North Korea

South Korean flags, for article on catch-up vaccination

‘Major milestone’ immunization campaign begins in North Korea with support of UNICEF

North Korea’s vaccination comeback is reaching every corner of the country — all 210 counties at once, with pregnant women included alongside children for the first time. Backed by UNICEF, more than four million doses arrived in July 2024 to jumpstart the effort, covering everything from measles to polio to hepatitis B. Over 7,200 health workers have been trained to deliver shots and respond to any reactions, and new freezers and cold boxes are keeping vaccines viable in remote areas. Before the pandemic, immunization coverage topped 96%, rivaling wealthy nations — a reminder that rebuilding what’s been lost is possible. Stories like this one show how patient, coordinated global health work can quietly restore protection for an entire generation.

Pyongyang buildings

North Korea eliminates rubella

North Korea introduced a mass measles-rubella immunization program in November 2019. Through this mass immunization activity, achieving more than 99.8% coverage in almost 6 million target population, the country has rapidly built substantial population immunity for rubella.

Korea Empire flag, for article on Korean Empire proclamation

Emperor Gojong proclaims the Korean Empire, asserting independence

The Korean Empire was born in October 1897, when King Gojong stepped onto the Hwangudan altar in Seoul and declared himself emperor of a sovereign nation called Daehan. The ceremony blended Western coronation elements with East Asian imperial ritual, a deliberate signal to Qing China, Japan, and Russia. Though the empire lasted just 13 years, it anchored a lasting idea of Korean nationhood.

Map of Baekje Kingdom at its peak, for article on Baekje kingdom

Baekje kingdom is founded in southwestern Korea

The Baekje kingdom was founded around 18 B.C.E. along the Han River, when a prince named Onjo led followers south from Goguryeo after a family succession dispute. It grew into one of Korea’s Three Kingdoms, lasting nearly seven centuries. From its western coast, Baekje carried Buddhism, writing, and craft across the sea to early Japan.