2000 BC The foundation of the Korean state
traditionally dates back to the Tangun
dynasty.
1122-4th century The Chinese Kija dynasty. AD
10th century After centuries of internal war
and invasion, Korea was united within its
present boundaries. 16th century Japan
invaded Korea for the first time, later
withdrawing from a country it had devastated.
1905 Japan began to treat Korea as a
protectorate. 1910 It was annexed by Japan.
Many Japanese colonists settled in Korea,
introducing both industrial and agricultural
development.
1945 At the end of World War II, the Japanese
in Korea surrendered, but the occupying
forces at the ceasefire - the USSR north of
the 38th parallel, and the USA south of it -
resulted in a lasting division of the country
as North and South Korea (see Korea, North,
and Korea, South, for history since 1945).