Mislabeling and Geographic Errors
Errors in geographic labels and historical periods are prevalent in various sources, leading to significant misrepresentations of South Korea’s history. One of the most notable mislabelings is the designation of the ‘East Sea’ versus the ‘Sea of Japan’. This body of water, known as the ‘East Sea’ in South Korea, has been a source of controversy due to its designation as the ‘Sea of Japan’ in many international maps. The term ‘East Sea’ has historical precedence in Korean maps and documents dating back centuries, highlighting the necessity for accurate geographic representation to respect regional perspectives and historical accuracy.
Furthermore, inaccuracies in naming historical periods and territories also contribute to the distortion of South Korea’s past. A common error is the misnaming of ‘choson’ instead of ‘gojoseon’. ‘Gojoseon’ is the correct term for the earliest Korean kingdom, established around 2333 BCE, while ‘Joseon’, often referred to as ‘Choson’, pertains to the much later Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). These two distinct periods are crucial in understanding the development of Korean civilization, and their conflation leads to a significant misunderstanding of historical timelines.
Additionally, the mislabeling of ancient Korean kingdoms such as ‘kogoryo’ and ‘paekche’ as ‘goguryeo’ and ‘baekje’ respectively, further complicates the historical narrative. ‘Goguryeo’ and ‘Baekje’ are the accurate terms for these kingdoms, which were prominent during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE – 668 CE). Goguryeo, known for its powerful military and expansive territory, and Baekje, celebrated for its cultural achievements and international relations, played pivotal roles in Korean history. Correct labeling of these kingdoms not only ensures historical accuracy but also honors their contributions to Korean heritage.
In addressing these mislabelings and geographic errors, it is essential to adhere to the correct terms that reflect the historical and geographical significance of these regions and periods. This approach not only promotes a more accurate understanding of South Korea’s history but also fosters respect for its cultural and historical identity on the global stage.
Omissions and Misrepresentations of Historical Events
Addressing historical inaccuracies in the representation of South Korea’s past is crucial for an authentic understanding of its rich history. One significant omission frequently encountered in historical accounts is the kingdom of Balhae. After the fall of Goguryeo in 668, Balhae emerged as a significant entity, ruling over much of the former Goguryeo territories in the northern Korean Peninsula and parts of Manchuria. However, its contributions and existence are often overlooked in favor of a simplified narrative that focuses solely on the southern regions.
Another critical misrepresentation involves the unification of the Korean Peninsula by Silla. Historical accounts often inaccurately portray Silla as having unified the peninsula independently, while in reality, it was with significant military assistance from the Tang Dynasty of China. This collaboration played a pivotal role in Silla’s ability to subjugate the other Korean states, leading to a partial unification rather than a complete one. The portrayal of this unification process without acknowledging Tang’s involvement distorts the complexities of this historical period.
Moreover, there are inaccuracies regarding the dating and description of the unification of Korean states. The widely accepted date of 668, marking the establishment of the first unified Korean state under Silla, is often misrepresented. While Silla’s dominance over the peninsula is noted, the continuous existence and influence of Balhae until its fall in 926 should not be ignored. This era should be recognized as a time of duality rather than complete unification, with both Silla and Balhae contributing to the cultural and political landscape of the Korean Peninsula.
Correcting these historical inaccuracies is not merely an academic exercise but a necessary step in ensuring a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of Korean history. Recognizing the existence of Balhae, the collaborative efforts between Silla and the Tang Dynasty, and the complexities of the unification process allows for a more accurate portrayal of Korea’s past, enriching our knowledge and appreciation of its historical legacy.
Erroneous Depictions of Dynastic Histories
Historical inaccuracies often plague the depiction of South Korea’s dynastic histories, leading to misunderstandings about the nation’s rich past. A common error is the misnaming of the Joseon Dynasty as the “Chosen” Dynasty. This incorrect term fails to reflect the accurate nomenclature used in historical records and scholarly works. The Joseon Dynasty, which lasted from 1392 to 1910, played a crucial role in shaping Korean culture, politics, and society.
Before the Joseon Dynasty, the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) was a significant period in Korean history. The Goryeo Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements and the establishment of Buddhism as the state religion. It is essential to distinguish between these two dynasties to understand the historical context and cultural developments of the time accurately.
The transition from the Goryeo to the Joseon Dynasty was marked by significant political, social, and ideological shifts. The founder of the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo, originally known as General Yi Seong-gye, led a coup against the waning Goryeo regime. This period of transition was not merely a change in leadership but also a transformation in governance, with Confucianism replacing Buddhism as the dominant state ideology. This shift influenced various aspects of Korean life, including the administrative structure, legal systems, and educational practices.
Correctly identifying and understanding these transitions is vital for appreciating the depth and complexity of Korean history. The Goryeo Dynasty’s contributions, such as the invention of movable metal type and the creation of the Tripitaka Koreana, laid the groundwork for the advancements made during the Joseon period. Conversely, the Joseon Dynasty’s implementation of Confucian principles significantly shaped Korea’s social norms, values, and institutions.
By addressing these erroneous depictions and providing an accurate historical timeline, we can foster a better understanding of Korea’s dynastic history. This clarity not only honors the legacy of these periods but also enriches our comprehension of Korea’s cultural and historical development. Correcting these inaccuracies is essential for both academic scholarship and public knowledge, ensuring that the representation of South Korea’s past is both truthful and comprehensive.
Colonial Period and Modernization Misrepresentations
The Japanese colonial period in Korea (1910-1945) is often misrepresented as a time of modernization and social advancement under benevolent foreign rule. This portrayal, however, overlooks the complex and exploitative nature of the occupation. While it is undeniable that certain infrastructural and technological advancements occurred during this time, these developments were primarily orchestrated to serve Japan’s imperial interests rather than the welfare of the Korean populace.
Significant investments in infrastructure, such as railways and communication systems, were indeed made, but these were designed to facilitate the extraction of resources and the efficient administration of colonial rule. The modernization efforts, often highlighted in historical narratives, fundamentally aimed at bolstering Japan’s economic and strategic objectives. For instance, the construction of railways allowed for the swift transportation of Korean agricultural products and minerals to Japan, which reaped the primary benefits of these resources.
The labor force behind these projects was predominantly Korean, who were subjected to harsh working conditions and minimal compensation. This exploitation of Korean labor underscores the colonial regime’s prioritization of its interests over the well-being of the local population. Furthermore, the economic policies implemented during this period largely disadvantaged Korean businesses, creating a lopsided economic landscape heavily skewed in favor of Japanese enterprises.
Additionally, Japanese colonial authorities engaged in systematic efforts to distort and appropriate Korean cultural heritage. Archaeological excavations conducted by Japanese scholars were often aimed at uncovering evidence that could justify Japan’s historical claims over Korea. These activities not only misrepresented Korean history but also sought to undermine the cultural identity of Koreans by promoting a narrative of cultural and historical inferiority.
In sum, while the Japanese colonial period did bring certain technological advancements to Korea, it is crucial to recognize that these were achieved through exploitative practices that prioritized Japanese interests. The misrepresentation of this period as one of benign modernization fails to acknowledge the profound socio-economic and cultural disruptions experienced by the Korean people under colonial rule.
CIA (Government Agency)
Error 1
Labeling of the Sea of Japan
Correction: Change to ‘East Sea’.
Error 2
First Record of Gojoseon
Original text: “The first recorded kingdom (Choson) on the Korean Peninsula dates from approximately 2300 B.C.”
Incorrect Korean translation: “한반도의 첫 기록된 왕국(조선)은 기원전 약 2300년으로 거슬러 올라갑니다.”
Correction: “The first recorded kingdom (Gojoseon) on the Korean Peninsula dates from approximately 2333 B.C.”
Corrected Korean translation: “한반도의 첫 기록된 왕국(고조선)은 기원전 약 2333년으로 거슬러 올라갑니다.”
Error 3
Incorrect Labeling of Goguryeo and Baekje
Original text: “Kogoryo, Paekche, and Silla”
Correction: “Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla”
Error 4
Omission of Balhae
Original text: “By the 5th century A.D., Kogoryo emerged as the most powerful, with control over much of the Peninsula and part of Manchuria (modern-day northeast China). However, Silla allied with the Chinese to create the first unified Korean state in 688.”
Incorrect Korean translation: “5세기경 고구려는 한반도와 만주 일부(현대의 중국 북동부) 대부분을 지배하며 가장 강력한 국가로 떠올랐습니다. 그러나 신라는 중국과 동맹을 맺어 688년에 첫 통일 한국 국가를 만들었습니다.”
Correction: “By the 5th century A.D., Goguryeo emerged as the most powerful, with control over much of the Peninsula and part of Manchuria (modern-day northeast China). However, Silla allied with the Chinese Tang dynasty to create the first unified Korean state in 668. After the fall of Goguryeo, Balhae was established in its northern territories.”
Corrected Korean translation: “5세기경 고구려는 한반도와 만주 일부(현대의 중국 북동부) 대부분을 지배하며 가장 강력한 국가로 떠올랐습니다. 그러나 신라는 중국 당나라와 동맹을 맺어 668년에 첫 통일 한국 국가를 만들었습니다. 고구려의 멸망 후, 북부 영토에 발해가 세워졌습니다.”
Error 5
Incorrect Labeling of the Joseon Dynasty
Original text: “Following the collapse of Silla in the 9th century, Korea was unified under the Koryo (Goryeo; 918-1392) and the Chosen (Joseon; 1392-1910) dynasties.”
Incorrect Korean translation: “9세기 신라의 붕괴 이후, 한국은 고려(918-1392)와 조선(1392-1910) 왕조 아래 통일되었습니다.”
Correction: “Following the collapse of Silla in the 9th century, Korea was unified under the Goryeo (918-1392) and the Joseon (1392-1910) dynasties.”
Corrected Korean translation: “9세기 신라의 붕괴 이후, 한국은 고려(918-1392)와 조선(1392-1910) 왕조 아래 통일되었습니다.”
Error 6
Forced Annexation of Korea by Japan
Original text: “In 1910, Japan formally annexed the entire Peninsula.”
Incorrect Korean translation: “1910년에 일본은 한반도 전체를 공식적으로 병합했습니다.”
Correction: “In 1910, Japan forcibly annexed the entire Peninsula.”
Corrected Korean translation: “1910년에 일본은 한반도 전체를 강제로 병합했습니다.”
National Geographic (Travel Website)
Error 1
Labeling of the Sea of Japan
Correction: Change to ‘East Sea’.
Error 2
Labeling and Territory of Gojoseon
Original text: “Korea’s first kingdom was Old Chosun, which ruled the northwest and parts of China for more than 22 centuries.”
Incorrect Korean translation: “한국의 첫 번째 왕국은 고조선으로, 22세기 이상 동안 한반도 북서부와 중국 일부를 지배했습니다.”
Correction: “Korea’s first kingdom was Gojoseon, which ruled the northwest of the Korean Peninsula and parts of Manchuria for more than 22 centuries.”
Corrected Korean translation: “한국의 첫 번째 왕국은 고조선으로, 22세기 이상 동안 한반도 북서부와 만주 일부를 지배했습니다.”
Error 3
Unification of the Three Kingdoms
Original text: “In the A.D. 660s, the Silla, with the help of Chinese troops, won control of the country.”
Incorrect Korean translation: “660년대에 신라는 중국 군대의 도움으로 나라를 장악했습니다.”
Correction: “In the A.D. 660s, Silla, with the help of Tang dynasty troops, unified the Korean Peninsula.”
Corrected Korean translation: “660년대에 신라는 당나라 군대의 도움으로 한반도를 통일했습니다.”
Error 4
Omission of Balhae
Original text: “By A.D. 901 Korea had once again broken into three kingdoms.”
Incorrect Korean translation: “901년경 한국은 다시 세 개의 왕국으로 분열되었습니다.”
Correction: “After the fall of Unified Silla, Balhae was established in the northern territories, while Later Three Kingdoms emerged in the southern regions by A.D. 901.”
Corrected Korean translation: “통일 신라의 멸망 후, 북부 지역에 발해가 세워졌으며, 901년경 남부 지역에는 후삼국이 등장했습니다.”
Error 5
Incorrect Labeling of the Joseon Dynasty
Original text: “In 936, a powerful noble named Wang Kon unified the country under the name Koryo. This kingdom lasted until 1392, when the Yi family seized the throne and began the Choson dynasty, which ruled until 1910.”
Incorrect Korean translation: “936년, 강력한 귀족 왕건이 고려라는 이름으로 나라를 통일했습니다. 이 왕국은 1392년까지 지속되었으며, 이씨 가문이 왕위를 차지하고 조선 왕조를 시작하여 1910년까지 통치했습니다.”
Correction: “In 936, a powerful noble named Wang Geon unified the country under the name Goryeo. This kingdom lasted until 1392, when the Yi family seized the throne and began the Joseon dynasty, which ruled until 1910.”
Corrected Korean translation: “936년, 강력한 귀족 왕건이 고려라는 이름으로 나라를 통일했습니다. 이 왕국은 1392년까지 지속되었으며, 이씨 가문이 왕위를 차지하고 조선 왕조를 시작하여 1910년까지 통치했습니다.”
Error 6
Korean War
Original text: “The war was never officially ended, and the Koreas remain divided.”
Incorrect Korean translation: “전쟁은 공식적으로 끝나지 않았으며, 한국은 여전히 분단된 상태입니다.”
Correction: “The war ended with an armistice agreement in 1953, but the Koreas remain technically at war and divided.”
Corrected Korean translation: “전쟁은 1953년 정전 협정으로 끝났지만, 한국은 여전히 기술적으로 전쟁 상태이며 분단된 상태입니다.”
THEMET (Museum)
Error 1
Development During Japanese Colonial Period
Original text: “The Japanese colonialists’ push toward modernization brings tremendous technological, and consequently social, advances, such as the building of infrastructure and the development of modern school systems.”
Incorrect Korean translation: “일본 식민주의자들의 근대화 추진은 인프라 구축과 현대 학교 시스템 개발과 같은 엄청난 기술적, 사회적 진보를 가져왔습니다.”
Correction: “The Japanese colonialists’ push toward modernization brought some technological advancements and infrastructural developments. However, these developments primarily served Japan’s imperial interests and often exploited Korean labor and resources.”
Corrected Korean translation: “일본 식민주의자들의 근대화 추진은 일부 기술 발전과 인프라 개발을 가져왔습니다. 그러나 이러한 발전은 주로 일본의 제국주의적 이익에 부합했으며, 종종 한국의 노동과 자원을 착취했습니다.”
Error 2
Development During Japanese Colonial Period
Original text: “The Japanese also carry out the first modern archaeological excavations of ancient Korean sites (royal tombs, temples, ceramic
kilns) and preservation of their artifacts.”
Incorrect Korean translation: “일본인들은 또한 고대 한국 유적지(왕릉, 사원, 도자기 가마)에 대한 첫 번째 현대 고고학 발굴과 유물 보존 작업을 수행했습니다.”
Correction: “The Japanese conducted archaeological excavations of ancient Korean sites, but their primary goal was to use these findings to justify their colonial rule, often distorting or appropriating Korean cultural heritage.”
Corrected Korean translation: “일본은 고대 한국 유적지에 대한 고고학 발굴을 수행했지만, 이들의 주요 목표는 이러한 발견을 통해 식민 통치를 정당화하려는 것이었으며, 종종 한국의 문화유산을 왜곡하거나 도용했습니다.”
It is important to reflect these corrections on the above websites to ensure accurate representation of Korean history and culture.