Korea

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

Korean War visitseoul.net