SOUTH KOREA TIMELINE By: Arjun M. 7 th Period

Bibliography ► “Timeline: South Korea.” British Broadcasting Company. BBC News: 2008 ► “Timeline: South Korea.” British Broadcasting Company. BBC News: ► “Korea AD Unified Silla.” World Timelines. The British Museum: 2005 ► “Korea AD Unified Silla.” World Timelines. The British Museum: ► “Taejo.” NationMaster. NationMaster.com: 2007 ► “Taejo.” NationMaster. NationMaster.com: ► Polenghi, Cesare. “Hideyoshi and Korea.” The Samurai Archives Japanese History. Samurai Archives: April 23, 2003 ► Polenghi, Cesare. “Hideyoshi and Korea.” The Samurai Archives Japanese History. Samurai Archives: April 23, 2003 ► Peterson, Mark. “Japanese Rule.” Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia. MSN: 2008 ► Peterson, Mark. “Japanese Rule.” Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia. MSN: ► “Korean War.” Farlex, Inc. The Free Dictionary: ► “South Korea.” Public Broadcasting Service. Commanding Heights: 2008 ► “South Korea.” Public Broadcasting Service. Commanding Heights: 2008

Silla Unifies ► In the year 676, the Silla Kingdom fought off Chinese troops out of the Korean Peninsula. In doing so, the Silla unified a majority of the three Korean Kingdoms. These kingdoms were Silla, Goguryeo, and Baekje.

Three Kingdoms Unified ► Wang Ye, the crowned king of Goryeo, formally unified the three kingdoms. This was the first time they were unified since the reign of Gojoseon, and would remain together until This was more significant that even the Silla Unification, because they had not secured all three kingdoms. ► An illustration of the Goryeo Dynasty 

Joseon Dynasty Begins ► In 1392, the general Yi Seong- gye established the Joseon Dynasty. This dynasty is believed to be the longest ruling dynasty in East Asia, as it lasted till Seong-gye took power from the Goryeo dynasty in mostly peaceful coup, and moved the capital to Hanseong. The current day Hanseong is now known as Seoul. ► Seoul 

Hideyoshi Invasion ► In 1592, Hideyoshi took troops to try and invade Korea. He believed Korea was Japan’s corridor to conquest China and India. This attempt was a huge failure, as they were unsuccessful in there attempt to raid Korea, and they were forced back. They never got past the Yalu River.

Korean Independence ► In 1895, China recognized full Korean independence in the aftermath of the China Japan War. The independence was formally recognized in the Treaty of Shimonoseki. Both countries had to recognize the official boundaries of Korean territory and respect them. ► Signing of treaty 

Korean Empire ► In 1897, King Gojong returned to Gyeongun Palace from his refuge at the Russian consulate. He then declared this new entity as the Korean Empire. This oversaw the modernization of the military, economy, real property laws, education system, and various industries as well. ► Emperor Gojong 

Japan Annexation ► Japanese domination originally began in 1905 with the Protectorate treaty, but it took official rule over Korea in The Japan-Kore Annexation treaty was signed by signed by Lee Wan-Yong, Prime Minister of Korea, and Terauchi Masatake, who became the first Japanese Governor-General of Korea. Article 1 read: “His Majesty the Emperor of Korea concedes completely and definitely his entire sovereignty over the whole Korean territory to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.”

Korean Peninsula Divided ► When the Japanese surrender in 1945, Korea is then divided by the Soviet Union and America. Korea north of the 38 th parrallel was occupied by the Soviet Union, and the U.S. occupied south of it. The split caused much turmoil between Koreans, and individual governments were established for each piece of Korea.

Republic Of Korea ► In 1948, The Republic of Korea was proclaimed, which is now called South Korea. The first general elections were held, and Syngman Rhee is elected as the first president. The U.S. withdrew its presence in the region as well. A year earlier, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea had been established in the North, the Soviet owned part.

South Korea Invaded ► In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea. The UN responded when President Truman sent U.S. troops, and Douglas MacArthur was named commander of UN forces in Korea. This was the start of the Korean War, and North Korea had the support of China. The North had invaded most of the South by September 1950, and the boundaries on the 38 th parrellel would not be re- established till 3 years later. ► Cartoon: Truman and the UN rushing to Korea’s aid 

Chung-Hee takes power ► In 2960, Rhee steps down after being accused of electoral fraud. One year later in 1961, Park Chung-Hee takes power through a military coup. He overthrew Premier John M. Chang. Chung- Hee’s coup was mostly favored among the population due to the political turmoil for the past year. After taking power, he established the KCIA (Korean Central Intellegence Agency) to prevent a counter-coup. ► Chung-Hee is the left-most 

Chung-Hee Assassinated ► In 1979, Chung-Hee was assassinated in his secret house by Kim Jae-Kyu. Kim Jae-Kyu was the head of the KCIA and a long-time friend of Chung-Hee. Jae- Kyu killed Chung-Hee because Chung-Hee blamed him for not completely suppressing the riots and protests in the Cholla region. After this, Chun Doo-Hwan took power. ► Doo-Hwan 

Direct Election ► In 1987, the South Korean constitution is changed to allow direct election of the president. General Roh Tae Woo is responsible for implementing this reform. After this, South Korea sees a shift to democracy. This allows Roh Moo-Hyun to be elected. ► Roh Moo-Hyun 

Joining the UN ► In 1991, both North and South Korea joined the UN. In South Korea, largescale anti-government protests were being forcibly suppressed during this time. Since it has joined, it has been active in most UN specialized agencies. ► South Korea at the UN meeting.

North and South Relations ► In 2000, South Korean leader Dae-Jung and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il met in a reconciliatory manner at a summit. The North agreed to stop its anti-South propaganda. South Korea gave amnesty to over 3500 prisoners who returned to North Korea. Additionally, South Korean leader Dae-Jung received the Nobel Peace Prize. Since this event, however, North and South Korea have a resumed a rather hostile relationship.