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Gojoseon

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description Gojoseon Overview

Gojoseon, also called Old Joseon, was an early Korean polity centered in northern Korea and nearby parts of northeast Asia. The historical record is fragmentary, and traditional founding dates should be distinguished from the better-documented later phases of the state. The Wiman Joseon regime ended in 108 BCE, when Han forces conquered its territory and established commanderies. Gojoseon is studied for its role in early Korean state formation and is not the same polity as the Joseon dynasty that ruled Korea many centuries later.

help Gojoseon FAQ

What does the name Gojoseon mean?

Gojoseon, also called Old Joseon, is the modern name used to distinguish this early Korean polity from the much later Joseon dynasty. It refers to a state centered in northern Korea and nearby parts of northeast Asia.

Was Gojoseon really founded in 2333 BCE?

2333 BCE is the traditional founding date connected with the Dangun story, not a securely documented date in the same sense as the later Wiman period. Historians therefore separate the foundation legend from the fragmentary evidence for the historical state.

Who was Wiman in Gojoseon history?

Wiman, also rendered Wi Man or Man in Chinese sources, is associated with a takeover of Gojoseon around 194 BCE. The resulting Wiman Joseon period is much better documented than the earliest traditional foundation narrative.

What happened to Gojoseon in 108 BCE?

Han forces under Emperor Wu defeated Wiman Joseon in 108 BCE, and the capital Wanggeomseong fell. The Han then established commanderies including Lelang in parts of the former territory. [A History of Korea](https://contents.history.go.kr/resources/common/pdf/A_History_of_Korea_The_Understanding_Korea_Series.pdf)

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