As early as Han times, China extended its influence to a ring of states and peoples on the borders of the Middle Kingdom. To the northeast, Korea lay within the Chinese zone of influence. While Korea absorbed many Chinese traditions over the centuries, it also maintained its own identity. Korea’s location on China’s doorstep has played a key role in its development. From its powerful mainland neighbor, Korea received many cultural and technological influences. At times, China extended political control over the peninsula. From early t ....