The Dissemination, Development and Influence of Confucianism in Korea and Japan

Confucianism spread into Korea (South Korea) at the end of the Qin Dynasty and the beginning of the Han Dynasty, and then reached Japan and other East Asian countries. It took on distinct characteristics and occupied a dominant position for a long time in these countries. Hence China, Korea, Japan and other East Asian countries are referred to as “circles of Confucian culture.” With the rise of the “little four tigers”, the relationship between Confucianism and the modernization drive of East Asia became the focus of attention. Therefore, an examination and exploration of the spreading of Confucianism in this region and the role it played in the modernization of in these countries is of great theoretical and realistic significance.