Early History of Korea: From Prehistory to Dynastic Rule

The history of Korea stretches back around thousands of years, with early settlements giving rise to a civilization marked by the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Ages. The kingdom of Gojoseon emerged around 2333 BCE, becoming a regional power engaged in trade and agriculture. This led to the formation of the Three Kingdoms—Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla—culminating in Silla's unification of most of the peninsula by 676 CE, followed by notable dynasties like Goryeo and Joseon. Korea’s sovereignty ended with Japan’s annexation in 1910, leading to cultural suppression until Japan's defeat in World War II in 1945. Post-war, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel by the U.S. and Soviet Union, with a temporary intention for reunification. However, Cold War tensions solidified the split, resulting in the establishment of two governments: the Republic of Korea (South Korea) in 1948 and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) shortly after. The Korean War (1950-1953) further entrenched this division, leading to significant casualties and destruction, with the peninsula remaining divided along a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that endures to this day.