Gojoseon, also known as Joseon, was the earliest kingdom on the Korean Peninsula, believed to have been founded by the mythical king Dangun in 2333 BCE. According to the Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms, Dangun was the offspring of the heavenly prince Hwanung and a bear-woman named Ungnyeo. While Dangun's existence remains unverified, his story holds significant importance in shaping Korean identity, with both North and South Korea celebrating Gojoseon's establishment as National Foundation Day.

The history of Gojoseon saw external influences such as Jizi, a sage from the Shang dynasty, who is said to have migrated to the northern Korean Peninsula in the 12th century BCE, leading to the founding of Gija Joseon. However, debates persist about the authenticity and interpretations of Gija Joseon's existence and its role in Gojoseon's history.^[21] By 194 BCE, the Gojoseon dynasty was toppled by Wi Man, a refugee from Yan, ushering in the era of Wiman Joseon.

In 108 BCE, Wiman Joseon faced conquest by the Han dynasty under Emperor Wu, leading to the establishment of four Chinese commanderies over the former territories of Gojoseon. This Chinese rule waned by the 3rd century, and by 313 CE, the region was taken over by Goguryeo. Wanggeom, now modern-day Pyongyang, served as Gojoseon's capital from the 2nd century BCE, while the Jin state emerged in the southern parts of the peninsula by the 3rd century BCE.^[22]