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

On this day in Korea - July 8, 1994: North Korea leader Kim Il-sung dies

North Korean President Kim Il-sung died of heart failure at age 82, only weeks before he was scheduled to hold what would have been the first-ever inter-Korean summit with South Korea’s President Kim Young-sam. His sudden death halted a historic opportunity for dialogue at a critical moment on the Korean Peninsula. In 2000, his son Kim Jong-il met South Korean President Kim Dae-jung in a landmark summit that sparked a wave of reconciliation efforts, including family reunions, economic cooperatio

2026-07-08 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - June 25, 1950: Korean War breaks out

War broke out after North Korea invaded the South. Three years later, the war ended in a truce — not a peace treaty — leaving the two Koreas technically still at war. Backed by the Soviet Union and later aided by China, North Korean forces rapidly captured Seoul and pushed deep into the peninsula during the opening weeks of the conflict. A United Nations coalition led primarily by the United States intervened to support South Korea, turning the war into a major international confrontation in the

2026-06-25 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - June 22, 2002: S. Korea makes historic World Cup semifinal

World Cup co-host South Korea defeated Spain in a penalty shootout, becoming the first Asian team to advance to the semifinals of the tournament. Massive crowds gathered in streets across Seoul and other cities to celebrate the historic achievement, with supporters dressed in red and waving national flags late into the night. Goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae became a national hero after key saves during the tense shootout. Under Dutch coach Guus Hiddink, the team’s disciplined play and relentless energy

2026-06-22 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - June 16, 1998: Chung leads cattle to North

Hyundai Group’s honorary Chairman Chung Ju-yung visited North Korea, taking 500 head of cattle that he donated to the country. Chung became the first South Korean civilian to be allowed to visit the North through the truce village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone. The founder of South Korea’s leading conglomerate died aged 86 in March 2001. The crossing, nicknamed the “Cattle Drive Diplomacy,” opened the door for inter-Korean economic cooperation, including the Kumgangsan tourism project.

2026-06-16 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - June 14, 2000: Historic inter-Korean summit takes place

President Kim Dae-jung took part in the first inter-Korean summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang. They released a five-point joint statement aimed at increasing economic and social exchanges, as well as holding reunions for families separated since the division of the country before the 1950-53 Korean War. The meeting marked an easing of tensions on the Korean Peninsula after decades of hostility. Images of the two leaders shaking hands drew global attention and raised hopes f

2026-06-14 01:00:00:00