An Analysis on Lifting the Forbidden Use of Silver as Currency in Choson Korea during the Wanli Campaign
In 1429,responding to repeated requests from Choson Korea,the Ming court exempted Korea from the obligation of providing tribute by gold and silver.To avoid suspicion,Korea subsequently banned the use of silver do-mestically and primarily circulated paper currency.In 1592,the Japanese invasion of Korea erupted,prompting the Ming court to swiftly grant 20,000 taels of silver to Korea.King Seonjo immediately distributed this silver among his courtiers and associates,with each person receiving a share.For a considerable period thereafter,silver was not used by the Ko-rean king to pay salaries to officials or as currency;instead,it was given as rewards.Silver was often needed during ex-changes with the Ming and Japanese,especially during times of war.The arrival of the Ming army in Korea brought with it large quantities of silver,significantly impacting the country.To ensure a stable source of silver for Korea,Song Yingchang and others strongly advocated for silver mining.Several silver mines,including the one in Duan-cheon,were explored as a result.After 1594,silver was mined annually,leading King Seonjo to eventually lift the ban on silver.Gradually,silver became accepted as currency throughout Korea.Although it took a considerable period of time,Choson Korea eventually integrated into the silver economy of East Asia.
Wanli Korean CampaignSong YingchangSilver CurrencyDuan-cheon Silver MineHistory of Sino-Korean Relations in the Ming Dynasty
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