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 two 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.

(END)