SafekipediaList of Korean inventions and discoveries
Adapted from Wikipedia · Discoverer experience
Koreans have made many important contributions to science and technology, from ancient times to today. This list shows some of the inventions and discoveries made by people from Korea. In recent years, South Korea has become a leader in new technologies, especially in the Digital Revolution. The country has one of the biggest electronics industries in the world and is known for creating many modern and important technologies. Korean engineers, business leaders, inventors, and scientists have helped change fields like electronics and robotics with their clever ideas and hard work. Because of this, South Korea plays a big role in shaping the future of technology around the globe.
Agriculture
The Koreans created many important tools and methods for farming. One of these was the first standardized rain gauge, called the cheugugi, invented during the time of Sejong the Great. This tool helped people measure rain accurately.
Koreans were also the first to describe a heated greenhouse. They used a special heating system called ondol, along with special walls and windows, to grow plants even in cold weather. They even used these greenhouses to help orange trees survive winter.
Another important farming tool was the homi, a type of hand plow used since ancient times. It is still popular today in many places around the world.
Koreans were also among the first to grow soybeans, which are now a very important food around the world.
Aquaculture
Koreans have a long history of fishing and farming the sea. Ancient limestone net sinkers from 27,000 BC show some of the earliest fishing nets ever found.
In 2016, scientists in South Korea were the first to farm Alaska pollock, a fish important to the country. They helped these fish lay eggs much faster than in the wild. Korea also has a long tradition of growing seaweed, starting in the 1600s. There is also evidence that people in Korea were catching whales thousands of years ago.
Mathematics
Koreans have made interesting discoveries in math. Chisanbop is a way to do calculations using fingers, invented in Korea in the 1940s. The hexagonal tortoise problem was created by Choi Seok-jeong during the Joseon period. Choi Seok-jeong also wrote about the Latin square much earlier than a famous mathematician named Leonhard Euler. Another Korean mathematician, Rimhak Ree, discovered something called the Ree group in the study of group theory.
Technology
Electronics
South Korea has made many important advances in electronics. In 2015, the world’s first 360-degree color hologram was created by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute. In 2014, a special pen that can print in 3D on a very small scale was made by a scientist at Korea University. Samsung introduced the first smartphone that could use 5G technology in 2019, and in 2013 they made the first phone with a curved screen.
Samsung was also the first to show a special type of computer memory in 1997, and in 2012 they made a mouse that could track eye movements without special glasses. In 2012, scientists showed a very thin and bendable battery, and in 1967, two inventors created a key part of modern computers called the floating-gate MOSFET. Samsung started making a fast type of computer memory called GDDR in 1998, and in 2010 they made the first phone that could use LTE for faster internet.
The important MOSFET invention happened in 1959, and it is the main part in most electronic devices today. Samsung made the first phone that could play MP3 music in 1999, and the first MP3 player came out in 1997. In 2014, scientists made buses that could get power from the road itself using special wireless technology. LG made a screen technology called “Retina” that Apple later used. LG also made the first rollable keyboard in 2015, and Samsung made the first tablet computer in 1989.
The first phone that only had a screen to touch was made by LG in 2006. Scientists in Korea made the first clear computer chip, and Samsung made the first phone that could show TV programs in 1999. Samsung also made the first cards that could store lots of data without wires. In 1999, Samsung made a phone that looked like a watch, and scientists made a tiny generator that could make electricity from body heat.
Appliances
LG made the first digital refrigerator in 2000, which could connect to the internet. In 2015, they also made a washing machine that could wash two loads at once. In 1995, a company made the first refrigerator designed specifically for storing kimchi. In 2011, LG made a special closet that could clean clothes using steam instead of water. A type of mop that uses steam to clean was invented in 2001. In 2012, a company made the first washing machine that could be hung on a wall.
Information technology
Korea was the first country to start using 5G technology in April 2019. In 2002, a Korean company made it possible for people to choose their own ringtone when someone calls. In 1995, Seoul became the first city to use special cards for buying tickets without cash. Korea also made a system for sending television and radio to mobile devices, and in 2005 they were the first to offer mobile television.
In 2011, a store in Seoul let people buy things using their phones by scanning special codes. In 2005, a company made a fast wireless internet system called WiBro.
Robotics
In 2005, the world’s first walking robot with a human-like head was made by a team in Korea. Scientists there also made tiny robots that could fight cancer by finding and destroying cancer cells. Another team made very small robots that could move like tiny hairs on a cell. A big underwater robot called Crabster was made to explore deep oceans and fix underwater pipes.
In 2003, Korea made the world’s second robot that looked like a person, and in 2004 they made a walking robot that moved naturally. Another robot made in 2005 was the first that could move around on its own and connect to the internet. There is also a robot that can help do surgery on the thyroid gland without big scars. In 2011, Korea made a robot that could watch over prisons using cameras to notice anything unusual.
Entertainment technology
In 2009, a Korean company made the first cinema system that added extra effects like motion and smell to movies. Samsung made the first big screen for cinemas that used LED lights instead of regular projectors. Another Korean company made a way to make the movie cover the whole wall of the theater so it feels like you’re inside the movie.
Internet
Korea had the first website where people could watch videos with ads in 2004. In 1988, one of the first places to use computers to connect to the internet opened in Seoul. Korea also made one of the earliest games that many people could play together online in 1996.
Korea made a place where people could ask and answer questions online in 2002, which helped start similar services around the world. The idea of selling things in online games for real money started in Korea in 2004 with special tickets that gave random rewards. North Korea made a special internet just for their country in 2000.
Korea was one of the places where people started playing games together online in 1997, and they made the term “eSports” to describe these competitive games. Korea made one of the first big websites where many people could connect and share things in the early 2000s.
Korea also made a way for online games to be free to play but offer extra things for real money in 1999. In 2003, they started a website where comics could be read on the internet, made just for online reading. In 2009, a website in Korea began showing people eating and talking to viewers online. In 2000, Korea made a news website where anyone could write stories, helping people share news in new ways. In 2011, a company in Korea made special pictures that people could add to messages on a messaging app.
A Korean company also opened a real place where people could trade special online money, and in 2005 they made one of the first places where people could watch live videos online.
Science
Social science
Koreans have made many important discoveries in social science. One example is the double-entry bookkeeping system, which is thought to have been created in the Goryeo kingdom by merchants in Kaesong, much earlier than in Italy. Another key development was public opinion polling. In 1430, Sejong the Great used a nationwide poll to ask people about a new tax system, gathering responses from over 170,000 people.
There have also been advances in supporting people with disabilities. The first society for the blind was created during the Joseon period, offering events, treatment, and training. Parental leave laws were also introduced, granting women 100 days of leave after childbirth and men 30 days after their partner's birth, beginning in 1426.
Physical science
In physical science, Koreans have contributed to many areas. Mannque Rho and Gerald E. Brown developed Brown-Rho scaling, which helps predict how certain particles change in dense environments. Moo-Young Han and Yoichiro Nambu introduced the idea of color charge, a key part of how particles interact. Jisoon Ihm started the field of computational materials physics, using computers to study materials.
Other important work includes FINEX technology for making iron, developed by POSCO and Siemens VAI. POSCO also created a very strong type of steel called Giga steel. Researchers have made advances in graphene, a special material with many uses, and developed new microscopes for viewing cells in three dimensions. There have been many other discoveries in areas like physics and materials science.
Life science
In life science, Koreans have made many valuable contributions. One key discovery is the Triangle of U, which explains the relationships between certain plants. The first vaccine for a certain virus was developed in Korea, helping protect people from serious illness.
Korea was also the first to clone a dog, achieving a major breakthrough in animal cloning. Scientists have developed new medicines to treat infections, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health problems. There have also been advances in surgery techniques, making operations safer and more effective for patients.
Architecture
Main article: Korean architecture
Koreans invented one of the earliest heating systems under floors, called ondol, more than 2,500 years ago. This heating system was used widely in Korea and inspired other heating designs.
In ancient times, the Silla kingdom made a special underground room called seokbinggo to keep food cold.
Koreans built strong stone forts on hills and mountains. These forts were different from those in nearby lands and were used to protect their homes.
Koreans made special stone towers called pagodas for religious purposes. These stone towers became a famous part of Korean culture.
Astronomy
The earliest known constellation patterns in Korea can be found on dolmens dating back to 3000 BC. The Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido is a star chart made of black marble that was finished in 1395 during the time of King Taejo. It is thought to be the world's second oldest star chart carved in stone.
The Cheomseongdae is the oldest surviving astronomy building in Asia, possibly the world. It was built in Seorabeol, the capital of Silla, in the 7th century during the time of Queen Seondeok. It inspired the building of observatories in Baekje and Japan.
Writing
Hangul is the world's first featural writing system, where the shapes of the letters show features of the sounds they represent. Created by Sejong the Great, it was designed to help everyone learn to read and write easily.
Before Hangul, Koreans used several phonetic writing systems along with Hanja, such as idu, hyangchal, gugyeol, and gakpil. These early systems might have also influenced the development of kana in Japan.
Printing
People in Goryeo (which is now Korea) invented the movable metal printing press in the early thirteenth century, long before it was introduced to Europe. The very first book printed with this press was called the Prescribed Ritual Texts of the Past and Present in 1234. The oldest surviving book printed this way is called the Jikji, from 1377. The first lead type ever made was called the Byeongjinja, created in 1436.
The Jobo, mentioned in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, might be the world's oldest newspaper. It started in 1577 and was printed every day. It shared news about the weather, stars, and what was happening at the time. In 2017, a Korean monk said he found a copy of the Jobo.
Horology
A Korean startup company created the world’s first Braille smartwatch, named the Dot. This special watch helps people who are blind or have low vision read information using touch. It connects to other devices using Bluetooth.
Military
Koreans have created many important military inventions through history. In ancient times, they made strong iron plate armor and early handheld firearms called "se-chongtong." They also invented the hwacha, a machine that could shoot many rockets at once, and the world’s first armored warship, the turtle ship.
In modern times, South Korea has led in smart weapons. Companies created robots that guard borders, advanced weapons that can hit targets far away, and special rifles that can shoot bullets in different directions. These inventions show how Korea has always been a leader in defense technology.
Alternative medicine
Korean culture has a special type of sauna called the hanjeungmak. This dome-shaped stone building was first written about in the 15th century and was supported by King Sejong the Great. People believed it helped with health and treating sickness. Even today, Korean saunas are very popular.
Another unique idea is Koryo hand acupuncture, created in the 1970s. In this method, the hand is thought to represent the whole body, and special treatments are done on the hand instead of other parts. Many people in Korea and other places use this method for self-care.
There is also a theory about a special body system called the primo vascular system. A professor in 1961 described this system, which is different from normal blood vessels. He thought it was connected to old ideas about energy paths in the body. Some studies in 2002 said they found proof of this system.
Kiln sauna Korean saunas Hand acupuncture Kim Bong-Han Pyongyang Medical University Meridians
Ceramics
Main article: Korean pottery and porcelain
During the Joseon period, Koreans used a special tradition to make buncheong ceramics. Unlike the fancy Goryeo celadon, buncheong was made to look simple and useful. Over time, it was replaced by Joseon white porcelain, which was more popular among rich people, and buncheong disappeared in Korea by the late 1500s. Later, it became well-known and valued in Japan as Mishima.
Korean celadon became very special when they invented the sanggam inlay method in the early 1100s during the Goryeo period.
The Japanese style called Karatsu in ceramics started in Korea.
A method called Jinsa "underglaze red" was created in Korea in the 1100s. It used a special kind of pigment to make red designs, and this idea later inspired similar ceramics in the Yuan dynasty.
Music
Main article: Traditional music of Korea
See also: Traditional Korean musical instruments
Jeongganbo is a special way to write down music that was made a long time ago by Sejong the Great. It was the first system in East Asia to show rhythm, pitch, and timing all together.
The janggu is a famous drum in Korean music. It was first shown in old pictures from Goguryeo.
The gayageum is a very important traditional Korean instrument. It was made in the Gaya area in the 6th century, and it is based on a Chinese instrument called the guzheng.
Pansori is a special kind of singing story that began in the 17th century during the Joseon time. It is also called "Korean folk opera". One singer tells the story, and one drummer helps them. In 2008, UNESCO chose pansori as very important for the world to protect.
North Korea has made new versions of old instruments. The sohaegeum, junghaegeum, daehaegeum, and jeohaegeum are different sizes of string instruments based on the old haegeum. The eoeungeum is a pear-shaped instrument with five strings. The cheolhyeongeum and ongnyugeum are new kinds of zithers, and the jangsaenap is a new version of the taepyeongso.
K-pop, or popular music from South Korea, started in 1992 with a band called Seo Taiji and Boys. They changed music and culture in South Korea with songs that mixed American styles. Today, K-pop is a big part of the Korean Wave and has many popular groups like BTS.
Painting
Main article: Korean painting
Chaekgeori (책거리; 冊巨里), which means "books and things", is a type of still-life painting from the Joseon period in Korea. It focuses on books and was popular from the 1700s to the early 1900s. People of all levels of society enjoyed it, showing how much Koreans loved books and learning.
Munjado (문자도; 文字圖), also called "flower writing" (꽃글씨; kkotgeulssi), is a kind of Korean folk art that was liked in the 18th and 19th centuries. It uses big Chinese letters tied to Confucian ideas, painting the letters to show what they mean, with stories and themes painted inside the characters.
Traditional games
Traditional Korean games have been enjoyed for many years and are still played today.
One popular game is Yut, a board game often played during the Seollal holiday. Another is Juryeonggu, a special dice game from the Later Silla period used in drinking games. There is also Tujeon, a card game that started from Madiao and uses numbered cards. Other games include Seunggyeongdo, which simulates climbing the government ladder in Joseon, and Seongbuldo, a game from the Goryeo period that simulates the path to becoming a Buddha and is still played by Buddhists today.
Martial arts
Main article: Korean martial arts
Koreans have created many exciting martial arts over the years. One example is Taekkyeon, which may have started from an older fighting style called subak. Though it nearly disappeared in the 1900s, Taekkyeon became popular again and was recognized by UNESCO in 2011 for its cultural importance.
Another famous martial art is Ssireum, often called Korean wrestling. Evidence shows it existed as far back as ancient times and was used by soldiers. Over the centuries, it grew into a beloved sport enjoyed by all, including kings, and today it is watched by many on television in South Korea.
There is also Gukgung, a traditional form of Korean archery. Practitioners use a special bow called the gakgung, made from horn, to aim and shoot with skill.
Sports
Korea has created some interesting sports. Jokgu was invented in 1960 by members of the Republic of Korea Air Force. It mixes ideas from football and volleyball, inspired by a Southeast Asian game called sepak takraw.
Another old game is Jangchigi, which looks a bit like hockey. It started a long time ago during the Three Kingdoms period. There was also a game called masanggyeokgu, similar to polo, from the same time. Taekwondo, made in 1955, is now South Korea's national sport and an Olympic sport since the year 2000. It comes from old Korean fighting styles and a type of karate called Shotokan.
Products
The Italy towel is a special bath product made in Busan by Kim Won-jo in 1967. It helps scrub and peel the top layer of skin and has become common in Korean homes and Korean saunas. It’s called the Italy towel because the fabric comes from Italy.
Gable tops for milk cartons were invented by Dr. Shin Seok-kyun in 1953. These tops let you seal the carton after opening it. Though Dr. Shin couldn’t patent his idea during the Korean War, the design later became the worldwide standard.
Other popular Korean products include the electrically heated stone bed, which warms like traditional heating systems and is popular with adults in their 40s and 50s, the circle contact lens that changes the look of the eye, and sheet masks, which are soaked in special skincare liquids. There is also Lock & Lock, a container system for food storage.
Miscellaneous
Thundersticks, called makdae pungseon in Korea, are inflatable plastic noisemakers often used at sports games, political events, and concerts. They were created by BalloonStix Korea and first used in 1994 at an LG Twins baseball game.
The jige, or A-frame carrier, is a traditional Korean wooden tool for carrying heavy loads, designed for Korea's hilly landscape. It was used by United Nations troops during the Korean War.
South Korea created the first drive-through COVID-19 testing system in the city of Goyang in 2020, during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. This helped make testing easier and faster.
The world's first ice-breaking LNG tanker was built by DSME in 2016. These special ships help transport natural gas from cold arctic areas where it was hard to reach before.
Related articles
This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on List of Korean inventions and discoveries, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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