Full History of Korea in 5 Minutes

Summary

This video script explores the rich history of the Korean Peninsula, from its early kingdoms like Gojoseon and Goguryeo to the Three Kingdoms period. It details the unification under Silla, the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, and the impact of foreign invasions. The script also covers the division into North and South Korea post-WWII, the Korean War, and the economic rise of South Korea. It highlights the ongoing political and nuclear tensions on the peninsula, with a mention of the 2018 Panmunjom Declaration, aiming for peace.

Takeaways

• 🌏 Korea is a peninsula in East Asia, bordered by China to the northwest and separated from Japan to the east.
• ⚒️ Since 1945, Korea has been divided into North Korea and South Korea at the 38th parallel.
• 🏰 Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, was established in 2333 BCE by Dangun, who was considered a descendant of heaven.
• 🏹 The southern part of Korea was occupied by the Jin state by the 3rd century BC.
• 🏺 Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje were the Three Kingdoms of Korea, which dominated different parts of the peninsula from the 1st century AD.
• 🏰 Silla unified the Korean Peninsula by the 7th century, forming Unified Silla.
• 🏰 Goryeo was founded by Wang Geon in 918, succeeding Goguryeo and later becoming a vassal state to the Mongol-ruled Yuan dynasty.
• 👑 The Joseon Dynasty was established in 1392 by General Yi Seong-gye, with the capital moved from Kaesong to Hanyang.
• 🔥 The Korean Peninsula was partitioned after World War II, with the north under Soviet occupation and the south under U.S. occupation.
• 💥 The Korean War (1950-1953) was a conflict between North Korea, backed by the Soviet Union, and South Korea, supported by the United Nations.
• 🌟 South Korea experienced rapid economic growth post-war, known as the 'Miracle on the Han River,' and became a leading economy with global cultural influence through the Hallyu wave.
• 🕋 North Korea adopted a communist government under Soviet influence and pursued nuclear weapons, leading to ongoing crises.

Q & A

What is the geographical location of the Korean Peninsula?

The Korean Peninsula is located in East Asia, bordered by China to the northwest and separated from Japan to the east.

Since when has Korea been divided into two countries?

Korea has been divided into two countries since 1945, following the end of World War II.

Who is considered the founder of the first Korean kingdom according to the script?

Dan-Gun, who is deemed the grandson of heaven, is considered the founder of the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon, in 2333 BCE.

What significant event happened in the Korean Peninsula in 108 BCE?

In 108 BCE, the Han Dynasty of China invaded and installed four commanderies in northern Korea.

Which kingdom unified the Korean Peninsula in the early 7th century?

Silla unified the Korean Peninsula in the early 7th century after forming an alliance with the Tang Dynasty of China to conquer Baekje and later Goguryeo.

What was the name of the kingdom founded by Wang Geon in 918?

Wang Geon founded Goryeo in 918, which became the successor of Goguryeo with Kaesong as its capital.

How did the Joseon Dynasty come into power?

The Joseon Dynasty was established in 1392 when General Yi Seong-gye overthrew the Goryeo Dynasty.

What is the significance of the Korean alphabet, Hangul, created during the Joseon Dynasty?

Hangul, created by King Sejong the Great during the Joseon Dynasty, is the Korean alphabet that made literacy more accessible to the general population.

What was the impact of the Japanese invasions on the Joseon Dynasty?

The Japanese invasions from 1592 to 1598 caused great destruction to the Joseon Dynasty, weakening its power.

How did the political landscape of Korea change after World War II?

After World War II, Korea was partitioned along the 38th parallel with the north under Soviet occupation and the south under U.S. occupation, leading to the establishment of two sovereign states in 1948.

What is the economic phenomenon that South Korea experienced post-Korean War known as?

South Korea experienced rapid economic growth in a period known as the 'Miracle on the Han River' after the Korean War.

What is the current political status of North Korea, and how did it come to be?

North Korea is currently a communist state, which adopted its government system under Soviet influence. Its current political status is marked by a series of crises due to its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Outlines

00:00

🌏 Historical Overview of Korea

This paragraph provides a historical overview of the Korean Peninsula, located in East Asia, bordered by China to the northwest and separated from Japan to the east. Since 1945, it has been divided into North Korea and South Korea at the 38th parallel. The early history of Korea dates back to 2333 BCE with the establishment of the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon, by Dangun. By the 3rd century BC, the southern part of Korea was occupied by the Jin state, and Goguryeo underwent three periods: Gija Joseon, Daen Goguryeo, and Weimann Goguryeo. The Han Dynasty invaded in 108 BCE, leading to the establishment of four commanderies in northern Korea. The Three Kingdoms period, comprising Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje, saw Silla eventually unify the Korean Peninsula with the help of the Tang Dynasty of China. Goryeo, founded by Wang Geon in 918, faced Mongol invasions and became a vassal state of the Yuan Dynasty in China. The Joseon Dynasty was established by General Yi Seong-gye in 1392, with King Sejong the Great introducing the Korean alphabet, Hangul. The Japanese invasions from 1592 to 1598 and subsequent invasions by the Later Jin and Qing Dynasties led to Joseon becoming a subordinate of the Qing Empire. In the 19th century, Joseon adopted an isolationist policy, earning the nickname 'Hermit Kingdom,' until it was forced to open its borders, leading to Japanese imperial rule.

05:01

🚀 Modern History and Current State of Korea

The second paragraph delves into the modern history of Korea, starting with the division of the peninsula after World War II, with the north under Soviet occupation and the south under U.S. occupation. This led to the establishment of two sovereign states in 1948: North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea. The Korean War erupted in 1950 when North Korea, backed by the Soviet Union, invaded South Korea, ending without a formal peace treaty and leaving the peninsula divided by the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Post-war South Korea experienced rapid economic growth, known as the 'Miracle on the Han River,' and saw the rise of family conglomerates like Samsung, Hyundai, SK Group, and LG Corporation. In 1987, South Korea transitioned into a constitutional democracy and is now a leading economy, famous for the Hallyu wave in the entertainment industry. North Korea, under Soviet influence, adopted a communist government, which collapsed with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The 21st century saw Kim Jong-il and his son Kim Jong-un pursue nuclear weapons, creating ongoing crises. In 2018, the Panmunjom Declaration was signed by North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un and South Korea's President Moon Jae-in, committing to work towards ending the Korean conflict.

Keywords

💡38th Parallel

The 38th Parallel is a circle of latitude at 38 degrees north of the Earth's equator. In the context of the video, it's a significant geopolitical boundary that has divided the Korean Peninsula into North Korea and South Korea since 1945. The division was a result of Cold War politics, with the north occupied by the Soviet Union and the south by the United States after World War II. The script mentions this as a key historical event that led to the establishment of two separate sovereign states.

💡Gojoseon

Gojoseon, also known as Old Joseon, was an ancient Korean kingdom mentioned in the script. It was established by Dangun, who is considered the founder and a legendary figure in Korean mythology. Gojoseon underwent several periods and was significant as it represents one of the earliest organized states in the Korean Peninsula, setting the stage for the complex history that followed.

💡Three Kingdoms of Korea

The Three Kingdoms of Korea refers to the historical period when the Korean Peninsula was divided among three rival states: Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje. As described in the script, this period was marked by the gradual conquest of neighboring territories and the eventual unification of the peninsula under Silla. This era is important for understanding the development of distinct regional identities and the cultural and political landscape of Korea.

💡Unified Silla

Unified Silla was a kingdom that emerged after Silla formed an alliance with the Tang Dynasty of China to conquer Baekje and later Goguryeo. As the script explains, Unified Silla controlled the central and southern parts of the Korean Peninsula, marking a period of significant political consolidation and cultural development in Korean history.

💡Goryeo Dynasty

The Goryeo Dynasty, founded by Wang Geon, is highlighted in the script as a significant era in Korean history. It is known for its advancements in culture, science, and technology, as well as its resistance against foreign invasions, such as the Mongol invasions. The Goryeo period also saw the introduction of Buddhism as a major religion in Korea.

💡Joseon Dynasty

The Joseon Dynasty, established by General Yi Seong-gye in 1392, is a pivotal period in Korean history, as detailed in the script. It is known for its strong Confucian influence, administrative reforms, and the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. The Joseon Dynasty lasted for over five centuries and had a profound impact on Korean culture and society.

💡Japanese Occupation

The term 'Japanese Occupation' refers to the period from 1910 to 1945 when Korea was annexed and ruled by the Empire of Japan. As mentioned in the script, this era was marked by forced labor, military conscription, and the infamous comfort women system. The occupation had lasting effects on Korean society and continues to influence modern relations between Korea and Japan.

💡Korean War

The Korean War, which broke out in 1950, is a significant conflict that is central to the video's narrative. It was a result of the division of the Korean Peninsula and the ideological struggle between communism and capitalism during the Cold War. The war involved North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union, invading South Korea, and it ended in a stalemate with the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) serving as a buffer between the two Koreas.

💡Hallyu

Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, refers to the global spread of South Korean culture, particularly in entertainment. As the script explains, South Korea's entertainment industry has had a significant impact worldwide, with K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cinema gaining international popularity. Hallyu is a testament to South Korea's soft power and cultural influence.

💡North Korea's Nuclear Program

North Korea's nuclear program is a critical issue discussed in the script. It began in the 21st century under the leadership of Kim Jong-il and was pursued by his son, Kim Jong-un. The program has led to a series of international crises and tensions, as North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons has been met with sanctions and diplomatic efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

💡Panmunjom Declaration

The Panmunjom Declaration, signed in 2018, is a historic agreement between North Korea's Kim Jong-un and South Korea's Moon Jae-in. As mentioned in the script, the declaration signifies a commitment to work towards the official end of the Korean War and to improve inter-Korean relations. It represents a significant diplomatic effort to reduce tensions and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Highlights

Korea, a peninsula in East Asia, is bordered by China to the northwest and separated from Japan to the east.

Since 1945, Korea is divided into two countries at the 38th parallel: North Korea and South Korea.

In 2333 BCE, Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, was established by Dangun, deemed the grandson of heaven.

By the 3rd century BC, the southern part of Korea was occupied by the Jin state.

Gojoseon underwent three periods: Gojoseon, Jinhan, and Gija Joseon, and Weiman Joseon.

In 108 BCE, the Han Dynasty invaded and installed four commanderies in northern Korea.

The Three Kingdoms of Korea comprised Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje.

Silla's power extended across the Korean Peninsula by the early 6th century.

Unified Silla was formed by an alliance with the Tang Dynasty of China to conquer Baekje and later Goguryeo.

Goryeo was founded by Wang Geon in 918, gradually unifying most of the Korean Peninsula.

Goryeo existed as a vassal state and compulsory ally of the Mongol-ruled Yuan Dynasty in China after the Mongol invasions.

The Joseon Dynasty was established by General Yi Seong-gye in 1392, moving the capital from Kaesong to Hanyang.

King Sejong the Great created Hangul, the Korean alphabet, during the Joseon Dynasty.

Joseon suffered from the great destruction of Japanese invasions from 1592 to 1598.

In the 19th century, Joseon adopted a harsh isolationist policy, becoming known as the Hermit Kingdom.

Following the Sino-Japanese War, Korea was recognized with full independence by the Qing Dynasty.

Korea became a protectorate of Japan in 1905 and was formally annexed in 1910.

Over 5 million Koreans were conscripted for labor during the Japanese occupation.

After WWII, Korea was partitioned along the 38th parallel with the north under Soviet occupation and the south under U.S. occupation.

The Korean War broke out in 1950 when North Korea, backed by the Soviet Union, invaded South Korea.

South Korea experienced rapid economic growth in the period known as the Miracle on the Han River.

North Korea adopted a communist government under Soviet influence, facing economic collapse after the Soviet Union's dissolution.

The Panmunjom Declaration was signed in 2018, aiming to officially end the Korean conflict.

Transcripts

[Music]

korea a peninsula in east asia is

bordered by china to the northwest and

separated from japan to the east

since 1945

korea is divided into two countries at

the 38th parallel north korea and south

korea

early history

in

2333 bce gochusion the first korean

kingdom was established by dangu deemed

the grandson of heaven

by the 3rd century bc the southern part

of korea was occupied by the jinn state

gojo sion underwent three periods

dengan jyoncian gija joseon

and weiman joseon

in 108 bce it was invaded by the han

dynasty which then installed four

commandaries in northern korea within a

few decades three of the commanderies

fell within a few decades except the

lilang commandery

the northern part of the peninsula and

manchuria was then occupied by biuyo

gajurio okigio

dange and other minor statelets while in

the south the jinn state gave rise to

the loose confederacies jinhan johann

and mahan

three kingdoms of korea

the three kingdoms of korea compromised

gujarat

sila and bakji

from the first century a.d gujarat

gradually conquered its neighbors and

occupied the northern part of korea

while bakaji and cilla grew to control

the southern

in the early 6th century cilla's power

extended across the korean peninsula

by the 640s cilla formed an alliance

with the tang dynasty of china to

conquer bikji and later gojiri unifying

the central and southern parts of the

korean peninsula into unified cilla

meanwhile the northern part was under

the control of balhae founded by king go

in the late 9th century silho was

divided into the brief later three

kingdoms of cilla later bakji and

taebong

before falling togorio in 935

goryo and joseon dynasty

goryo was founded by wang jian in 918 as

the successor of gojiro with kaesong as

the capital gradually unifying most of

the korean peninsula

following the mongol invasions of korea

from 1230 to 1270

guru existed as a vassal state and

compulsory ally of the mongol-ruled wan

dynasty in china

after a coup general yi song gui

overthrew the gorio dynasty and in 1392

established the joseon dynasty the

capital was moved from kaesong to hans

young under king xi jong the great

joseon enjoyed numerous beneficial

administrative social scientific and

economic reforms especially he created

handgull the korean alphabet

from 1592 to 1598 joseon suffered from

the great destruction of the japanese

invasions

following two invasions by the latter

jinn and queen dynasties joseon became a

subordinate of the queen empire

in the 19th century joseon adopted a

harsh isolationist policy for which it

became known as the hermit kingdom

however joseon was soon forced to open

its borders leading to an era of

japanese imperial rule

korean empire and japanese occupation

following the sino-japanese war and the

treaty of shimaneski korea was

recognized with full and complete

independence and autonomy by the queen

dynasty

in 1897 the joseon dynasty proclaimed

that the korean empire with empire king

gojong

russia posed a strong influence in the

korean empire until the russo-japanese

war which pushed the russians out of the

fight for korea

the following year korea became a

protectorate of japan

in 1910 japan formally annexed korean

empire with the japan korea annexation

treaty thereafter korea was officially

named chosen

since 1939 over 5 million koreans were

conscripted for labor 10 000 men were

forced into japan's military and about

200 000 girls and women were forced into

sexual slavery for the japanese military

division and korea war

after the end of world war ii with the

unconditional surrender of japan in 1945

korea was partitioned along the 38th

parallel with the north under soviet

occupation in the south under u.s

occupation

the politics of the cold war resulted in

the 1948 establishment of two sovereign

states north korea officially the

democratic people's republic of korea

and south korea officially the republic

of korea

in 1950 the korean war broke out when

soviet backed north korea invaded south

korea and ended without a formalized

peace treaty the korean peninsula

remained divided by the korean

demilitarized zone up to the present day

modern korea

after the war south korea witnessed

enormous economic growth in a period

called the miracle on the han river

giving rise to numerous family

conglomerates such as samsung hyundai sk

group and lg corporation

in 1987 south korea transitioned into a

constitutional democracy

today south korea is a leading economy

and is famous for bringing the hallyu

wave to the entertainment industry all

over the world

meanwhile under soviet influence north

korea adopted a communist government the

dissolution of the soviet union in 1991

led to a full-scale collapse of the

north korean economy

by the 21st century kim jong-il and

later his son kim jong-un decided to

pursue nuclear weapons creating a series

of crises ongoing to the present day

in 2018 the panman jump declaration was

signed between the supreme leader of

north korea kim jong-un and the

president of south korea moon jae-in

announcing that they will work to

officially end the korean long-lasting

conflict

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