Modern Korean history spans the period from the opening of ports (the Treaty of Ganghwa Island in 1876) to the Japanese colonial period (liberation in 1945). This period marked the collapse of the feudal order and the struggle to establish a modern nation amidst the invasion of imperialist powers. However, Korea ultimately lost its sovereignty and was oppressed by Japan. This period, followed by liberation, marked a turbulent period that led to modern history. Key events include the opening of ports and reforms, the Russo-Japanese War, the loss of national sovereignty, the March 1st Movement, the independence movement, and the August 15th Liberation Day. This is a history of war, a time when modernization intersected with foreign intervention and national resistance.
Note : Blue line is for Korea economy groth curve from 1950 to 2016. While red line curve is for North Korea economy groth at the same period.
1. The opening of ports and the Korean Empire period (1876–1910)
1-1) Attempts at opening ports and modernization: The country opened its ports with the Ganghwa Island Treaty of 1876, and attempts at modernization and reform were made through the Gapsin Coup, the Donghak Peasant Revolution, and the Gabo Reforms, but they failed.
1-2) Competition among the great powers: It became a battlefield for the great powers, such as the Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War, and its sovereignty was violated. It also lost its diplomatic rights with the Eulsa Treaty of 1905.
1-3) Proclamation of the Korean Empire (1897): The country declared itself an independent nation and aimed to become a modern nation, but eventually, it fell into the process of becoming a colony of Japan.
2. Japanese colonial period (1910–1945)
2-1) Loss of National Sovereignty and Colonial Rule: Korea lost its sovereignty with the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty of 1910 and was subject to 35 years of Japanese colonial rule. Initially, it was a period of military rule, followed by a period of cultural rule.
2-2) Development of the national movement: Starting with the March 1st Movement (1919), various forms of independence movements (establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, armed struggle, cultural movement, etc.) were developed both at home and abroad.
2-3) Anti-Japanese War: The Righteous Army War and the War of Independence continued under Japanese oppression, and Korea was liberated in 1945.
3. Characteristics of modern history
3-1) Foreign invasion and war: A series of wars, including the Byeong-in Yangyo, Shinmi Yangyo, the Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, the anti-Japanese war during the Japanese colonial period, and the Korean War.
3-2) Conflict between modernization and feudal order: With the acceptance of Western civilization, the contradictions of feudal society deepened, and reform and resistance coexisted.
3-3) Protection of sovereignty and the nation's will for independence: A period in which efforts to protect sovereignty and the desire for independence continued despite the invasion of great powers.
Modern Korean history is a crucial period, containing the nation's desperate struggles and sacrifices to protect its sovereignty and advance toward becoming a modern nation in the era of imperialism, as well as its dramatic liberation .
4. Liberation and Division (1945–1948)
4-1) Liberation on August 15, 1945: Although liberated from Japanese colonial rule, the Korean Peninsula was divided and occupied by the US military government and the Soviet military government, leading to chaos and conflict.
4-2) Establishment of separate governments in the North and South: In 1948, with the collapse of the US-Soviet Joint Commission, the Republic of Korea was established in South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was established in North Korea, solidifying the division.
5. Establishment of the Republic of Korea and the War (1948–1950s)
5-1) First Republic: The Syngman Rhee government was launched and advocated a liberal democratic system, but authoritarian rule was strengthened.
5-2) Korean War (1950-1953): The war broke out due to North Korea's invasion of the South, resulting in the devastation of the country and massive casualties, and the division of the two Koreas, with a standoff at the Military Demarcation Line, persisting.
6. Authoritarian rule and the democratization movement (1960s–1980s)
6-1) April 19 Revolution and the Second Republic: The April 19 Revolution of 1960 brought down the Syngman Rhee regime and a short-lived democratic government, but soon after, the May 16 military coup brought about the rise of the Park Chung-hee military regime.
6-2) Economic development and the Yushin dictatorship: While pursuing a strong economic development policy (the Miracle on the Han River), the government suppressed the people's fundamental democratic rights through long-term rule and dictatorship, including the Yushin regime.
6-3) June 1987 Democracy Movement: A large-scale democratization movement by citizens and students took place against the dictatorship of the Chun Doo-hwan military regime, which led to a constitutional amendment for direct presidential elections, marking a significant turning point in Korean democracy.
7. Democratization and Reform (1987–present)
7-1) 6th Republic: After democratization, democracy was established through the civilian government (Kim Young-sam) and the people's government (Kim Dae-jung), and various changes were experienced, such as overcoming the IMF foreign exchange crisis, leaping forward as an IT powerhouse, and improving inter-Korean relations (summit meetings).
7-2) 21st Century: Through the administrations of Participatory Government, Lee Myung-bak, Park Geun-hye, and Moon Jae-in, we have continued to experience a multi-layered modern history, including deepening democracy, economic achievements and challenges (polarization, low birth rate, and aging population), and strengthening our status in the international community.
8. Modern Korean History (from liberation in 1945 to present) :
The main features can be summarized as rapid social change, democratization, industrialization, and division.
8-1) Political characteristics: Development of democracy and overcoming authoritarianism
* Division and the Korean War: After liberation in 1945, the division became permanent with the establishment of governments in the North and South.
* Authoritarianism and the democratization movement: The political oppression of the military regime era was overcome by the citizens' initiatives, such as the April 19 Revolution, the May 18 Democratization Movement, and the June Democracy Movement, which led to the establishment of a democratic system.
* Political turmoil and stability: After the chaos of the early days of liberation and the military regime, it transformed into a democratic society with a peaceful transfer of power.
8- 2 ) Economic characteristics: Amazing compressed growth
* Industrialization and economic development: Since the 1960s, government-led economic development plans have helped overcome poverty and achieve rapid industrialization.
* Integration into the global economy: Through growth known as the "Miracle on the Han River," Korea has grown into a world-class economic powerhouse and has rapidly integrated into the global economy.
8- 3 ) Social and cultural characteristics: Rapid social change and popular culture
* Changes due to industrialization: As society rapidly transitioned from an agricultural society to an industrial society, urbanization took place.
* Formation of mass society: Popular culture has developed with the advancement of education and mass media.
* Rapid change and network: Contemporary Korean society is characterized by rapid change, resentment/conspiracy, networking (collectivism), and division due to international tensions.
8- 4 ) Summary of characteristics of modern history (common points)
* Speed of change: Politics, economy, and society as a whole have changed at an unprecedented rate worldwide.
* Contemporaneity: It is a history that is a continuation of the era we are living in now.
In this way, modern Korean history can be evaluated as a history of challenge and response, achieving both democratization and economic development despite the pain of division.
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