The "삼국시대" (Three Kingdoms Period) refers to a historical era in Korea from the 1st century BCE to the 7th century CE. It was characterized by the division of the Korean Peninsula into three kingdoms: 고구려, 백제, and 신라. Each kingdom had its own culture, government, and military, often engaging in conflicts and alliances with one another. During this period, significant advancements were made in art, technology, and trade. The kingdoms developed unique identities and contributed to the foundation of Korean culture. The era ended when 신라 unified the peninsula in the late 7th century, marking a significant turning point in Korean history.