History of The Imperial Examination in China and Its Adaptation and Application in Korea (Essay Sample)

Name
Date
From Keju to Gwageo
The imperial examination – commonly known as Keju – was an examination system that the imperial Chinese government applied to analyze and select their bureaucrats based on their merits and talents instead of their social classes. The impact of the imperial examination was profound enough in China to lead to changes in social structure and the establishment of Gaokao. Its influence extended beyond China’s borders, where both Vietnam and Korea used similar examination systems during imperial and comparatively modern periods. In Korea, it was referred to as Gwageo. Gwageo was established by visiting Chinese scholars as the Korean national examination in the Year 958. Shadowed by Song’s domination, Vietnam also implemented the Confucian court examination system in the Year 1075. Therefore, China appears to have spread its impacts on civilizations worldwide through its examination systems which have left a long-lasting mark in the respective states. Over time, Keju found its way into Korea and developed under a different cultural environment. It adapted accordingly and acculturated to the uniqueness of the Korean political and social context. The imperial examination – the system on the competitive selection first employed by the Chinese – found its own way in Korea. Under a different cultural environment, the imperial examination has developed accordingly and acculturated to Korean unique political and social context. It is significant to explore how the same tactic has driven two countries in different ways since its origin.