Walk Through Korean History
A timeline of key historical events, stories of people and the works about them, and guides to heritage sites you can visit.
History
Key events of Korean history from prehistory to modern times, at a glance.
BrowseStories
The people who shaped history and the works that tell their stories.
BrowseTrails
A field guide to UNESCO sites, historic landmarks and scenic spots.
BrowseCourses
Themed routes for your history trail.
BrowseKorean History Timeline
Prehistoric
From the Paleolithic, when humans began making tools, to the Neolithic, when farming and settlement took root. An age before writing.
Gojoseon & Bronze Age
Gojoseon, the first state in Korean history. The age of bronze culture, dolmens and the Dangun myth.
Iron Age & Early States
An age when several early states — Buyeo, Goguryeo, Okjeo, Dongye and the Samhan — arose on the foundation of iron culture.
Three Kingdoms
An age when Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla grew through rivalry. A time of adopting Buddhism, contesting territory and resisting foreign powers.
Gaya Confederacy
An iron kingdom of the Nakdong River basin. Several Gaya polities formed a confederacy, but were eventually absorbed by Silla.
Unified Silla & Balhae
An age when Unified Silla in the south and Balhae (the "Flourishing Land of the East") in the north coexisted. The golden age of Buddhist culture.
Later Three Kingdoms
In the turbulent late-Silla era, Later Baekje, Later Goguryeo and Silla clashed once more — a brief but tumultuous age.
Goryeo
Goryeo, a Buddhist state. It withstood the Khitan and Mongol invasions and left dazzling achievements — celadon, the Tripitaka Koreana and metal type printing.
Joseon
Five hundred years of Confucian Joseon — the creation of Hangeul, the Imjin and Qing wars, and the renaissance of Yeongjo and Jeongjo.
Modern
The age of port openings and the Korean Empire. A turbulent time when efforts at modernization, foreign encroachment and resistance collided.
Japanese Colonial Period
Thirty-five years under foreign rule. Yet through the March 1st Movement, the Provisional Government and armed struggle, liberation was finally won.
Contemporary
Republic of Korea's era — overcoming liberation, division and war to achieve democratization and economic growth.