Korea was not a vassal state during the 1700's.

In 1700's, there was Joseon Dynasty in Korea.

I'll tell you about cultural history of Joseon Dynasty briefly.

Joseon was the nation that succeeded Goryeo, established by Yi Seong-gye.

Joseon dynasty is especially important in Korea history, since it is the period when the Korean alphabet- Hangeul- was created.

Hangeul was created by the scholars of Jiphyeonjeon, the hall of worthies under the order of king Sejong the great in 1446.

It is considered to be one of the greatest achievements of Koreans.

Hangeul was created for the common people who were found it difficult to read and write Chinese characters.

UNESCO registered Hangeul as a valuable memory of the world and created the king Sejong literacy prize and awards this prize every year to those who have contrivuted to the eradication of illiteracy.

Discovery magazine "Discovery" reported that Hangeul is the most logical alphabets in the world in terms of originality and efficiency, especially for its combination of symbols.

Discovery magazine reported Korea to have the highest literacy rate in the world because of Hangeul.

Joseon was also excellent in the field of architecture and constructing ships, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, built under the rule of King Jeongjo, is considered to be the finest example of all Asian fortresses due to its functional structure.

Suwon Hwaseong fortress combined both Eastern and Westrn military theories, and its strong defense and high aesthetic value are both recognized worldwide.

The Turtle Ship, was invented and built by Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Because he predicted and invasion by the Japanese. Geobukseon, ship was shaped like a turtle, with its shell pierced with countless augers, and its figurehead was a dragons head. There were cannons stationed at each sides of the ship. The war made an about face because of the battle of hansando island, considered to be one of the world's four greatest naval battles.

The Cheungugi, the gauge to measure rainfall. Invented in 1441, it was the world's first gauge to measure rainfall.

However, the oldest extant cheugugi was created in 1837, and it has the name of the historical era of qing China- Geonryung - on it. Because of this, scholars have considered this to be an invention of China, not Joseon. However, according to Sejong sillok, the annals of king Sejong, prince Munjong designed the Cheugugi in may 1441. This precedes the qing China's year of Geonryung by more than 300 years. The record also showed that the Cheugugi was distributed across the country. Therefore, the Koreans were able to protect a precious legacy that was almost stolen by the Chinese.

The Cheugugi precedes the one invented by the Italian mathematician Castelli in 1639 by 200 years, and its invention is considered to be one of the greatest achievements of not only the Joseon, but indeed in the history of science in Asia.

Like this , Joseon was one of the most scientifically advanced civilizations in the world. Can you imagine a strong country like this was a vassal state? No way.

Of course, Joseon pay a tribute to China that time,

but it was not because Joseon dynasty agreed obeying to China.

It was just for benefit, and at that time, so many countries pay a tribute because they thougt it was diplomatic means.

And if Joseon dynasty was a vassal state of China,

China should tried to adapt Joseon to their customs.

But China acknowledged Joseon's customs and culture.

Joseon dynasty was an independent country, not a vassal state.

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