History

It runs from Gojoseon through the Three Kingdoms (Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla), Unified Silla and Balhae, Goryeo, Joseon and the Korean Empire to the Republic of Korea. The period when Unified Silla and Balhae coexisted is also called the North-South States period.

Legend says Dangun Wanggeom was born to Hwanung, son of the heavenly god, and Ungnyeo, a bear who became a woman. He is said to have founded Gojoseon in 2333 BC.

• 우리 민족 최초의 국가인 고조선의 건국 시조는 누구입니까?Who is the founding ancestor of Gojoseon, the first state of the Korean people?

The Dangun era (Dangi) counts this year as year one. Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day, 3 October) commemorates this founding.

• 단군왕검이 고조선을 세웠다고 전해지는 연도는 언제입니까?In which year is Dangun Wanggeom said to have founded Gojoseon?

It is said to have been founded by Dangun Wanggeom. The prefix 'Go' (old) distinguishes it from the later Joseon dynasty.

• 단군왕검이 세웠다고 전해지는 나라는 무엇입니까?Which country is said to have been founded by Dangun Wanggeom?

Goguryeo in the north, Baekje in the southwest, and Silla in the southeast competed side by side. In the end Silla unified the three kingdoms in 676.

• 우리 역사에서 삼국을 이루었던 나라 세 곳은 어디입니까?Which three countries made up the Three Kingdoms in Korean history?

Jumong founded Goguryeo in 37 BC. His name is said to mean 'a skilled archer'.

• 동명성왕으로 불리는 고구려의 건국자는 누구입니까?Who is the founder of Goguryeo, also known as King Dongmyeong?

Onjo was a son of Jumong, the founder of Goguryeo. He moved south and founded Baekje at Wiryeseong in the Han River basin in 18 BC.

• 백제의 건국 시조는 누구입니까?Who is the founding ancestor of Baekje?

Bak Hyeokgeose founded Silla (first called Saro) in the Gyeongju area in 57 BC. Legend says he was born from an egg.

• 신라의 첫 왕으로 전해지는 건국자는 누구입니까?Who is the founder said to be the first king of Silla?

King Suro founded Geumgwan Gaya in 42 AD in what is now Gimhae. He is the ancestor of the Gimhae Kim clan.

• 가야 건국 설화의 대표 인물은 누구입니까?Who is the central figure of the Gaya founding legend?

True to his name, which means 'broad expander of territory', Gwanggaeto the Great extended Goguryeo into Manchuria and the northern Korean Peninsula. His deeds are carved on the Gwanggaeto Stele.

• 고구려 전성기의 대외 팽창을 이끈 왕은 누구입니까?Which king led Goguryeo's outward expansion at the height of its power?

King Jangsu, son of Gwanggaeto the Great, moved the capital to Pyongyang in 427 and pushed Goguryeo's power southward.

• 남진정책을 펼쳐 평양 천도를 한 고구려 왕은 누구입니까?Which Goguryeo king pursued a southward policy and moved the capital to Pyongyang?

King Geunchogo led Baekje's golden age in the 4th century. In 371 he attacked Pyongyang Fortress of Goguryeo and killed King Gogugwon in battle.

• 백제의 영토를 크게 넓히고 해상 교류를 활발히 한 왕은 누구입니까?Which king greatly expanded Baekje's territory and was active in maritime exchange?

King Beopheung recognized Buddhism in 527, prompted by the martyrdom of Ichadon. Promulgating a legal code and using the era name Geonwon were also his achievements.

• 이차돈의 순교 이후 불교를 공식 인정한 신라 왕은 누구입니까?Which Silla king officially recognized Buddhism after the martyrdom of Ichadon?

In the mid-6th century King Jinheung took the Han River basin, opening a direct route for exchange with China. The monument stones he erected in the new lands, such as the Bukhansan stele, still survive.

• 화랑도를 국가적으로 정비하고 영토를 넓힌 신라 왕은 누구입니까?Which Silla king reorganized the Hwarang as a national institution and expanded the territory?

Kim Yu-sin, a descendant of the royal family of Geumgwan Gaya, defeated the Baekje army at Hwangsanbeol in 660 and led the way in bringing down Baekje.

• 태종무열왕·문무왕을 도와 삼국 통일에 기여한 장군은 누구입니까?Which general helped King Taejong Muyeol and King Munmu and contributed to the unification of the Three Kingdoms?

King Munmu brought down Goguryeo in 668 and drove out the Tang forces in 676, completing the unification. Following his wish to become a dragon of the East Sea and protect the country, he was buried at sea (Daewangam).

• 당 세력을 몰아내고 통일신라를 확립한 왕은 누구입니까?Which king drove out the Tang forces and established Unified Silla?

Silla defeated Baekje in 660 and Goguryeo in 668, then drove out the Tang army in 676 to complete the unification of the Three Kingdoms.

• 통일신라가 한반도 남부를 통합한 기준 연도는 언제입니까?What is the reference year for Unified Silla's integration of the southern Korean Peninsula?

Dae Jo-yeong, a former Goguryeo subject, led Goguryeo refugees and Malgal (Mohe) people to found Balhae at Mount Dongmo in 698.

• 고구려 유민을 중심으로 발해를 건국한 사람은 누구입니까?Who founded Balhae, centered on the former people of Goguryeo?

In 698, thirty years after the fall of Goguryeo, Dae Jo-yeong founded Balhae at Mount Dongmo.

• 대조영이 발해를 세운 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did Dae Jo-yeong found Balhae?

Haedong Seongguk means "the flourishing country east of the sea"; it was the name Tang China used for Balhae at its 9th-century peak.

• 번성한 발해를 중국에서 부르던 이름은 무엇입니까?What did China call Balhae when it was flourishing?

Wang Geon founded Goryeo in 918 and became King Taejo; he unified the Later Three Kingdoms in 936.

• 태조로 즉위해 고려를 건국한 사람은 누구입니까?Who founded Goryeo and took the throne as Taejo?

Hwarangdo was Silla's youth training organization; it produced leaders such as Kim Yu-sin and laid the groundwork for the unification of the Three Kingdoms.

It is the story that Dangun Wanggeom founded Gojoseon in 2333 BC, recorded in the Goryeo-era book Samguk Yusa.

Wang Geon ousted Gung Ye and founded Goryeo in 918, then unified the Later Three Kingdoms in 936.

• 왕건이 고려를 세운 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did Wang Geon found Goryeo?

Gaegyeong, the capital of Goryeo, is today's Gaeseong in North Korea. It was Wang Geon's hometown and power base.

• 오늘날 개성에 해당하는 고려의 수도 이름은 무엇입니까?What was the name of the Goryeo capital that corresponds to today's Gaeseong?

Goryeo accepted Silla's surrender in 935 and defeated Later Baekje in 936, completing the unification of the Later Three Kingdoms.

• 왕건이 후삼국 통일을 완성한 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did Wang Geon complete the unification of the Later Three Kingdoms?

Gwangjong, the 4th king of Goryeo, freed people who had been wrongly made slaves through the Slave Review Act (Nobi Angeombeop) and introduced the gwageo examination to strengthen royal power.

• 왕권 강화를 위해 과거제와 노비안검법을 실시한 고려 왕은 누구입니까?Which Goryeo king introduced the civil service examination and the Slave Review Act to strengthen royal power?

When the Khitan invaded in 993, Seo Hui negotiated with their general Xiao Sunning and, without fighting, won the Six Gangdong Districts east of the Amnok (Yalu) River.

• 소손녕과 담판해 영토를 얻은 고려의 외교가는 누구입니까?Which Goryeo diplomat gained territory by negotiating with Xiao Sunning?

In 1019 Gang Gam-chan crushed the third Khitan invasion force at Gwiju. This battle is called the Gwiju Daecheop (Great Victory at Gwiju).

• 1019년 귀주대첩의 대표 지휘관은 누구입니까?Who was the principal commander at the Battle of Gwiju in 1019?

The Tripitaka Koreana was carved over 16 years during the Mongol invasions in the hope of protecting the country through the Buddha's power; its name means "eighty thousand" because there are more than 80,000 woodblocks.

• 해인사에 보관된 고려대장경 목판의 일반적 이름은 무엇입니까?What is the common name for the Goryeo Tripitaka woodblocks kept at Haeinsa Temple?

Jikji (Jikji Simche Yojeol) is a Buddhist book printed with movable metal type at Heungdeoksa Temple in Cheongju in 1377, more than 70 years before the Gutenberg Bible.

• 1377년 금속활자로 인쇄된 불교 서적은 무엇입니까?What Buddhist book was printed with movable metal type in 1377?

Yi Seong-gye, a Goryeo general, seized power after turning his army back at Wihwado and founded Joseon in 1392, becoming King Taejo.

• 조선 태조의 본명은 무엇입니까?What was the real name of King Taejo of Joseon?

In 1392 Yi Seong-gye overthrew Goryeo and founded Joseon, which then lasted about 500 years.

• 이성계가 조선을 세운 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did Yi Seong-gye found Joseon?

King Taejo moved the capital from Gaegyeong to Hanyang in 1394. Hanyang is today's Seoul.

• 오늘날 서울에 해당하는 조선의 수도 이름은 무엇입니까?What was the name of the Joseon capital that corresponds to today's Seoul?

Sejong the Great, the 4th king of Joseon, created Hunminjeongeum in 1443 so that ordinary people could learn to read and write easily.

• 한글 창제를 주도한 왕은 누구입니까?Which king led the creation of Hangeul?

Sejong the Great created Hunminjeongeum in 1443 and promulgated it three years later, in 1446.

• 세종이 새 문자를 완성한 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did Sejong complete the new script?

Hunminjeongeum, created in 1443, was published and made known to the people in 1446. Hangeul Day (9 October) commemorates this promulgation.

• 새 문자 훈민정음이 백성에게 공식적으로 알려진 연도는 언제입니까?In what year was the new script Hunminjeongeum officially made known to the people?

Hunminjeongeum means "the correct sounds for instructing the people". The name "Hangeul" came only in the early 20th century.

• 한글이 처음 만들어졌을 때의 이름은 무엇입니까?What was Hangeul called when it was first created?

Jang Yeong-sil was born a government slave, but Sejong recognized his talent and gave him an official post. He built many scientific instruments, including the Jagyeongnu water clock.

• 조선 세종 시대의 대표 과학자는 누구입니까?Who was the leading scientist of Joseon under King Sejong?

The cheugugi, made in 1441 under Sejong, is counted among the earliest rain gauges in the world. It measured rainfall, vital for farming, across the country.

• 비가 얼마나 왔는지 측정하는 세종 시대의 기구는 무엇입니까?What instrument from Sejong's reign measured how much rain had fallen?

Jagyeongnu, built by Jang Yeong-sil in 1434, is a water clock in which rising water made figurines strike a bell, drum, and gong on their own to announce the hour.

• 장영실이 제작한 대표적인 자동 물시계의 이름은 무엇입니까?What is the name of the famous automatic water clock built by Jang Yeong-sil?

Gyeongguk daejeon, the basic law code of Joseon, was begun under King Sejo and completed under King Seongjong. It became the standard for governing Joseon thereafter.

• 성종 때 완성된 조선의 기본 법전은 무엇입니까?What basic law code of Joseon was completed under King Seongjong?

Yi Sun-sin won major victories over the Japanese navy at Hansando and Myeongnyang. He died in battle at Noryang in 1598.

• 거북선과 한산도대첩으로 유명한 장군은 누구입니까?Which general is famous for the turtle ship and the Battle of Hansando?

Japan invaded Joseon in 1592, and the war lasted seven years. It is called the Imjin War because it broke out in the year of Imjin in the traditional calendar.

• 일본이 조선을 침략해 임진왜란이 일어난 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did Japan invade Joseon, starting the Imjin War?

The turtle ship had its deck covered with planks studded with spikes so enemies could not board it. Yi Sun-sin used it during the Imjin War.

• 등판을 덮은 형태로 유명한 조선 수군의 전선은 무엇입니까?What Joseon naval warship is famous for its covered deck?

In 1636 the Qing dynasty invaded Joseon. King Injo held out at Namhansanseong Fortress but surrendered the following year.

• 청이 조선을 침략한 병자호란의 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did the Byeongja Horan, the Qing invasion of Joseon, take place?

Jeongjo, the 22nd king of Joseon, made the Gyujanggak royal library a center of scholarship and politics and built Hwaseong Fortress to support his reforms.

• 조선 후기 개혁정치를 펼치고 화성을 만든 왕은 누구입니까?Which king carried out reform politics in late Joseon and built Hwaseong Fortress?

Mongmin simseo (Admonitions on Governing the People) sets out the duties a local magistrate must keep in ruling the people. Jeong Yak-yong wrote it while in exile.

• 거중기 설계에 참여하고 실학을 발전시킨 인물은 누구입니까?Who took part in designing the geojunggi and advanced Silhak?

The Sinmungo was a large drum hung outside the palace, first set up under King Taejong. People beat it to make their grievances known.

In 1598 the Joseon navy crushed the retreating Japanese fleet off Noryang. Admiral Yi Sun-sin was hit by a bullet and died in this battle.

Heungseon Daewongun, the father of King Gojong, pursued an isolation policy that refused contact with Western powers and rebuilt Gyeongbokgung Palace, which had burned down during the Imjin War.

• 고종 초기에 실권을 잡고 개혁을 추진한 왕의 아버지는 누구입니까?Who was the king's father who held real power and pushed reforms in the early years of Gojong's reign?

The Treaty of Ganghwa, signed in 1876, was the first modern treaty between Joseon and Japan. Under it Joseon opened ports such as Busan.

• 조선이 일본과 강화도조약을 맺은 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did Joseon conclude the Treaty of Ganghwa with Japan?

It is called the Treaty of Ganghwa because it was signed on Ganghwa Island in 1876; its official name is the Japan-Korea Treaty of Amity. It was an unequal treaty that forced Joseon to open its ports.

• 1876년에 체결된 조일수호조규의 일반적 이름은 무엇입니까?What is the common name of the Japan-Korea Treaty of Amity (Joil Suho Jogyu) concluded in 1876?

In 1894 Jeon Bong-jun rallied peasants in Gobu, Jeolla Province, against corrupt officials and led the Donghak Peasant Movement.

• 녹두장군이라고 불린 동학농민군 지도자는 누구입니까?Who was the leader of the Donghak peasant army known as the "Nokdu General"?

The Donghak Peasant Movement of 1894 was a peasant uprising against corrupt officials and foreign powers. It became a trigger for the Sino-Japanese War and the Gabo Reforms.

• 갑오농민전쟁이라고도 부르는 운동이 일어난 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did the movement also called the Gabo Peasant War take place?

In 1897 Gojong ascended the throne as emperor and changed the country's name to the Korean Empire (Daehan Jeguk), declaring at home and abroad that it was an independent sovereign state.

• 고종이 황제에 즉위하고 대한제국을 세운 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did Gojong become emperor and found the Korean Empire?

Gojong was the 26th king of Joseon. In 1897 he proclaimed the Korean Empire and became its first emperor.

• 조선의 왕에서 대한제국 황제가 된 인물은 누구입니까?Who went from being king of Joseon to emperor of the Korean Empire?

In 1905 Japan forced the Eulsa Treaty on the Korean Empire and stripped it of its diplomatic rights. It is called a 'neugyak' (forced treaty) because it was imposed by coercion.

• 대한제국의 외교권을 빼앗긴 을사늑약의 연도는 언제입니까?In what year was the Eulsa Treaty, which stripped the Korean Empire of its diplomatic rights, concluded?

On 26 October 1909 An Jung-geun shot Ito Hirobumi at Harbin station. Ito was the first Resident-General, who had forced the Eulsa Treaty on Korea.

• 1909년 이토 히로부미를 사살한 인물은 누구입니까?Who killed Ito Hirobumi in 1909?

On 26 October 1909 he shot Ito Hirobumi at Harbin station. In prison An Jung-geun wrote 'On Peace in the East' (Dongyang pyeonghwaron).

• 이토 히로부미 저격 사건이 일어난 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did the shooting of Ito Hirobumi take place?

Korea lost its sovereignty through the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty on 29 August 1910. That day is called the Gyeongsul National Humiliation.

• 일제강점기가 시작된 국권피탈 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did Korea lose its sovereignty, marking the start of the Japanese colonial period?

It began with the reading of the Declaration of Independence in Seoul on 1 March 1919, and 'manse' demonstrations spread across the country. Samiljeol, a national holiday, commemorates this day.

• 대한독립 만세를 외친 1919년의 대표 운동은 무엇입니까?What was the major 1919 movement in which people shouted 'Long live Korean independence'?

The March 1st Movement began on 1 March 1919. Samiljeol, which commemorates it, is one of Korea's five national holidays.

• 대한민국 임시정부가 수립된 해는 언제입니까?In what year was the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea established?

She led the manse demonstration at Aunae Market in Cheonan on 1 April 1919, was arrested, and died in Seodaemun Prison the following year. She was a student at Ewha Haktang at the time.

• 천안 아우내 만세운동을 이끈 여성 독립운동가는 누구입니까?Who was the female independence activist who led the Aunae manse demonstration in Cheonan?

It was founded in Shanghai, China, in April 1919. It later moved through several cities to escape Japanese pressure and was in Chongqing when liberation came.

• 대한민국 임시정부의 초기 활동 중심지는 어느 도시였습니까?Which city was the early center of activity for the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea?

His pen name was Baekbeom, and he served as President (Juseok) of the Provisional Government. He organized the Korean Patriotic Organization (Hanin Aegukdan), which carried out the Lee Bong-chang and Yun Bong-gil bombings.

• 백범이라는 호로 유명한 독립운동가는 누구입니까?Which independence activist is famous for the pen name Baekbeom?

His pen name was Dosan. He founded Heungsadan and argued that the strength for independence should be built through education and character cultivation.

• 흥사단을 조직한 독립운동가는 누구입니까?Which independence activist organized Heungsadan?

On 29 April 1932 he threw a bomb at the Japanese emperor's birthday ceremony in Hongkou Park, Shanghai, striking down top Japanese military leaders. The act led China to actively support the Provisional Government.

• 1932년 상하이에서 폭탄 의거를 한 의사는 누구입니까?Who is the patriot who carried out the bombing in Shanghai in 1932?

On 8 January 1932 he threw a bomb at Emperor Hirohito's procession in Tokyo. The emperor was unhurt, but the act rekindled the Provisional Government's flagging independence movement.

• 한인애국단 소속으로 도쿄 의거를 한 인물은 누구입니까?Who was the member of the Korean Patriotic Organization (Hanin Aegukdan) who carried out the Tokyo bombing?

In June 1920 he led the Korean Independence Army (Daehan Dongnipgun) to a major victory over Japanese troops at Bongo-dong. In 2021 his remains were brought home from Kazakhstan.

• 1920년 봉오동에서 일본군을 크게 물리친 지휘관은 누구입니까?Who was the commander who decisively defeated Japanese forces at Bongo-dong in 1920?

In October 1920 he led the Northern Military Administration Office (Bungno Gunjeongseo) army to a crushing victory over Japanese forces at Cheongsanri. The Battle of Cheongsanri is regarded as the greatest victory in the history of the independence army.

• 백야라는 호로도 알려진 청산리 전투의 지휘관은 누구입니까?Who was the commander at the Battle of Cheongsanri, also known by the pen name Baegya?

The Battle of Bongo-dong was in June 1920 and the Battle of Cheongsanri in October of the same year. They were major victories won by the independence army in Manchuria, the year after the March 1st Movement.

• 독립군의 대표 승전인 봉오동·청산리 전투의 연도는 언제입니까?What is the year of the Bongo-dong and Cheongsanri battles, the independence army's representative victories?

Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945, ending 35 years of colonial rule. Gwangbokjeol, a national holiday, commemorates this day.

• 광복을 맞은 날짜는 언제입니까?What is the date of Gwangbok (Liberation)?

'Gwangbok' literally means 'recovering the light' and refers to regaining the nation's lost sovereignty. It is commemorated every year on 15 August as Gwangbokjeol.

• 나라의 빛을 되찾았다는 뜻으로 해방을 부르는 말은 무엇입니까?What is the word for liberation that means 'recovering the light of the nation'?

The Constituent National Assembly, elected in the general election of 10 May 1948, drafted the Constitution and promulgated it on 17 July. Jeheonjeol, a national holiday, commemorates this day.

• 제헌헌법 공포일은 언제입니까?What is the promulgation date of the founding (Jeheon) Constitution?

Right after liberation in 1945, the United States and the Soviet Union divided and occupied the Korean Peninsula along the 38th parallel north. After the Korean War, the Military Demarcation Line replaced it.

The Independence Club built it in 1897 on the site of Yeongeunmun, where Chinese envoys had been received. It expressed independence from Qing China's interference.

Seo Jae-pil founded it in 1896. It was printed in both Hangeul and English so that anyone could read it.

It refers to women taken by the Japanese military and subjected to sexual violence during the colonial period. Every 14 August is the Memorial Day for the victims.

They were 33 leaders from Cheondogyo, Christianity and Buddhism who signed the Declaration of Independence on 1 March 1919. Son Byeong-hui led them.

The Constituent Assembly elected on 10 May 1948 drew up the Constitution, and the government was proclaimed on 15 August that year, the third anniversary of liberation.

• 대한민국 정부 수립을 선포한 날짜는 언제입니까?On what date was the establishment of the government of the Republic of Korea proclaimed?

He was elected by the Constituent Assembly in 1948 and became the first President. He stepped down in 1960 after the April 19 Revolution.

• 1948년 대한민국 정부 수립 당시 첫 대통령은 누구입니까?Who was the first President when the government of the Republic of Korea was established in 1948?

It began when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded the South. It was only halted by the Armistice of 27 July 1953 and has never formally ended.

• 한국전쟁이 발발한 날은 언제입니까?When did the Korean War break out?

It was signed at Panmunjom by the UN Command, the North Korean army and the Chinese army. It is an armistice, not a peace treaty, so the war has not legally ended.

• 6·25전쟁의 정전협정일은 언제입니까?What is the armistice date of the Korean War (the June 25 War)?

Students and citizens rose up against the rigged election of 15 March. President Syngman Rhee stepped down and the First Republic came to an end.

• 이승만 대통령 하야로 이어진 1960년 민주화 운동은 무엇입니까?Which 1960 democratic movement led to President Syngman Rhee's resignation?

Citizens of Gwangju rose up against the new military regime's expansion of martial law, and many were killed in the military crackdown. Its archives are inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.

• 5월 18일을 중심으로 광주에서 전개된 민주화 운동은 무엇입니까?Which democratization movement unfolded in Gwangju around 18 May?

The deaths of Park Jong-chul and Lee Han-yeol sparked nationwide protests, and the June 29 Declaration accepted direct presidential elections. The current Constitution was made that year.

• 1987년 6월 전국적으로 일어난 민주화 운동은 무엇입니까?Which democratization movement rose up nationwide in June 1987?

They were the 24th Summer Olympics, with the tiger Hodori as mascot. They were the second Summer Olympics held in Asia, after Tokyo 1964.

• 대한민국이 하계올림픽을 처음 개최한 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did Korea first host the Summer Olympics?

It was the first World Cup ever co-hosted by two countries, and the first held in Asia.

• 대한민국 축구대표팀이 월드컵 4강에 오른 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did the Korean national football team reach the World Cup semifinals?

On 17 September 1991, at the 46th UN General Assembly, South and North Korea became member states side by side. It came 46 years after liberation.

• 남북한이 유엔에 동시 가입한 연도는 언제입니까?In what year did South and North Korea join the United Nations at the same time?

As the 15th President, he held the first inter-Korean summit in June 2000. He received the Nobel Peace Prize that year for his efforts for inter-Korean reconciliation, democracy and human rights.

After serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, he was UN Secretary-General from 2007 to 2016. He was the first Korean to hold the post.

He took office as the 8th Secretary-General in January 2007, succeeding Kofi Annan, and served a second term until 2016.

A novelist known for 'The Vegetarian' and 'Human Acts', she became in 2024 the first Korean and the first Asian woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.