Why is Joseon Korea known as the Hermit Kingdom?

This lesson explores how the Joseon Dynasty of Korea responded to external influences over its 500-year history. Students will examine key moments such as the tributary relationship with China, the Japanese invasions during the Imjin War, and the pressures of Western imperialism in the 19th century. Through primary and secondary source analysis and group discussions, students will understand how Korea balanced foreign relations with its Confucian values and isolationist policies, shaping its identity as the “Hermit Kingdom.” The lesson concludes by considering the lasting impact of these external interactions on Korean society.