South Korea (Republic of Korea)
Describes the history and culture of South Korea, from early settlement through the modern day.
Photo Gallery -- The Korean War
Photo gallery of the Korean War, 1950-1953.
Photo gallery of the Korean War, 1950-1953.
Timeline of the Korean War
At the close of World War II, the victorious Allied Powers did not know what to do with the Korean Peninsula. Korea had been a Japanese colony since the late nineteenth century, so westerners thought the country incapable of self-rule. The Korean people, however, were eager to re-establish an independent nation of Korea.
At the close of World War II, the victorious Allied Powers did not know what to do with the Korean Peninsula. Korea had been a Japanese colony since the late nineteenth century, so westerners thought the country incapable of self-rule. The Korean people, however, were eager to re-establish an independent nation of Korea.
The Joseon Dynasty in Korea
The Joseon dynasty ruled the Korea Peninsula from 1392 until the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1910. Joseon rulers were able to fend off a late 16th century Japanese invasion, as well as 17th century incursions by the Manchus and internal peasant rebellions. The Joseon era solidified the importance of Confucianism in Korean culture; saw the invention of "hangeul," the Korean alphabet; witnessed the first Korean tea ceremony; and left lasting monuments such as the Gyungbukgung Palace.
The Joseon dynasty ruled the Korea Peninsula from 1392 until the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1910. Joseon rulers were able to fend off a late 16th century Japanese invasion, as well as 17th century incursions by the Manchus and internal peasant rebellions. The Joseon era solidified the importance of Confucianism in Korean culture; saw the invention of "hangeul," the Korean alphabet; witnessed the first Korean tea ceremony; and left lasting monuments such as the Gyungbukgung Palace.
The Battle of Hansan-do, 1592
When the Warring States Period ended in Japan, the country unified under the samurai lord Hideyoshi. He decided to cement his place in history by conquering Ming China. To that end, he invaded Korea in 1592. The Japanese Army pushed as far north as Pyongyang. However, the army depended on the navy for supplies.
When the Warring States Period ended in Japan, the country unified under the samurai lord Hideyoshi. He decided to cement his place in history by conquering Ming China. To that end, he invaded Korea in 1592. The Japanese Army pushed as far north as Pyongyang. However, the army depended on the navy for supplies.
Traditional Korean Masks
Carved wooden masks with exaggerated features and bright paint are one of the characteristic elements of Korean culture. Korean masks were originally used in shamanist rituals; today, they appear most often in cultural festivals. Learn about the origin and meaning of the masks, and see some of the dozens of mask designs here, as well as pictures of mask-dancers performing.
Carved wooden masks with exaggerated features and bright paint are one of the characteristic elements of Korean culture. Korean masks were originally used in shamanist rituals; today, they appear most often in cultural festivals. Learn about the origin and meaning of the masks, and see some of the dozens of mask designs here, as well as pictures of mask-dancers performing.