On this day in Korea - October 13, 2000: President Kim wins Nobel Peace Prize

President Kim Dae-jung was officially announced as the laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of his dedication to democracy and human rights. The Norwegian Nobel Committee highlighted his decades of political activism in South Korea and East Asia, alongside his historic June 2000 summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. This landmark meeting eased decades of deep-seated military and political tension on the Korean Peninsula, cementing his legacy as a transformative global peacema

2026-10-13 11:07:32:00

On this day in Korea - October 2, 1966: Nurses depart for Germany

At the request of West Germany, the South Korean government under the administration of President Park Chung-hee officially dispatched 251 female nurses to the European nation. Germany was experiencing a severe shortage of workers amid its rapid post-war economic growth. This pivotal labor migration not only provided crucial support for the European healthcare system but also opened up foreign employment opportunities for South Koreans during a challenging economic era at home, creating lasting

2026-10-02 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - September 20, 1995: Asia’s largest visual arts festival opens

The Gwangju Biennale opened for the first time, establishing the largest contemporary visual arts festival in Asia. Conceived to celebrate artistic innovation and honor the democratic spirit of the host city, this landmark cultural gathering showcased pioneering works from prominent international and domestic artists. Held every two years, the festival transformed Gwangju into a vibrant global hub for contemporary art, dialogue and creative experimentation. By bringing cutting-edge artists to So

2026-09-20 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - September 15, 1963: Samyang releases first ramyeon

Samyang Foods Company introduced Samyang Ramyeon to the public, launching the very first instant noodle product in South Korea. Created to help alleviate postwar shortages and offer affordable nutrition to ordinary citizens, it quickly revolutionized the national food landscape. Inspired by Japanese instant noodles, the savory instant broth and quick cooking time provided a satisfying, economical meal for busy families during a period of rapid economic development. The product became hugely popu

2026-09-15 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - September 4, 1994: Taekwondo becomes Olympic sport

Taekwondo achieved formal international recognition as the International Olympic Committee approved it as an official medal sport. During the 103rd IOC Congress in Paris, delegates officially voted to include the discipline. The martial art emphasizes speed, agility high-kicking techniques and disciplined mental strength. The historic decision paved the way for athletes worldwide to compete on the grandest athletic stage. Inclusion in the Olympic Games helped elevate Korea’s national sport into

2026-09-04 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - August 15, 1945: Korea gains freedom from Japan

Korea regained its independence as Japan surrendered to the Allied forces in World War II, ending 35 years of harsh colonial occupation that began in 1910. On this historic day of national liberation, Yeo Un-hyung, a prominent left-leaning nationalist, took immediate political action by establishing the Committee for the Preparation of Korean Independence. This organization attempted to build a stable provisional government and maintain public order across the peninsula during the chaotic transi

2026-08-15 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - August 11, 1980: Swimming legend crosses Korea Strait

South Korean athlete Cho Oh-ryun completed an open-water swim across the strait separating South Korea and Japan. Cho, who dominated Asian swimming by capturing four gold medals at the Asian Games in the 1970s, battled heavy currents to span the distance between Busan and Tsushima Island, Japan. His successful crossing became an immense source of national pride, solidifying his enduring legacy as a powerhouse in Korean sports history and inspiring generations of endurance athletes.

2026-08-11 17:37:11:00

On this day in Korea - Aug. 2, 2010: Saemangeum named world’s longest seawall

The Guinness World Records officially recognized South Korea's Saemangeum dike as the longest man-made sea barrier on Earth. The international organization confirmed the seawall ran a total of 33.9 kilometers along the western coast. This milestone measurement edged out the famous Zuiderzee Works dike in the Netherlands by 1.4 km. Its completion reshaped Korea's coastline, creating vast new tracts of reclaimed land that could be used for industrial, agricultural and other development projects.

2026-08-02 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - July 28, 2016: Anti-graft law upheld

The Constitutional Court of Korea upheld a controversial anti-graft law designed to curb corruption and promote transparency in society. The ruling confirms that journalists and private school teachers, along with public officials, are subject to strict regulations regarding gifts, meals and other benefits. Supporters argue the law strengthens ethical standards and public trust, while critics raise concerns about potential restrictions on professional interactions and freedom. The decision paves

2026-07-28 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - July 12, 1979: Cha Bum-kun’s European legacy

Then South Korean soccer player Cha Bum-kun started his professional career in Germany’s Bundesliga, marking the beginning of an influential overseas journey for Asian footballers. In Korea, Cha is widely respected for his achievements in the Bundesliga during the 1980s, where he won major titles and earned a reputation for skill and determination. He also starred on the national team, contributing significantly to its international competitiveness. Cha is often regarded as the greatest Asian st

2026-07-12 01:00:00:00