It was established as the Office of National History (Korean: 국사관; Hanja: 國史館; RR: Guksagwan) in March 1946, one year after the liberation of Korea.

The NIKH has established a systematic database and internet service network for the purpose of facilitating the investigation, collection, exhibition, and release of historical materials in cooperation with related institutions.

The Korean history database [4] provides original text of important historical materials, which are digitalized in a chronological order so that the public can search out the needed information.

[citation needed] Many others claimed this project will monopolize the textbooks and throw the nation into an ideological war over how students should learn modern history.

Education Minister Hwang Woo-yea pledged that the ministry will ensure diverse views are included in the new textbooks, saying that experts from many different backgrounds will participate in producing it.

Approximately 60,000 people, including superintendents of regional education offices, professors and middle and high school teachers, had signed a petition against the plan.