A Brief History of Korea

Tradition holds that the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon, was founded in 2333 BCE by the legendary figure Dangun. Gojoseon is considered the starting point of Korean civilization and set the stage for later state-building efforts.

By the first century BCE, Korea was divided into three powerful kingdoms:

• Goguryeo (northern Korea and Manchuria)
• Baekje (southwestern Korea)
• Silla (southeastern Korea)

 These kingdoms frequently competed for dominance, developing centralized governments and military systems. In 668 CE, Silla, with the help of China's Tang dynasty, unified most of the peninsula, forming the Unified Silla period. In the north, the kingdom of Balhae emerged, continuing the legacy of Goguryeo.  

 In the late 19th century, Korea faced increasing foreign pressure. After the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–95) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904–05), Japan asserted control, formally annexing Korea in 1910. The colonial period was marked by harsh rule, economic exploitation, and efforts to suppress Korean culture. Resistance movements persisted, most notably the March First Movement in 1919.

 Japan's defeat in World War II in 1945 ended colonial rule. Korea was divided at the 38th parallel, with the Soviet Union occupying the north and the United States the south. In 1948, two separate states were established: North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) and South Korea (Republic of Korea). The Korean War (1950–1953) devastated the peninsula and ended in an armistice, leaving Korea divided to this day.

Since the war, South Korea has transformed into a vibrant democracy and economic powerhouse, while North Korea remains isolated under a communist regime. Both Koreas joined the United Nations in 1991, and occasional efforts at reconciliation continue, though the peninsula remains divided.

Korea's history is a testament to resilience, cultural richness, and the enduring spirit of its people, who have preserved their identity through millennia of change and challenge.