Korean Life & Culture History

Many readers are surprised to learn that the Imjin War actually involved two separate invasions, not one. The secon…

When Japan's army pushed toward the northern edge of Korea, Ming China made a decision that changed the course …

Japan's army swept through southern Korea in a matter of weeks during the opening phase of the Imjin War. That …

Korea's military struggled badly in the opening weeks of the Imjin War, but the full picture is more nuanced th…

One man's decision set the Imjin War into motion. Toyotomi Hideyoshi held enough power in Japan to launch a war…

It is one of the most natural questions to ask about this war: why did Japan actually invade Korea? The answer is m…

Korea did not fight the Imjin War alone. Ming China's decision to intervene was one of the most important facto…

While Korea struggled to defend itself, Japan entered the Imjin War in a very different position: newly unified, mi…

When Japanese forces landed in 1592, Korea was a kingdom built for peace, not war. Understanding Joseon's inter…