Korean History

An Yong-bok: The Korean Fisherman Who Defended Korea’s Claim to Dokdo

Ulleungdo, the island where An Yong-bok went fishing

Plunge into the daring journey of An Yong-bok, the Korean fisherman who fiercely defended Korea’s claim to Dokdo, and discover his enduring legacy.

Heo Jun: The Royal Physician Who Wrote Korea’s Most Famous Medical Text

Portrait of Heo Jun during his later years

Step into the world of Heo Jun, a royal physician who defied societal norms to pen Korea’s most influential medical text—what legacy did he leave behind?

Yi Sun-sin: The Admiral Who Defended Korea With the Turtle Ship

Strategically brilliant and innovative, Yi Sun-sin’s legendary use of the turtle ship during the Imjin War changed Korea’s fate forever—discover how he did it.

Jang Yeong-sil: The Brilliant Joseon Inventor Who Transformed Korean Science

A rain gauge, one of the inventions of Jang Yeong-sil

Meet Jang Yeongsil, the ingenious Joseon inventor whose groundbreaking inventions in astronomy and timekeeping still inspire—discover how he defied the odds.

King Sejong the Great: The Visionary King Who Created Hangul

Learn about King Sejong the Great, a visionary leader who revolutionized Korean culture and identity with Hangul, and discover his lasting impact on Korea.

Choi Museon: The Korean Pioneer of Gunpowder Technology

Learn how Choi Museon’s groundbreaking gunpowder innovations reshaped Korean warfare, and discover the unexpected twists of his adventurous journey.

Queen Seondeok: Silla’s First Female Ruler and Her Legacy

Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla envoy depicted in a 6th-century painting

Learn how Queen Seondeok shattered gender norms and pioneered cultural advancements in Silla, setting the stage for Korea’s unification. Discover her enduring impact.

Gwanggaeto the Great: The Warrior King Who Expanded Korea’s Borders

A Joseon man standing next to the Gwanggaeto Stele, a memorial stele for the tomb of Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo

A formidable ruler, Gwanggaeto the Great’s conquests reshaped ancient Korea; discover the secrets behind his legendary expansion.

King Geunchogo: The Baekje Ruler Who Expanded Korea’s Influence

Tomb No. 3 Seokjong-dong; Possible tomb of King Geunchogo

Legacy of King Geunchogo: Discover how this Baekje ruler’s strategic maneuvers expanded Korea’s influence and cultural ties; what was his enduring impact?

Jikji and UNESCO: Recognizing Korea’s Contribution to Printing History

Movable type used to print the first known book printed with metal type, the Jikji, in Korea

Witness how Jikji, the world’s oldest book printed with movable metal type, redefines Korea’s printing legacy through UNESCO’s recognition. Discover its lasting impact.

Where Is Jikji Today? The Journey of the World’s Oldest Printed Book

Jikji, Selected Teachings of Buddhist Sages and Seon Masters, the earliest known book printed with movable metal type, 1377

On a remarkable journey from Korea to France, discover how Jikji became a testament to early printing technology—want to know more?

Jikji vs. Gutenberg Bible: The True Origin of Metal Movable Type Printing

Nearly 80 years before Gutenberg’s Bible, Jikji redefined printing history, challenging Eurocentric narratives—discover the untold story behind this groundbreaking innovation.

Jikji: The World’s Oldest Metal-Printed Book and Its Forgotten Legacy

Two pages (pp. 4v–5r) of a 1377 manuscript of the Jikji, the oldest example of printing with metal movable type

Curious about Jikji, the world’s oldest metal-printed book, and its forgotten legacy? Discover how this ancient Korean artifact predates Gutenberg’s Bible.

How the Joseon Dynasty Shaped Modern Korean Culture

Discover how the Joseon Dynasty’s influence crafted the framework of modern Korean culture, leaving an indelible legacy that continues to resonate today.