Journal

The Kotoba Interactive journal.

Editorial features on the cultures, history and languages of Asia. Filter by culture, by topic, or search for what inspires you.

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5 articles

Korea

Couronne d'or du royaume de Silla, embleme des dynasties coreennes anciennes

History10 min

Gojoseon, Silla, Goryeo, Joseon: Korea's dynasties made clear

Two thousand years in five names: the founding kingdom, the Three Kingdoms, unified Silla, Goryeo which gave the country its name, and Joseon which lasted five centuries.

July 28, 2026Read

Korea

Vase en céladon vert-de-gris de la dynastie Goryeo, orné d'un décor incrusté selon la technique sanggam, chef-d'œuvre de la céramique coréenne médiévale.

History11 min

The Goryeo Kings: Where the Name Korea Comes From

The word Korea comes not from Joseon but from Goryeo, the dynasty of 918 to 1392: Wang Geon, celadon, the Jikji, and the caravans that carried the name west.

July 26, 2026Read

Korea

Statue de bronze doré du roi Sejong le Grand, assis un livre ouvert sur les genoux, sur la place Gwanghwamun à Séoul.

History11 min

Sejong the Great: The Scholar-King Who Invented Hangeul

A portrait of Sejong the Great (1397-1450), 4th king of Joseon: his accession, the scientific golden age of his reign, and the invention of hangeul.

July 25, 2026Read

Korea

Le bâtiment du Gouvernement général de Corée en construction à Séoul, siège de l'administration coloniale japonaise (1910-1945).

History14 min

The Japanese Occupation of Korea (1910-1945)

The 1910 annexation, the March 1st Movement, forced assimilation, forced labor: thirty-five years of Japanese colonial rule that still haunt Korea today.

July 8, 2026Read

Korea

Le hall du trône Geunjeongjeon, au palais Gyeongbokgung de Séoul.

Language10 min

Land of the Morning Calm: Why Korea Is Really the Morning Bright

'Land of the Morning Calm' is a mistranslation. Joseon, Korea's ancient name, actually means 'morning freshness.' A linguistic and historical investigation.

March 15, 2026Read