Shojin

Shojin (: 仁繩, Shōjin), formally the Republic of Shojin (: 國和共仁繩, Shōjin Chōwakuku), is an island nation in Western Bangju and a member of the Sinju Union. On land, it borders Igu and Jupon.

Etymology
The name Shojin first appears in Cheonjean records during the 6th century CE, although with the characters X. The characters currently in use were decided upon by King X in 1056.

Cheonjean period
X conquered the islands of Shojin 547. The 8th and 9th centuries saw significant devastation wrought by fighting.

Blabla dynasty
X, an X warlord, invaded and wrested control of Shojin from the declining Cheonjean Empire.

Expansion
The 11th to 16th centuries were a golden age for Shojin, and Shojinese merchants played a significant role in trade in the East Sinju Sea and Eastern Ocean. The wealth obtained from trade helped fund the kingdom's expansion into mainland Bangju.

Climate
The climate of Shojin is primarily subtropical, although the southernmost islands of X and X have a tropical climate.

Cuisine


Shojinese cuisine is a reflection of both its Fusenic origins and the widespread trade it conducted for centuries with multiple different parts of the world. In addition to its native heritage, Shojinese cuisine contains influence from, , and the various cuisines of Bangju and. Common ingredients include, , , , and.

Following the introduction of the sweet potato during the mid-13th century, it rapidly became the area's staple, with 60% of the average Shojinese person's calorie intake coming from the Shojinese sweet potato prior to the modern era. The sweet potato continues to remain a major staple for the Shojinese today.

Despite being located close to the sea, the Shojinese traditionally did not consume large amounts of seafood, due to the relatively few fish species in the area as well as the high temperatures of the country. However, this has begun to change heavily in recent decades. Meat in ancient times was also a luxury afforded only to the wealthy, but its consumption rose rapidly from the 11th century onward, with a gradual decline from the 16th century until the modern era.

In the modern day, Shojin is most well-known for its high consumption of bitter melon, likely brought back to the country by Shojinese traders in South Jungju.