Dongye was a state which occupied portions of the northeastern Korean peninsula in the earliest centuries of the Common Era. Its people shared the language and ethnic origins of the people of Goguryeo and Okjeo. This may indicate that Dongye also shared a common origin with Manchurian kingdom of Fuyu, or Buyeo. Dongye occupied portions of the present-day provinces of South Hamgyŏng and Kangwon in North Korea, and Gangwon in South Korea. Dongye first appears in history as a vassal state of Wiman Joseon.
Very little information about Dongye has survived. However, the custom of Mucheon (무천, 舞天), a festival of worshipping heaven through song and dance in the 10th month, is mentioned in some records. This appears to have been closely related to the Goguryeo festival of Dongmaeng , held at the same time of year, which also incorporated martial displays.
The economy of Dongye was based primarily on agriculture, including sericulture. The Mucheon festival was largely aimed at securing a good harvest in the coming year. Their agriculture appears to have been well-organized at the village level. Dongye law meted out stiff penalties for those who encroached on communal land.
In the reign of King Gwanggaeto of Goguryeo, Dongye was finally absorbed by that kingdom, which came to dominate the entire northern portion of the Korean peninsula.
See also
Last updated: 10-24-2005 12:13:25
