Seoul:A series of significant events have occurred in Korean history on October 12 across various years.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean Empire was established in 1897, with King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty becoming its emperor. In 1923, a ferry service commenced between the ports of Masan, Korea, and Osaka, Japan, enhancing transportation and connectivity between the two countries.
In 1949, South Korea established its Air Force, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's military development. Meanwhile, in 1962, North Korea signed a border treaty with China, solidifying diplomatic relations between the two nations.
A monument was erected on Jeju Island in 1980 to honor Hendrick Hamel, a Dutch seaman who was the first Westerner to write about Korea after being shipwrecked there in the 17th century. Two years later, in 1982, the OB Bears claimed victory over the Samsung Lions to become the first champions of the South Korean professional baseball league.
In 1985, South Korea witnessed the birth of its first test-tube baby, achieved by a team from Seoul National University. The National Assembly passed a constitutional revision in 1987, paving the way for free presidential elections, a major step toward democratization.
On this date in 1992, South Korea christened its first domestically made submarine, the 1,200-ton-class Icheon, showcasing advancements in its naval capabilities. In 2015, South Korea announced plans to reintroduce state history textbooks for secondary school students, aiming to standardize historical education.