South Korea

The Korean Peninsula has a rich history stretching back to the Lower Paleolithic period, with early kingdoms documented in Chinese records as early as the 7th century BC. Throughout the first millennium, various states emerged, eventually coalescing into the Three Kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, each vying for dominance. Silla ultimately unified much of the peninsula in the late 7th century AD, marking a significant turning point in Korean history. The subsequent Goryeo dynasty established a lasting cultural and political foundation for the nation, influencing its identity for centuries to come. The Joseon dynasty, lasting from 1392 to 1897, fostered advancements in culture, economy, and science, leaving a profound legacy on modern South Korea.