During the Early Modern period, the Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1897) in Korea remained steadfast in its Confucian ideals and rigid social structures. It was a period of cultural refinement, and art, literature, and scholarship flourished.Mythological creatures like the haetae, a lion-like guardian creature, and dragons were believed to protect royal palaces and cities. Confucianism and Buddhism played major roles in shaping Korean spiritual and cultural life.