Historical Inventions
This invention, created in 1450, revolutionized communication and made books accessible to everyone.
Answer: The printing press.
Question: Why do you think books became more important after this invention?
This device, invented by Steve Jobs and his team in 2007, became a pocket-sized computer for everyone.
Answer: The smartphone.
Question: How do you think smartphones have changed the way people communicate?
Without this invention, you wouldn’t be able to keep your food fresh for days or even weeks.
Answer: The refrigerator.
Question: What foods do you always keep in your refrigerator?
This Korean invention, used for writing, replaced Chinese characters in the 15th century.
Answer: Hangul.
Question: How do you think Hangul has helped Korea’s culture and identity?
This invention allows people to communicate across the world in real time, even during a pandemic.
Answer: Video calls.
Question: How often do you use video calls, and who do you call the most?
Before this invention in 1879, people relied on candles and gas lamps for light.
Answer: The light bulb.
Question: How do you think life was before people had electric lights?
This online platform, launched in 2004, changed the way people connect and share their lives.
Answer: Facebook.
Question: Do you think social media is more helpful or harmful in daily life?
People use this to clean their homes without having to touch a broom or mop.
Answer: The vacuum cleaner.
Question: What do you think is the hardest part of keeping your home clean?
This Korean shipbuilder created the world’s first ironclad warship in the 16th century.
Answer: The turtle ship (Geobukseon).
Question: What do you know about Korea’s history during the time of the turtle ship?
Many people can’t live without this device, which lets them watch movies and play games anywhere.
Answer: Tablets or laptops.
Question: Do you prefer using a tablet, a laptop, or a smartphone for work or study?
This ancient invention, first used in Mesopotamia, helped make transportation and farming more efficient.
Answer: The wheel.
Question: What invention do you think is as important as the wheel today?
This invention, launched into orbit in 1977, gave us GPS technology.
Answer: Satellites.
Question: How do you use GPS or satellite technology in your daily life?
This invention, used in kitchens around the world, helps heat up leftovers in seconds.
Answer: The microwave.
Question: What is your favorite food to heat up in the microwave?
This popular Korean app helps people communicate with friends, share photos, and even shop online.
Answer: KakaoTalk.
Question: How do you usually communicate with your friends—by phone, text, or apps like KakaoTalk?
This invention is the reason why you can enjoy coffee or tea during your morning break.
Answer: Coffee machines.
Question: How do you usually start your day—with coffee, tea, or something else?
Invented by the Wright brothers in 1903, this changed the way people travel long distances.
Answer: The airplane.
Question: If you could fly anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
Known for its robotic movements and endless videos, this app became one of the most popular in Korea.
Answer: TikTok.
Question: What do you think makes TikTok so popular with people around the world?
This device helps millions of people wake up on time every day.
Answer: The alarm clock.
Question: Do you usually wake up with an alarm, or do you wake up naturally?
This Korean dessert is not an invention, but its popularity skyrocketed with innovative flavors and designs.
Answer: Bingsu (shaved ice).
Question: What is your favorite kind of bingsu, or another dessert you love?
Before this invention, people had to write letters and wait weeks for a reply.
Answer: The postal system.
Question: When was the last time you received or sent a letter or package?
This sticky invention, originally used during World War II, now helps fix almost everything.
Answer: Duct tape.
Question: What is one time you used something simple, like duct tape, to solve a big problem?
This invention allows people to pay for items without using cash or a credit card.
Answer: Contactless payment systems (like QR codes).
Question: Do you prefer paying with cash, card, or your phone? Why?
Found in almost every house, this invention keeps people cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Answer: Air conditioning.
Question: Would you rather live without air conditioning or without heating? Why?
Samsung, a Korean company, became famous worldwide for making this electronic device.
Answer: Smartphones by Samsung.
Question: What features do you think are most important in a smartphone?
This invention has replaced textbooks and made learning easier for students everywhere.
Answer: Online learning platforms.
Question: What do you think is better—learning in person or learning online?