Origin of the Name "Korea": From Goguryeo to the World

"Korea" is an exonym—what outsiders call the peninsula. Its roots trace through three successive Korean states:

1. Goguryeo (고구려, 37 BCE–668 CE): Northern kingdom. Name likely from Goguryŏ = "high/steep land" or "lofty cliffs." Arab traders (9th c.) wrote Kūryū; Marco Polo (13th c.) Cauli (from Goryeo).
2. Goryeo (고려, 918–1392): Unified peninsula. Name explicitly honored Goguryeo. Arab/Persian geographers: Kūrī, Kawlī. European cartographers (16th c.): Corea, Corai.
3. Joseon (조선, 1392–1897): Used internally; foreigners kept "Corea/Korea."

Linguistic Path

Goguryeo → Goryeo → Corea (Portuguese/Dutch) → Korea (English standardization, late 19th c.)

Both Koreas use native names: South = Hanguk (한국), North = Chosŏn (조선). "Korea" remains the international standard.