Korean history spans thousands of years, beginning with the founding of the first kingdom, Gojoseon, around 2333 BCE. Over the centuries, Korea saw the rise and fall of several dynasties, including the Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon dynasties, each contributing to the rich culture, art, and governance of the region. The invention of the Korean script, known as Hangul, in the 15th century was a significant milestone in promoting literacy and national identity.
In the 20th century, Korea faced major challenges, including the Japanese occupation from 1910 to 1945, which deeply impacted its society and culture. After World War II, Korea was divided into two separate nations:
