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Journals / Cappadocia Journal of Area Studies / 2026 / Cilt: 8 Sayı: 1

The political dynamics of technological innovation in Korea: a historical journey from Gojoseon to modernity

Kore'de teknolojik inovasyonun siyasi dinamikleri Gojoseon’dan moderniteye tarihsel bir analiz

Emre Gökcek(DOKUZ EYLÜL ÜNİVERSİTESİ, ATATÜRK İLKELERİ VE İNKILAP TARİHİ ENSTİTÜSÜ, ATATÜRK İLKELERİ VE İNKİLAP TARİHİ ANABİLİM DALI, ATATÜRK İLKELERİ VE İNKILAP TARİHİ (YL) (TEZLİ))0009-0009-6946-953X
Pages
50–74
Publication Date
2026-07-01
DOI
—
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

This symbiotic relationship between technology and politics persisted into the 20th century, manifesting in rapid industrialization drives and the state led, chaebol centric development model that underpinned South Korea's rise as a technological power.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study examines the periodic evolution of Korean technological history, from Gojoseon to modernity, by focusing on its interplay with political dynamics.
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Key Findings & Data:The Goryeo Dynasty recorded significant inventions, including the world's first metal movable type (Jikji).
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Conclusion & Impact:This symbiotic relationship between technology and politics persisted into the 20th century, manifesting in rapid industrialization drives and the state led, chaebol centric development model that underpinned South Korea's rise as a technological power.
🔬Design:Review & Systematic Survey
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Goguryeo · Jang Yeong Sil · Jang Bogo

Abstract

This study examines the periodic evolution of Korean technological history, from Gojoseon to modernity, by focusing on its interplay with political dynamics. Employing a methodology of historical source review and comparative analysis of academic literature, the research finds that technological development in Korea was frequently driven by military imperatives and political competition. Following the conflicts between Gojoseon and the Han Dynasty, the subsequent Three Kingdoms period (Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla) saw each kingdom specialize in distinct technologies—such as weaponry, fortifications, and maritime technology based on their geopolitical positions. The Goryeo Dynasty recorded significant inventions, including the world's first metal movable type (Jikji). The Joseon Dynasty was marked by scientific breakthroughs under King Sejong's leadership, including the creation of Hangeul, and advancements in medicine and astronomy, fueled by contributions from figures like Heo Jun and Jang Yeong-sil. This symbiotic relationship between technology and politics persisted into the 20th century, manifesting in rapid industrialization drives and the state led, chaebol centric development model that underpinned South Korea's rise as a technological power.

Özet

Bu çalışma, Kore teknoloji tarihinin Gojoseon'dan moderniteye uzanan dönemsel evrimini, teknoloji ve siyasi dinamikler arasındaki karşılıklı etkileşim merkeze alınarak incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Tarihsel kaynak taraması ve karşılaştırmalı akademik literatür analizine dayanan araştırmanın bulguları, Kore'nin teknolojik gelişiminin temel itici gücünün sıklıkla askeri gereksinimler ve siyasi rekabet olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Erken dönemde, Gojoseon'un Han Hanedanlığı ile mücadelesi, askeri teknolojilere önceliği başlatmıştır. Ardından gelen Üç Krallık döneminde (Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla), her krallık jeopolitik konumuna bağlı olarak farklı teknolojik alanlarda (silah sistemleri, tahkimat mimarisi, denizcilik) uzmanlaşmıştır. Goryeo Hanedanlığı dönemi, metal hareli tipoğrafyanın (Jikji) icadı gibi dünya çapında önemli buluşlara sahne olmuştur. Joseon Hanedanlığı'nda ise, Kral Sejong'un liderliğinde gerçekleşen bilimsel atılımlar dikkat çekmiştir. Heo Jun'un tıp alanındaki çalışmaları ve Jang Yeong-sil'in mühendislik dehası, bu altın çağa damgasını vurmuştur. Kore'de teknoloji ve siyaset arasındaki bu simbiyotik ilişki, 20. yüzyılda hızlı sanayileşme hamleleri ve devlet destekli chaebol merkezli kalkınma modelinde de kendini göstermiş, modern Güney Kore'nin teknoloji devi olma sürecinin temelini oluşturmuştur.

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Cite This Article

Gökcek, E. (2026). The political dynamics of technological innovation in Korea: a historical journey from Gojoseon to modernity. Cappadocia Journal of Area Studies, Cilt: 8 Sayı: 1, 50–74. https://ajindex.com/articles/1611038

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