Introduction to the Korean Law of Domestic Relations

In introducing the law of the Korean family I shall be obliged to explain the general form or idea of Korean society, for the family is an essential element in the composition of society. I intend to write not of the whole field of Korean society but of the social facts only which are concerned with our family law. Although it might appear to be simple, in fact it is not so, but is very complex with its social orders and Intercourse. Our ancient fathers founded their kingdom 2517 B.C. Soon thereafter they had the first international conference with China. This conference is known as the conference of Do Sarn under the formal authority of King Darn Koon, who was the first ruler of Korea. We do not know the degree of Korean culture before this Chinese importation. But we are sure that the Koreans had had more or less native culture before that time. This is indicated by the antiquities and dialects. In short, as the English have no record or other valid evidence of connection between the customs of the ancient Britons and the customs that developed in England during the period of Anglo-Saxon supremacy, so we Koreans have no traditions or other evidence of connection between the Korean native culture which prevailed before contact with China.