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Historical Figure

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • Naver’s CLOVA X Vision proves a picture is worth a thousand words

    Aug 22, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Naver’s CLOVA X Vision proves a picture is worth a thousand words

    Naver unveils its hyperscale AI platform HyperCLOVA X on Aug. 24, 2023 A picture is worth a thousand words, as…

    Historical Figure, Japan, Korean Technology, Naver, Question, Stress
  • Lee Hwang

    Aug 7, 2024
    in History, People
    Lee Hwang

    Introduction to Lee Hwang Lee Hwang (퇴溪 李滉), regarded as one of Korea’s foremost Confucian scholars of the 16th century,…

    Affinity, Curiosity, daegu, Discussion, family, Historical Figure, history, Joseon, Korean History, Question, study
  • Jeong Dojeon

    Mar 21, 2024
    in History, People
    Jeong Dojeon

    Who Was Jeong Dojeon? Jeong Dojeon (1342-1398) was a prominent figure in Korean history, known for his critical role during…

    Baekje, Discussion, family, Goryeo, Historical Figure, history, Jeong Dojeon, Joseon, Justice, Korean History, Korean Military, Military, Politics
  • Gwangjong

    Sep 30, 2023
    in History, People
    Gwangjong

    The Origins of Gwangjong Gwangjong, also known as Wang So, was the fourth king of the Goryeo Dynasty in Korea,…

    Discussion, family, Goryeo, Gwangjong, Historical Figure, history, Korean History, Korean Military, Military, Politics, Question, Silla, study, Unification of Korea
  • Jung Mongju

    May 14, 2023
    in History, People
    Jung Mongju

    Introduction to Jung Mongju Jung Mongju (鄭夢周) stands as a pivotal figure from Korea’s Goryeo dynasty, a period characterized by…

    Discussion, family, Goryeo, Historical Figure, history, Joseon, Justice, Korean Art, Korean History, Korean Military, Koreans, Military, Peace
  • Choi Young

    May 19, 2022
    in History, People
    Choi Young

    Introduction to Choi Young Choi Young, an influential figure during the Goryeo Dynasty, emerged as a prominent general and politician…

    Choi Young, Discussion, family, Goryeo, Historical Figure, history, Korean History, Korean Military, Koreans, Military, Politics, study
  • Kim Busik

    Jul 21, 2020
    in History, People
    Kim Busik

    Introduction to Kim Busik Kim Busik, a prominent figure in Korean history, was born in 1075 during the Goryeo Dynasty.…

    Baekje, Fame, Goguryeo, Goryeo, Historical Figure, history, Japan, Kim Busik, Korean History, Koreans, Peace, Perspectives, Politics, Silla, study, Three Kingdom
  • King Jinheung

    Apr 1, 2020
    in History, People
    King Jinheung

    Introduction to King Jinheung’s Reign King Jinheung, one of the most influential monarchs of the Silla Kingdom, ruled from 540…

    Ancient Korea, Baekje, Discussion, family, Goguryeo, Historical Figure, history, Justice, Korean History, Korean Military, Koreans, LG, Military, Peace, Silla, study, Three Kingdom, Unification of Korea
  • Gyebaek

    Apr 14, 2019
    in History, People
    Gyebaek

    Introduction to Gyebaek Gyebaek is a prominent historical figure in Korean history, particularly known for his role as a general…

    Baekje, Goguryeo, Historical Figure, history, Japan, Justice, K-pop Fans, Korean History, Korean Military, Koreans, Military, Mystery, purpose, Question, Silla, Three Kingdom, Unification of Korea
  • Jang Bogo

    Apr 14, 2019
    in History, People
    Jang Bogo

    Introduction to Jang Bogo Jang Bogo, a prominent historical figure from the Silla Dynasty, played a pivotal role in shaping…

    Affinity, Ancient Korea, Discussion, family, Historical Figure, history, Japan, Korean History, Korean Military, KT, legendary story, Military, Peace, Politics, Silla
  • Won Hyo

    Oct 14, 2018
    in History, People
    Won Hyo

    Introduction to Won Hyo Won Hyo, a prominent figure in Korean history, is celebrated for his profound impact on the…

    Baekje, Curiosity, Discussion, family, Goguryeo, Historical Figure, history, Korean Art, Korean History, Koreans, Parents, Peace, Perspectives, purpose, Question, Silla, Stress, study, Three Kingdom, travel, Unification of Korea, Won Hyo
  • King Gwanggaeto the Great

    May 14, 2018
    in History, People
    King Gwanggaeto the Great

    Introduction to King Gwanggaeto King Gwanggaeto the Great, a pivotal figure in Korean history, ruled from 395 to 413 CE…

    Ancient Korea, Baekje, family, Goguryeo, Historical Figure, historical storytelling, history, Korean History, Korean Military, Koreans, Military, Peace, Politics, purpose, Silla, study
  • Choe Chi-won

    Feb 14, 2018
    in History, People
    Choe Chi-won

    Introduction to Choe Chi-won Choe Chi-won, born in 857, stands as a notable figure in Korean history, specifically during the…

    Cultural Diversity, Discussion, family, Goryeo, Historical Article, Historical Figure, history, Korean History, Koreans, Peace, purpose, Silla, study, travel

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Latest Korean News

  • LG Display to invest $925.4 mn in smaller, high-end OLEDJune 17, 2025
    LG DIsplay booth at SID’s Display Week 2025 (Courtesy of… Read more: LG Display to invest $925.4 mn in smaller, high-end OLED
  • Samsung to thrash out strategy amid Trump, Middle East crisisJune 17, 2025
    Samsung’s logo is seen at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE)… Read more: Samsung to thrash out strategy amid Trump, Middle East crisis
  • US, South Korea talks scrapped after Trump cuts G7 shortJune 17, 2025
    The two leaders were expected to discuss tariffs, defense cost-sharing… Read more: US, South Korea talks scrapped after Trump cuts G7 short
  • EQT taps ex-DHK Management CEO to lead S.Korea real estate pushJune 17, 2025
    Kim Dae-hyun, partner and head of EQT Real Estate Korea… Read more: EQT taps ex-DHK Management CEO to lead S.Korea real estate push
  • Affirma Capital to acquire Equis’ Korean waste assets for $294 millionJune 17, 2025
    CEK Yeosu (Courtesy of CEK)  Affirma Capital, a Singapore-headquartered buyout… Read more: Affirma Capital to acquire Equis’ Korean waste assets for $294 million

Latest Community Feeds

  • South Korea’s Lee and PM Carney discuss cooperation in defense, arms industryJune 18, 2025
  • Lee gov’t plans to shift investment from real estate to AI & semiconductors — ‘National Fund’ under review by policy committeeJune 18, 2025
  • How do armys keep 5 members charting high on spotify global with barely any playlisting or radio?June 17, 2025
  • Korea Dual Citizenship RenunicationJune 17, 2025
  • Kimchi jjigaeJune 17, 2025
  • Help with transliteration (Son’s name)June 17, 2025
  • Two presidents, once child laborers, now meeting as heads of stateJune 17, 2025
  • Beef!!!! How do you guys cook it so good???June 17, 2025
  • Non east asian celebs who resemble your fave idol(s)June 17, 2025
  • Why many K-pop groups and idols still skips Vietnam when going on Asian tours?June 17, 2025
  • UniversityJune 17, 2025
  • The 2nd Generation American Immigrants in North KoreaJune 17, 2025
  • It’s Kkaennip Ssambap time but first you must make Ssamjang! Here’s my new batch!June 17, 2025
  • Foreign workers in Korea’s booming shipyards struggle with high remittances, debt obligationsJune 17, 2025
  • Subscriptions to things like Bubble were created to profit off of the parasocial relationships between idol/fanJune 17, 2025
  • my first thought after hearing ATEEZ’s Lemon Drop…June 17, 2025
  • NOWZ’s ‘Fly To The Youth’ makes me miss Pentagon so much brb cryingJune 17, 2025
  • Expired ARC and Passport, can’t even Contact Hana BankJune 17, 2025
  • Melona Mochi Ice Cream…June 17, 2025
  • Does anyone know which part of the chicken this is from?June 17, 2025

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (9,481)
    • Community (5,962)
    • Entertainment (577)
    • News (2,940)
  • History (41)
  • People (16)

History of Korea

  • Exploring Ancient Korea: A Journey into Pre-HistoryOctober 12, 2017
    Introduction to Pre-Historic Korea The timeline of ancient Korea before documented history is a fascinating yet challenging area of study.… Read more: Exploring Ancient Korea: A Journey into Pre-History
  • The Rise and Fall of Go Joseon and the Emergence of the Three KingdomsOctober 19, 2017
    Introduction to Go Joseon The Go Joseon dynasty, often considered a pivotal era in Korean history, emerged around the end… Read more: The Rise and Fall of Go Joseon and the Emergence of the Three Kingdoms
  • The Rise and Fall of Korea’s Three Kingdoms: A Story of Power, Conflict, and UnificationNovember 30, 2017
    Introduction to the Three Kingdoms The Three Kingdoms period in Korea, encompassing approximately from the 1st century BCE to the… Read more: The Rise and Fall of Korea’s Three Kingdoms: A Story of Power, Conflict, and Unification
  • Choe Chi-wonFebruary 14, 2018
    Introduction to Choe Chi-won Choe Chi-won, born in 857, stands as a notable figure in Korean history, specifically during the… Read more: Choe Chi-won
  • King Gwanggaeto the GreatMay 14, 2018
    Introduction to King Gwanggaeto King Gwanggaeto the Great, a pivotal figure in Korean history, ruled from 395 to 413 CE… Read more: King Gwanggaeto the Great
  • Won HyoOctober 14, 2018
    Introduction to Won Hyo Won Hyo, a prominent figure in Korean history, is celebrated for his profound impact on the… Read more: Won Hyo
  • Jang BogoApril 14, 2019
    Introduction to Jang Bogo Jang Bogo, a prominent historical figure from the Silla Dynasty, played a pivotal role in shaping… Read more: Jang Bogo
  • GyebaekApril 14, 2019
    Introduction to Gyebaek Gyebaek is a prominent historical figure in Korean history, particularly known for his role as a general… Read more: Gyebaek
  • King MuryeongSeptember 14, 2019
    Introduction to King Muryeong King Muryeong, reigning from 501 to 523 AD, stands as one of the most influential monarchs… Read more: King Muryeong
  • The Rise and Fall of the Goryeo Dynasty: A Precursor to the Joseon EraJanuary 3, 2020
    Introduction to the Goryeo Dynasty The Goryeo Dynasty, established in 918 AD by the notable general Wang Geon, marks a… Read more: The Rise and Fall of the Goryeo Dynasty: A Precursor to the Joseon Era

Open Korea

Open Korea

Korean Identities Beyond Borders

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Helplines in Korea

112  | Police

Call to report life-threatening situations and emergencies requiring law enforcement. Text service and location tracking service is also available.

119 | Fire & Ambulance

The fire department and health emergencies requiring ambulance service. There’s also an English reporting section on their website.

182 | Missing Persons & Stolen Vehicles

This line is also used for non-emergency reports and requests such as inquiring about the cost of a fine for a traffic violation, information on car licenses, and how to contact officers in charge of specific cases.

1339 | Korea Center for Disease Control (KCDC) Foreigner Helpline

Particularly useful during the 2015 MERS scare, the KCDC provides foreigners with information about first-aid and diseases in English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Mongolian.

1366 | Seoul Women’s Help Hotline

Not necessarily English-friendly and not outside of Seoul, this 24-hour service immediate response line for women involved in domestic abuse, sexual violence or prostitution should still be kept handy.

1330 | Korea Tourism Organization’s Travel Helpline

Tourism and translation services. The service is available 24/7 and provides information on tourist sites, transportation, restaurants, and more.

120 | Seoul Municipal Government Info

The Seoul “Dasan” helpline provides information on restaurants (Korean and international cuisines), transportation (bus, subway, taxi, etc.), Korean language schools, interpretation services, legal consulting, lost items, volunteer services, daily living in Seoul, and tourism. Available languages are Chinese, English, Japanese, Mongolian and Vietnamese from 9 am to 10 pm.

1345 | Immigration

Foreign resident can to ask just about any immigration-related question. Keep in mind that they tend to be on the negative side, as it’s the safer way for them to answer. Tip: Get their name and information so that if you visit the immigration office and get a different story you can tell them that you were told otherwise…

1331 | National Human Rights Commission of Korea

Call here to get information on human rights laws and social justice in Korea, as well as get assistance with filing a complaint and even receive counseling.

110 | National Government Call Center

This phone number is available for the public to call and inquire about anything from government policy to civil complaints. Available in 20 different languages.

Useful Official Links on Korea

Korean Arts

  • Archive of Gugak 국악아카이브
  • Artsnet 미술포탈 아츠넷
  • Digital Archive of Performing Arts 공연예술 디지털 아카이브
  • Intangible Heritage Digital Archive 무형유산 디지털 아카이브
  • Korea Digital Archives for the Arts 한국예술디지털아카이브
  • National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea 국립현대미술관
  • ​National Museum of Korea 국립중앙박물관
  • Seoul Photo Archives 서울사진아카이브

Korean Cinema

  • HANCINEMA The Korean Movie & Drama Database
  • Intangible Heritage Digital Archive 무형유산 디지털 아카이브
  • KMDb 한국영화데이터베이스
  • Korea Digital Archives for the Arts 한국예술디지털아카이브
  • Korean Annual Box Office Results 영화진흥위원회 박스오피스
  • Korean Film Archive 한국영상자료원
  • Korean Film Archive YouTube Channel
  • Korean Film Biz Zone
  • Korean Film Council 한국영화진흥위원회
  • KTV National Record Film 한국정책방송원 e영상역사관
  • North Korean film 북한영화 (통일부 북한자료센타)

Language & Literature

  • The Academy of Korean Studies 한국학 중앙 연구원
  • DLKL (한국 문학 디지털 도서관) by 한국문학번역원Digital Library of Korean Literature
  • The Korea Comparative Literature Association 한국비교문학회
  • The Korean Association of Language Sciences 한국언어과학회
  • Korean Literature Archive
  • Korean Literature Author Data Service
  • Korean Literature E-books in Multiple Languages
  • The Learned Society of Modern Korean Literature 한국현대문학회
  • The Modern Linguistic Society of Korea 한국현대언어학회
  • The Society of Korean Oral Literature 한국 구비 문학회
  • 국어 능력 인증 시험 (한국언어문화연구원)
  • 근대 문학 종합 목록 (국립 중앙 도서관)A comprehensive database for Korean modern literature. The site provides a search for authors and titles.
  • 한국 고전 종합 DB
  • 한글 학회 (Korean Language Society)

Statistical Sources

Government sources

  • Statistics Korea (KOSTAT 통계청)
  • Korean Statistical Information Sources (KOSIS 국가통계포털)
  • Open DATA Portal (공공 데이터 포털)

Themed statistics

  • Korean Social Science Data Archive (KOSSDA) 한국사회과학자료원
  • North Korean Statistics 북한통계 (KOISS)
  • 경제통계시스템 (Economic Statistics System)
  • 국가교육통계정보센터 (Korea National Center for Education Statistics & Information)
  • 노동통계 (Labour Statistics)
  • Media Statistics (Korea Press Foundation)
  • Trade Statistics (수출입통계, 관세청 Korea Customs Service)

History related sources

  • 한국역사정보통합시스템 (국사편찬워원회)
  • 한국사 데이터베이스
  • Kyujanggak Institute (규장각 한국학 연구원)Seoul National University Kyujanggak Institute for Korean studies
  • 한국학 디지털 아카이브
  • The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty 조선 왕조 실록
  • The Daily Records of Royal Secretariat of Joseon Dynasty 승정원 일기
  • 朝鮮王朝実録 (東京大学東洋文化研究所)
  • Korean Image Archive (한국 이미지 자료원)2,400 historic, original photographs of Korea (primarily focus on images captured pre-1970, and 35mm color slides) are available for research, presentation, lectures and other forms of scholarly works.
  • Sajin Taehan Min’guk (사진 대한민국)a collection of photographic records that vividly capture the people’s daily lives and social changes.
  • Academy of Korean Studies [한국학 디지털 아카이브]

Bibliographies and Indexes

  • 한국학술지인용색인 Korea Citation Index
  • KORCIS: 한국 고문헌 종합 목록 (국립중앙도서관)Korean Old and Rare Collection Information System
  • 近代朝鮮関係書籍データベース (東京大学東洋文化研究所)
  • 한국 잡지 박물관 DB