KOREAPRE-HISTORY AND THE

THREE KINGDOMS

Ancient Chosun The mythological unified Korean nation ruled by Tangun from

2333 BC - Kim Il Sung claimed descent from this line (first communist leader of

NK) - Claims to be the oldest continual line of descent for any race

(problems with this line of thought?)

Han tribes 300 BC+ Introduced elements of Chinese culture and technology

PRE-HISTORY

Koguryo: Northern Korea 53 BC – 668 AD

Paekche: Southwestern Korea 18 BC – 660 AD

Silla (Sheila) Southeastern Korea 57 AD – 668 AD (Victory)

Kaya (minor and short lived)

THREE KINGDOMS ABOUT 56 BCE – 668 CE

largest and strongest Included much of ManchuriaBattled/resisted China several

timesBuddhism introduced by Tibetan

monk - Sundo

THREE KINGDOMSKOGURYO: NORTH

First to adopt BuddhismSent scholars, craftsmen and

monks to Japan Destroyed by Silla-Tang alliance

THREE KINGDOMS: PAEKCHE -- SOUTHWEST

Last to developBuilt alliance with

Tang ChinaControlled Paekche

and Koguryo by 668CE

Turned on Chineseallies

Unified area under Silla Dynasty 668 CE – 918 CE

THREE KINGDOMS:SILLA -- SOUTHEAST

Current division similar to 3 Kingdoms

South Korea also divided into East/West regions for domestic politics

Coincidence?

THREE KINGDOMS DIVISION REPLAYED?

Three Kingdoms Map

Contemporary Korean Map