Korean Literature Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which monk is credited with the introduction of Buddhism to Goguryeo?

  • Ichadon
  • Sundo (correct)
  • Marananta
  • Gyeomik

What was the main contribution of Gyeomik in Baekje Buddhism?

  • He established the first Buddhist temple.
  • He introduced the concept of enlightenment.
  • He was the first to declare Buddhism the state religion.
  • He translated Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit. (correct)

What significant event is associated with Ichadon in the kingdom of Silla?

  • He introduced Mahayana Buddhism to Silla.
  • He was martyred for his Buddhist beliefs. (correct)
  • He translated the Vinaya texts.
  • He was the first to encounter resistance to Buddhism.

What was the political state of Korea when Buddhism was introduced?

<p>It was politically subdivided into three kingdoms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishing feature does Korean Buddhism seek to resolve?

<p>Inconsistencies in Mahayana Buddhism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with playing a significant role in the adoption of Buddhism as the national religion of Silla?

<p>Jajang (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which king's reign was Buddhism recognized as the national religion of Silla?

<p>King Chinhung (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant cultural impact did the success of Buddhism during the Silla Period have on place names?

<p>Many places were renamed after locations associated with Buddha. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which monk is known for his participation in the founding of the Korean sangha?

<p>Jajang (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the spread of Buddhism during the Silla Period influence the kings of that time?

<p>Many kings converted to Buddhism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Introduction of Buddhism to Korea

Buddhism initially entered the Korean Peninsula in the 4th century CE, gradually spreading through three kingdoms: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla.

Goguryeo's Buddhism

Buddhism reached Goguryeo in 372, introduced by monk Sundo, who brought texts and statues. Early Buddhism in China was simple, focusing on cause & effect and seeking well-being.

Baekje Buddhism

In 384, Marananta introduced Buddhism to Baekje; King Asin supported its spread. Gyeomik, a Baekje monk, went to India for more Buddhist texts, establishing a Vinaya school earlier than China

Silla and early Buddhism

Buddhism arrived in Silla later than the other two kingdoms, around the 5th century. Common people initially embraced it, but some royalty resisted.

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Ichadon's Martyrdom

A Silla court official, Ichadon, converted to Buddhism, but faced persecution. His death, marked by milk instead of blood, reportedly reinforced Buddhism's appeal to the common people.

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Silla Period Buddhism

Buddhism became the national religion of Silla, encouraged by King Chinhung and monk Jajang.

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Korean Confucianism

A version of Confucianism developed in Korea, heavily influenced by China, shaping Korean society and its values.

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Confucianism Origin

Confucianism originated in ancient China from the teachings of Confucius.

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Korean Religion Mix

In Korea, Buddhism, Protestantism, and Catholicism are major religions; Confucianism, Shamanism, and others are also practiced.

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King Chinhung's Role

King Chinhung, during the Silla Period, supported the growth of Buddhism, leading to it becoming the national religion, with monk Jajang playing a key role.

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Study Notes

Korean Literature Overview

  • Korean literature displays significant differences before and after Western influence.
  • Early Korean literature was profoundly influenced by Shamanism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
  • Early Korean literature valued loyalty to the king, filial piety, respect for elders, and chastity.
  • Writings were initially oral traditions, and some were recorded in poems called hyangga.
  • The Goryeo Dynasty (918 CE) saw the development of hanshi (poems in Chinese characters), a major form of upper-class literature with emphasis on philosophy from Chinese classics. Shijo was also developed.
  • The Choson Dynasty (1392-1910) saw a significant outpouring of literature in Hangul (Korean writing system), with a focus on equality and challenging social inequality.
  • The shijo and important literary forms of the time are important.

Early Korean Literature

  • Heavily influenced by Shamanism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
  • Primarily an oral tradition.
  • Emphasized good deeds, loyalty, filial piety, respect for elders, friendship, and chastity.
  • Writings often took the form of poems, called hyangga.

Goryeo Dynasty

  • Established in 918.
  • The name "Goryeo" is derived from "Goguryeo".
  • The use of Chinese characters in literature influenced the country's literature.
  • The upper class, mostly employed Classical Chinese.
  • Hanshi reached maturity during the Koryo period, and shijo developed towards the end of the dynasty.

Choson Dynasty

  • Overthrew the Goryeo Dynasty.
  • Founded in what is now Kaesong.
  • Major growth in Hangul (Korean alphabet) and the use of the Korean Language.
  • Literature heavily focused on concepts like equality and the criticisms of social inequality.
  • The usage of the Korean script grew and became a powerful voice within literature.

Religion

  • Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shamanism had considerable impact on Korean culture and literature.
  • A 2005 census indicated a mix of religions: most prominent being Buddhism, Protestantism, and Catholicism. Confucianism, Shamanism, and Chondogyo were also present.
  • The influence of Shamanism, Confucianism, and other beliefs had a profound influence on the ideas and structures within Korean literature.

Prose and Fiction

  • Korean prose encompasses narratives, fiction, and literary miscellany.
  • Important myths include those concerning the Sun, Moon, the founding, and the lives of ancient Korean kings.
  • Folktales often addressed themes of animal behavior, supernatural elements, moral lessons, and cleverness.
  • Korean fiction frequently emerged in diverse forms, encompassing short stories, medium-length works, and lengthy novels.
  • Early and mid-Joseon periods saw the growth of parable-like stories.
  • Later, literary works focused on the experiences of commoners.

Oral Literature

  • Transmitted through generations prior to Hangul's invention.
  • Covered a wide range of topics including ballads, legends, and p'ansori ("story singing").
  • Categorized by singer (male or female), subject, and regional style.

Modern Period

  • After Western influence, Korean literature diversified and explored a broader array of topics.
  • The period after 1894 brought western influence in education and media.
  • The first printed Korean novel was a translation of Pilgrim’s Progress.
  • Novels focused on the experiences and emotions of commoners, intellectuals, and those caught in the impact of political changes.
  • Modern Korean literature encompasses a range of genres and stylistic elements.

Colonial Period (1910-1945)

  • Free speech and the press were heavily restricted.
  • Korean literature gained new forms and styles as the writers dealt with the challenges and changes brought about during the foreign colonial rule.
  • Emphasis was placed on self-discovery and concrete reality.
  • Literature often explored feelings of nationhood, and literary creativity blossomed.

Korean Historical Timeline

  • A historical timeline chart depicts the various periods within Korean history and the key events in literature in each period.

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