As an expert in historical studies, I can provide an overview of the traditional narratives and scholarly perspectives regarding the foundation of Korea. It's important to note that the history of Korea is complex and multifaceted, with various sources offering different accounts. The following is a synthesis of these sources, including the mythic account mentioned and more recent historical research.

The Mythic Foundation:
According to the Samguk Yusa, a historical text from the 13th century, the Gojoseon (also known as Old Joseon) was a legendary kingdom that was said to have been founded by Dangun, a mythological figure who is often considered a cultural hero in Korean mythology. The text dates the establishment of Gojoseon to 2333 BC, which places it in a time that precedes recorded history and is thus considered a myth rather than a verifiable historical event.

The Gija Joseon:
The Gija Joseon, as mentioned, is another legendary kingdom that is said to have been founded in the 12th century BC by a man named Ji, who was a descendant of the Chinese sage-king Shun. The Gija Joseon is often associated with the ancient state of Gojoseon, but its historical authenticity is a subject of debate among historians. Some view it as a later addition to the Korean historical narrative, possibly to legitimize certain ruling dynasties or to establish cultural continuity with ancient Chinese traditions.

Historical Research and Archaeology:
Modern historical research and archaeological findings have shed more light on the early states that emerged in the Korean Peninsula. The Three Kingdoms Period (57 BC – 668 AD) is a well-documented era that includes the kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. These states are historically verifiable and had significant cultural and political impacts on the region.

Goguryeo:
Goguryeo is often considered the first of the Three Kingdoms and was located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula and parts of Manchuria. It was a powerful state with a strong military and a centralized government. The historical existence of Goguryeo is supported by both Chinese and Korean historical records, as well as archaeological evidence.

Baekje and Silla:
Baekje was located in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula, while Silla was in the southeast. Both kingdoms had extensive interactions with China and Japan, and they played crucial roles in the political and cultural development of the region.

Unified Silla and Later Periods:
The Unified Silla period, which began in 668 AD when Silla, with the help of Tang China and later T'abo (a state in the northwest of the Korean Peninsula), conquered Baekje and Goguryeo, marked the first time the Korean Peninsula was unified under a single government. This period was followed by the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) and the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), which are well-documented and had a profound influence on the development of Korean culture, society, and politics.

Modern Interpretations:
In the modern era, the narratives surrounding the foundation of Korea have been subject to various interpretations and have often been used for nationalistic purposes. Historians continue to debate the accuracy and significance of the various traditional accounts, with a focus on distinguishing between myth and historical fact.

It's also worth noting that the study of Korean history is not just about the political entities that existed on the Korean Peninsula but also about the cultural, social, and economic developments that have shaped the Korean people over the millennia.

read more >>

According to the mythic account recounted in the Samguk Yusa, Gojoseon (Old Joseon) kingdom was founded in northern Korea and southern Manchuria in 2333 BC. The Gija Joseon was purportedly founded in 12th century BC, and its existence and role have been controversial in the modern era.read more >>