Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history



Aug. 21

1875 -- A Japanese warship attacks Ganghwa Island on the west coast of the Korean
Peninsula in an attempt to expand Japan's influence in the neighboring country.

1980 -- Following a military coup, a meeting of commanders from South Korea's
armed forces appoints general Chun Doo-hwan to serve as head of state.

1981 -- The South Korean government announces the fifth five-year economic
development plan.

2003 -- The Summer Universiade opens at the World Cup stadium in the southeastern
city of Daegu, with delegations from 169 countries participating.

2007 -- Park Tae-hwan wins gold in the 400-meter freestyle at the 2007
International Swim Meet held in Chiba, Japan, at age 18. Park touched the pad
with a time of 3 minutes and 44.77 seconds, beating Australian Grant Hackett who
came in at 3 minutes and 45.27 seconds. Months earlier, he had won gold in the
men's 400-meter freestyle in the World Swimming Championships held in Melbourne,
Australia.
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