Wiman Joseon: Encyclopedia - Wiman Joseon

Wiman Joseon

Wiman Joseon (194 BC - 108 BC), was a continuation of Gojoseon, beginning with the rule of Wiman. It is generally classified as a part of the Gojoseon period, while some consider it a separate period of ancient Korean history.

Wiman was originally a refugee from the Chinese state of Yan. He succeeded in driving out King Jun of Gojoseon and taking over the throne. He made the capital in Wanggeomseong (王險城), today's P'yŏngyang. Although culturally Sinicized, Wiman Joseon was not a colony of China.

Wiman Joseon expanded to control a vast territory and became strong economically by controlling trade between China's Han Dynasty and the outlying regions to the northeast. Feeling increasingly threatened by the growing Wiman Joseon, and fearing she would ally with the Xiongnu, Emperor Wu of Han China launched an attack on Wiman Joseon in 109 BC. After a year of battle, Wanggeomseong was captured and Wiman Joseon was destroyed. Han China established four commanderies in the captured areas, of which Lelang or Nangnang was the most important.

Gojoseon, Jin
Proto-Three Kingdoms:
 Buyeo, Okjeo, Dongye
 Samhan, Gaya
Three Kingdoms:
 Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla
Unified Silla, Balhae
Later Three Kingdoms
Goryeo
Joseon
Japanese Rule
Divided Korea:
 N. Korea, S. Korea

• List of Rulers
• SK electoral history

See also

• List of Korea-related topics
• History of Korea

Categories: Early Korean history | Former countries in Chinese history

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Wiman Joseon", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki