History Flows: A Chronicle of Our Country
Hello, I’m Ha Yong-jin! Our history is full of charming and deep stories, isn’t it? This time, I’ve organized a chronicle to help you understand the flow of our history more easily and interestingly. By following the major currents of our country’s history, we’ll take some time to look at what happened in each era. Are you ready to embark on a journey through history together?
The Prelude to Korean History: From Prehistoric Times to Gojoseon
The history of our country begins around 700,000 years ago during the Paleolithic era. During this period, people mainly obtained food through hunting and gathering and lived in caves or under rock shelters.
Later, around 8,000 BCE, the Neolithic era began, and agriculture started, leading to settled life. During this period, comb-pattern pottery was used, and religious ceremonies were held.
In 2333 BCE, Gojoseon was founded. Gojoseon developed based on the Bronze Age culture and expanded its power through interactions with China. By the 4th century BCE, Gojoseon adopted the Iron Age culture and further advanced.
Although Gojoseon was destroyed by the Chinese Han Dynasty in 108 BCE, the Three Kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla emerged and developed thereafter.
The Golden Age of the Three Kingdoms: Development and Competition of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla
In the 4th century, Baekje reached its peak by occupying the Han River basin. During this period, Baekje increased its international status through exchanges with China and Japan. King Geunchogo expanded the territory and strengthened royal authority.
In the 5th century, Goguryeo, under the leadership of King Gwanggaeto and King Jangsu, expanded its territory to the Manchurian region and reached its peak. During this period, Goguryeo grew into a powerful nation in Northeast Asia through exchanges with China’s Northern and Southern Dynasties.
In the 6th century, Silla, under King Jinheung’s command, occupied the Han River basin, conquered the Gaya confederacy, and expanded its territory to the Hamgyeong region, laying the foundation for the unification of the Three Kingdoms.
The Era of Unified Silla and Balhae: The Dawn of the South-North States Period
At the end of the 7th century, Silla allied with the Tang Dynasty to destroy Baekje and Goguryeo, leading to the unification of the Korean Peninsula and the beginning of the Unified Silla period. Unified Silla flourished culturally centered on Buddhism until its decline in the late 9th century and prospered internationally through exchanges with the Tang Dynasty.
Meanwhile, in 698, Balhae was founded in the former territory of Goguryeo, forming the South-North States period with Unified Silla in the south. Balhae boasted a vast territory and high-level culture, earning the name “Prosperous Country of the East.” Until its destruction by the Khitan in the early 10th century, Balhae developed its own unique history and culture while ruling the northern part of the Korean Peninsula and Manchuria.
The Establishment and Development of the Goryeo Dynasty: Blossoming of Culture and Politics
In the early 10th century, Wang Geon unified the Later Three Kingdoms and founded Goryeo, setting the capital in Songak (Kaesong). King Taejo Wang Geon implemented policies to integrate local lords and promoted northern expansion, laying the foundation of the state.
During the reign of King Munjong in the 11th century, Goryeo entered a period of stability, seeing significant developments in scholarship and arts, along with the flourishing of Buddhism. Although political turmoil occurred with the rise of the military regime in the 12th century, popular resistance movements also emerged. In the 13th century, the Mongol invasions forced the capital to move to Ganghwa Island, but after over 40 years of struggle, Goryeo eventually surrendered. Despite the loss of autonomy under the Yuan Dynasty, King Gongmin’s reforms aimed to restore national sovereignty.
The Dawn of the Joseon Dynasty: The Founding by Yi Seong-gye and the Creation of Hangul
In the late 14th century, Yi Seong-gye seized power through the Wihwado Retreat, establishing the Joseon Dynasty in 1392. King Taejo Yi Seong-gye made Hanyang (Seoul) the capital and adopted Confucianism as the governing ideology.
In the 15th century, under King Sejong’s reign, the creation of Hangul (Korean script) marked a significant milestone in the development of national culture. Alongside the advancements in science and technology, agricultural productivity increased, national defense was strengthened, and the legal code Gyeongguk Daejeon was completed, solidifying the governance structure. Although political conflicts intensified with the rise of the Sarim faction in the 16th century, Joseon faced fiscal and social difficulties due to wars such as the Japanese invasions (Imjin War) and the Manchu invasions (Byeongja Horan).
Transition to Modernity: The Opening of Ports and the Establishment of the Korean Empire
In the late 19th century, Joseon opened its ports under external pressure, and modernization efforts were pursued through reform policies. However, the country faced the threat of losing its sovereignty due to Japanese aggression.
In 1897, King Gojong declared the establishment of the Korean Empire, proclaiming independence, but the 1905 Eulsa Treaty and the 1910 Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty led to the loss of sovereignty.
The Japanese Occupation and Independence Movement: Korean Resistance and Struggle
The Japanese occupation from 1910 to 1945 was one of the darkest periods in Korean history. However, Koreans continued to resist and fight in various ways.
Domestically, the March 1st Movement of 1919 was a representative independence movement, with over two million participants nationwide demanding independence through protests and marches. This movement is remembered as a significant event in Korean independence history.
Abroad, the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea was established in Shanghai, China, leading the independence movement. In Manchuria, independence fighters engaged in battles against Japanese forces. In the United States, Koreans raised funds for the independence movement and supported Korea’s independence through diplomatic efforts.
Koreans resisted and fought in various fields. Literature and arts criticized the reality of Japanese occupation and expressed the desire for independence. Education and the press worked to raise national consciousness and inform the public about the independence movement. These efforts and struggles significantly contributed to Korea’s liberation in 1945.
Modern History: From the Establishment of the Republic of Korea to Today
After liberation in 1945, Korea was divided into North and South. The Republic of Korea was founded in the South on August 15, 1948, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was established in the North on September 9, 1948.
Since the 1960s, South Korea has achieved economic development. The government pursued export-oriented economic policies, leading to the growth of industries such as steel, petrochemicals, and automobiles. In the 1970s, the heavy and chemical industries, including shipbuilding, machinery, and electronics, developed. In the 1980s, the information and communication industry began to grow, and in the 1990s, the semiconductor industry gained global competitiveness.
Politically, democracy has progressed. President Syngman Rhee resigned after the April 19 Revolution in 1960, and the June Democratic Uprising in 1987 led to the acceptance of direct presidential elections by President Chun Doo-hwan. In the 2000s, Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun held inter-Korean summits to improve inter-Korean relations.
Socially, human rights and equality have advanced. Women’s rights have improved, and the rights of people with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community are gradually being recognized. There is also increasing interest in environmental issues and climate change.
South Korea is currently positioned as a major economic power and a democratic country, but there are still many challenges to address, such as reunification of the Korean Peninsula, resolution of regional conflicts, and alleviation of social inequality.
Having reviewed the history of our country by era, how do you feel? Were there parts you didn’t know or had misconceptions about? If so, why not take this opportunity to study properly? Have a happy day!