How did Korea serve qing dynasty?

Answer 1

In a way, Korea wasn't "ruled" by the Chinese. Otherwise, it would've been known as Qing territory, which it wasn't. Korea, or more specifically, Joseon was basically like the ROK where an alliance was made with constant negotiations and military cooperations. Seeing how culturally and technologically the two remained fairly distinct, Korea wasn't a tributary nation of China necessarily as, for example, Israel was in the Roman Empire, and definitely not like when Korea was annexed (illegally) by Japan.

If Korea was truly to be conquered (like Israel to the Romans or parts of China under the Mongols), it would've fought in a war beforehand, as portrayed in the Sui-Goguryeo Wars, the Tang-Goguryeo Wars, the Mongol invasions against Goryeo (which was one of the longest campaigns of invading done by the Mongols. Also Goryeo was still allowed to rule itself, which is why there is controversy over whether history book maps should portray Korea as Mongol territory since it was, indeed a tributary state.), the Imjin Wars, and the forced annexation of Japan.

Yes, Joseon and Qing exchanged ambassadors baring tribute, but they weren't tribute of capitulation or anything of the sort. But, Korea was still under the Qing sphere of influence, which was legally eradicated after Joseon established the Korean Empire, which turned Korea into an entirely independent nation.

The Empire didn't last long afterwards, but it did lead to rather rapid and partially successful revolution in technology. For example, Seoul was actually the first city to have electricity, trolley wagons, cars, and such all together in Asia. However, the potential of the independent and united Korea was cut short by, of course, Japan and the Western superpowers.