History of Korea

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평양 석암리 금제교구

== History of Korea ==

The history of Korea spans thousands of years, beginning with the legendary founding of Gojoseon in 2333 BCE by Dangun, and continuing through various dynasties and periods, including the Three Kingdoms of Korea, Unified Silla, Goryeo, Joseon, and the modern era of North Korea and South Korea.

Prehistoric Korea

The earliest known Korean pottery dates to around 8000 BCE, and the Neolithic period began around 6000 BCE. The Bronze Age started around 1500 BCE, with the emergence of Gojoseon as the first Korean kingdom.

Gojoseon

Gojoseon is traditionally considered to have been founded in 2333 BCE by Dangun, a legendary figure. It was the first Korean kingdom and was located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula and southern Manchuria. Gojoseon was eventually conquered by the Han dynasty of China in 108 BCE.

Three Kingdoms of Korea

The Three Kingdoms of Korea period (57 BCE – 668 CE) consisted of the kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. These kingdoms were in constant conflict with each other and with external powers such as China and Japan.

Goguryeo

Goguryeo was the largest and most powerful of the three kingdoms, known for its military prowess and cultural achievements. It was located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula and parts of Manchuria.

Baekje

Baekje was located in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula. It was known for its cultural exchanges with Japan and its significant contributions to the spread of Buddhism in Korea.

Silla

Silla was located in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula. It eventually unified the three kingdoms in 668 CE with the help of the Tang dynasty of China, leading to the Unified Silla period.

Unified Silla

The Unified Silla period (668–935 CE) was marked by relative peace and prosperity. Buddhism flourished, and many cultural and architectural achievements were made, including the construction of the Bulguksa temple and the Seokguram grotto.

Goryeo Dynasty

The Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) succeeded Unified Silla and is the origin of the modern name "Korea." It is known for its achievements in art, particularly celadon pottery, and the creation of the Tripitaka Koreana, a comprehensive collection of Buddhist scriptures.

Joseon Dynasty

The Joseon dynasty (1392–1897) was the longest-ruling dynasty in Korean history. It established Confucianism as the state ideology and saw significant developments in science, technology, and culture. The Hangul alphabet was created during this period by King Sejong the Great.

Japanese Occupation

Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910 and remained under Japanese rule until the end of World War II in 1945. This period was marked by significant resistance and efforts to preserve Korean culture and identity.

Division of Korea

After World War II, Korea was divided into two zones of occupation, with the Soviet Union in the north and the United States in the south. This division eventually led to the establishment of North Korea and South Korea in 1948.

Korean War

The Korean War (1950–1953) was a conflict between North Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, and South Korea, supported by the United Nations, primarily the United States. The war ended in an armistice, with the Korean Peninsula remaining divided along the DMZ.

Modern Korea

Since the Korean War, North Korea and South Korea have followed vastly different paths. North Korea remains a communist state under the leadership of the Kim dynasty, while South Korea has developed into a democratic and economically advanced nation.

Related Pages

• Gojoseon
• Three Kingdoms of Korea
• Unified Silla
• Goryeo
• Joseon
• Korean War
• North Korea
• South Korea