Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TIMELINE
1392
Having overthrown the Goryeo dynasty, General Yi Seong-gye ascends the throne, naming himself
King Taejo and establishing the Joseon dynasty that will rule Korea for 500 years.
1394
King Taejo decrees Hanyang (Seoul) as the capital of the Joseon kingdom, mobilising some
200,000 labourers to surround the city with a great wall, remnants of which still remain.
1796
King Jeongjo moves the royal court to Suwon to be closer to his father's grave, and builds the
Hwaseong fortress (now a World Heritage site) to protect the new palace.
1910
After gradually increasing its power and forcing King Gojong to abdicate to Seoul's Russian lega-
tion three years earlier, Japan annexes Korea, beginning 35 years of colonial rule.
1948
The Republic of Korea is founded in the southern part of the peninsula, while Kim II Sung sets up
the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the north.
1950-53
North Korean forces occupy Seoul for 90 days before UN forces led by US and South Korean troops
mount a counterattack. An armistice ends the Korean War three years later.
1960-61
Popular protests oust President Syngman Rhee. Attempts at democratic rule fail - a military coup
topples the unstable elected government and installs General Park Chung-hee into power.
1979
After surviving a couple of assassination attempts (one of which had killed his wife), Park is inally
shot dead by the trusted head of his own Central Intelligence Agency.
1987
