Here is a brief introduction of Korean history from the prehistoric to modern eras. There is also a chronological table that allows you to easily compare Korean history and world history.
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Pictures of hunting were discovered on a dancing mound from the Goguryeo era. |
Picture depicting the Battle of Hansan Island from the Joseon period |
The March First Movement; 1 March 1913 |
 Prehistoric Era
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Evidence suggests that the first human settlements of Hanbando (the Korean peninsula) were started some 700,000 years ago. |
Gojosen (2,333 BC-108 BC)
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According to legend, the mythical figure Dangun Wanggeom founded the ancient Korean kingdom of Gojosen in 2,333 BC. After that, a number of clans migrated from southern Manchuira to Hanbando and formed their own tribal states. |
The Three Kingdoms of Korea (57 BC-676)
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The Three Kingdoms of Korea refers to the period when three separate states called Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla existed in Korea. During this time, the capital of Silla, Gyeongju, prospered and by 676 destroyed the other two kingdoms and formed Unified Silla. During this era, systems of government, the religions of Buddhism and Confucianism, and Korean culture all developed rapidly. |
North South Sates Period
Unified Silla (676-935)
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| After Silla was unified, an effort was made to develop culture and the arts, and Buddhist culture in particular saw a golden age during this time. |
Balhae (698-926)
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Balhae was a country founded in order to reconstruct the kingdom of Goguryeo by Dae Joyeong, a former general of Goguryeo. Balhae occupied parts of Hanbando and Northeast China, and as the kingdom developed rapidly, the Tang Dynasty referred to it as the “prospering eastern sea country.” Balhae inherited the culture of Goguryeo, recovered much of the land previously held by Goguryeo, and today holds a significant place in history.
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Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392)
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During this time when Buddhism became the state religion, government and culture had a major impact on society allowing for even more development. During this era, structures were built that have been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites, around 80,000 complete Buddhist canons were produced, and technological improvements were made with hot metal ceramics. |
Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910)
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In 1876, the Joseon Dynasty was forced to open its doors to Japan. In 1910, Japan invaded Korea and ruled the country until the end of World War II when Japan surrendered to the Allies. |
Republic of Korea (1945-present)
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Although national sovereignty was restored in 1945, the Korean peninsula became divided between the north and south leading to the Korean War in 1950. A cease-fire agreement was reached in 1953. In 1991, the north and south began participating simultaneously at the UN, and in 2000, the historical Inter-Korean Summit was held in the capitol of North Korea, Pyongyang. |
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