Korea has been vast and rich in culture throughout many kingdoms over time. The ancient history of Korea dates back thousands of years ago, when settlers first arrived in the Korean peninsula migrating from Manchuria and Siberia in the Paleolithic era. The first people that settled in Korea were stone age hunters, gatherers, and fishermen, and over time, they evolved. They learned how to use the iron from the land to make weapons. As they grew and became more developed and civilized, they soon began separating the Korean land into developed political and cultural divides. This article details a brief look at ancient Korean history and the earliest kingdoms.
Korean Prehistory
It’s believed that Korea was inhabited as early as 10,000 BCE and could have been inhabited even earlier based on pottery discovered and carbon dating. An incredible number of megalithic structures found throughout the Korean peninsula are thought to be used as tomb markers. Archeological finds have discovered the remains of subterranean dwellings and the incredible stone tools the people used in their daily lives as agricultural culture. Incredibly, many artifacts found in Korea have indicated early trade with Japan, which would have been accomplished by sea.
Gojoseon
The first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon, was founded in 2333 BCE, also called Gochoson or Old Choson. This kingdom ruled northern Korea and was an advanced agricultural culture in Korea at that time. Gojoseon was developed through an alliance of small towns around the Daedong (Taedong) and Liao River basin across the northern border. Along the south, the Jin or Chin states. The Gojoseon period is noted as an essential era in ancient Korean history as the culture evolved to more advanced centralized states.
The Gojoseon kingdom’s creation is rooted in mythology and was founded by Dangun Wanggeom, said to be the offspring of the God Hwanung and a bear that was transformed into a woman. The third of October is celebrated in Korea as National Foundation day, which is the birthday of Dangun.
The Three Kingdoms
Towards the end of the Gojosean period, three smaller kingdoms were established across the Korean peninsula, Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, along with a fourth state, the Kaya confederation. The three main states conquered many small states and confederacies across the Korean peninsula, leading to the final fall of Gojoseon around 300 BCE.
Goguryeo was developed on the north and south banks of the Yalu river and was likely the first to establish a presence of the three kingdoms, becoming the largest. The kingdom ruled over many Koreans along with Chinese and other Tungusic tribes in Manchuria. Goguryeo was critical in defense of the Korean peninsula from attacks by the Chinese.
Silla developed in the southeast parts of the Korean peninsula and is thought to be the last of the three kingdoms to be established. The Silla kingdom eventually took over the Gaya confederation. It gained access to the Yellow Sea, allowing alliances to form with the Tang Dynasty.
Baekje was established by the sons of Goguryeo founders who fled during a succession conflict in the western Korean peninsula. Baekje conquered Jeju island and southern parts of Japan, bringing cultural change by introducing Chinese figures and Buddhism into ancient Japan.
The three kingdoms era was complex and full of conflict. It is often known as one of the markers for the beginning of the separation of the north and south states in Korea.
Korea developed over time to become a society of highly respected people who value family and tradition. The history and conflicts are just one small part of the development of Korea, but it is vital to know the beginnings to know the society today.