the ruling class expanded. To protect agricultural assets, laws and a slavery system existed. After the Han dynasty established military colonies, rebellions increased, leading to the expansion of laws to around 60 articles.
One famous law from Gojoseon is the Eight Prohibitions, which included severe punishments for murder, injury compensation with grain, and enslavement for theft. This reflects Gojoseon’s hierarchical society.
Gojoseon adopted iron culture, significantly boosting agricultural productivity. With iron farming tools and weapons, conquest activities became more vigorous. Burials evolved into wooden and jar coffins, and interactions with China increased. Chinese currencies like Mingdao and Banliang coins were found, along with brushes used for writing in Chinese characters.
In the late 2nd century BCE, a man named Wiman migrated to Gojoseon from China, overthrowing King Jun and becoming king. This period is known as Wiman Joseon. During this time, iron culture was fully embraced, boosting agricultural productivity and conquest activities.
However, in 108 BCE, Gojoseon fell to an invasion by Han Emperor Wu. He established military colonies in parts of Gojoseon. After Gojoseon’s fall, various states emerged. These included Buyeo, Goguryeo, Okjeo, Dongye, and Samhan, formed by the combination of Gojoseon migrants and local forces.
Buyeo
First, there was Buyeo. Buyeo thrived around the plains of the Songhua River in Manchuria. Initially strong with nine tribes, it weakened in the late 3rd century due to invasions by the Xianbei. Eventually, it was incorporated into Goguryeo in the late 5th century. Buyeo had a political structure where Marquises, Sagas, Chogas, and Gugas ruled districts, but the king’s power was weak. They practiced burial rituals and held ancestral worship ceremonies called Yeonggo, where they would predict the future by killing cows in December.
The Rise of Goguryeo
Next is the story of Goguryeo. Goguryeo was founded in 37 BCE in Jolbon and later moved its capital to Gungnae Fortress. This state expanded its power by attacking Han military colonies and advancing into the Liaodong region. Goguryeo formed a five-tribe alliance, with the Dae Ga leading politics in succession through council meetings. Goguryeo people had unique marriage customs like Sookje, and they held ancestral worship ceremonies called Dongmaeng and Muchon.
Okjeo and Dongye
Okjeo and Dongye were also significant states. Okjeo was located along the eastern coast of Hamgyeong Province, and Dongye was situated along the eastern coast of Gangwon Province. Okjeo didn’t grow significantly due to Goguryeo’s pressure but paid tribute to Goguryeo with fish, salt, and fruits. Their graves were made of wooden coffins, and rice was buried with the dead. Dongye held ancestral worship ceremonies called Mucheon, practiced exogamy, and had a custom called Chekhwa, which involved compensating for trespassing tribal territories with goods. Dongye society was clan-based.
The Formation of Samhan
Finally, let’s talk about Samhan. Samhan was formed by the combination of Gojoseon migrants and indigenous forces in southern Korea. Samhan was divided into Mahan, Jinhan, and Byeonhan. Politically, it was a confederation of small states, with Mokji ruling Mahan. Leaders like Shinji and Eupcha governed tribes, and priests called Cheongun managed sacred areas. Samhan developed rice farming, and iron production was significant, exporting to Nakrang and Wa. Eventually, Samhan grew into Baekje, Gaya, and Silla.
Marriage Customs
Each state had unique marriage customs. In Buyeo, there was the levirate marriage, where a man would marry his deceased brother’s wife. In Goguryeo, newlyweds built a small house called ‘Seook’ behind the bride’s house, where the groom would visit at night and return home in the morning. After the child turned one, the bride moved to the groom’s house. In Okjeo, marriages were arranged in childhood, and the groom lived in a small house behind the bride’s house until marriage, after which they moved to the groom’s house. In Dongye, when a daughter was born, a future groom was chosen, and the groom’s family would send money and pigs to the bride’s family. After marriage, the groom stayed with the bride’s family until a child was born, then moved to the groom’s house.
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The history of our nation began in the prehistoric era and blossomed with the emergence of Gojoseon, the first kingdom. After Gojoseon’s fall, various states such as Buyeo, Goguryeo, Okjeo, Dongye, and Samhan emerged, continuing the history of the Korean Peninsula and Manchuria. These states developed unique cultures and customs, constantly experiencing change and growth. They influenced each other, forming the roots of modern Korea. This historical flow showcases the resilience and creativity of our nation, driving us forward into the present and future. Through their history, we gain valuable lessons and inspiration, guiding us toward a better future.