Historical Timeline

Timeline of Korea, South

21 dated events spanning the recorded history of Korea, South.

Chronology

21 events spanning the history of Korea, South. BCE/CE dating.

3000 BCE
Early Korean civilization grows with waves of settlers from central Asia.
Early Korean civilization grows with waves of settlers from central Asia.
200
Korea’s emerging states develop laws and a new writing system that uses Chinese characters.
Korea’s emerging states develop laws and a new writing system that uses Chinese characters.
538 – 552
Introduction of Buddhism to Japan from Korea.
Introduction of Buddhism to Japan from Korea.
578
Prince Shotuku brought a family from Korea to Osaka and had them build a Buddhist temple.
Prince Shotuku brought a family from Korea to Osaka and had them build a Buddhist temple. The temple took 15 years to build and the Kongo family became established as the premier temple builders in Japan.
668
The Silla Dynasty brings together three existing kingdoms, and the arts flourish.
The Silla Dynasty brings together three existing kingdoms, and the arts flourish.
918 – 1392
During Korea’s Age of Enlightenment, the period of the Goryeo Dynasty,
During Korea’s Age of Enlightenment, the period of the Goryeo Dynasty, the Buddhist aristocracy commissioned many works of art to further the Buddhist ideal.
1162
Genghis Khan was born
Genghis Khan was born in the Hentiyn Nuruu mountains north of Ulan Bator. His given name was Temujin, “the ironsmith.” He seized control over 5 million square miles that covered China, Iran, Iraq, Burma, Vietnam, and most of Korea and Russia.
1392
The Yi Dynasty begins and the country is renamed Choson. The Yi Dynasty lasts more than 500 years.
The Yi Dynasty begins and the country is renamed Choson. The Yi Dynasty lasts more than 500 years.
1446
The Korean alphabet, created under the aegis of King Sejong, was first published.
The Korean alphabet, created under the aegis of King Sejong, was first published.
1895
Japan defeats China in the Sino-Japanese War, ending China’s influence over Korea.
Japan defeats China in the Sino-Japanese War, ending China’s influence over Korea.

1905
The Russo-Japanese War ends, and Japan gains control of Korea from Russia.
The Russo-Japanese War ends, and Japan gains control of Korea from Russia.
1945
Korea is divided into north and south zones
After Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II, Korea is divided into north and south zones at the 38th parallel.
1948
The Republic of Korea is established in the south
The Republic of Korea is established in the south, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is established in the north.
1950
Korean War
Korean War. Troops from the People’s Republic of China move into North Korea and launch a massive counterattack against South Korean and American forces, ending any thought of a quick end to the conflict.
1953
Amistice ends Korean War, which has cost two million lives.
Amistice ends Korean War, which has cost two million lives.
1972
Martial law. Park increases his powers with constitutional changes.
Martial law. Park increases his powers with constitutional changes.

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Back to Korea, South

Timeline of Korea, South

Chronology

Early Korean civilization grows with waves of settlers from central Asia.

Korea’s emerging states develop laws and a new writing system that uses Chinese characters.

Introduction of Buddhism to Japan from Korea.

Prince Shotuku brought a family from Korea to Osaka and had them build a Buddhist temple.

The Silla Dynasty brings together three existing kingdoms, and the arts flourish.

During Korea’s Age of Enlightenment, the period of the Goryeo Dynasty,

Genghis Khan was born

The Yi Dynasty begins and the country is renamed Choson. The Yi Dynasty lasts more than 500 years.

The Korean alphabet, created under the aegis of King Sejong, was first published.

Japan defeats China in the Sino-Japanese War, ending China’s influence over Korea.