History & Culture in South Korea

Korea holds its culture and traditions in high regard. Even as times have changed, the rich South Korean culture built from its long and dramatic history remains deeply present in daily life. This story of resilience, innovation, and pride is key to understanding the country.

The Beginning of Korea and Its Three Kingdoms

The history of South Korea begins with early human settlements on the Korean Peninsula nearly 700,000 years ago. Around 2,333 BC, the legendary kingdom of Gojoseon was established. Over time, it gave way to the Three Kingdoms - Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla - which flourished from the 1st century BC to 668 AD. These kingdoms laid the foundation for South Korean culture and contributed to Korea's early identity, art, and governance.

A United Korea and Its Cultural Growth

In 668 AD, Unified Silla covered much of the peninsula, promoting Buddhism and temple architecture. The Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) came next, and that is where the name Korea comes from. Goryeo is known for its Buddhist art, woodblock printing (Tripitaka Koreana), and civil services. The next era, the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), introduced Hangul, the Korean alphabet created by King Sejong. Confucian values shaped daily life and state policies, influencing South Korean tradition for centuries to come.

Times of War and Japanese Rule in Korea

In the late 1500s, Japan invaded Joseon, and in the 1600s, the Manchus attacked. Even during these hard times, Korea held on to its culture and traditions. In the late 1800s, Korea tried to modernize but faced many challenges. In 1910, Japan took control of the country. Life under Japanese rule was tough, but Koreans fought back. One major moment of resistance in the history of South Korea was the March 1st Independence Movement in 1919.

The Korean Divide, War, and New Beginnings

After World War II, Korea was freed from Japanese rule but split into North and South along the 38th Parallel. The Korean War began in 1950 when North Korea attacked the South. With U.S. support, South Korea resisted and a ceasefire in 1953 led to the formation of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), separating the two nations.

Modern Era: Growth and Global Presence

After the war, there was a substantial shift in the history of South Korea. The country transformed from military rule to democracy by 1987 and rapidly industrialized, a change known as the Miracle on the Han River. Seoul hosted the Summer Olympics in 1988 to show how much the city had grown and improved. In 1991, both North and South Korea joined the United Nations.

Modern-Day Korea

In the past few decades, South Korea has become an important country on the world stage. Since 2000, it has made efforts like the Sunshine Policy to improve ties with North Korea, though problems still remain. In 2012, Park Geun-hye became the first woman president of South Korea. Today, the nation is a global leader in technology and the epicentre of Hallyu - the Korean Wave of K-Pop and K-dramas that has captivated the world.

If you are booking South Korea tour packages, knowing its history adds more meaning to your journey. It helps you appreciate every temple, palace, and museum you visit. The rich South Korean tradition and the country's strong spirit make the whole experience unforgettable.

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