In the ancient times when transport technology was underdeveloped, Go-Joseon, the first ancient Korean state, was able to expand and wield control over the vast area of the Korean peninsula and Manchuria, and furthermore, it could develop as a formidable power in Northeast Asia. This success could be attributed to the crucial factor of horse-riding culture that was prevalent in this kingdom.
The process of the formation of early state and development of horse-riding culture in Go-Joseon developed simultaneously. Already in 14-15C BCE Go-Joseon replaced bone horse-bit with bronze horse-bit, and established the most advanced horse-riding culture in Northeast Asia.
The principalities of Go-Joseon consisted of non-agricultural nomadic tribes which utilized horse-riding culture as the necessary means of production for their subsistence and also in mobility. Horse-riding culture formed the basis of their military force which is reflected in the fact that it lacked an infantry and all the male members of the tribe were invariably armed. They formed the cavalry and displayed unsurpassed speed and prowess in battlefield. On the Western frontier area of Go-Joseon were settled the nomadic tribes of Sanrong and other principalities of Go-Joseon. Inhabiting the Eastern border area of ancient China, they often made incursions into the territory of ancient China to seek food in the times of severe crisis. Menaced by the military pressure of such principalities of Go-joseon as Sanrong, the vassal states of ancient China always assumed defensive posture vis-vis Go-Joseon.
In 221 BCE when the first emperor of Qin China absorbed vassal states and created a centralized Qin Empire, he commenced the massive project of the Great Wall in 220 BCE in order to defend China from the incursion and invasion of the horse-troops of Sanrong and other principalities of Go-Joseon. At the end oi ^C BCE the Great Wall served as the common border of Ancient China (Qin) and Go-Joseon. The construction of the Great Wall enabled the Ancient Chinese states in the post-Qin era to defend themselves from the incursion of dependent tribal states of Go-Joseon, and they could now accumulate grains and wealth.
The advanced horse-riding culture of Go-Joseon was disseminated to Ancient China and Japanese archipelago. Commencing from approximately 3C BCE Zhao, one of the overlords in the warring States Period, enthusiastically imported the art of horseback archery from Go-joseon. This imported horse-riding culture culminated subsequently during the period of Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty (late 2C-lsC BCE) whose cavalry troops became most formidable force, surpassing the strength of Go-joseon’s cavalry.
Furthermore, after the fall of Go-Joseon when its immigrant population crossed over to Japan in approximately 4C-5C CE it’s horse-riding culture spread through maritime route to Japan and contributed immensely towards the unification of Japan and formation of a centralized early state.