Korean history is long, rich, and full of dramatic turns.
From ancient kingdoms to modern conflicts like the Korean War, the Korean Peninsula has experienced thousands of years of change, growth, and struggle.
Whether you're a K-pop fan curious about Korea's roots or someone interested in East Asian history, this guide is a great starting point for understanding Korea’s unique historical journey.
1. Prehistoric Korea: The Dawn of Civilization
Koreans often say they have "5,000 years of history."
Archaeological findings support this, showing human life on the Korean Peninsula since the Paleolithic period.
By around 8000 BCE, the Neolithic period had begun, bringing early farming and pottery.
Korea’s first legendary kingdom, Gojoseon, is said to have been founded in 2333 BCE by Dangun, a mythical figure who symbolizes the birth of the Korean nation.
2. The Three Kingdoms Era (57 BCE – 668 CE)
This was an era of fierce competition between Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, the three rival kingdoms of ancient Korea.
Baekje reached its peak under King Geunchogo in the 4th century. It unified the southern Mahan tribes and expanded northward, even attacking Goguryeo’s capital, Pyeongyang, in 371 CE. During this invasion, King Gogukwon of Goguryeo was killed, leaving a deep scar on Goguryeo's royal family.
Years later, Goguryeo would strike back.
When King Gwanggaeto the Great, the grandson of Gogukwon, came to power in 391 CE, he launched massive military campaigns. By 396 CE, Gwanggaeto had captured Baekje’s capital, forcing King Asin to surrender. This was more than a military victory—it was personal revenge for his grandfather’s death.
Under Gwanggaeto’s rule, Goguryeo expanded into Manchuria and parts of present-day China, reaching its golden age.
3. The North-South States Period (668 – 935 CE)
After unifying the Korean Peninsula, Silla enjoyed a period of relative peace. However, the northern regions of Goguryeo fell under China’s Tang dynasty control. In response, former Goguryeo people founded a new kingdom in the north called Balhae in 698 CE.
Silla’s southern territories saw a flourishing of Buddhist culture, producing world-famous sites like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto.
Since Silla ruled the south and Balhae ruled the north, historians often call this era the North-South States Period—somewhat similar to today’s division of Korea.
4. The Goryeo Dynasty (918 – 1392)
Ever wondered why Korea is called “Korea” in English? The name comes from Goryeo, the kingdom that succeeded Silla.
Goryeo was founded by Wang Geon, a local leader who rose to power during the chaotic Later Three Kingdoms period. Before Wang Geon, there was Gung Ye, a monk-turned-king who established the short-lived Later Goguryeo. But Gung Ye became increasingly tyrannical, and his own generals—including Wang Geon—eventually overthrew him.
During the Goryeo dynasty, Korea produced the world’s first metal movable type printing press—even before Gutenberg—and created the Tripitaka Koreana, a massive collection of Buddhist scriptures carved onto 80,000 woodblocks.
5. The Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1897)
The Joseon dynasty was the longest-lasting dynasty in Korean history, ruling for over 500 years.
Joseon embraced Confucianism as its state ideology, promoting a society centered on agriculture and social hierarchy.
One of its most celebrated rulers, King Sejong the Great, invented Hangul, the Korean alphabet, in 1443. Hangul remains one of Korea’s most important cultural symbols today.
Joseon also faced severe challenges, including the Japanese invasions of 1592 (Imjin War) and the Manchu invasions of 1636 (Byeongja Horan), which shook the kingdom to its core.
6. Japanese Occupation (1910 – 1945)
In the late 19th century, while Japan and Western powers modernized rapidly, Korea remained isolated under its “Hermit Kingdom” policy.
Internal corruption weakened the royal court, and powerful clans like the Andong Kim family dominated politics, causing social unrest.
Korea was forced to open its ports after the Treaty of Ganghwa in 1876, signed with Japan.
Soon after, the peninsula became a battleground for regional powers.
The First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) solidified Japan's control over Korea.
In 1910, Korea was officially annexed by Japan, beginning 35 years of colonial rule.
7. The Korean War and Modern Korea (1950 – Today)
After Japan’s defeat in 1945, Korea was liberated but divided.
The Soviet Union supported North Korea, while the United States backed South Korea.
In 1950, ideological tensions exploded into the Korean War (1950–1953), which devastated the peninsula. The war ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving Korea technically still at war today.
Since then, South Korea has transformed into a global economic and cultural powerhouse, famous for K-pop, K-dramas, and cutting-edge technology.
Meanwhile, North Korea remains isolated under a strict authoritarian regime.
Final Thoughts
Korea’s history is a story of resilience, transformation, and cultural richness.
From ancient kingdoms to modern innovations, each era has shaped what Korea is today.