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Years 1392–1567 Kings: Taejo · Jeongjong · Taejong · Sejong · Munjong · Danjong · Sejo · Yejong · Seongjong · Yeonsangun · Jungjong · Injong · Myeongjong Historical Characteristics: Yi Seong-gye (Taejo) founded Joseon, establishing Confucianism as the ruling ideology. The legal system was codified with the compilation of the Gyeongguk Daejeon during Seongjong's reign. Under King Sejong, culture and science flourished greatly with the creation of Hunminjeongeum, the operation of Jiphyeonjeon, and the invention of scientific instruments. Conflicts between the Hungu and Sarim factions led to four major literati purges (Muo, Gapja, Gimyo, and Eulsa). Diplomacy was based on Sadae (serving the great) toward the Ming Dynasty, while Jurchens and Japanese pirates were managed through the development of the Four Counties and Six Garrisons and the opening of three ports. The social hierarchy was divided into Yangban (aristocrats), Jungin (middle class), Sangmin (commoners), and Cheonmin (lowborn). Yangban held government posts through civil service exams, Jungin worked in technical roles like interpreters and physicians, Sangmin engaged in farming and trade, and Cheonmin performed menial labor. Years 1567–1724 Kings: Seonjo · Gwanghaegun · Injo · Hyojong · Hyeonjong · Sukjong Historical Characteristics: As the Sarim faction took power, factional politics (Bungdang) intensified, splitting into Eastern and Western factions. The land was devastated by the Imjin War (1592), but the crisis was overcome through the efforts of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's navy and righteous armies. During King Injo's reign, pro-Ming policies led to the Jeongmyo and Byeongja Manchu invasions, resulting in surrender to the Qing at Samjeondo. King Hyojong's plan for a northern expedition was never realized, and political turmoil deepened during King Sukjong's reign due to repeated Hwangu (sudden changes in political power). After the wars, social mobility increased due to the issuance of Gongmyeongcheop (blank office warrants), agricultural productivity improved with the spread of rice transplanting methods, and commerce and handicrafts gradually grew. Years 1724–1897 Kings: Yeongjo · Jeongjo · Sunjo · Heonjong · Cheoljong · Gojong Historical Characteristics: Kings Yeongjo and Jeongjo suppressed factionalism and strengthened royal authority through the Tangpyeong (impartiality) policy. Jeongjo pursued reforms such as establishing the Kyujanggak library and constructing Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. After Jeongjo's death, Sedo (in-law) politics emerged, leading to severe corruption in the Three Tax Systems (Samjeong) and triggering successive peasant uprisings like the Hong Gyeong-rae Rebellion and the Imsul Peasant Uprising. Following Heungseon Daewongun's isolationist policy during King Gojong's reign, the country opened its ports via the Treaty of Ganghwa in 1876 after the Byeongin and Shinmi expeditions. The social hierarchy was legally abolished through the emancipation of public slaves (1801) and the Gabo Reforms (1894). The development of a commodity-money economy saw the growth of itinerant peddlers (Bobusang) and private merchants, while the number of fallen Yangban and wealthy farmers increased simultaneously.