ANCIENT TIMES
ANCIENT TIMES
Since prehistoric times mankind has sought to develop ways of defending himself against aggression, either from other tribes or from wild animals. Despite developing weapons to assist in the gathering of food and self-defence, the people of ancient Korea continued to develop their minds and bodies through recreational games and competitions. The earliest known records of Korean life date back to 2333BC and mention music, dance, and games played at tribal festivals.
The Korean nation was founded by tribes that migrated southwards from Mongolia into the peninsula known today as Korea. The development of the Korean nation progressed through distinct dynasties: Koguryo, Baekje, Shilla, Koryo, and Yi. Three of these dynasties existed simultaneously in different areas of Korea and this is known as the 'Period of Three Kingdoms'. The dynasties were:
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Koguryo (37BC ~ 668AD) existed in the northern part of the peninsula and stretched into the southern and western parts of Manchuria; |
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Baekje (18BC ~ 660AD) spread around the Han river basin in the central and western parts of the peninsula; and |
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Shilla (57BC ~ 936 AD) covered the south and eastern parts of the Korean peninsula. By defeating the Koguryo and Baekje dynasties it was the Shilla dynasty that succeeded in unifying the nation into one state in 668AD. |
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During this period the common style of dress consisted of loose trousers and a jacket held together with a belt tied around the mid-section. The style was similar to the Taekwondo and judo uniforms of today, and was commonplace throughout the three kingdoms. In the kingdom of Baekje the military officers wore different coloured belts to indicate their rank, and in Shilla they also wore coloured trim on their lapels as an additional indication of rank.