Korea

Korea is a special place in East Asia made up of a long, thin piece of land called the Korean Peninsula, plus the big island of Jeju Island and some smaller islands. Today, this area is split into two separate countries: North Korea and South Korea. This split happened after World War II in 1945.

People have lived in this area for a very long time. Over the years, many kingdoms rose and fell, like Gojoseon, Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. One famous time was when the Hangul, the special Korean alphabet, was created.

Later, the country faced tough times when armies from Japan and China invaded.

After Japan took control in 1910, life became hard for many Koreans. When World War II ended in 1945, Japan lost its power, and the Soviet Union and the United States divided Korea into two zones. This division led to the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Even though the war stopped, the two Koreas are still separate, and there is a special area called the demilitarized zone between them.

Today, South Korea is a busy, modern country known for its technology and popular music and movies, called the Korean Wave. North Korea is very different, with a strong focus on its military. Both countries still say they are the only real government of Korea.

Etymology

Main article: Names of Korea

History

Main article: History of Korea

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Korean history.

The history of Korea begins with ancient times, with early settlements and pottery dating back thousands of years. Around 300 BC, people from the Korean Peninsula moved to the Japanese islands, mixing with local groups.

Korean stories tell of ancient kingdoms like Gojoseon, which was later influenced by Chinese powers. Over time, Korea developed into several important kingdoms, including Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. These kingdoms often fought among themselves but also traded and shared culture with nearby regions.

7th century Tang dynasty painting of envoys from the Three Kingdoms of Korea: Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla

Later, the Goryeo dynasty brought advances in writing, printing, and Buddhism. In the 14th century, the Joseon dynasty began, focusing on education and science. Leaders like Sejong the Great created the Korean alphabet, Hangul.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Korea faced outside pressures, first from China and Japan, and later direct control by Japan. After World War II, Korea was split into two separate nations, North Korea and South Korea, leading to conflict and division that continues today.

Main article: Prehistoric Korea

Main article: Gojoseon

Main article: Proto–Three Kingdoms of Korea

Seokguram Grotto from the Silla era, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Main articles: Three Kingdoms of Korea, Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla

The Three Kingdoms period included Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. Goguryeo was strong and expanded its lands, while Baekje was known for its sea travel and culture. Silla, though smaller, used smart diplomacy to grow powerful.

Main articles: North–South States Period, Later Silla, and Balhae

After Silla grew strong, it worked with China to take over other kingdoms. Later, new groups like Balhae kept some of the old traditions alive.

Main article: Goryeo

The Three Kingdoms of Korea, at the end of the 5th century

Goryeo saw the growth of writing systems, Buddhism, and trade. It defended against attacks from nearby empires and had periods of great learning.

Main article: Joseon

Joseon brought new ideas in government and learning. The dynasty faced outside threats, including invasions, but also times of peace and growth.

In the late 1800s, Korea tried to become more modern but faced pressure from Japan, leading to its eventual control by Japan.

Unified Silla and Balhae in the 8th century CE

Korea was controlled by Japan for many years. Many Koreans faced hard times during this period. Resistance movements worked to keep Korean identity alive.

Main article: Division of Korea

After World War II, Korea was split into North and South. The Korean War (1950–53) caused much suffering and left the country divided, a situation that remains today.

In 2018, the leaders of North Korea and South Korea officially signed the Panmunjom Declaration, announcing that they will work to end the conflict.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Korea

Satellite image of Korea

Korea is a peninsula in East Asia with nearby islands. It stretches south for about 1,100 km (680 mi) into the Pacific Ocean. The Sea of Japan is to the east and the Yellow Sea is to the west. The Korea Strait connects these seas. Rivers like the Amnok River and Duman River separate Korea from China and Russia. One important island is Jeju Island, famous for its volcanic mountain Mount Halla.

The south and west of Korea have flat land. The east and north are mountainous. Mount Paektu is the highest mountain and sits on the border with China. Many islands, like Jeju Island, were formed by volcanoes. Rivers such as the Han River and Nakdong River flow west and help with farming. The coastlines are useful for fishing and travel.

Climate

A view of Seoraksan

Korea has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In spring, temperatures rise. Summer brings rainy weather. Autumn is usually clear and warm. Winter is cold and dry.

Biodiversity

Main article: Wildlife of Korea

Korea has many birds and animals, such as the Korean hare and Korean water deer. The Korean Demilitarized Zone is a special place with many plants and animals, including some endangered species. There are around 3,034 types of plants on the peninsula. Siberian tigers once lived in Korea but are now only found in North Korea.

Economy

Science and technology

Main article: History of science and technology in Korea

Korea has a long history of science and technology. One famous example is the Cheomseongdae, a tall astronomical observatory built a long time ago in 634 CE. Another important invention is The Great Dharani Sutra, an early printed book from around 750–51 CE.

During the Goryeo period, a new way of printing using metal letters was created by Ch'oe Yun-ŭi in 1234 CE. This helped people read more easily. Later, during the Joseon period, amazing inventions like the Turtle Ship and new weapons were made. The Korean alphabet called hangul was created by King Sejong the Great during this time.

Demographics

As of 2023, both Koreas have about 77.9 million people. South Korea has around 51.7 million, and North Korea has about 26.1 million. Most people in Korea belong to the same ethnic group and speak the Korean language. More people from other countries now live in Korea, especially in South Korea.

Korean is the main language in both North and South Korea. Many people also speak Korean in China, the United States, and Japan. The Korean alphabet, called Hangul, was created in the 15th century and is used by most people today.

Main articles: Religion in Korea, Religion in South Korea, and Religion in North Korea

Traditional beliefs such as Confucianism, Buddhism, and Korean shamanism have influenced Korean culture for many years. In South Korea, Christianity and Buddhism are common today, while North Korea has limited religious activities. Many people in both countries do not follow a specific religion.

Main articles: Education in South Korea and Education in North Korea

South Korea has a strong school system. Children go to elementary school for six years and middle school for three years. High school lasts three more years. Students do not pay for most of their education. North Korea also offers free schooling. Children attend kindergarten, primary school, secondary school, and then university if they choose.

Culture

Korea has a rich and colorful culture with many special traditions. In Korea, people count age a little differently than in some other places. A baby is considered one year old at birth, and everyone gets a year older together on New Year’s Day.

Korean music includes many styles, from folk songs to special ceremonial music. Traditional Korean music has two main types: Hyangak, which is music native to Korea, and yangak, which shows influences from Western styles.

Korean food is famous around the world, especially for its bold flavors and special sauces. Important ingredients include soybean paste, soy sauce, gochujang (red pepper paste), and kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish usually made from cabbage. Korean meals often include spicy soups, grilled meats like bulgogi and galbi, and side dishes called banchan. Popular dishes also include bibimbap (mixed rice) and naengmyeon (cold noodles). Koreans also enjoy street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and gimbap (rice wrapped in seaweed).

Sports are very popular in Korea. Football and golf are enjoyed by many, and taekwondo is Korea’s most famous martial art. Taekwondo became an Olympic sport in 2000 and is practiced for both self-defense and sport. Other traditional martial arts include hapkido and ssireum, a form of wrestling with sash belts. Ssireum matches are held during festivals like Dano and Chuseok.