Joseon missions to Imperial China
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.
Joseon diplomacy
A series diplomatic ventures illustrate the persistence of Joseon's sadae diplomacy in dealings with China. The chronology of one side in a bilateral relationship stands on its own.This long-term, strategic policy contrasts with the gyorin diplomacy in dealings with Jurchen, Japan, Ryukyu Kingdom, Siam and Java. Gyorin was applied to a multi-national foreign policy. The unique nature of these bilateral diplomatic exchanges evolved from a conceptual framework developed by the Chinese. Gradually, the theoretical models would be modified, mirroring the evolution of a unique relationship.
Envoys to the Ming court
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 Yongle 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. Between 1392 and 1450, the Joseon court sent 351 missions to China.
| Year | Sender | Joseon chief envoy | Emperor of China | Comments |
| 1592 | Seonjo | Yi Deok-hyeong | Wanli | Joseon mission dispatched to Ming China to ask for military support |
| 1597 | Seonjo | Yi Su-gwang | Wanli | Yi's encounters with Matteo Ricci provide impetus for the creation of the first Korean language encyclopedia |
- 1592 - Confronting Japanese invasion, Joseon sought aid from China.
- 1597 - Yi Su-gwang was the Joseon chief envoy from the Joseon court.
Envoys to the Qing court
| Year | Sender | Joseon chief envoy | Emperor of China | Comments |
| 1795 | Jeongjo | - | Qianlong | Offering congratulations; celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Qianlong's reign. |
| 1872 | Gojong | Park Gyu-su | Tongzhi | . |
- 1795 - The first and only American to be received in the court of the Qianlong Emperor took special note of the reception of Joseon ambassadors, who were received immediately preceding the Dutch embassy in which Andreas Everardus van Braam Houckgeest had a role.
- 1872 - Park Gyu-su was the Joseon chief envoy to the court of the Tongzhi Emperor, offering congratulations.