HISTORY

Korea is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with its foundation dating back to 2333 BC by the legendary Dangun Wanggeom. Archeological findings indicate that the Korean Peninsula was occupied by humans as early in the Lower Paleolithic period.

Following the unification of the Three Korean Kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla under Silla in 668 AD, Korea enjoyed a rich art and cultural era. Buddhist culture flourished during this period and relationships between Korea and China remained relatively peaceful. However, Unified Silla weakened under internal strife and fell to the Goryeo Dynasty in 935 AD.

Like Silla, Goryeo was a highly cultural state and created the Jikji in 1377, using the world's oldest movable metal printing press. 

The Mongol invasions in the 13th century greatly weakened Goryeo. After the fall of the Mognolian Empire (Yuan Dynasty), Goryeo continued its rule. After severe political strife and continued invasions, Goryeo was replaced by the Joseon Dynasty in 1388 following a rebellion by General Yi Seong-gye who moved the capital to Seoul.

The first 200 years of the Joseon Dynasty was marked by relative peace. In the latter of the 16th century, Joseon was invaded by a newly unified Japan. During the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598), centuries of peace had left the dynasty unprepared, and the lack of technology and poor leadership from the Joseon government and generals led to the destruction of much of the Korean peninsula. However, continued Korean dominance at sea led by Admiral Yi, the rise of local militias, and the intervention of Ming China put Japan under great pressure to retreat in 1598.

During the last years of the Joseon Dynasty, Korea's isolationist policy earned it the name the "Hermit Kingdom", primarily for protection against Western imperialism. In 1910, Korea was annexed by Japan and despite widespread resistance, remained under occupation until the end of World War II in 1945.

Since division and establishment of the modern republic in 1948, South Korea struggled initially with the aftermath of Japanese invasion (1910–1945) and the Korean war (1950–1953). However, as the standard of living and income rose considerably in the 1980s, nationwide protests led to the collapse of the authoritarian regime in 1987, and direct and fair elections have been held every 5 years thereafter. Today, it is an established pioneer of democracy in Asia, with one of the highest levels of civil liberties and political rights in the world. 

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