Republic of Korea (South Korea)
 

before 27 Jan 1883   27 Jan 1883 - 29 Aug 1910 (in use from 22 Aug 1882)   15 Feb 1906 - 30 Sep 1910 Resident's Flag   29 Aug 1910 - 15 Aug 1945   9 Sep 1945 - 15 Aug 1948 15 Aug 1945 - 8 Sep 1945; 15 Aug 1948 - 25 Jan 1950 Adopted 25 Jan 1950  Map of South Korea  Hear National Anthem "Aegukka" (Patriotic Song)   Text of National Anthem Adopted 15 Aug 1948 Constitution (17 Jul 1948)  Capital: Seoul (Gyeongseong 5 Aug 1945 - 27 Sep 1946; Daejeon 28 Jun - 20 Jul 1950;  Daegu 20-27 Jul 1950; Busan [provisional] 27 Jul 1950-15 Aug 1953) Currency: South Korean Won (KRW); 1945-46 Korea  Military Won (KROM); 1946-1949 Allied A-Yen (JPA) National Holiday: 15 Aug (1945) Gwangbokjeol (Liberation Day) Population: 52,081,799 (2024) 27,275,000 (1945) GDP: $2.61 trillion (2023) Exports: $769.5 billion (2023) Imports: $761.1 billion (2023) Ethnic groups: South Korean 95.1%, foreign nationality 4.9% (largely Chinese, also includes Vietnamese, Thai, U.S., others, ) (2019) Total Active Armed Forces: 500,000 (2024) U.S. Military Forces: 24,159 (2023) Merchant marine: 2,149 ships (2023) Religions: Protestant 17%, Buddhist 16%, Roman Catholic 6%,  none 60% (2021) note: many people also carry on at least some Confucian traditions and practices. International Organizations/Treaties (from 1948): AC (observer), ACS (observer), ADB, AfDB (nonregional), AG, AIIB, ANT (consultative), APA, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BCIE (nonregional), BIS, BSEC (dialogue partner), BTWC, CD, CICA, CP, CTBT, CWC, EAS, EBRD, ENMOD, ESCR, FAO, FATF, G-7 (guest), G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, ICSID, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IORA (partner), IPU, IRENA, ISA, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MTCR, NAM (guest), NATO (global partner), NEA, NPT, NSG, NTBT, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE (partner), OST, PA (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), RCEP, SAARC (observer), SEGIB (associate observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNCLOS, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFCC, UNFCC-KP, UNFCC-PA, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WA, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC South Korea Index Chronology 195 BC - May/Jul 108 BC    Joseon (Choson) kingdom (called Gojoseon "old                              Joseon" by historians). May/Jul 108 BC - 313 AD    Joseon part of the Han (220-266 Wei, from 266 Jin)                              China, establishing four commanderies. 2nd cent. BC - 494 AD      Buyeo (Puyŏ)(Fuyu in Chinese) kingdom (centered in                              northern Manchuria). c.37 BC - 22 Oct 668 AD    Goguryeo (Koguryo) (from 4th cent. Goryeo guk)                              kingdom (in the north). 304 AD - Aug/Sep 660 AD    Baekje (Paekche) kingdom (in the southwest; then to                              Silla)(partly legendary founding cited as 18 BC). 4th cent. -  8 Jan 936     Sillia (Sara guk; Nov 503 Silla guk), in 650 the                              suzerainty of Tang is acknowledged by acceptance of                              the Tang reign era.. Aug/Sep 660                Baekje is annexed to Tang (China) after the surrender                              of the king of Baekje (resistance to Tang rule                              continued to defeat of Baekje forces 25 Nov 660). Nov/Dec 661 - 13 Oct 663   Baekje (Paekche) is partially restored after the                              proclamation of Prince Pungjang as king at the                              Japanese court (Oct 661) and his arrival to the                              temporary capital of Baekje, Juyuseong (Juryuseong) 13 Oct 663                 Baekje (Paekche) restoration is suppressed after the                              capture of Juyuseong by armies of Tang and Silla. 22 Oct 668                 Goguryeo (Koguryo) is annexed to Tang (China) after                              the surrender of the king of Goguryeo and the                              capture of the capital by the armies of Tang and                              Silla. May/Jul 670 - Jun/Jul 673  Goguryeo partially restored after the proclamation                              of Anseung as king (and subsequent recognition by                              Silla on 21 Aug 670). Jun/Jul 673                Goguryeo restoration is suppressed by Tang (China). 713 - 14 Jan 926           Parhae (Balhae)(in Chinese: Bohai)(in the north)                              (called the kingdom of Zhen [Jin] 698-713). Jul 901 - 24 Jul 918       Taebong (T'aepong) kingdom (in the center)(named                              Majin [Majin] 904-911). 25 Jul 918                 Goryeo (Koryo), name of the state changed (in the                              south only to 935); Wang Geon becomes ruler of                              Taebong founding a new dynasty.  2 Apr 933                 King of Goryeo is recognized and enfeoffed as Goryeo                              gugwang in accordance with an imperial edict of                              the Later Tang (issued on 9 Jul 932, received in                              Goryeo on 2 Apr 933), the suzerainty of the Later                              Tang is acknowledged by acceptance of the Later                              Tang reign era.  8 Jan 936                 Upon unification of the Korean peninsula by                              Goryeo (Koryo). Silla is annexed by Korea. Aug 938                    Suzerainty of the Later Jin is acknowledged by                              acceptance of the Later Jin reign era. c.Nov 946                  Massive super volcanic eruption of Mount Paektu                              (Baekdu), called Changbai in China. Oct 948 - Jan/Feb 949      Suzerainty of the Later Han is acknowledged by                              acceptance of the Later Han reign era. Jan/Feb 949                Use of the Later Han reign era is abandoned. Jan 952 - 13 Apr 960?      Suzerainty of the Later Zhou is acknowledged by                              acceptance of the Later Zhou reign era. 13 Apr 960?                Use of the Later Zhou reign era is abandoned. Dec 963/Jan 964            Suzerainty of Song is acknowledged by acceptance of                              the Song reign era. Mar/Apr 994                Suzerainty of Liao is acknowledged by acceptance of                              the Liao reign era. Mar/Apr 996                King of Goryeo is recognized and enfeoffed as Goryeo                              gugwang in accordance with an edict of the emperor                              of Liao received in Goryeo in Mar/Apr 996. 1016                       Suzerainty of Song is acknowledged by restoration of                              the Song reign era. May 1022 - 21 May 1116     Suzerainty of Liao is acknowledged by restoration                              of the Liao reign era. 21 May 1116                The use of the Liao reign era is abandoned. 23 Jun 1126                King of Goryeo is recognized and enfeoffed as Goryeo                              gugwang in accordance with an edict of the emperor                              of Jin (issued on 23 Jun 1126) in response to a                              petition of Goryeo for recognition by the Jurchen                              Jin (dispatched on 5 May 1126).  3 Aug 1142                Suzerainty of the Jurchen Jin is acknowledged by                              acceptance of the Jin reign era. 1224                       Use of the Jin reign era is abandoned. 24 Sep 1260                King of Goryeo is recognized and enfeoffed as Goryeo                              gugwang ("King of Goryeo") in accordance with an                              edict of the Mongolian emperor (issued Jul/Aug                              1260, received Goryeo on 24 Sep 1260); suzerainty                              of the Mongolian empire is acknowledged by                              acceptance of the Mongolian reign era. 24 Sep 1260 - 12 Jun 1369  Mongol (from 18 Dec 1272 Yuan) client kingdom                              (as Zhengdong province 1280-1281 and from 1287). 12 Jun 1369                Use of the Yuan (formerly Mongolian) reign era is                              abandoned. 20 Jun 1370                King of Goryeo is recognized and enfeoffed as Goryeo                              gugwang ("King of Goryeo") in accordance with an                              imperial edict of Ming (China)(issued 15 Sep 1369,                              received in Goryeo on 20 Jun 1370). 31 Jul 1370 - 24 Feb 1637  Suzerainty of Ming (China) is acknowledged by                              acceptance of the Ming reign era. Mar/Apr 1377               Suzerainty of the Northern Yuan is acknowledged by                              acceptance of the Yuan reign era. Sep/Oct 1378               Suzerainty of Ming is restored by acceptance of the                              Ming reign era. 13 Aug 1392                Yi Seong-gye (I Seonggye)(b. 1335 - d. 1408) deposes                              Gongyang (Kongyang) last king of Goryeo (Koryo). 27 Mar 1393 - 13 Oct 1897  Joseon (Choson)(in Chinese: Zhaoxian); name of the                              state reverted to Joseon in accordance with royal                              proclamation dated, based on the instructions                              approved by the emperor of Ming (China) on 22 Dec                              1392. 13 Apr 1592 - 24 Dec 1598  Period of two Japanese invasions. 24 Feb 1637 -  8 May 1895  Suzerainty of Qing (China) is recognized by the                              king of Joseon, public ceremony held at the site                              historically known as Samjeondo (modern-day Seoul).  8 May 1895                Independence of Joseon is recognized by treaty                              with representatives of Qing (China) and Japan at                              Shimonoseki, Japan (signed on 17 Apr 1895). 13 Oct 1897 - 29 Aug 1910  Daehan (name of the state is changed by imperial                              decree issued 13 Oct 1897). 17 Nov 1905 - 29 Aug 1910  Japanese protectorate (effective 21 Dec 1905). 29 Aug 1910                Sovereignty over Korea is ceded to the Emperor of                              Japan in accordance with Japan–Korea Treaty of                              1910 (concluded on 22 Aug 1910). 29 Aug 1910 -  9 Sep 1945  Annexed to Japan (as Chōsen).  1 Mar 1919                Independence from Japan declared during March 1st                              Movement (not recognized)(see exile governments).  6 Sep 1945 -  2 Feb 1946  Korean People's Republic formed in Seoul by Committee                              for the Preparation for Korean Independence (not                              recognized), dissolved by U.S. forces 2 Feb 1946.  8 Sep 1945                U.S. forces land at Incheon (in Seoul from 9 Sep                              1945).  9 Sep 1945 - 29 Jun 1949  Korea (Joseon) occupied by U.S. south of the 38th                              parallel, and by Soviet Union north of the                              parallel (22 Aug 1945 - 8 Sep 1948 [see North                              Korea]). 12 Sep 1945 - 15 Aug 1948  United States Army Military Government in Korea                              (USAMGIK) administers Korea south of the 38th                              parallel. 17 Jul 1948                Republic of Korea (Daehan Minguk)("South Korea"). 15 Aug 1948                Inauguration ceremony of the Republic of Korea in                              Seoul and termination of authority of USAMGIK.  9 Sep 1948                Democratic People's Republic of Korea formed                              (North Korea). 19 Oct 1948 -  3 Nov 1948  Communist-led military rebellion in the towns of                              Yeosu (Yosu) and Suncheon. 12 Dec 1948                United Nations recognizes the Republic of Korea. 28 Jun 1950 - 27 Sep 1950  Most of South Korea (except Pusan perimeter) is                              occupied by North Korea.  4 Jan 1951 - 15 Mar 1951  Seoul occupied by Chinese and North Korean forces. South Korea (since 1945) Provinces (since 1948) Republic of Korea in Exile (1919-1945) Map of  Korean Peninsula  Map of Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Korea

Note: Monarchs are listed with their personal name followed by their temple name (myoho, by which rulers are generally referred to), posthumous style (si), and era name (nyonho). Era names, the adoption of which was a very strong indication of sovereignty vis-à-vis Imperial China, were not adopted before 1 Jan 1896.

Kings (Gukwang, Daewang)¹
23 Jun 1659 - 18 Sep 1674  Yi Yun                             (b. 1641 - d. 1674)
                             myoho: Hyonjong / si: So-hyu taewang
18 Sep 1674 - 12 Jul 1720  Yi Sun                             (b. 1660 - d. 1720)
                             myoho: Sukchong / si: Hyon-ui taewang
12 Jul 1720 - 11 Oct 1724  Yi Kyon                            (b. 1688 - d. 1724)
                             myoho: Kyongjong / si: Tokmun taewang
11 Oct 1724 - 22 Apr 1776  Yi Kum                             (b. 1694 - d. 1776)
                             myoho: Yongjong, later Yongjo
                             si: Hyonhyo taewang, Chihyong taewang
22 Apr 1776 - 18 Aug 1800  Yi Sun                             (b. 1752 - d. 1800)
                             myoho: Chongjong, later Chongjo
                             si: Changhyo taewang, Munsong taewang
18 Aug 1800 - 13 Dec 1834  Yi Kwang                           (b. 1790 - d. 1834)
                             myoho: Sunjo / si: Songhyo taewang, Yondok taewang
18 Aug 1800 - 12 Feb 1804  Queen Kim Chongsun -Regent         (b. 1769 - d. 1805)
13 Dec 1834 - 25 Jul 1849  Yi Hwan                            (b. 1827 - d. 1849)
                             myoho: Honjong / si: Chulhyo taewang, Ch'egon taewang
13 Dec 1834 - Jan 1841     Queen Myeong Gyeong -Regent        (b. 1789 - d. 1857) 
                             si: Sunwon wangho (1st time)
28 Jul 1849 - 16 Jan 1864  Yi Chung                           (b. 1831 - d. 1864)
                             myoho: Ch'oljong / si: Yonghyo taewang, Huilyun taewang
28 Jul 1849 - Jan 1852     Queen Myeong Gyeong -Regent        (s.a.)
                             si: Sunwon wangho (2nd time)
21 Jan 1864 - 12 Oct 1897  Yi Hyong                           (b. 1852 - d. 1919)
                             myoho: Kojong
                             nyonho 1 Jan 1896 - 16 Aug 1897: Konyang
                             nyonho 17 Aug 1897 - 20 Jul 1907: Kwangmu
                            (in refuge at Russian legation 11 Feb 1896 - 20 Feb 1897)
21 Jan 1864 - 29 Mar 1866  Queen Shinjong (f) -Regent         (b. 1809 - d. 1890)
21 Jan 1864 - 22 Dec 1873  Yi Haung, Prince Hungson           (b. 1820 - d. 1898)
                             Taewongun -Regent    
Emperors¹
12 Oct 1897 - 22 Jul 1907  Yi Hyong                           (s.a.)
                             myoho: Kojong
                             nyonho 17 Aug 1897 - 20 Jul 1907: Kwangmu
18 Jul 1907 - 22 Jul 1907  Crown Prince Yi Ch'ok (acting)     (b. 1874 - d. 1926)
22 Jul 1907 - 29 Aug 1910  Yi Ch'ok (I Cheok)                 (s.a.)
                             myoho: Sunjong
                             nyonho 2 Aug 1907 - 29 Aug 1910: Lyunghui 
Governors-general
29 Aug 1910 -  9 Oct 1916  Viscount Masatake Terauchi         (b. 1852 - d. 1919)
                             (from 21 Apr 1911, Count Masatake Terauchi)
                             (Resident-general to 1 Oct 1910)
16 Oct 1916 - 12 Aug 1919  Count Yoshimichi Hasegawa          (b. 1850 - d. 1924)
12 Aug 1919 - 10 Dec 1927  Baron Makoto Saitō (1st time)      (b. 1858 - d. 1936)
                             (from 9 Apr 1925, Viscount Makoto Saitō) 
14 Apr 1927 -  1 Dec 1927  Kazushige Ugaki (1st time)         (b. 1868 - d. 1956)
                             (acting for Saitō)
10 Dec 1927 - 17 Aug 1929  Hanzō Yamanashi                    (b. 1865 - d. 1944)
17 Aug 1929 - 17 Jun 1931  Viscount Makoto Saitō (2nd time)   (s.a.)
17 Jun 1931 -  5 Aug 1936  Kazushige Ugaki (2nd time)         (s.a.)
 5 Aug 1936 - 15 Jun 1942  Jirō Minami                        (b. 1874 - d. 1957)
15 Jun 1942 - 22 Jul 1944  Kuniaki Koiso                      (b. 1880 - d. 1950)
25 Jul 1944 -  9 Sep 1945  Nobuyuki Abe                       (b. 1875 - d. 1953)
Presidents of the Korean People's Republic (not recognized)
 6 Sep 1945 - 22 Oct 1945  Syngman Rhee (Lee Seung-Man)       (b. 1875 - d. 1965)
                             (did not accept office)
 6 Sep 1945 -  2 Feb 1946  Yo Un-hyong (Yeo Unhyeong)         (b. 1886 - d. 1947)
                             (= Lyuh Woon-hyung)
                             (vice president, acting [for Rhee])

Chief State Councillors (style: Yeonguijeong 1401-1894)
 7 Jul 1696 –  5 Mar 1698  Yu Sangun (1st time)               (b. 1636 - d. 1707)
                             (acting to 6 Sep 1696) 
 5 Mar 1698 - 23 Apr 1698  Yun Chison (acting)                (b. 1627 - d. 1705)
23 Apr 1698 - 15 Apr 1699  Yu Sangun (2nd time)               (s.a.)
15 Apr 1699 - 23 Jul 1699  Ch'oe Sokjong (acting)             (b. 1646 - d. 1715)
23 Jul 1699 -  6 Dec 1699  Yu Sangun (3rd time)               (s.a.)
 6 Dec 1699 - 10 May 1700  So Munjung (1st time)              (b. 1634 - d. 1709)
                             (acting to 6 Mar 1700)
10 May 1700 -  2 Jul 1700  Yi Sebaek (acting)                 (b. 1635 - d. 1703)
 2 Jul 1700 -  4 May 1701  So Munjung (2nd time)              (s.a.)
24 Jul 1701 - 31 Oct 1701  Choe Seok Jeong (1st time)         (b. 1646 - d. 1715)
1702 - 1703                So Munjung (3rd time)              (s.a.)
27 Mar 1703 - 29 Jul 1703  Choe Seok Jeong (2nd time)         (s.a.)
1703 – 1705                Sin Wan
 5 May 1705 - 24 Apr 1710  Choe Seok Jeong (3rd time)         (s.a.)
1710                       Yi Yeo
1711 – 1712                Seo Jong Tae (1st time)
1712 – 1713                Yi Yu
1714 – 1716                Seo Jong Tae (2nd time)
1717 – 1721                Kim Chang Jip
1721 – 1723                Jo Tae Gu
1723 – 1724                Choe Gyu Seo
1724 – 1729                Yi Gwang Jwa (1st time)
 1 Jul 1729 - 13 Aug 1732  Hong Chi Jung                      (b. 1667 - d. 1732)
1732 – 1735                Sim Su Yeon
1735 – 1737                Yi Ui Hyeon
1737 – 1740                Yi Gwang Jwa (2nd time)
1740 – 1754                Kim Jae Ro
1754 – 1758                Yi Cheon Bo (1st time)
1758 – 1759                Yu Cheok Gi
1759                       Yi Cheon Bo (2ndt time)
1759 – 1760                Kim Sang Ro
1761 – 1762                Hong Bong Han (1st time)
1762 - 1763                Sin Man
1763 – 1766                Hong Bong Han (2nd time)
1766                       Yun Dong Do
1766 - 1767                Seo Ji Su (1st time)
1767 – 1768                Kim Chi In (1st time)
1768                       Seo Ji Su (2nd time)
1768                       Kim Chi In (2nd time)
1768 - 1770                Hong Bong Han (3rd time)
1770 – 1772                Kim Chi In (3rd time)
1772                       Kim Sang Bok (1st time)
1772                       Sin Hoe (1st time)
1772                       Kim Sang Bok (2nd time)
1772                       Han Ik Mo (1st time)
1772                       Kim Sang Bok (3rd time)           
1772 - 1773                Sin Hoe (2nd time)
1773                       Han Ik Mo (2nd time)
1773 – 1774                Kim Sang Bok (4th time)
1774                       Han Ik Mo (3rd time)
1774 – 1775                Sin Hoe (3rd time)
1775                       Han Ik Mo (4th time)
1775 – 1776                Kim Sang Cheol
1776 – 1779                Kim Yang Taek (1st time)
1779 – 1780                Seo Myeong Sun (1st time)
1780 – 1781                Kim Yang Taek (2nd time)
1781 – 1783                Seo Myeong Sun (2nd time)
1783 – 1784                Jeong Jon Gyeom (1st time)
1784 – 1785                Seo Myeong Sun (3rd time)       
1785 – 1786                Jeong Jon Gyeom (2nd time)     
1786 – 1789                Kim Chi In (4th time)
1789                       Kim Ik (1st time)
1789 – 1790                Kim Jae Hyeop
1790                       Kim Ik (2nd time)
1790 – 1793                Choe Hyo Won
1793                       Chae Je Gong                       (b. 1720 - d. 1799)
1793 – 1798                Hong Nak Seong
1799 – 1800                Yi Byeong Mo (1st time)
1800 – 1802                Sim Hwan Ji
1802 - 1803                Yi Si Su
1803 – 1805                Yi Byeong Mo (1st time)
1805 – 1806                Seo Mae Su
1806                       Yi Byeong Mo (2nd time)         
1806 – 1812                Vacant
1812 – 1816                Kim Jae Chan (1st time)
1816 – 1819                Vacant
1819 – 1821                Seo Yong Bo
1821                       Han Yong Gwi
1821 – 1823                Kim Jae Chan (2nd time)
1823 – 1833                Nam Gong Cheo
1833 – 1834                Yi Sang Hwang (1st time)
1834 – 1835                Sim Sang Gyu
1835 – 1837                Vacant
1837 – 1838                Yi Sang Hwang (2nd time)
1838 – 1841                Vacant
1841 – 1844                Jo In Yeong (1st time)
1845 – 1848                Kwon Don In (1st time)
1848 – 1850                Jeong Won Yong
1850                       Jo In Yeong (2nd time)
1851 – 1852                Kwon Don In (2nd time)
1853 – 1853                Kim Heung Geun
1853 – 1859                Kim Jwa Geun (1st time)            (b. 1797 – d.1869)
1859 – 1861                Jeong Won Yong (1st time)
1861 – 1862                Kim Jwa Geun (2nd time)            (s.a.)
1862 – 1863                Jeong Won Yong (2nd time)
1863 – 1864                Kim Jwa Geun (3rd time)            (s.a.)
1864 – 1866                Jo Du Sun
1866 – 1867                Yi Kyeong Jae
1867 – 1868                Kim Byeong Hak (1st time)
1868                       Jeong Won Yong (3rd time)
1868 – 1872                Kim Byeong Hak (2nd time)
1872 – 1873                Hong Sun Mok (1st time)
1873 – 1875                Yi Yu Won                          (b. 1814 - d. 1888)
1875 – 1882                Yi Choe Eung
1882                       Seo Dang Bo
1882 – 1884                Hong Sun Mok (2nd time)
1884                       Kim Byeong Guk
1884 – 1894                Shim Sun Taek (Shim Soon-taek)     (b. 1824 - d. 1906)
20 Jun 1894 - 1894         Kim Byeong Si (1st time)           (b. 1832 - d. 1898)
25 Jun 1894 - 15 Aug 1894  Kim Hong Jip                       (b. 1842 - d. 1896)
11 Feb 1896 - 22 Apr 1896  Kim Byeong Si (2nd time)           (s.a.)
22 Apr 1896 – 24 Sep 1898  Yun Yong Seon                      (b. 1829 - d. 1904)
Prime ministers (style Naegak chongri daesin 1894-1896; Ui jeong 1896-1905;
Ui jeong daesin 1905-1907; Chongri daesin 1907-1910)
15 Aug 1894 – 28 May 1895  Kim Hong Jip (1st time)            (s.a.)
28 May 1895 - 31 May 1895  Park Yung-hyo (Pak Yonghyo)        (b. 1861 - d. 1939)
31 May 1895 - 24 Aug 1895  Bak Jeongyang (Pak Chongyang)      (b. 1841 - d. 1904)
 5 Jul 1895 – 11 Feb 1896  Kim Hong Jip (2nd time)            (s.a.)
11 Feb 1896 - 22 Apr 1896  Kim Byeong Si (Kim Byung-si)       (s.a.)
                             (1st time)
22 Apr 1896 - 24 Sep 1896  Yun Yong Seon (Yoon Yong-sun)      (s.a.)
                             (1st time)
24 Sep 1896 -  1 Aug 1897  Kim Byeong Si (Kim Byung-si)       (s.a.)
                             (2nd time)
 1 Aug 1897 - 11 Oct 1898  Shim Sun Taek (Shim Soon-taek)     (s.a.)
                             (1st time)
1898                       Yun Yong Seon (2nd time)           (s.a.)
1898 – 1899                Jo Byeong Se
27 Jun 1899 – 24 Aug 1901  Yun Yong Seon (3rd time)           (s.a.)
25 Aug 1901 - 12 Sep 1901  Sim Sun Taek (2nd time)
23 Sep 1901 – 24 May 1902  Yun Yong Seon (4th time)           (s.a.)
24 May 1902 -  2 Jun 1902  Sim Sun Taek (3rd time)
 7 Jun 1902 – 14 Dec 1902  Yun Yong Seon (5th time)           (s.a.)
22 Jan 1903 - 15 May 1903  Yi Geun Myeong (1st time)
12 Sep 1903 - 22 Jan 1904  Yun Yong Seon (6th time)           (s.a.)
25 Jan 1904 –  7 Jan 1905  Yi Geun Myeong (2nd time)(acting)
1905                       Cho Byeong-ho (acting)
27 Aug 1905 - 17 Nov 1905  Han Kyu-seol                       (b. 1848 - d. 1930)
28 Nov 1905 - 14 Jun 1907  Bak Je Sun (Pak Chesoon)(1st time) (b. 1858 - d. 1916)
14 Jun 1907 – 12 Dec 1909  Yi Wan Yong (1st time)             (b. 1856 - d. 1926)     
12 Dec 1909 - 11 Aug 1910  Bak Je Sun (Pak Chesoon) (acting)  (s.a.)
                             (2nd time)
11 Aug 1910 - 29 Aug 1910  Yi Wan Yong (2nd time)             (s.a.)        
Chairman of the National People's Representative Conference 
15 Aug 1945 -  6 Sep 1945  Yo Un-hyong (Yeo Unhyeong)         (s.a.)
Prime minister of the Korean People's Republic (not recognized)  
 6 Sep 1945 -  2 Feb 1946  Ho Hon (Heo Heon)                  (b. 1885 - d. 1951)  CKD

Chinese Director-general
Oct 1885 - 17 Apr 1895     Yuan Shikai (Yüan Shih-k'ai)       (b. 1859 - d. 1916)  Mil
Japanese Residents-general 
21 Dec 1905 - 14 Jun 1909  Marquess Hirobumi Itō              (b. 1841 - d. 1909)
                             (from 21 Sep 1907, Prince Hirobumi Itō)
15 Jun 1909 - 30 May 1910  Viscount Arasuke Sone              (b. 1849 - d. 1910)
30 May 1910 - 30 Sep 1910  Viscount Masatake Terauchi         (s.a.)

Governments of Korea in Exile

National Parliament of Korea (in Vladivostok, Russia exile)

17 Mar 1919                National Parliament of Korea is proclaimed in Vladivostok,
                             Russia by the Korean diaspora of Primorskiy region.
11 Sep 1919                Unites with the Shanghai government.

Chairman of the National Parliament of Korea
17 Mar 1919 - 11 Sep 1919  Moon Chang-beom                    (b. 1870 - d. 1934?)
                             (in Vladivostok, Russia exile)

Great Korean Republic (in Hanseong)

23 Apr 1919                Great Korean Republic proclaimed in Hanseong (Seoul) by 24
                             representatives gathered from 13 provinces of Korea.
11 Sep 1919                Unites with the Shanghai government.

Consul-President of the Great Korean Republic
23 Apr 1919 - 11 Sep 1919  Syngman Rhee (Lee Seung-Man)       (b. 1875 - d. 1965)
                             (in U.S. exile)

Prime Minister
23 Apr 1919 - 11 Sep 1919  Lee Tong Hui (Yi Dong-whi)         (b. 1873 - d. 1935)

Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea (in Shanghai, China exile)

1 Mar 1919 - 29 Jun 1942

29 Jun 1942 - 15 Aug 1945

11 Apr 1919                Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea is formed
                             in the French Concession Shanghai, China.
11 Sep 1919                The three governments proclaimed in Hanseong (Seoul), Shanghai, 
                             and Vladivostok unite under the Shanghai government. A provisional
                             constitution is adopted (amended in 1925, 1927, 1940, and 1944)
                             (not internationally recognized).
1932                       During Japanese invasion of China re-locates to Hangzhou, China
                             (it subsequently moves to Nanjing [Nanking] 1935-37, Changsha
                             1937-38, Guangzhou (Canton) 1938, Liuzhou [Liuchow] 1938-39,
                             Guiyang [Kueiyang] 1939, Qijiang [Kikiang] 1939-40, and Chongqing
                             [Chungking] Nov 1940-Nov 1945).
 8 Jun 1945                U.S. government issues a statement denying recognition of
                             sovereignty to the Provisional Government in favor of a future
                             elected government.
 7 Sep 1945                Commander-in-chief, U.S. Armed Forces, Pacific Douglas MacArthur
                             issues Proclamation No. 1 formally rejecting recognition of
                             the exile provisional government and the people's committees.
 3 Dec 1945                Members of the government relocate to Seoul, Korea.

Chairman of the Provisional Legislative Assembly
11 Apr 1919 - 11 Sep 1919  Lee Dong Nyong (Yi Dong-nyeong)    (b. 1869 - d. 1940)
Presidents
11 Sep 1919 - 23 Mar 1925  Syngman Rhee (Lee Seung-Man)       (b. 1875 - d. 1965)
                             (in Washington, DC to 28 Dec 1920 and from May 1921
                             [in Hawaii Sep 1922 - Nov 1939])
 6 Jun 1924 - 11 Dec 1924  Lee Dong Nyong (Yi Dong-nyeong)    (b. 1869 - d. 1940)
                             (acting for Rhee)
11 Dec 1924 -  7 Apr 1925  Park Eun Sik (Park Eun-sik)        (b. 1859 - d. 1925)
                             (acting for Rhee to 23 Mar 1925)
Presidents of Governance
 7 Apr 1925 - 26 Sep 1925  Park Eun Sik (Park Eun-sik)        (s.a.)
Sep 1925                   Yupil Lee (Lee Yu-pil)             (b. 1885 - d. 1945)
                             (acting for Park)
26 Sep 1925 - 18 Feb 1926  Lee Sang Yong (Yi Sang-ryong)      (b. 1858 - d. 1932)
18 Feb 1926 - 29 Apr 1926  Yang Kit'ak (Yang Gi-tak)          (b. 1871 - d. 1938)
29 Apr 1926 -  3 May 1926  Lee Dong Nyong (Yi Dong-nyeong)    (s.a.)
                             (1st time)
 3 May 1926 - 16 May 1926  Ahn Chang Ho (An Changho)          (b. 1878 - d. 1938)
16 May 1926 -  7 Jul 1926  Lee Dong Nyong (Yi Dong-nyeong)    (s.a.)
                             (2nd time)
 7 Jul 1926 - 14 Dec 1926  Hong Jin (Hong Chin)               (b. 1877 - d. 1946)
14 Dec 1926 - 11 Apr 1927  Kim Gu (Kim Ku)                    (b. 1876 - d. 1949)
First Chairmen of the State Council Directory
11 Apr 1927 - 18 Aug 1927  Kim Gu (Kim Ku)(1st time)          (s.a.)
19 Aug 1927 -  5 Mar 1933  Lee Dong Nyong (1st time)          (s.a.)
                             (Yi Dong-nyeong)
 5 Mar 1933 - 30 Dec 1933  Song Pyung Jo (Song Byeong-jo)     (b. 1877 - d. 1942)
30 Dec 1933 -  1 Sep 1935  Yang Kit'ak (Yang Gi-tak)          (b. 1871 - d. 1938)  
 2 Nov 1935 - 13 Mar 1940  Lee Dong Nyong (2nd time)          (s.a.) 
13 Mar 1940 - 31 Aug 1943  Kim Gu (Kim Ku)(2nd time)          (s.a.)
31 Aug 1943 - 21 Sep 1943  Kim Kyusik (Kim Kyu-sik) (acting)  (b. 1881 - d. 1950)
21 Sep 1943 - 22 Apr 1944  Kim Gu (Kim Ku)(3rd time)          (s.a.)
Chairmen of the State Affairs Commission
22 Apr 1944 -  3 Mar 1947  Kim Gu (Kim Ku)                    (s.a.)
 3 Mar 1947 - 15 Aug 1948  Syngman Rhee                       (s.a.)

Republic of Korea

Commander-in-chief, United States Army Military Government in Korea (USAMGIK) 
 9 Sep 1945 - 15 Aug 1948  John Reed Hodge                    (b. 1893 - d. 1963)
U.S. Military Governors of Korea
12 Sep 1945 -  3 Jan 1946  Archibald Vincent Arnold           (b. 1889 - d. 1973)
 3 Jan 1946 - 11 Sep 1947  Archer Lynn Lerch                  (b. 1894 - d. 1947)
11 Sep 1947 -  3 Nov 1947  Charles Gardiner Helmick (acting)  (b. 1891 - d. 1991)
 3 Nov 1947 - 15 Aug 1948  William Frische Dean               (b. 1899 - d. 1981)
Chairmen of the Interim Legislative Assembly
12 Dec 1946 -  3 Mar 1948  Kim Kyu Sik                        (b. 1880 - d. 1950)
 3 Mar 1948 - 31 May 1948  Syngman Rhee                       (b. 1875 - d. 1965)         
Speaker of the National Assembly
31 May 1948 - 24 Jul 1948  Syngman Rhee                       (s.a.)              
Presidents
24 Jul 1948 -  3 May 1960  Syngman Rhee                       (s.a.)               1951: LP
 3 May 1960 - 15 Jun 1960  Ho Chong (1st time) (acting)       (b. 1896 - d. 1988)  LP
                             (acting for Rhee from 27 Apr 1960)
15 Jun 1960 - 23 Jun 1960  Kwak Sang Hoon (acting)            (b. 1896 - d. 1979)  DP
23 Jun 1960 -  8 Aug 1960  Ho Chong (2nd time) (acting)       (s.a.)               LP
 8 Aug 1960 - 13 Aug 1960  Baek Nak-jun (acting)              (b. 1896 - d. 1985)  Non-party 
13 Aug 1960 - 24 Mar 1962  Yun Po Sun                         (b. 1897 - d. 1990)  DP
24 Mar 1962 - 26 Oct 1979  Park Chung Hee                     (b. 1917 - d. 1979)  Mil; 1963
                            (acting to 17 Dec 1963; de facto leader as chairman         DRP
                             of the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction
                             from 3 Jul 1961)
26 Oct 1979 - 16 Aug 1980  Choi Kyu Hah                       (b. 1919 - d. 2006)  DRP 
                             (acting to 6 Dec 1979)
16 Aug 1980 -  1 Sep 1980  Park Choong Hoon (acting)          (b. 1919 - d. 2001)  Mil
 1 Sep 1980 - 25 Feb 1988  Chun Doo Hwan                      (b. 1931 - d. 2021) Mil;1981 DJP
25 Feb 1988 - 25 Feb 1993  Roh Tae Woo                        (b. 1932 - d. 2021) DJP;1990 MDD
25 Feb 1993 - 25 Feb 1998  Kim Young Sam                      (b. 1927 - d. 2015) MDD;1995 SHD
25 Feb 1998 - 25 Feb 2003  Kim Dae Jung                       (b. 1925 - d. 2009) SJKH;2000 MD
25 Feb 2003 - 25 Feb 2008  Roh Moo Hyun                       (b. 1946 - d. 2009) SMD; 9-2003
                             (suspended 12 Mar 2004 - 14 May 2004)         Non-party; 5-2004 UD;
                                                                            Feb 2007 Non-party
12 Mar 2004 - 14 May 2004  Goh Kun                            (b. 1938)            Non-party
                             (acting for suspended Roh)
25 Feb 2008 - 25 Feb 2013  Lee Myung Bak                      (b. 1941)            HD
25 Feb 2013 - 10 Mar 2017  Park Geun Hye (f)                  (b. 1952)            SP
                             (suspended from 9 Dec 2016)
 9 Dec 2016 - 10 May 2017  Hwang Kyo Ahn                      (b. 1957)            Non-party
                             (acting [for suspended Park to 10 Mar 2017])
10 May 2017 - 10 May 2022  Moon Jae In                        (b. 1953)            DMD
10 May 2022 -  4 Apr 2025  Yoon Suk Yeol                      (b. 1969)            PPP
                             (suspended from 14 Dec 2024)
14 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024  Han Duck Soo (1st time)            (b. 1949)            Non-party
                             (acting for suspended Yoon)
27 Dec 2024 - 24 Mar 2025  Choi Sang Mok                      (b. 1963)            Non-party
                             (acting for suspended Yoon) 
24 Mar 2025 -  1 May 2025  Han Duck Soo (2nd time)            (s.a.)               Non-party
                             (acting [for suspended Yoon to 4 Apr 2025]) 
 2 May 2025 -  4 Jun 2025  Lee Ju Ho (acting)                 (b. 1961)            Non-party
 4 Jun 2025 -              Lee Jae Myung                      (b. 1963)            DMD

Civil Administrators
29 Sep 1945 -  2 Dec 1945  Brainard Edward Prescott           (b. 1910 - d. 1985)  Mil
 3 Dec 1945 -  3 Jan 1946  Josef Robert Sheetz                (b. 1895 - d. 1992)  Mil
 3 Jan 1946 -  1 Mar 1946  Metticus Walter May                (b. 1905 - d. 1987)  Mil
 1 Mar 1946 -  8 Mar 1946  Raymond A. Janowski                (b. 1914 - d. 1989)  Mil
 9 Mar 1946 -  7 Apr 1946  William A. Glass, Jr. (acting)     (b. 1915 - d. 1990)  Mil
 8 Apr 1946 - 15 May 1946  Arthur Seymour Champeny            (b. 1893 - d. 1979)  Mil
15 May 1946 - 1946         Seth Wiard, Jr. (acting)           (b. 1929 - d. 1983)  Mil
Aug 1946 - 1947            Edgar Augustus Jerome Johnson      (b. 1900 - d. 1972)  Non-party
10 Feb 1947 - 15 Aug 1948  Ahn Jae Hong (Chaehong)            (b. 1892 - d. 1965)  Non-party
Prime ministers
 1 Aug 1948 - 21 Apr 1950  Lee Bum Suk                        (b. 1900 - d. 1972)  Non-party
21 Apr 1950 - 23 Nov 1950  Shin Sung Mo (acting)              (b. 1891 - d. 1960)  Non-party
23 Nov 1950 - 24 Apr 1952  Chang Myon (1st time)              (b. 1899 - d. 1966)  1951: LP 
24 Apr 1952 -  6 May 1952  Yi Yun Yong (acting)               (b. 1890 - d. 1975)  LP
 6 May 1952 -  6 Oct 1952  Chang Taek Sang                    (b. 1893 - d. 1969)  LP
 9 Oct 1952 - 28 Jun 1954  Paik Too Chin (1st time)           (b. 1908 - d. 1993)  LP
                             (acting to 24 Apr 1953)
28 Jun 1954 - 28 Nov 1954  Pyun Yung Tai                      (b. 1892 - d. 1969)  LP
28 Nov 1954 - 15 Jun 1960  Post abolished
15 Jun 1960 - 18 Aug 1960  Ho Chong                           (s.a.)               LP
18 Aug 1960 - 18 May 1961  Chang Myon (2nd time)              (s.a.)               DP; 1960 SD
Chief Cabinet ministers
20 May 1961 -  3 Jul 1961  Chang Do Yung                      (b. 1923 - d. 2012)  Mil
 3 Jul 1961 - 16 Jun 1962  Song Yo Chan                       (b. 1918 - d. 1980)  Mil
18 Jun 1962 - 10 Jul 1962  Park Chung Hee                     (s.a.)               Mil
10 Jul 1962 - 17 Dec 1963  Kim Hyun Chul                      (b. 1901 - d. 1989)  Non-party
Prime ministers
17 Dec 1963 - 11 May 1964  Choi Doo Sun                       (b. 1894 - d. 1974)  Non-party
11 May 1964 - 19 Dec 1970  Chung Il Kwon                      (b. 1917 - d. 1994)  Non-party
19 Dec 1970 -  3 Jun 1971  Paik Too Chin (2nd time)           (s.a.)               DRP
 3 Jun 1971 - 19 Dec 1975  Kim Jong Pil (1st time)            (b. 1926 - d. 2018)  DRP
19 Dec 1975 -  6 Dec 1979  Choi Kyu Hah                       (s.a.)               DRP
                             (acting to 13 Mar 1976) 
12 Dec 1979 - 22 May 1980  Shin Hyon Hwak (1st time)          (b. 1920 - d. 2007)  DRP
22 May 1980 -  2 Sep 1980  Park Choong Hoon (acting)          (s.a.)               Mil
 2 Sep 1980 -  4 Jan 1982  Nam Duck Woo                       (b. 1924 - d. 2013)  DJP
                             (acting to 22 Sep 1980) 
 4 Jan 1982 - 25 Jun 1982  Yoo Chang Soon                     (b. 1918 - d. 2010)  DJP
                             (acting to 23 Jan 1982)
25 Jun 1982 - 14 Oct 1983  Kim Sang Hyup                      (b. 1920 - d. 1995)  DJP
                             (acting to 21 Sep 1982) 
14 Oct 1983 - 19 Feb 1985  Chin Iee Chong                     (b. 1921 - d. 1995)  DJP
                             (acting to 17 Oct 1983)  
 8 Nov 1984 - 19 Feb 1985  Shin Byong Hyun                    (b. 1921 - d. 1999)  DJP
                             (acting for Chin)
19 Feb 1985 - 26 May 1987  Lho Shin Yong                      (b. 1930 - d. 2019)  DJP
                             (acting to 16 May 1985) 
26 May 1987 - 14 Jul 1987  Lee Han Key (acting)               (b. 1917 - d. 1995)  DJP
14 Jul 1987 - 25 Feb 1988  Kim Chung Yul                      (b. 1917 - d. 1992)  Non-party
                             (acting to 7 Aug 1987) 
25 Feb 1988 -  5 Dec 1988  Lee Hyun Jae                       (b. 1929)            Non-party
                             (acting to 2 Mar 1988) 
 5 Dec 1988 - 27 Dec 1990  Kang Young Hoon                    (b. 1922 - d. 2016) DJP;1990 MDD
                             (acting to 16 Dec 1988)
27 Dec 1990 - 24 May 1991  Ro Jai Bong                        (b. 1936 - d. 2024)  MDD
24 May 1991 -  8 Jul 1991  Shin Hyon Hwak (2nd time) (acting) (s.a.)               Non-party
 8 Jul 1991 -  8 Oct 1992  Chung Won Shik                     (b. 1928 - d. 2020)  Non-party
 8 Oct 1992 - 25 Feb 1993  Hyun Soong Jong                    (b. 1919 - d. 2020)  Non-party
25 Feb 1993 - 17 Dec 1993  Hwang In Sung                      (b. 1926 - d. 2010)  MDD
17 Dec 1993 - 22 Apr 1994  Lee Hoi Chang                      (b. 1935)            MDD
22 Apr 1994 - 17 Dec 1994  Lee Yung Duk                       (b. 1926 - d. 2010)  MDD
17 Dec 1994 - 18 Dec 1995  Lee Hong Koo                       (b. 1934)            MDD
18 Dec 1995 -  4 Mar 1997  Lee Soo Sung                       (b. 1939)            SHD
 4 Mar 1997 -  3 Mar 1998  Goh Kun (1st time)                 (s.a.)               SHD
 3 Mar 1998 - 13 Jan 2000  Kim Jong Pil (2nd time)            (s.a.)               JMY
                             (acting to 17 Aug 1998)
13 Jan 2000 - 19 May 2000  Park Tae Joon                      (b. 1927 - d. 2011)  JMY
19 May 2000 - 22 May 2000  Lee Hun Jai (1st time)(acting)     (b. 1944)            Non-party
22 May 2000 - 11 Jul 2002  Lee Han Dong                       (b. 1934 - d. 2021)  JMY
                             (acting to 29 Jun 2000)
11 Jul 2002 - 31 Jul 2002  Chang Sang (f)(acting)             (b. 1939)            Non-party
31 Jul 2002 -  9 Aug 2002  Jeon Yun Churl (acting)            (b. 1939)            Non-party
 9 Aug 2002 - 10 Sep 2002  Chang Dae Whan (acting)            (b. 1952)            Non-party
10 Sep 2002 - 26 Feb 2003  Kim Suk Soo                        (b. 1932)            Non-party
                             (acting to 5 Oct 2002)
26 Feb 2003 - 25 May 2004  Goh Kun (2nd time)                 (s.a.)               Non-party
25 May 2004 - 30 Jun 2004  Lee Hun Jai (2nd time)(acting)     (s.a.)               Non-party
30 Jun 2004 - 14 Mar 2006  Lee Hai Chan                       (b. 1952)            UD
14 Mar 2006 - 19 Apr 2006  Han Duck Soo (1st time)(acting)    (s.a.)               Non-party
19 Apr 2006 -  7 Mar 2007  Han Myung Sook (f)                 (b. 1944)            UD
 7 Mar 2007 -  2 Apr 2007  Kwon O Kyu (acting)                (b. 1952)            UD
 2 Apr 2007 - 29 Feb 2008  Han Duck Soo (2nd time)            (s.a.)               Non-party
29 Feb 2008 - 29 Sep 2009  Han Seung Soo                      (b. 1936)            HD
29 Sep 2009 - 11 Aug 2010  Chung Un Chan                      (b. 1946)            HD
11 Aug 2010 -  1 Oct 2010  Yoon Jeung Hyun (acting)           (b. 1946)            HD
 1 Oct 2010 - 26 Feb 2013  Kim Hwang Sik                      (b. 1948)          HD;Feb 2012 SP
26 Feb 2013 - 17 Feb 2015  Chung Hong Won                     (b. 1944)            SP
17 Feb 2015 - 27 Apr 2015  Lee Wan Koo                        (b. 1950 - d. 2021)  SP
27 Apr 2015 - 18 Jun 2015  Choi Kyung Hwan (acting)           (b. 1955)            SP
18 Jun 2015 - 11 May 2017  Hwang Kyo Ahn                      (s.a.)               Non-party
11 May 2017 - 31 May 2017  Yoo Il Ho (acting)                 (b. 1955)            Non-party
31 May 2017 - 14 Jan 2020  Lee Nak Yon                        (b. 1952)            DMD
14 Jan 2020 - 16 Apr 2021  Chung Sye Kyun                     (b. 1950)            DMD
16 Apr 2021 - 14 May 2021  Hong Nam Ki (acting)               (b. 1960)            Non-party
14 May 2021 - 12 May 2022  Kim Boo Kyum                       (b. 1958)            DMD
12 May 2022 - 21 May 2022  Choo Kyung Ho (acting)             (b. 1960)            PPP
21 May 2022 -  1 May 2025  Han Duck Soo (3rd time)            (s.a.)               Non-party
                             (suspended 27 Dec 2024 - 24 Mar 2025)
27 Dec 2024 - 24 Mar 2025  Choi Sang Mok                      (s.a.)               Non-party
                             (acting for suspended Han)
 2 May 2025 -              Lee Ju Ho (acting)                 (s.a.)               Non-party

United Nations in Korea (1947-1973)

Chairmen of the United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea (UNTCOK)
14 Nov 1947 - 1948?        Miguel Ángel Peña Valle
                             (El Salvador)
12 Jan 1948 - Mar 1948     Kumara Padmanabha Sivasankara      (b. 1898 - d. 1982)
                             "K.P.S." Menon (India)
                             (temporary to 4 Feb 1948)
Chairmen of the United Nations Commission on Korea (UNCOK)
12 Dec 1948 - 1949         ....
1949 - 1950                Anup Singh (India)                 (b. 1903 - d. 1969)
 1 Feb 1950 - 24 May 1950  Kasım Gülek (Turkey)               (b. 1905 - d. 1996)
                             (absent from 25 Mar 1950)
25 Mar 1950 - 1950         Arthur B. Jamieson (Australia)     (b. 1910 - d. 1991)
                             (acting)

Chairmen of the U.N. Commission for the Unification and Rehabilitation of Korea (UNCURK)
 7 Oct 1950 - 28 Nov 1973  ....

Agent Generals of the United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency (UNKRA)
Jul 1951 - May 1953        J. Donald Kingsley (U.S.)          (b. 1908 - d. 1972)
Jun 1953 - 1958            John Breitling Coulter (U.S.)      (b. 1891 - d. 1983)
Chief of Mission of the United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency (UNKRA)
1951 - 1953                Charles Edward Maurice Lloyd       (b. 1899 - d. 1956)
                             (Australia)

Commanders-in-chief of United Nations Command and
United States Commanders-in-chief, Far Eastern Command
 7 Jul 1950 - 11 Apr 1951  Douglas MacArthur (U.S.)           (b. 1880 - d. 1964)  Mil
11 Apr 1951 - 12 May 1952  Matthew Bunker Ridgway (U.S.)      (b. 1895 - d. 1993)  Mil
12 May 1952 -  5 Oct 1953  Mark Wayne Clark (U.S.)            (b. 1896 - d. 1984)  Mil

  ¹The style of the rulers:
(a) 5 Aug 1392 - 27 Mar 1393 (royal styles for internal use): Koryo kukwang (Goryeo gugwang) 
("Koryo [Goryeo] State King");
(b) 27 Mar 1393 - 13 Oct 1897 (royal styles for internal use): Choson kukwang (Joseon gugwang)(in Chinese: Zhaoxian guowang)("Korean State King");
(c) 5 Aug 1392 - 16 Feb 1394 (style for external relations): Kwonji guksa (Gwonji guksa)("Provisional administrator of state affairs"), in full (to 27 Mar 1393): Koryo Kwonji guksa (Goryeo gwonji kuksa)("Koryo [Goryeo] Provisional administrator of state affairs");
(d) 27 Mar 1393 - 16 Feb 1394 (style for external relations): Choson kwonji guksa (Joseon gwonji guksa)("Korean State King");
(e) 16 Feb 1394 - 12 Oct 1897 (style for external relations): Choson kukwang (Joseon gugwang)(in Chinese: Zhaoxian guowang)("Korean State King");
(f) 13 Oct 1897 - 29 Aug 1910: Dae Hanguk Hwangje (Daehan Hwangje)("Emperor of the Land of the Koreans").

Territorial Disputes: Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km-wide Demilitarized Zone has separated North from South Korea since 1953; periodic incidents with North Korea in the Yellow Sea over the Northern Limit Line, which South Korea claims as a maritime boundary and North Korea which since 1999 has claimed a more southerly Maritime Military Demarcation Line; South Korea and Japan claim Liancourt Rocks (Tok-do/Takeshima), occupied by South Korea since 1954.

Party abbreviations: DMD = Deobureominjudang (Democratic Party of Korea, center-left, social liberal, merger of MD and NPAD, est.28 Dec 2015); PPP = Gungminuihim (People Power Party, conservative, right-wing populist, 17 Feb - 2 Sep 2020 named United Future Party [Miraetonghapdang], merger of JG, New Conservative Party [Saerounbosudang], Onward for Future 4.0 [Mirae-reul Hyanghan Jeonjin Sa Jeom Yeong], and Future Korea Party [Miraehangukdang], est.17 Feb 2020); Mil = Military; 
- Former parties: CND = Choson Nodongdang (Workers Party of [North] Korea, dictatorial communist, est.Dec 1945); DJP = Minju Jeonguidang (Democratic Justice Party, conservative, nationalist, 1 Sep 1980-9 Feb 1990 merged into MDD); DP = Minjudang (Democratic Party, liberal, anti-communist, from 1955 Syngman Ree and LP opposition, as Hanguk Minjudang [Korean Democratic Party] 1945-10 Feb 1949 merged into Minju Gukmin Dang, re-est.1955-1963, suceeded by Jongmin hoe [Civil Rule Party]); DPR = Tongil Minju Dang (Reunification Democratic Party, split from 21 Apr 1987-9 Feb 1990, merged into MDD); DRP = Minju Gonghwadong (Democratic Republican Party, authoritarian, conservative, nationalist, 2 Feb 1963-1 Sep 1980, succeeded by DJP); HD = Hannara Dang (Grand National Party, conservative, 21 Nov 1997-2 Feb 2012, renamed SP); JG = Jayuhan Gukdang (Liberty Korea Party, social conservative, center-right, former SP, 13 Feb 2017-17 Feb 2020, merged into PPP); JMY = Jayu Minju Yonmaeng (United Liberal Democrats, conservative, 30 Mar 1995-7 Apr 2006, merged into HD); LP = Minjudang (Liberal Party, conservative, pro-Syngman Ree, 17 Dec 1951-24 Jan 1970, merged into SD); MD = Minju Dang (Democratic Party, liberal, center-left, former SMD, 15 Dec 2011-26 Mar 2014 named Democratic United Party [Minju Tonghap Dang], 6 May 2005-28 Dec 2015, merged into DMD); MDD = Minju Chayudang (Democratic Liberal Party, merger of DJP, DPR and RDNP; 22 Jan 1990-Dec 1995, became SHD); RDNP = Shin Minju Gonghwadong (New Democratic Republican Party, conservative, former DRP, 1987-22 Jan 1990, merged into MDD); SD = Shinmindang (New Democratic Party, liberal, 1961, 7 Feb 1967-27 Oct 1980, 1991); SHD = Sin Han-gukdang (New Korea Party, center-right, liberal conservative, nationalist, 1995-21 Nov 1997, merged into HD); SJKH = Sae Jungchi Kukmin Hoiee (National Congress for New Politics, personalist, centrist, 5 Sep 1995-20 Jan 2000, merged into MD); SMD = Saecheonnyeon Minju-dang (Millennium Democratic Party [in Korean, called simply Democratic Party], center-left, 20 Jan 20 Jan 2000-6 May 2005, formerly SJKH, renamed MD); SP = Saenuri Dang (New Frontier Party, conservative, former HD, 2 Feb 2012-13 Feb 2017, renamed JG); UD = Yeollin Uri-dang (Our Open Party, liberal, split from SMD, 1 Nov 2003-18 Aug 2007, merged into MD)