August 15, 1948

South Korea (Republic of Korea) is established, followed by the establishment of North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) less than a month later.

January 17, 1950

North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung proposes the "liberation" of South Korea to Soviet officials.

June 25, 1950

A massive artillery barrage from the North marks the beginning of the Korean War.

June 27, 1950

The United Nations Security Council adopts Resolution 83, authorizing UN member states to provide military assistance to South Korea.

September 12, 1950

North Korean troops reach their farthest point of advance.

September 15, 1950

U.S. Maj. Gen. Edward M. Almond's X Corps stages an audacious amphibious landing at Inch'ŏn, some 150 miles behind enemy lines.

October 25, 1950

Having destroyed the bulk of the North Korean army, UN troops press on into North Korea and approach the Yalu River.

December 6, 1950

The U.S. Marines at the Chosin Reservoir begin their fighting retreat to the port of Hŭngnam, attacking in a different direction.

January 4, 1951

Chinese and North Korean forces recapture Seoul.

March 14, 1951

Seoul changes hands for the fourth time when UN forces once again liberate the South Korean capital.

April 11, 1951

U.S. Pres. Harry S. Truman relieves Gen. Douglas MacArthur of command for insubordination and unwillingness to prosecute a limited war. Lieut. Gen. Matthew Ridgway succeeds him as UN commander.

April 25, 1951

Vastly outnumbered UN forces check the Chinese advance on Seoul at the Battles of Kapyong and the Imjin River.

July 10, 1951

Truce talks between the UN and the communists begin at Kaesong. The negotiations do not mark an end to the war, however; the fighting continues for two more years. In October, the peace talks relocate to the village of Panmunjom.

July 27, 1953

Mark W. Clark for the UN Command, Peng Dehuai for the Chinese, and Kim Il-Sung for North Korea conclude an armistice ending hostilities. A demilitarized zone is created that roughly follows the prewar border along the 38th parallel. South Korean Pres. Syngman Rhee announces his acceptance of the agreement, but no representative of South Korea ever signs the document.