Today in Korean history

Jan. 1

1883 -- The port of Jemulpo, 40 kilometers west of Seoul, is renamed Incheon Port, and its functions are expanded to commercial trade with foreign partners.

1896 -- The Joseon Dynasty begins using the Gregorian calendar instead of the lunar calendar.

1905 -- All sections of the Gyeongbu railway linking Seoul and Busan are opened.

1981 -- The Korean Central Intelligence Agency is renamed the Agency for National Security Planning.

1983 -- An ethics law for government officials is ratified, requiring high-level officials and lawmakers to report their assets to the government each year.

1989 -- North Korean President Kim Il-sung proposes political negotiations between leading figures from the Koreas.

2004 -- South Korea's government expresses regret over Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to a controversial shrine honoring Japanese war dead, including World War II criminals.

2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un says in a New Year's Day address that he is firmly committed to denuclearization and ready to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at any time but warns he will seek a new way if the U.S. misjudges his patience and sticks to sanctions.

2020 -- North Korea's state media reports leader Kim Jong-un had said during a key ruling party meeting that he sees no reason to stick to his commitment to suspend nuclear and long-range missile tests and will soon show off a "new strategic weapon." He accused the United States of stalling for time for its own political interests.
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