Yi Dynasty

In 1388, Yi Song-gye, a Korean general, seized power and formally ended Mongol domination. In 1392 he made himself king, starting the Yi dynasty. Confucianism was made the state doctrine and Buddhists were persecuted. By the 14th century, the Koreans were using movable metal type for printing, years before the Europeans.

In 1592 and 1597 the Japanese launched huge invasions against Korea as part of a plan to conquer China. Both invasions were repulsed by Korean and Chinese armies, but Korea was left devastated by the fighting. In the sea battles the Koreans used the world's first iron-clad ships. Beginning in the 1700's, Korea shut itself off from all countries except China and became known as the “Hermit Kingdom.” China dominated the country's internal affairs.