Encyclopedia/3. History, Societies & Civilizations/09. Modern Nations/04. East Asia • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
History of North Korea (AI-generated, sourced to Wikipedia).
Chronological Storyline (32 Milestones)
2333 BCE
Gojoseon Kingdom Founded
According to Korean mythology, Dangun established Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, in the region that includes the northern Korean peninsula. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Map of Old Chosŏn By Asieon - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=191841772
37 BCE
Goguryeo Kingdom Established
Goguryeo, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, was founded in the northern part of the peninsula and Manchuria, encompassing much of present-day North Korea. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
5th century Goguryeo By Asieon - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=192465789
918 CE
Goryeo Dynasty Founded
Wang Geon established the Goryeo dynasty, which unified the Korean peninsula and gave Korea its modern English name. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Royal Flag of the Goryeo dynasty. Flag's name is "Phoenix flag" ( hanja: 鳳旗, 봉기, Bong-gi). This flag is in the War Memorial of Korea. By Samhanin - Own work, referenced the flag in the War memorial of Korea., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46722914
1392 CE
Joseon Dynasty Founded
Yi Seong-gye overthrew Goryeo and established the Joseon dynasty, which would rule Korea for over five centuries and shape its Confucian culture. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
1882 version of the flag of Korea, based on the earliest surviving depiction of the flag, published in a U.S. Navy book Flags of Maritime Nations in July 1, 1882. By Daniil Ivanov - [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1762046
May 23, 1592 CE
Japanese Invasions of Korea
Toyotomi Hideyoshi's forces invaded Korea, devastating the peninsula including its northern regions before Ming and Korean forces repelled them. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Japanese Siege of Busanjin (1592) By Unknown author - http://www.cha.go.kr/unisearch/Culresult_Db_View.jsp?VdkVgwKey=12,03910000,11, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=752659
Oct 12, 1897 CE
Korean Empire Declared
King Gojong proclaimed the Korean Empire, attempting to modernize and assert independence from foreign influence, but it lasted only until 1910. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Flag of Korea (1899) By Lumia1234 - [1], File:Flags of Maritime Nations (1899).djvu, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46374231
Aug 22, 1910 CE
Japan Annexes Korea
Japan formally annexed Korea through the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty, beginning 35 years of colonial rule over the entire peninsula. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
General power of attorney to Lee Wan-Yong signed and sealed by the last emperor, Sunjong of the Korean Empire (Yi Cheok, 이척 李坧) on August 22, 1910. The last emperor's first name '坧' used as signature. By Sunjong of Korean Empire - "서울대이태진교수의동경대생들에게들려준한국사 : 메이지일본의한국침략사", Yi Tae-jin (2005) p. 211. ISBN 89-7626-999-3, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2294468
Mar 1, 1919 CE
March First Movement
Koreans launched a nationwide peaceful protest against Japanese colonial rule, which was brutally suppressed, but galvanized the Korean independence movement. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Peaceful demonstration in Seoul, in March 1919 By Bureau d'information coréen - L'indépendance de la Corée et la paix [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60559405
Apr 25, 1932 CE
Kim Il-sung Joins Resistance
Kim Il-sung joined the anti-Japanese guerrilla movement in Manchuria, later building the mythology that would underpin his rule of North Korea. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Kim Il-sung By Unknown author - one or more third parties have made copyright claims against Wikimedia Commons in relation to the work from which this is sourced or a purely mechanical reproduction thereof. This may be due to recognition of the "sweat of the brow" doctrine, allowing works to be eligible for protection through skill and labour, and not purely by originality as is the case in the United States (where this website is hosted). These claims may or may not be valid in all jurisdictions. As such, use of this image in the jurisdiction of the claimant or other countries may be regarded as copyright infringement. Please see Commons:When to use the PD-Art tag for more information., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68662641
Aug 15, 1945 CE
Korea Liberated from Japan
Japan's surrender in World War II ended colonial rule in Korea, but the peninsula was soon divided between Soviet and American occupation zones. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signs the Instrument of Surrender on behalf of the Japanese Government, on board USS Missouri (BB-63), 2 September 1945. Lieutenant General Richard K. Sutherland, U.S. Army, watches from the opposite side of the table. Foreign Ministry representative Toshikazu Kase is assisting Mr. Shigemitsu. By Army Signal Corps photographer LT. Stephen E. Korpanty; restored by Adam Cuerden - Naval Historical Center Photo # SC 213700, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=93758525
Sep 2, 1945 CE
Korea Divided at 38th Parallel
Soviet forces occupied Korea north of the 38th parallel while American forces occupied the south, setting the stage for permanent division. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Closeup of the Korean Demilitarized Zone that surrounds the Military Demarcation Line By Rishabh Tatiraju - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21452471
Sep 9, 1948 CE
DPRK Founded
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea was formally established with Kim Il-sung as premier, creating a Soviet-backed communist state in the north. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Flag of North Korea (20:33 aspect ratio) By EuropeanV - This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this file:, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=191823880
Jun 25, 1950 CE
Korean War Begins
North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea, launching the Korean War which drew in international forces on both sides. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
A column of troops and armor of the 1st Marine Division move through communist Chinese lines during their successful breakout from the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. The Marines were besieged when the Chinese entered the Korean War November 27, 1950, by sending 200,000 shock troops against Allied forces. By Photo by Corporal Peter McDonald, USMC - [1] (originally uploaded to en.wiki by Raul654), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=403277
Jul 27, 1953 CE
Korean War Armistice Signed
An armistice agreement ended fighting in the Korean War, establishing the Demilitarized Zone near the 38th parallel but leaving the peninsula technically still at war. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
UN delegate Lieut. Gen. William K. Harrison, Jr. (seated left), and Korean People’s Army and Chinese People’s Volunteers delegate Gen. Nam Il (seated right) signing the Korean War armistice agreement at P’anmunjŏm, Korea, July 27, 1953. By U.S. Department of Defense (F. Kazukaitis. U.S. Navy) - http://www.britannica.com/media/full/160426 (a crop of NARA FILE #: 080-G-625728, WAR & CONFLICT BOOK #: 1517), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24854727
Dec 1, 1955 CE
Juche Ideology Proclaimed
Kim Il-sung articulated the Juche ideology of self-reliance, which became the official state philosophy and the ideological foundation of North Korean governance. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Torch at the top of the Juche Tower in Pyongyang, North Korea By Uwe Brodrecht - Original: 1730 - Nordkorea 2015 - Pjöngjang - Juche TurmCrop of File:1730 - Nordkorea 2015 - Pjöngjang - Juche Turm (22791978320).jpg, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112343824
Aug 1, 1956 CE
August Faction Incident
Pro-Soviet and pro-Chinese party members attempted to challenge Kim Il-sung's leadership but were defeated, leading to purges and consolidation of his power. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Flag of North Korea (20:33 aspect ratio) By EuropeanV - This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this file:, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=191823880
Jan 21, 1968 CE
Blue House Raid Attempted
North Korean commandos infiltrated Seoul in an attempt to assassinate President Park Chung-hee, but were intercepted and failed in their mission. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
From January 21 to 30 1968 South Korean and U.S. forces conducted a manhunt on North Korean commandos following the Blue House raid By Bureau of Public Information (공보처 홍보국 사진담당관) - National Archives of Korea (대한민국 국가기록원)Maintenance no. CET0031021 / 9901430999999991968000832001, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=193154378
Jan 23, 1968 CE
USS Pueblo Captured
North Korean forces seized the American intelligence ship USS Pueblo in international waters, capturing 83 crew members and holding them for 11 months. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
USS Pueblo (AGER-2) is an American technical research ship (Navy intelligence) that was boarded and captured by North Korean forces on 23 January 1968. It is now on display at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum in Pyongyang, North Korea. By Bjørn Christian Tørrissen - Own work by uploader, http://bjornfree.com/kim/, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32488364
Dec 1, 1972 CE
New Constitution Adopted
North Korea adopted a new socialist constitution formally establishing Kim Il-sung as president and codifying Juche as state ideology. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Cover page of an English-language translation of the 2017 Constitution of North Korea. By Pyongyang Foreign Languages Publishing House - https://archive.org/details/constitution_202002, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=147327514
Aug 18, 1976 CE
Axe Murder Incident at DMZ
North Korean soldiers killed two American officers with axes during a tree-trimming operation in the Joint Security Area, escalating tensions along the DMZ. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Flag of North Korea (20:33 aspect ratio) By EuropeanV - This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this file:, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=191823880
Oct 9, 1983 CE
Rangoon Bombing
North Korean agents detonated a bomb in Rangoon, Burma, targeting South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan, killing 21 people including senior South Korean officials. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
A cropped version of File:Chun Doo-hwan and Lee SoonJa.jpgPresident Chun, Republic of South Korea, and his wife Lee SoonJa prepare to depart after their visit to Washington D.C. By TEMPLETON - [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5894269
Nov 29, 1987 CE
Korean Air Flight 858 Bombed
North Korean agents bombed Korean Air Flight 858, killing all 115 people aboard, in an apparent attempt to disrupt the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Delivered for Korean Air in 1971 and is the only Boeing 707 ordered by Korean Air from Boeing. Taken shortly after repainted new livery. Destroyed in 29 November 1987 by bomb, killing all 115. By ハミングバードさん - https://flyteam.jp/photo/2167291, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=151902173
Jul 8, 1994 CE
Kim Il-sung Dies
Founding leader Kim Il-sung died of a heart attack, ending his 46-year rule and beginning a three-year mourning period before his son formally took power. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Former North Korean leader Kim Il Sung By Unknown author - http://www.jajuminbo.com/138, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86186130
Jan 1, 1995 CE
Arduous March Famine Begins
A devastating famine, compounded by economic mismanagement and the loss of Soviet support, killed an estimated hundreds of thousands of North Koreans over several years. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
Flag of North Korea (20:33 aspect ratio) By EuropeanV - This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this file:, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=191823880
Aug 31, 1998 CE
First Satellite Launch Attempt
North Korea attempted to launch its first satellite, Kwangmyongsong-1, aboard a Taepodong-1 rocket, drawing international condemnation and sanctions. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
North Korean missile launches over Japan By Phoenix7777 - Own workSource map: File:Blank map of the world (Robinson projection) (162E).svg August 31, 1998, April 5, 2009: DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2010, Section 2 Korean Peninsula December 12, 2012: DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2013, Section 2 Korean Peninsula February 7, 2016: 平成28年版防衛白書, 2章 朝鮮半島 (DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2016, Section 2 Korean Peninsula) August 29, 2017: 北ミサイル発射 (North Korea launched a missile), CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62245961
Jun 15, 2000 CE
First Inter-Korean Summit
Kim Jong-il and South Korean President Kim Dae-jung held the first-ever inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang, producing a joint declaration toward reconciliation. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
金正恩与文在寅在正式会谈前合影 By Cheongwadae / Blue House - http://www.president.go.kr/img_KR/2018/04/2018042704.jpg, KOGL Type 1, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68597448
Oct 9, 2006 CE
First Nuclear Test Conducted
North Korea conducted its first underground nuclear weapons test, becoming the eighth nation to possess nuclear weapons and triggering widespread international condemnation. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
First Nuclear Test Conducted By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1259602
Dec 17, 2011 CE
Kim Jong-il Dies
Leader Kim Jong-il died of a heart attack after 17 years in power, triggering the transfer of leadership to his youngest son Kim Jong-un. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
North Korean posthumous portrait of Kim Jong-il. By Jesse Charlie - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82630609
Feb 12, 2013 CE
Third Nuclear Test
North Korea conducted its third nuclear test, the first under Kim Jong-un, prompting tightened UN sanctions and heightened regional security concerns. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
USGS information poster showing the intensity of the 2013 North Korean nuclear test. By USGS - USGS Earthquake Hazard Program, https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives/poster/2013/NorthKorea.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24627656
Sep 3, 2017 CE
Sixth and Largest Nuclear Test
North Korea detonated its sixth and most powerful nuclear device, claiming it was a hydrogen bomb, amid escalating tensions with the United States. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
M 6.3 Explosion - 22km ENE of Sungjibaegam, North Korea By USGS - https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us2000aert#shakemap, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62129109
Apr 27, 2018 CE
Panmunjom Summit Held
Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in met at the DMZ, agreeing to pursue denuclearization and formally end the Korean War. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
金正恩与文在寅在正式会谈前合影 By Cheongwadae / Blue House - http://www.president.go.kr/img_KR/2018/04/2018042704.jpg, KOGL Type 1, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68597448
Feb 28, 2019 CE
Hanoi Summit Collapses
The second summit between Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump ended without an agreement, stalling diplomatic progress on denuclearization. Source — Wikipedia, "North Korea":
The official logo of the DPRK-USA Summit in Vietnam takes place from February 27-28, 2019 in Hanoi This Logo has been officially used in conference areas, news agencies and television stations (eg VTV, ....). The DPRK and USA national flags in the photo are also available on the Commons, see details in the "National flags in photos" section below. By Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam (https://dprk-usasummit2019.mofa.gov.vn) - Cut from photos in PDF files from https://dprk-usasummit2019.mofa.gov.vn/HanoiSummit_CIP.pdf, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76836970
