General information of Korea: Korean culture and history

Recommended Information

Facts and Figures

The Korean flag is called Taegeukgi. Its design symbolizes the principles of the yin and yang in Asian philosophy.

Exploring Korea

Located along the Hangang River, Seoul has grown into a teeming metropolis with a population of more than 10 million.

Inside Channels

Korea and its People

National Symbols

What is Hangeul?

Korea is situated on the Korean Peninsula, which spans 1,100 kilometers north to south. The Korean Peninsula lies on the northeastern section of the Asian ontinent, where Korean waters are joined by the western-most parts of the Pacific.

Constitution and Gov't

Executive Branch

Organization Chart

On July 17, 1948, the first Constitution of the Republic of Korea was adopted. As the nation underwent political upheavals in pursuit of dem ocratic development, the Korean Constitution has been amended nine times, the last time on October 29, 1987.

Inter-Korean relations

Inter-Korean Exchanges

Future Policy Directions

When the Second World War ended with Japan��s defeat, all Koreans aspired for a unified indepen dent nation but instead suffered national division resulting from the subsequent Cold War between East and West.

Economy

Economic Challenges

World-Class Logistics Hub

Korea aims to become a financial and business hub of Northeast Asia in the 21st century. The region, with a population of 1.5 billion, has the essential resources necessary for economic development including abundant natural resources and large-scale consumer markets. Korea's major industries include electronics,
automobiles, semi-conductors, steel products, shipbuilding, and textiles.

Culture and the Arts

Recognition of Korean Treasures

Korean Wave

The geography of Korea �� a peninsula jutting out from the world��s largest continent �� has contributed greatly to the development of uniquely Korean characteristics.

Sports

Popular Sports

Traditional Sports

Most Koreans are sports enthusiasts.
There are abundant sporting facilities all over the country. Koreans love to take part and prove their mettle in local and international sporting events. Korea has produced world-class players in golf, soccer, baseball, tennis,
archery, short track, and Taekwondo.

History

Goryeo

Founding of the Republic

Traces of Korean history date back over half a million years ago. First century B.C. saw the three kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla rule the Korean peninsula and some part of Manchuria.

Presidency

President Lee Myung-bak

First Lady Kim Yoon-ok

Presidential elections are held by equal, direct, and secret ballots in a popular election. The President serves five-year term as Head of State and Chief Executive representing the entire nation both in government and in foreign relations.

Korea in the world

Economic Exchanges

Future Policy Directions

South Korea maintains its alliance with the U.S. to ensure sustained peace, security, and economic development. It pursues diplomacy through dialogue in dealing with nuclear issues posed by North Korea in coordination with the U.S., Japan, China, Russia, the European Unions, and other countries.

Society

Social Welfare

Education

Over the past few decades, Korea has transformed itself from an agrarian society to an industrialized nation. The government has been making efforts to upgrade living standards through vigorous reforms in education, housing, social welfare, and environment. It also continues to invest in science and technology.

Korean Life

Food

Religion

It is generally believed that Paleolithic man began to inhabit the Korean Peninsula about 40,000 to 50,000 years ago, although it has yet to be confirmed if they were the ethnic ancestors of present-day Koreans.

Tourism

How to Travel Around Korea

Shopping Malls

Korea features scenic natural landscapes and valuable cultural heritage enshrined in UNESCO��s World Heritage List. The tourism industry has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last three decades.
The government constantly upgrades the nation's tourism facilities to serve visitors better.