Social Organization in Early Korea
Gojoseon, although many geographers and historians believe to be a myth, was in fact a well established agricultural society. Dan Gun, the "emperor" of Old Korea, established The Eight Prohibitions, which were a set of basic laws in order to protect the personal property and basic rights of the people. Only 3 of these laws are presently known now.
1. He who kills another is sentenced to death.
2. He who causes bodily injury to another shall pay compensation in grain.
3. He who steals another's possessions will either be made a slave of his victim or pay 500,000 in coin to be exonerated.
Although many can state that these laws might be used in order for the higher-class to take advantage of the lower and middle classes, these laws in the are extremely useful and keep the balance of society in check, preventing problems within commoners and citizens and giving an easy solution to fix broken laws when they come up.
As seen in many agricultural societies, specialized labor and social classes soon emerged. Metallurgy and dependence on agriculture became common and propelled people to height and success.
The Bronze Age in Gojoseon brought upon a unique Bronze Culture. Since only few people were able to obtain bronze because of its high cost and difficult manufacturing process, the invention of bronze led to a stratified society. Rice, millet, and barley are also a large part of the society of Gojoseon. Rice cultivation spread from China and Manchuria from Korea by 1200 to 900 BCE. As the Iron Age took over Gojoseon, we became a stronger civilization because iron lasted longer and was stronger than bronze.
1. He who kills another is sentenced to death.
2. He who causes bodily injury to another shall pay compensation in grain.
3. He who steals another's possessions will either be made a slave of his victim or pay 500,000 in coin to be exonerated.
Although many can state that these laws might be used in order for the higher-class to take advantage of the lower and middle classes, these laws in the are extremely useful and keep the balance of society in check, preventing problems within commoners and citizens and giving an easy solution to fix broken laws when they come up.
As seen in many agricultural societies, specialized labor and social classes soon emerged. Metallurgy and dependence on agriculture became common and propelled people to height and success.
The Bronze Age in Gojoseon brought upon a unique Bronze Culture. Since only few people were able to obtain bronze because of its high cost and difficult manufacturing process, the invention of bronze led to a stratified society. Rice, millet, and barley are also a large part of the society of Gojoseon. Rice cultivation spread from China and Manchuria from Korea by 1200 to 900 BCE. As the Iron Age took over Gojoseon, we became a stronger civilization because iron lasted longer and was stronger than bronze.
The people of Gojoseon are highly influenced by their neighbors, the Chinese. However, with isolation from China, Silla experiences non-Chinese customs. This society is built upon Buddhist order that is class-oriented, including a military that features young aristocratic warriors, known as Hwarang.
-Pranav K.