Goryeo missions to Japan represent a crucial aspect of the international relations of mutual Goryeo-Japanese contacts and communication, especially during the years in which there were no official contacts between the leaders of Goryeo and the leaders of Japan.^[1]

The unique nature of these bilateral diplomatic exchanges evolved from a conceptual framework developed by the Chinese. Gradually, the theoretical model would be modified. The changing model mirrors the evolution of a unique relationship between two neighboring states.^[1]

Goryeo diplomacy

The establishment of Goryeo in 918 was accompanied by break in bilateral relations with Japan. Taejo of Goryeo was focused on consolidation within the confines of his kingdom.^[2] Goryeo twice sent envoys to Japan, hoping to establish relations, but the venture was rebuffed by the Japanese.^[1]

In 1367, Kim Yong and Kim Il traveled as representative of Goryeo to the court of thee Ashikaga shogunate. On their return in 1368, Japanese monks Bonto and Bonryu from Tenryu-ji went with them. This was the first diplomatic exchange between Goryeo and Japan since the early 10th century.^[2]

Na Heung-yu represented Goryeo interests during his visit to Japan in 1375.^[2]

Goryeo envoy Jeong Mongju traveled to Japan in 1377;^[3] and the consequences of his efforts unfolded slowly.

The Joseon foreign policy would evolve from foundations established in the course Goryeo's foreign relations history.

List of Goryeo diplomatic envoys

• Kim Yong^[2]
• Kim Il^[2]
• Na Heung-yu^[2]
• Jeong Mongju (1337-1392)^[4]
• Hank Guk-ju^[4]
• Yi Gong-seung (1099-1183)^[5]

Cultural influence

A number of items were influenced by Goryeo such as architecture. A wooden gate style called Kōrai-mon (高麗門 "Goryeo") gate developed in Japanese castles and later other buildings as well.

See also

• Goryeo missions to Imperial China
• Joseon diplomacy
• Toi invasion

Notes

References

• Kang, Jae-eun and Suzanne Lee. (2006). The Land of Scholars : Two Thousand Years of Korean Confucianism. Paramus, New Jersey: Homa & Sekey Books. ISBN 978-1-931-90737-8; OCLC 60931394
• Na, Jongwoo. "Relation with Japan in the Era of Koryo," International Journal of Korean History. Vol. 10 (December 2006): 71-92.
• Titsingh, Isaac, ed. (1834). , Nipon o daï itsi ran; ou, Annales des empereurs du Japon. Paris: Oriental Translation Fund of Great Britain and Ireland. OCLC 84067437
• Von Verschuer, Charlotte. "Japan’s Foreign Relations 1200 to 1392 A.D.: A Translation from Zenrin Kokuhoki," Monumenta Nipponica. Vol. 57, No. 4 (Winter 2002): 413-445.