Korean nationalism

Korean nationalism can be viewed in two different contexts. One encompasses various movements throughout history to maintain a Korean cultural identity, history, and ethnicity (or "race"). This ethnic nationalism was mainly forged in opposition to foreign incursion and rule. The second context encompasses how Korean nationalism changed after the partition in 1945, with both North and South Korea espousing their own distinct variations of a national identity.

Korean nationalism in its current form first developed during the period of Japanese rule, where nationalist groups formed to foster the Korean independence movement. Following World War II and the surrender of Japan, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel between north and south by the Soviet Union and the United States. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea was created in the north, while the Republic of Korea was formed in the South. Following the division, both nations have utilized nationalism to bolster the claim to be the legitimate representative of Korea. The concept has played an important role in promoting Korean reunification, with both Koreas historically promoting the idea of being a one nation despite the difference in political systems.

Support for ethnicity-based nationalism has been dropping in both Koreas. In 2023, North Korea abandoned reunification as a goal and started de-emphasizing its ethnic ties with South Korea, instead designating the South as a hostile state. Conversely, surveys in South Korea have found both support for reunification and nationalism based on the concept of minjok has been dropping, especially among younger generations.