[1] Bronze Age archaeological evidence of Gojoseon culture is found in northern Korea and Liaoning.
By the 9th to 4th century BC, various historical and archaeological evidence shows Gojoseon was a flourishing state and a self-declared kingdom.
[2] Buyeo (c. 2nd century BC – 494 AD) ruled in modern-day Northeast China.
In the early years, Silla was ruled by the Pak, Seok, and Kim families.
Later Baekje (900–936) was founded by Kyŏn Hwŏn, who was a general during Later Silla's period of decline.
Taebong (901–918), also known as Majin or Later Goguryeo, was established by Gung-ye, an outcast prince of Silla.
Gung-Ye joined General Yang Gil's rebellion, and rose through the ranks.
The first ruler had the temple name Taejo, which means "great progenitor", and was applied to the first kings of both Goryeo and Joseon, as they were also the founders of the Wang and Yi Dynasties respectively.
Jo was given to the first kings/emperors of new lines within the dynasty, with the first king/emperor having the special name (Taejo), which means "great progenitor" (see also Goryeo).
For the sake of consistency, the title "King/Emperor" has been added to each monarch's temple name in the list below.