Korea has a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years. The earliest known kingdom was Gojoseon (2333 BCE–108 BCE), founded by the legendary figure Dangun. Later, the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE–668 CE) saw the rise of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, with Silla eventually unifying the peninsula in 676 CE.
The Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) followed, giving Korea its modern name. This period was known for its advancements in printing and celadon pottery. The Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) then established Confucianism as the dominant ideology and created the Korean alphabet, Hangul, in 1443.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Korea faced increasing foreign influence and was annexed by Japan (1910–1945). After World War II, Korea was divided into North and South Korea in 1948, leading to the Korean War (1950–1953).
Since then, South Korea has developed into a global economic and cultural powerhouse, while North Korea remains under a strict regime. Today, Korea is known for its dynamic culture, technological advancements, and deep historical heritage.