Where did the name Korea come from?

There are different theories about the origin of the name "Korea". Here are a few of them:

1. Goguryeo: This is one of the earliest and most widely accepted theories. Goguryeo (고구려) was an ancient Korean kingdom that existed from the 4th century BC to the 7th century AD. The name "Goguryeo" is thought to be derived from the Goguryeo word "Goguryŏ" (고구려), which means "high and steep land" or "lofty cliffs." The name "Korea" is believed to have evolved from "Goguryeo" through various linguistic changes.

2. Koryŏ: Koryŏ (고려) was another Korean kingdom that existed from the 10th century to the late 14th century AD. The name "Koryŏ" is thought to have been derived from the name of the Goryeo people (고려인), an ancient tribe that inhabited the area around the modern-day city of Kaesong. The name "Korea" may have originated from "Koryŏ" as well.

3. Goryeo: The name "Korea" is sometimes said to have come from "Goryeo" (고려), another Korean kingdom that existed from the 10th to the late 14th century AD. The name "Goryeo" is thought to have derived from the name of the Goryeo people (고려인), an ancient tribe that inhabited the area around the modern-day city of Kaesong.

It's important to note that the exact origins of the name "Korea" are still a subject of debate among scholars and historians, and different theories have different levels of support. The theories mentioned here are some of the most widely accepted possibilities.