In 109 BCE, the Han Dynasty led the first Chinese invasion of Korea. The successfully conquered the country and held it for over 300 years. With the fall of the Han Dynasty though, Korea regained control of their country.

By 315 CE, three Korean kingdoms had formed - Silla, Paekche, and Koguryo. This period of Korean history is known as the Three Kingdoms Period, and lasted until 670 CE. During this time, the Koreans adopted many aspects of Chinese culture. Around 670 CE, the Silla kingdom gained control of the entire Korean peninsula. Their ascension ushered in a period of peace and prosperity that lasted for hundreds of years.

In 1392 CE, the Yi defeated the Silla Kingdom and established their own kingdom, Choson. The Yi Dynasty established their capital in Hanyang (modern Seoul). They also changed the state religion from Buddhism to Confucianism.

In the late 16th century, Japan attempted to invade the country. The Koreans were able to repel the invasion. However, as a result of the invasion the Koreans they isolated themselves from the rest of the world. This isolation would last with minor exceptions until Japanese invade in the early 20th century.

Korea was divided into two halves at the end of the Second World War. The Northern half was formed into the Communist People's Republic of Korea, while the South was turned into Republic of Korea. Though South Korea was ruled by a series of dictators, when the communnist North Korean's attacked the country in 1950, the United States rushed to its aid. The war ended inconclusively, and was never formally concluded. The result is one of the most heavily guarded areas of the world that divides North from South Korea.

Both countries have rebuilt since the armistice in 1953. However, the North has struggled recently, beset by famine. It continues to heavily invest in its military at the expense of the rest of the nation. South Korea has done much better. Although recently beset by a severe recession, the economy has grown immensely sine the 1950s. Despite this growth and improved standard of living, South Koreans had little say in their government until student protests in 1979. In 1987, Koreans elected a new president, marking the first peaceful transition of power in South Korea's modern history.

Recently, the leaders of both Koreas held a summit in North Korea that many hope will serve as a stepping stone for improved relations on the peninsula. In response to this summit, the United States eased sanctions on the North. Though many obstacles lay ahead, the Korean peninsula enters the new millenium with reason to be optimistic.