The geography of the Korea kept it isolated from other nations. A mountain chain seals it off from China. The Sea of Japan is a treacherous body of water that separates it from Japan. Korea has been called the "Hermit Kingdom". In spite of this however, Korea has been conquered by other nations; China, Japan, the Mongols. Buddhism and Confucianism entered Korea from China.
The correct answer is <em>Korea's </em>location so close to China was very important in its development as a country. Korea received from China many <em>cultural and technological </em>influences through the years. Koreans adopted the doctrine of <em>Confucian </em>as a way to strengthen family ties, values and as a pillar of the state. However, Korea maintained its own identity when they replaced the Chinese system of writing.
