Today in Korean history

Jan. 6

1926 -- Japan completes construction of the Japanese Governor-General's office
inside Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul.

The Japanese colonial headquarters
controlled the entire Korean Peninsula until Korea regained its sovereignty in
1945. The building later housed the national museum, but public debate continued
over whether it should be demolished. Some called for the building to be removed
to clear away memories of the past, while others claimed it stands as a
legitimate reminder of Korean history. After years of debate, the building was
finally brought down in 1996.

1990 -- A Korean Air passenger plane traversing the Seoul-Paris route passes
through the airspace of the former Soviet Union for the first time.

2005 -- Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan pledges South Korea's support for an
international effort to reconstruct tsunami-stricken areas in Indian Ocean
countries. The official, attending an emergency tsunami-related summit of world
leaders in Jakarta, said Seoul's efforts will be focused on rebuilding the
infrastructure of those countries hit hardest by the late 2004 earthquake and
subsequent tidal wave.
(END)