Korean History
What the exam tests
Korean history from prehistory to the present, with attention to chronology, institutions, and maritime events relevant to national defense.
Core rules
- Chronology: 고조선 → 삼국 → 통일신라 → 고려 → 조선 → 개항 → 일제강점 → 대한민국. Know founding dates and key transitions.
- Maritime history: 장보고 established Cheonghaejin in the 9th century; 최무선 developed gunpowder weapons in late Goryeo; 이순신 won at 한산도 and 명량 during the Imjin War.
- Goryeo (918–1392) adopted a centralized bureaucracy and the gwageo; Joseon (1392–1897) adopted Neo-Confucianism and Hangul was promulgated in 1446.
- Modern: 1919 March First Movement; 1945 liberation; 1948 Republic of Korea founded; 1950–53 Korean War.
Worked example
A question asks which event occurred first: the March First Movement (1919), the Donghak Peasant Revolution (1894), or the founding of the Korean Empire (1897). The order is Donghak → Korean Empire → March First. The reasoning is chronological, not thematic; do not be distracted by the fact that all three involve national identity.
Traps
Do not confuse 고려 and 조선 dates. Do not place the Imjin War in the 14th century. Do not confuse the 1919 March First Movement with the 1919 Provisional Government's founding-they are related but distinct. Watch for 'first' and 'direct cause' wording.