First Republic of Korea
Republic of Korea 대한민국 大韓民國 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948–1960 | |||||||||
| Anthem: 애국가 "Aegukga" (1948) "Aegukga" (1948–1960) | |||||||||
| National Seal (1949–1960) | |||||||||
First Republic of Korea in November 1950 | |||||||||
| Capital | Seoul (1948–1950, 1952–1960) Busan (1950–1952) | ||||||||
| Common languages | Korean | ||||||||
| Religion | Christianity, Confucianism, Buddhism, Korean Shamanism, Cheondoism | ||||||||
| Government | Unitary presidential republic under an authoritarian dictatorship | ||||||||
| President | |||||||||
• 1948–1960 | Syngman Rhee | ||||||||
• 1960 | Ho Chong (acting) | ||||||||
| Prime Minister | |||||||||
• 1948–1950 | Lee Beom-seok | ||||||||
• 1950 (acting) | Shin Song-mo | ||||||||
• 1950–1952 | Chang Myon | ||||||||
• 1952 (acting) | Yi Yun-yong | ||||||||
• 1952 | Chang Taek-sang | ||||||||
• 1952–1954 | Paik Too-chin | ||||||||
• 1954 | Pyon Yong-tae | ||||||||
| Vice President | |||||||||
• 1948–1951 | Yi Si-yeong | ||||||||
• 1951–1952 | Kim Seong-su | ||||||||
• 1952–1956 | Ham Tae-young | ||||||||
• 1956–1960 | Chang Myon | ||||||||
| Legislature | National Assembly | ||||||||
| Historical era | Cold War | ||||||||
• Proclamation of the Republic of Korea | 15 August 1948 | ||||||||
| 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953 | |||||||||
| 19 April 1960 | |||||||||
• Disestablished | 15 June 1960 | ||||||||
| Currency | Won (1945–1953) Hwan (1953–1962) | ||||||||
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| Today part of | North Korea South Korea | ||||||||
As Korean Republic | |||||||||
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| First Republic of Korea | |
Proclamation of the Republic of Korea on 15 August 1948 | |
| Korean name | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 제1 공화국 |
| Hanja | 第一共和國 |
| RR | je1 gonghwaguk |
| MR | che1 konghwaguk |
| History of South Korea |
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| South Korea portal |
The First Republic of Korea (Korean: 제1공화국; RR: Jeil Gonghwaguk; lit. "First Republic") was the government of South Korea from August 1948 to June 1960. The First Republic was founded on 15 August 1948, and it became the first independent republican government in Korea. Syngman Rhee was the first president of South Korea. The National Assembly was created following the May 1948 general election, and the National Assembly in Seoul promulgated South Korea's first constitution in July, establishing a presidential system of government.
In 1947, the United Nations proposed elections under its supervision to establish a unified Korean government. South Korea participated, leading to the formation of the Republic of Korea. The Soviet Civil Administration in northern Korea refused, and North Korea was established separately, which ultimately led to the division. Accordingly, on 12 December 1948, the United Nations recognized the Republic of Korea as the only lawful government in Korea by UN General Assembly Resolution 195. The first republic claimed sovereignty over all of Korea but only controlled Korea south of the 38th parallel until the end of the Korean War in 1953, when the border was modified. The first republic was characterized by Rhee's authoritarianism, limited economic development, strong anti-communism, and by the late 1950s growing political instability and public opposition to Rhee. The April Revolution in April 1960 led to Rhee's resignation and the transition to the second Republic of Korea.