This article explores the origin and current usage of the term "Kankoku," which is used by many Japanese people to refer to the nation of Korea. The word originated in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and was adopted by Japanese people over time. During the period of Japanese colonization from 1910-1945, Japan imposed its language on Korea, replacing Chinese characters with Japanese ones in official documents and schools. After World War II ended in 1945, some words like Kankoku remained popular among Japanese speakers due to its long history of usage by them prior to WWII. Despite having an alternative native word for it (Choson), Kankoku remains a popular term among both nations when referring to each other's countries due mainly to cultural exchange between them since then such as through media or tourism.