Today in Korean history

Oct. 12

1897 -- The Daehan Empire is established, with King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty becoming its emperor.

1923 -- Ferry service opens between the ports of Masan, Korea, and Osaka, Japan.

1949 -- South Korea establishes its Air Force.

1962 -- North Korea signs a border treaty with China.

1980 -- A monument is set up on Jeju Island in memory of Hendrick Hamel, a Dutch seaman who became the first Westerner to write about Korea after he was shipwrecked on the island in the 17th century.

1982 -- The OB Bears defeat the Samsung Lions to become the first champions of the South Korean pro baseball league.

1985 -- A test-tube baby is born in South Korea for the first time by a team from Seoul National University.

1987 -- The National Assembly passes a revision of the Constitution to establish free presidential elections.

1992 -- South Korea's first domestically made submarine, the 1,200-ton-class Icheon, is christened.

2015 -- South Korea announces its plan to reintroduce state history textbooks for secondary school students.
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