Korea History
109 BC under Han dynasty Chinese influence Gradually separated into 3
Kingdoms Koguryo (north), Paekche
(southwest), Silla (southeast)
Kingdoms Unified Koryo (Korea) dynasty 10th
-14/15th Century “Feudal” System: King-
Nobles-peasants-“chomin”(slaves)
Picture: Korean Royal Crown Silla dynasty (5th Cent AD)
Korea Mongol Rule
Tributary to Khanbaliq Suffering for Koreans –
built ships to conquer Japan
Independence Language: hangul
created for spoken language
Break from Chinese influence
New Capital: Seoul
Picture: Pulguksa/Bulguksa Bell Tower Silla 8th Cent AD
Picture: Seoul Palace Pagoda
Korea Divided WWII Japan controls Korea
1945 end of war Russia (communist) and U.S.
(democracy) divide Korea 38th parallel 2 Governments: Communist
(north) & anti-Communist (south)
June 25th, 1950 North Korea invaded South Korea Support: Russia & China
(north) and U.S. & UN (South)
War June 1950-July 1953 Deaths = Military 2 million /
Civilian 2.5 million
Source: U.S. Army Korean War Archives