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south korea:
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In the last 2000 years, China has had a great influence on the people
of Korea. The Chinese conquered the north in 108 BC and ruled until they were
thrown out in AD 313. Mongol armies attacked Korea in the 13th century, but in
1388, a general, Yi Songgye, founded a dynasty of rulers which lasted until 1910.
From the 17th century, Korea prevented foreigners from entering the country. Korea
was often called the "Hermit Kingdom" until 1876, when Japan forced it to open
some of its ports. Soon, the United States, Russia and some European countries
were trading with Korea. In 1910, Korea became a Japanese colony.
After Japan's defeat in World War II (1939-45), North Korea was occupied by troops
from the Soviet Union, while South Korea was occupied by United States forces.
Attempts to reunify Korea failed and in 1948, a National Assembly was elected
in South Korea. This Assembly created the Republic of Korea, while North Korea
became a communist state. North Korean troops invaded the south in June 1950,
sparking off the Korean War (1950-3).
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