Korean History in a Nutshell

Korean History in a Nutshell

Period	Timeline	Key Events & Characteristics
고조선(Gojoseon)	2333 BCE–108 BCE	Legendary founding by Dangun; first Korean kingdom
삼국시대(Three Kingdoms)	57 BCE–668 CE	고구려(Goguryeo), 백제(Baekje), and 신라(Silla); rivalry and cultural advancement
통일 신라(Unified Silla)	668–935	Unification under Silla; Buddhism thrives; golden age of culture
고려 왕조(Goryeo Dynasty)	918–1392	Unification under Wang Geon; Buddhism; Celadon pottery; Mongol invasions
조선 왕조(Joseon Dynasty)	1392–1910	Confucianism; King Sejong creates 한글(Hangeul) (1443); cultural flourishing
대한 제국(Korean Empire)	1897–1910	Modernization efforts by Emperor Gojong; resistance to imperialism
일제 강점기(Japanese Occupation)	1910–1945	Colonization by Japan; independence movements; cultural suppression
Division & Korean War	1945–1953	Division at the 38th parallel; Korean War (1950–1953); armistice
Modern South Korea	1953–Present	Rapid economic growth ("Miracle on the Han River"); democracy; global cultural influence (K-pop, K-drama, technology)