Korea: The embassy of Yi Deok-Hyeong (1566-1645) from Joseon Korea to the Chinese Ming Court...

Joseon missions to Imperial China were Joseon diplomatic ventures which were intermittently sent in the years 1392-1894. These represent a significant aspect of the international relations of mutual Korean-Chinese contacts and communication. Although the Joseon Dynasty considered 1392 as the foundation of the Joseon Kingdom, Imperial China did not immediately acknowledge the new government on the Korean peninsula. In 1401, the Ming court recognized Joseon as a tributary state in its sino-centric schema of foreign relations. In 1403, the Yung-lo emperor conveyed a patent and a gold seal to Taejong of Joseon, thus confirming his status and that of his dynasty. Despite the label 'tributary state', China did not interfere in Joseon domestic affairs and diplomacy.