The Paleolithic period of Korea is the earliest known prehistoric era of the Korean Peninsula, spanning from around 500,000 to 10,000 years ago. This era is characterized by the emergence and use of stone tools by early human ancestors. Sites across the Korean Peninsula have yielded primitive choppers, handaxes, and other stone implements which provide evidence of the early human habitation and their adaptability to the environment.

Over time, the tools and artifacts from this period evolved in complexity, reflecting advancements in tool-making techniques. The early Paleolithic sites often reveal tools made from river pebbles, while the later Paleolithic sites show evidence of tools crafted from larger stones or volcanic material. These tools were primarily used for hunting, gathering, and other daily survival activities.

Furthermore, the Paleolithic period in Korea is significant for its insights into the migration and settlement patterns of early humans. Fossil evidence suggests that early humans migrated to the Korean Peninsula from other parts of Asia. As the climate changed and became more hospitable, these populations settled, and distinct regional cultures began to emerge. The end of the Paleolithic period marked a transition to the Neolithic era, where pottery and agriculture started to play a more central role in daily life.