Understanding Korea 2: A country of deep historical roots

 A Glimpse into Korea’s 5,000-Year History

Korea’s story begins thousands of years ago. Archaeological evidence shows that humans have lived on the Korean Peninsula since prehistoric times — and the recorded history of Korea stretches back over 5,000 years.

Korean history is rich, complex, and deeply influential in shaping the country’s culture, values, and identity today. Here's a simplified timeline to help you get oriented:

Historical Timeline of Korea

▪ Gojoseon (2333 BCE – 108 BCE)
Considered the first Korean kingdom, said to be founded by the legendary figure Dangun. It laid the cultural foundations for future Korean states.

▪ Samhan (1st century BCE – 4th century CE)
A period of tribal confederations: Mahan, Jinhan, and Byeonhan, which later gave rise to more centralized kingdoms.

▪ Three Kingdoms Period (57 BCE – 668 CE)
Three powerful kingdoms — Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla — competed for dominance across the peninsula and parts of Manchuria.

▪ Unified Silla and Balhae (668 – 935)
Silla unified most of the Korean Peninsula, while Balhae was established in the north. This era saw flourishing Buddhism, art, and cultural exchange.

▪ Goryeo Dynasty (918 – 1392)
From this dynasty comes the name “Korea.” Goryeo is known for its elegant celadon pottery and the invention of metal movable type printing, predating Gutenberg.

▪ Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1897)
A Confucian kingdom that shaped much of Korea’s modern culture. It was during this time that Hangul, the Korean alphabet, was created in the 15th century.

▪ Korean Empire (1897 – 1910)
A short-lived effort to modernize and strengthen sovereignty in the face of growing foreign pressure.

▪ Japanese Colonial Rule (1910 – 1945)
A harsh period when Korea was occupied by Japan. Korean language and culture were suppressed, but it also sparked a strong independence movement.

▪ Liberation and the Birth of Modern Korea (1945 – present)
After liberation in 1945, Korea was divided into North and South. The Republic of Korea (South Korea) was officially established in 1948. The scars of the Korean War (1950–1953) remain, and the peninsula is still divided today.

 

Timeline of Korean History

Traces of the Past in South Korea

Because North Korea includes many historical sites from the Goguryeo and Balhae periods, most of the ancient heritage preserved in South Korea today comes from:

▪ The Silla Kingdom (in Gyeongju)
▪ The Baekje Kingdom (in Buyeo and Gongju)
▪ The Joseon Dynasty (palaces and hanok villages in Seoul and elsewhere)

From royal palaces and Buddhist temples to stone pagodas and fortress walls, Korea’s long and proud history lives on in its cities, museums, and daily life.