The oldest artifacts as early as 5th century portray the history of trade between the peninsula and the outside world. Korea was not only greatly affected by its surrounding countries by land and sea but it also served as a conduit to others. The peninsula had access to a variety of trade routes, opening the country to boundless new cultures and helping shape the Korean's economy.
Trilateral trade among China, Japan, and Choson dynasty grew bigger during the 18th century. Korea (Choson) exported large amounts of wild ginseng and China's Qing Dynasty (1636-1912) exported silk and the Japanese traded mostly silver. The evidence of abundant overseas trade can be seen on ancient documents from the time, and the scholar Lee Junghwan's Taengniji explains, "The richest men in Choson are all merchants who do overseas trade."
Before China's Qing Dynasty, China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) was active in literary exchanges. In 1450, Choson scholars including Jeong Inji and Seong Sammun often exchanged handwritten poems with the Ming Dynasty. For example, in Treasure No. 1404, it is evident that trade embraced new thought and opinion as well as helping open Korea to the rest of the world.
Source:
"Talking Past: The Art of Ancient Trade." Korea.net. Web. 8 Dec. 2011. <http://www.korea.net/detail.do?guid=57134>.
