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History of Korea
Prehistoric period Palaeolithic 700,000 BC-8000 BC Neolithic 8000 BC–1500 BC * Jeulmun Bronze Age 1500 BC–300 BC * Mumun * Liaoning dagger
Ancient period Gojoseon 2333 BC–108 BC * Dangun * Gija * Wiman Jin 4th–2nd century BC Yemaek
Proto–Three Kingdoms period Takri Dongye Buyeo Eastern Galsa Okjeo Samhan Ma Byeon Jin Goguryeo Tamna Nakrang Four Commanderies of Han
Three Kingdoms period Goguryeo 37 BC–668 AD Baekje 18 BC–660 AD Silla 57 BC–935 AD Gaya confederacy 42–562 Tamna (Tributary of Baekje) 498–660 Usan 512–930
Northern and Southern period United Silla (Unified Silla) 668–892 Balhae 698–926 Little Goguryeo 699–820 Tamna (Tributary of Silla) 662–925
Later Three Kingdoms period Later Baekje 892–936 Taebong (Later Goguryeo) 901–918 Unified Silla (Later Silla) 892–935 Later Sabeol 919–927 Dongdan Kingdom 926–936 Later Balhae 927–935 Jeongan 938–986
Dynastic period Goryeo 918–1392 Tamna (Vassal of Goryeo) 938–1105 Heungyo 1029–1030 Joseon 1392–1897 Korean Empire 1897–1910
Colonial period Japanese occupation 1910–1945 Provisional Government 1919–1948
Modern period Military governments 1945–1948 North-South division 1945–present * North 1948–present * South 1948–present
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Korea's military history spans thousands of years, beginning with the ancient nation of Gojoseon and continuing into the present day with the countries of North Korea and South Korea, and is notable for its many successful triumphs over invaders.

Throughout its history, Korea has boasted numerous exceptional leaders who gained outstanding victories against numerically superior enemies. Famed leaders credited with defending Korea against foreign invasions include: Eulji Mundeok of Goguryeo, who defeated Sui China during the Goguryeo–Sui War; Yeon Gaesomun of Goguryeo, who defeated Emperor Taizong of Tang China during the Goguryeo–Tang War; Kang Kam-ch'an of Goryeo, who defeated the Khitan Empire during the Goryeo-Khitan War; Ch'oe Yŏng and Yi Sŏng-gye of Goryeo, who defeated the Red Turbans during the Red Turban Invasions; and Yi Sun-shin of Joseon, who defeated the Japanese at sea during the Imjin War.

Other notable leaders include: Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo, who created a great empire in Northeast Asia through conquest, and subjugated the other Korean kingdoms of Baekje, Silla and Gaya to bring about a brief unification of the Three Kingdoms of Korea; Geunchogo of Baekje, who captured Pyongyang and established overseas territories to control much of the Korean peninsula and dominate the seas; Munmu and Kim Yu-sin of Silla, who united the Three Kingdoms of Korea and defeated Tang China to gain complete control of the Korean peninsula; Dae Jo-yeong, who created Balhae from Goguryeo's ashes and reconquered Goguryeo lands lost during the Goguryeo-Tang War; Jang Bogo of Later Silla, who created a maritime empire and commanded a powerful fleet; Wang Kŏn, who united the Later Three Kingdoms of Korea and established Goryeo as the successor to Goguryeo; and Yun Kwan of Goryeo, who defeated the Jurchens and constructed nine fortresses in Manchuria.

During the Cold War, South Korean troops actively participated in the Vietnam War, contributing the second largest foreign military contingent after the United States. North Korea also contributed soldiers, military equipment and advisors to several conflicts during the Cold War in support of the Communist bloc, including the Yom Kippur War, Ethiopian Civil War, and Ugandan Bush War.

Today, both North Korea and South Korea field some of the largest and most lethal armies in the world. On one hand, North Korea is widely suspected of having nuclear weapons, as well as other weapons of mass destruction. South Korea, for its part, is equipped with a sophisticated conventional military with state-of-the-art weapons. South Korea currently serves in several UN peacekeeping missions around the world. The South Korean military enjoys military alliances with other countries, particularly the United States.

Timeline

Gojoseon

• Gojoseon–Yan War – 4th century B.C.
• Han conquest of Gojoseon – 109–108 BC

Buyeo

• Mohe conquest

Proto–Three Kingdoms of Korea

Goguryeo

• Continuous battles with the Four Commanderies of Han
  • Battle of Jwawon
  • Xuantu Conquest – 302
  • Lelang Conquest – 313
  • Daifang Conquest – 314
• Gongsun Du's Campaign against Goguryeo – 190
• Goguryeo-Wei War – 244
• Xianbei Conquest
• Khitan Conquest

Baekje

• Malgal Conquest
• Conquest of Mahan by Baekje

Silla

• Conquest of Jinhan by Silla
• Campaign with Gaya

Gaya

• Campaign with Silla

Three Kingdoms period

Goguryeo campaigns

• Campaign of Geunchogo of Baekje: Conquest of Pyongyang
• Baekje Campaign of Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo
• Attack from Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo
  • Gaya confederacy Campaign
  • Goguryeo–Yamato War
• Campaigns of Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo
  • Xianbei Campaign
  • Malgal Conquest
  • Khitan Conquest
  • Buyeo Conquest

Goguryeo, Baekje–Silla Alliance War

• Campaign of Jangsu of Goguryeo against Silla and Baekje
• Invasion of Baekje–Silla alliance – 475
• Campaign of Baekje–Silla–Gaya armies against Goguryeo
• Battle of Gwansan – 554
• Gaya confederacy Annexation – 532/562

Other conflicts

• The Baekje Conquest of Tamna – 498
• The Silla Conquest of Usan – 512

Goguryeo–Sui War (598–614)

• Goguryeo–Sui War – 598

Goguryeo–Tang War (645–668)

• First conflict of the Goguryeo–Tang War – 645
  • Battle of Ansi — 645
  • Battle of Mount Jupil — 645
• Battle of Sasu — 662
• Battle of Geumsan — 667

Including Goguryeo and Baekje alliance against Tang and Silla

Baekje–Tang War (660–663)

• Baekje–Tang War – 660

Silla–Tang War (668–676)

• Other rebellions from Baekje and Goguryeo people
• Battle of Maeso fortress

North South States period

Balhae

• Battle of Tianmenling – War of Foundation – 698
• Balhae expedition to Dengzhou – 732
• Balhae-Silla Conflicts
• Conquest of Balhae by Khitan – 926

Silla (676–935)

• Campaigns of Jang Bogo
• Kim Hŏn-ch'ang Rebellion
• Red Pants Rebellion
• Ungjin Commandery Conquest – 676
• Gyerim Territory Area Command Conquest – 735
• Protectorate General to Pacify the East Conquest – 773
• Ajagae Rebellion
• Ki Hwŏn Rebellion
• Yang Kil Rebellion
• Later Three Kingdoms – 900~936

Goryeo dynasty

Goryeo wars

• Northern Expansion of Manchuria
• Goryeo-Khitan War
  • First conflict in the Goryeo–Khitan War
  • Second conflict in the Goryeo–Khitan War
  • Third conflict in the Goryeo–Khitan War (see also Battle of Gwiju)
• Campaigns of General Yun Kwan against the Jurchens (see also Korean-Jurchen border conflicts)
• Mongol invasions of Korea
• Sambyeolcho Rebellion
• Mongol invasions of Japan
  • First Mongol invasion of Japan
  • Second Mongol invasion of Japan
• Dongnyeong Conquest – 1290
• Ssangseong Conquest – 1356
• Red Turban invasions of Goryeo
• Liaoyang campaign – 1370
• War against Japanese piracy
  • 1st Tsushima invasion

Internal strife

• Yi Cha-gyŏm Rebellion
• Myo Cheong Rebellion
• Military Coup of 1170
• Kim Po-dang Rebellion
• Cho Wi-ch'ong Rebellion
• Mangi and Mangsoi Rebellion
• Kim Sami and Hyosim Rebellion
• Slave rebellion by Manjeok
• Wihwado Retreat

Joseon dynasty

Conflicts

• 2nd Tsushima Conquest (Gihae Eastern expedition) – 1419
• Japanese riots in Southeast Korea (1510)
• Seven Year War (Imjin) – 1592–1598
• Northern expedition against Manchus (see also Korean-Jurchen border conflicts)
• Later Jin invasion of Joseon – 1627
• Qing invasion of Joseon – 1636
• Russian-Manchu border conflicts – 1654–1658
• French campaign against Korea
• General Sherman Incident
• United States expedition to Korea
• Ganghwa Island incident

Nationwide Internal strifes

• Yi Si-ae's Rebellion
• Yi Gwal's Rebellion
• Hong Gyeong-Rae's Rebellion
• Imo Incident
• Donghak Peasant Revolution

Korean Empire

Conflicts

• Korean invasion of Manchuria
• Namdaemun Battle

1910–1945: Colonial period

• Campaigns of Independence Forces
  • Battle of Qingshanli
  • Battle of Fengwudong
  • Free City Incident
• Actions of Korean Liberation Army
  • South-East Asian theatre of World War II

After 1945

• Korean War
  • Korean DMZ Conflict
• Vietnam War
  • South Korea in the Vietnam War
• Gulf War
• War in Afghanistan
• Iraq War

See also

• History of Korea
• Military of North Korea
• Military of South Korea
• Naval history of Korea
• List of battles of Korea
• List of wars involving South Korea
• North Korea and weapons of mass destruction
• War Memorial of Korea

References

1. Kim, Jinwung (2012). A History of Korea: From "Land of the Morning Calm" to States in Conflict. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press. p. 49. ISBN 978-0253000781. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
2. Kim, Jinwung (2012). A History of Korea: From "Land of the Morning Calm" to States in Conflict. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press. p. 50. ISBN 978-0253000781. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
3. Miller, Owen (2014). Korean History in Maps. Cambridge University Press. p. 29. ISBN 978-1107098466. Retrieved 25 June 2016. "After the Tang dynasty succeeded the Sui, the second Tang emperor also tried to bring Goguryeo under its control, launching an unsuccessful attack in 645. Goguryeo repelled a second invasion in 662 with victories by the general Yeon Gaesomun."
4. Kim, Djun Kil (May 30, 2014). The History of Korea, 2nd Edition. ABC-CLIO. p. 66. ISBN 978-1610695824. "Later, in 1018, however, a third large-scale invasion from the Khitan was thwarted by Goryeo forces led by the general Gang Gamchan (948-1031). The Khitan thereafter gave up trying to subjugate Goryeo by force."
5. "Choe Yeong, the Victorious General of Goryeo Dynasty". KBS World Radio. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
6. Lee, Ki-Baik (1984). A New History of Korea. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. p. 165. ISBN 978-0674615762. "Yi Sŏng-gye himself won advancement through his success in the numerous battles of his day. He played a major role in repulsing the attacks of the Red Turban bandits and Japanese marauders, as well as in the campaign against the Yüan Tung-ning Commandery in Manchuria."
7. Gilbert, Marc Jason (Spring 2007). "Admiral Yi Sun–Shin, the Turtle Ships, and Modern Asian History" (PDF). Education About Asia. 12 (1): 34. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
8. Kim, Jinwung (2012). A History of Korea: From "Land of the Morning Calm" to States in Conflict. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press. p. 35. ISBN 978-0253000781. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
9. Lee, Hyun-hee; Park, Sung-soo; Yoon, Nae-hyun (2005). New History of Korea. Jimoondang. pp. 199–202. ISBN 9788988095850.
10. Shin, Hyoung Sik (March 31, 2005). A Brief History of Korea. Seoul, Korea: Ewha Womans University Press. pp. 29–30. ISBN 978-8973006199.
11. Lee, Ki-Baik (1984). A New History of Korea. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. p. 37. ISBN 978-0674615762. "Then, in 371, Paekche struck northward into the Koguryŏ domain as far as Pyŏngyang, killing the Koguryŏ king, Kogugwŏn, in the course of the campaign. Paekche thus came to hold sway over a sizeable portion of the Korean Peninsula, including all the modern provinces of Kyŏnggi, Ch'ungch'ŏng, and Chŏlla, as well as parts of Hwanghae and Kangwŏn. Furthermore, King Kŭn Ch'ogo solidified his international position by making overtures to the Eastern Chin state in the Yangtze river region and to the Wa people in Japan."
12. Graff, David A. (2002). Medieval Chinese Warfare, 300–900. London: Routledge. p. 201. ISBN 9780415239554. "In 674 and 675 Tang forces under Liu Rengui attacked Silla itself. Chinese histories record that Liu was victorious and forced the king of Silla to sue for peace, while Korean historians report the defeat of the Chinese armies. The fact that the Tang government found it necessary to withdraw the headquarters of its Korean protectorate to the Liao River valley in the early months of 676 suggests that the Korean version is probably closer to the truth. Silla was left in uncontested control of almost the whole of the Korean peninsula, and there was no great Tang campaign to recover what had been won with such difficulty and so quickly lost."
13. "Daejoyeong, the Father of Balhae". KBS World Radio. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
14. Choi, Wan Gee (2006). The Traditional Ships of Korea. Ewha Womans University Press. pp. 66–67. ISBN 978-8973006830. Retrieved 25 June 2016. "Using his official position and his immense military influence, Jang Bo-go amassed substantial wealth by controlling maritime trade between Silla, Tang and Japan. The famous American scholar of Asian history, Edwin O. Reischauer hailed Jang Bo-go as the trade prince of the maritime commerce empire. As Jang emerged as a formidable force in the sea, high-ranking officials in the Silla capital, Gyeongju, could no longer ignore him. Jang Bo-go ruled his domain with absolute political, military and economic autonomy."
15. Nahm, Andrew C. (2005). A Panorama of 5000 Years: Korean History (Second revised ed.). Seoul: Hollym International Corporation. p. 38. ISBN 978-0930878689. "General Wang Kŏn founded a new dynasty in 918. He named it Koryŏ, symbolizing that it was the successor to Koguryŏ."
16. Eglan, Jared (2015). Beasts of War: The Militarization of Animals. Lulu.com. p. 40. ISBN 978-1329516137. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
17. Baek, Glenn (April 10, 2013). "A Perspective on Korea's Participation in the Vietnam War". The Asan Institute for Policy Studies (53). Retrieved 26 June 2016.
18. Bone, R. Maxwell (30 October 2019). "Uganda: North Korea's African Ally". thediplomat.com. Diplomat Media. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
19. Noland, Marcus (12 September 2014). "North Korean Adventures in the Horn of Africa". www.piie.com. PIIE. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
20. Solomon, Jay (9 September 2019). "The North Korean-Israeli Shadow War". www.washingtoninstitute.org. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Retrieved 20 May 2024.

• Military history of Korea