South Korea


大韓民國
Daehan-minguk |conventional_long_nameRepublic of Korea |common_nameSouth Korea |image_flagFlag of South Korea.svg |image_coatCoat of arms of South Korea.svg |symbol_typeCoat of arms |image_mapSouth Korea (orthographic projection).svg |mapsize220px |motto널리 인간세상을 이롭게 하라 (unofficial motto) |national_anthem[[Aegukga]]lt;br />The Patriotic Song |official_languagesKorean language |languages_typeOfficial script |languagesHangeul |demonymSouth Korean, Korean |ethnic_groups |capitalSeoul |latd37 |latm35 |latNSN |longd127 |longm0 |longEWE |government_typePresidential republic |leader_title1President of South Korea |leader_title2Prime Minister of South Korea |leader_name1Lee Myung-bak |leader_name2Yoon Jeung-hyun (acting) |legislatureNational Assembly of South Korea |largest_citySeoul |area_rank108th |area_magnitude1 E10 |area_km299,392 |area_sq_mi38,375 to the east. Its southern tip lies on the Korea Strait and the East China Sea The countrys total area is The estimated area rises steadily from year to year, possibly due to land reclamation. lt;/ref> South Korea can be divided into four general regions: an eastern region of high mountain ranges and narrow coastal plains a western region of broad coastal plains, drainage basin and rolling hills; a southwestern region of mountains and valleys; and a southeastern region dominated by the broad basin of the Nakdong River http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/geography.htm#LAND Geography of Korea], Asia Info Organization South Koreas terrain is mostly mountainous, most of which is not arable land Lowland , located primarily in the west and southeast, constitute only 30% of the total land area. About three thousand islands, mostly small and uninhabited, lie off the western and southern coasts of South Korea. Jeju-do is located about 100 kilometers (about 60 mi) off the southern coast of South Korea. It is the countrys largest island, with an area of 1,845 square kilometres (712 sq mi). Jeju is also the site of South Koreas highest point: Hallasan an extinct volcano reaches 1,950 meters (6,398 ft) above sea level. The most eastern islands of South Korea include Ulleungdo and Liancourt Rocks (Dokdo), while Marado and Socotra Rock are the southernmost islands of South Korea. South Korea has National parks of South Korea and popular nature places like the Boseong Suncheon Ecological Park and the first national park of Jirisan http://english.knps.or.kr/ Korea Nationa Park Service official site]

Climate

Korea Meteorological Administration. | floatright}} South Korea tends to have a humid continental climate and a humid subtropical climate and is affected by the East Asian monsoon with precipitation (meteorology) heavier in summer during a short rainy season called [[East Asian rainy season|jangma]](:ko:장마 , which begins end of June through the end of July. Winters can be extremely cold with the minimum temperature dropping to −20 °C in the northernmost part of the country: in Seoul, the average January temperature range is −7 °Celsius to 1 °C (19 °Fahrenheit to 33 °F), and the average August temperature range is 22 °C to 30 °C (71 °F to 86 °F). Winter temperatures are higher along the southern coast and considerably lower in the mountainous interior.http://countrystudies.us/south-korea/31.htm South Korea climate], U.S. Library of Congress, Country studies Rainfall is concentrated in the summer months of June through September. The southern coast is subject to late summer tropical cyclone that bring strong winds and heavy rains. The average annual precipitation (meteorology) varies from 1,370 millimeters (54 inch s) in Seoul to 1,470 millimeters (58 inches) in Busan There are occasional typhoons that bring high winds and floods.

Environment

File:Korea-Seoul-Cheonggyecheon-2008-01.jpg a stream running through downtown Seoul, was restored after being paved over for a motorway.]] During the first 20 years of South Koreas growth surge, little effort was made to preserve the environment.lt;/ref> Unchecked industrialization and urban development have resulted in deforestation and the ongoing destruction of wetlands such as the Songdo Tidal Flat.lt;/ref> However, there have been recent efforts to balance these problems, including a government run five-year green growth project that aims to boost energy efficiency and green technology.http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20090820/tsc-un-praises-south-korea-s-green-growt-f86fa4c.html UK.news.yahoo.com]lt;/ref>http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/south-korea-to-boost-renewable-energy-investments-by-60-1191.html Greentechmedia.com]lt;/ref> The green-based economic strategy is a comprehensive overhaul of South Koreas economy, utilizing nearly two percent of the national GDP. The greening initiative includes such efforts as a nation wide bike network, solar and wind energy, lowering oil dependent vehicles, backing daylight savings and extensive usage of environmentally friendly technologies such as LEDs in electronics and lighting.lt;/ref> The country – already the worlds most wired – plans to build a nationwide next-generation network which will be 10 times faster than current broadband facilities in order to reduce energy usage. Seouls tap water recently became safe to drink, with city officials branding it "Arisu" in a bid to convince the public.lt;/ref> Efforts have also been made with afforestation projects. Another multi-billion dollar project was the restoration of Cheonggyecheon a stream running through downtown Seoul that had earlier been paved over by a motorway.http://english.seoul.go.kr/gover/initiatives/inti_02cheon.htm Seoul Metropolitan Government – "A Clean, Attractive & Global City, Seoul!"]lt;/ref> One major challenge is air quality, with acid rain, sulfur oxides, and annual yellow dust storms being particular problems. It is acknowledged that many of these difficulties are a result of South Koreas proximity to China, which is a major air polluter. South Korea is a member of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty Antarctic Treaty System Convention on Biological Diversity Kyoto Protocol (forming the Environmental Integrity Group (EIG), regarding UNFCCC lt;/ref> with Mexico and Switzerland , United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification CITES Environmental Modification Convention Basel Convention United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping from Ships and Aircraft Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Montreal Protocol MARPOL 73/78 International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1983 International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994 Ramsar Convention and International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling lt;/ref>

Economy

Transportation and energy

File:KTX-II South Korean High-Speed Train.jpg High-speed rail can travel at ]] File:Incheon International Airpot (interesting architecture).jpg is the largest airport in South Korea.]] File:Rainbow fountain Seoul.JPG connects the southern and northern parts of Seoul that are separated by the Han River.]] South Korea has a market economy with technologically advanced transportation network consisting of high-speed railways, highways, bus routes, ferry services, and air routes that criss-cross the country. Korea Expressway Corporation operates the toll highways and service amenities en route. Korail provides frequent train service to all major South Korean cities. Two rail lines, Gyeongui Line and Donghae Bukbu Line to North Korea are now being reconnected. The Korean high-speed rail system, Korea Train Express provides high-speed service along Gyeongbu Line and Honam Line Major cities including Seoul Busan Incheon Daegu Daejeon and Gwangju have subway systems.http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/TR/TR_EN_5_1_4.jsp Subway], Korea Tourism Organization; http://www.incheonmetro.co.kr/eng/index.asp Incheon Metro] Express bus terminals are available in most cities.http://www.kobus.co.kr/web/eng/01_guide/guide02.jsp Express bus terminal guide], Korea Express Bus Lines Association Construction of South Koreas largest airport, Incheon International Airport was completed in 2001. By 2007, the airport was serving passengers a year.lt;/ref> Other international airports include Gimpo International Airport Gimhae International Airport and Jeju International Airport There are also seven domestic airports, and a large number of heliports lt;/ref> Korean Air founded in 1962, served 21,640,000 passengers, including 12,490,000 international passengers in 2008.lt;/ref> A second carrier, Asiana Airlines established in 1988, also serves domestic and international traffic. Combined, South Korean airlines currently serve 297 international routes.lt;/ref> Smaller airliners, such as Jeju Air provide domestic service with lower fares.http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid2922592 If youre looking for a ticket to Jeju, leave late], Joongang Daily, 2010-07-02. Retrieved 2010-07-15. South Korea is the worlds fifth largest nuclear power producer and the second-largest in Asia as of 2010.lt;/ref> Nuclear power in South Korea supplies 45% of electricity production and research is very active with investigation into a variety of advanced reactors, including a small modular reactor, a liquid-metal fast/nuclear transmutation#Transmutation of nuclear wastes reactor and a high-temperature hydrogen generation design. Fuel production and waste handling technologies have also been developed locally. It is also a member of the ITER project.http://www.iter.org/ ITER official site] South Korea is not allowed to enrich uranium or develop traditional uranium enrichment technology on its own due to US political pressure,http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/world/asia/14seoul.html unlike most major nuclear powers such as Japan, Germany, and France, providing a noticeable impediment to South Koreas indigenous nuclear industrial undertaking that has sparked occasional diplomatic rows between the two allies. It has sought unique technologies such as Nuclear reprocessing#Pyroprocessing technology to circumvent these obstacles.http://www.armscontrol.org/act/2009_07-08/SouthKorea The US has recently been wary of South Koreas burgeoning nuclear program which South Korea insists will only be for civilian use.

Science and technology

Aerospace research

South Korea has sent up 10 satellites from 1992, all using foreign rockets and overseas launch pads, notably Arirang-1 in 1999, and Arirang-2 in 2006 as part of its space partnership with Russia.lt;/ref> Arirang-1 was lost in space in 2008, after nine years in service.http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/South_Korea_Confirms_Contact_With_Satellite_Lost_999.html South Korea Confirms Contact With Satellite Lost], Space Daily, 2008-01-07. Retrieved 2010-07-15. In April 2008, Yi So-yeon became the first Korean to fly in space, aboard the Russian Soyuz TMA-12 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3708907.ece Scientist Yi So Yeon becomes first Korean astronaut], The Times, 2008-04-09.; http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7335874.stm First S Korean astronaut launches], BBC News, 2008-04-08. Retrieved 2010-07-15. In June 2009, the first spaceport of South Korea, Naro Space Center was completed at Goheung Jeollanam-do http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/09/113_46562.html S. Korea Completes Work on Naro Space Center], Korea Times, 2009-06-10. Retrieved 2010-07-15. The launch of Naro-1 in August 2009 resulted in failure,http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/techscience/2009/08/26/15/0601000000AEN20090826005500320F.HTML S. Korean satellite lost shortly after launch], Yonhap News, 2009-08-26. Retrieved 2010-07-15. and the second attempt in June 2010 was also unsuccessful.http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/trend-lines/5924/global-insider-south-koreas-space-program Global Insider: South Koreas Space Program], World Politics Review, 2010-06-29. Retrieved 2010-07-15. The government plans to investigate the problems and develop Naro-2 by 2018.http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid2921704 Naro-1 explodes after takeoff], Joongang Daily, 2010-06-11. Retrieved 2010-07-15. Image:Einstein-Hubo.jpg can make expressive gestures with its five separate fingers.]]

Robotics

File:Ever3 skorea android.jpg ]] Robotics has been included in the list of main national R&D projects in Korea since 2003.http://www.mke.go.kr/language/eng/news/news_view.jsp?seq7&srchType1&srchWord&tableNmE_01_02&pageNo1 Special Report: Business Opportunities] R&D]. Ministry of Knowledge Economy 2007-09-03. Retrieved 2009-07-15. In 2009, the government announced plans to build robot-themed parks in Incheon Free Economic Zone and Masan with a mix of public and private funding.http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid2900986 "Robot parks, a world first"]. [[JoongAng Daily]] 2009-02-13. Retrieved 2009-07-15. In 2005, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed the worlds second walking humanoid robot HUBO A team in the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology developed the first Korean android (robot) EveR-1 in May 2006.http://www.livescience.com/technology/060508_android.html Android Has Human-Like Skin and Expressions], Live Science, 2006-05-08. Retrieved 2009-07-15. EveR-1 has been succeeded by more complex models with improved movement and vision.http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/05/android-korea-1.html Female Android Debuts in S. Korea] National Geographic,2006-05-15. Retrieved 2009-07-15;http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?modeLSD&midsec&sid1101&oid001&aid0002618693 EveR-3], Yonhap News, 2009-04-20. Retrieved 2009-07-15. Next models are scheduled to be completed by 2010. Plans of creating English-teaching robot assistants to compensate the shortage of teachers were announced in February 2010, with the robots being deployed to most preschools and kindergartens by 2013.http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-02/south-korea-gives-go-robot-english-teachers-classrooms South Korean Robot English Teachers Are Go], Popular Science, 2010-02-24. Retrieved 2010-07-15. Robotics are also incorporated in the entertainment sector as well; the Korean Robot Game Festivalhas been held every year since 2004 to promote science and robot technology.http://www.robotwar.or.kr/ Korean Robot Game Festival], Official Site

Biotechnology

Since the 1980s, the Korean government has actively invested in the development of a domestic biotechnology industry, and the sector is projected to grow to by 2010.http://www.bio2008.org/siteobjects/published/ec046034f6d7506aa06582be6902d018/af4810817445624b5dbc9d45f79c348b/file/Korea%20Country%20Profile.pdf Bio International Convention Korea Country Profile] The medical sector accounts for a large part of the production, including production of Hepatitis A vaccine and antibiotic . Recently, research and development in genetics and cloning has received increasing attention, with the first successful cloning of a dog, Snuppy and the cloning of two females of an endangered species of wolves by the Seoul National University in 2007.lt;/ref> The rapid growth of the industry has resulted in significant voids in regulation of ethics, as was highlighted by the Hwang Woo-Suk#Controversies case involving Hwang Woo-Suk lt;/ref>

Education

Education in South Korea is regarded as being crucial to ones success, and competition is consequently very heated and fierce. In the 2006 results of the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment South Korea came first in problem solving third in mathematics and eleventh in science lt;/ref> South Koreas education system is technologically advanced and it is the worlds first country to bring high-speed fibre-optic broadband internet access to every primary and secondary school nation-wide. Using this infrastructure, the country has developed the first Digital Textbook in the world, which will be distributed for free to every primary and secondary schools nation-wide by 2013.lt;/ref> A centralised administration in South Korea oversees the process for the education of children from kindergarten to the third and final year of high school. South Korea has adopted a new educational program to increase the number of their foreign students through 2010. According to Ministry of Education, Science and Technology estimate, by that time, the number of scholarships for foreign students in South Korea will be doubled, and the number of foreign students will reach 100,000.lt;/ref> The school year is divided into two semesters, the first of which begins in the beginning of March and ends in mid-July, the second of which begins in late August and ends in mid-February. The schedules are not uniformly standardized and vary from school to school.

Demographics

South Korea is noted for its population density, which at 487 per square kilometer is more than 10 times the global average. Most South Koreans live in urban areas, due to rapid migration from the countryside during the countrys quick economic expansion in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.lt;/ref> The capital city of Seoul is also the countrys largest city and chief industrial center. According to 2005 census, Seoul had a population of inhabitants. The Seoul National Capital Area has inhabitants making it the worlds second largest metropolitan area and easily the most densely populated city in the OECD. Other major cities include Busan (, Incheon (, Daegu (, Daejeon (, Gwangju ( and Ulsan (.Populations for all cities as of 2005, lt;/ref> The population has also been shaped by international migration. Following the Division of Korea after World War II, about four million people from North Korea crossed the border to South Korea. This trend of net entry reversed over the next forty years due to emigration, especially to the United States and Canada. South Koreas total population in 1960 was http://esa.un.org/unpp/p2k0data.asp World Population Prospects: The 2006 Revision]. Source: Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat.lt;/ref> The current population of South Korea is roughly 50,062,000.|publisherEnglish.chosun.com|date2010-02-01|accessdate2010-04-25}} South Korea is ethnically one of the most homogeneous societies in the world with more than 99 per cent of inhabitants having Koreans ethnicity.https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html#People South Korea]. CIA – The World Factbook. The Koreans call their ethnic homogeneousity of their society using the word, 단일민족국가 (Dan-il minjok gook ga literally means the single race society.) In terms of the foreign nationals, although small, the percentage has been increasing."http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/world/asia/02race.html?_r3 South Koreans Struggle With Race]". The New York Times. November 1, 2009. South Korea had 1,106,884 foreign residents. This number covers approximately 2 percent of the entire population of South Korea; however, more than half of the foreign nationals have Korean ethnicity with a foreign citizenship. For example, Chinese people in South Korea make up 56.5% of the total, but approximately 70 percent of the Chinese citizens in Korea are [[Koreans in China|Joseonjok (조선족 in Korean)]] PRC citizens of Korean ethnicity.Foreigners Live in Korea (According to the article, approximately 443,566 people are considered to be Chinese residents in South Korea with Korean ethnicity (조선족) |urlhttp://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/08/06/2009080600243.html|postscript}} Regardless of the ethnicity, the Korea National Statistical Officehttp://kostat.go.kr/ Kostat.go.kr], 대한민국 통계청 counts that there are 28,500 United States Forces Korea personnel currently serving in South Korea for one year of unaccompanied tour.lt;/ref> In addition, about 43,000 English teachers from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa temporarily reside in Korea.lt;/ref> South Koreas birthrate is the worlds lowest.lt;/ref> If this continues, its population is expected to decrease by 13 percent to in 2050,lt;/ref> South Koreas annual birthrate is approximately 9 births per 1000 people.lt;/ref> The average life expectancy in 2008 was 79.10 years,https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2102.html CIA – The World Factbook 2008] – Rank Order – Life expectancy at birth which is 34th in the world.https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html CIA.gov]

Cities of South Korea

The figure below lists the twenty largest cities within administrative city limits;

Religion

File:Seokguram Buddha.JPG Grotto in Bulguksa temple, UNESCO World Heritage Site ] As of 2005, just under half of the South Korean population expressed Irreligion preference.According to figures compiled by the South Korean National Statistical Office lt;/ref> Of the rest, most are Christianity or Korean Buddhism according to the 2007 census, 29.2% of the population at that time was Christian (18.3% professed to being Protestants and 10.9% Catholics), and 22.8% were Buddhist.lt;/ref>lt;/ref> Other religions include Islam in Korea and various new religious movement such as Jeungism Cheondoism and Wonbuddhism The earliest religion practiced was Korean shamanism http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/rel/overview1.htm Religion in Korea], Asia Info Organization Today, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution, and there is no state religion lt;/ref> Christianity is South Koreas largest religion, accounting for more than half of all South Korean religious adherents. There are approximately 15 million Christianslt;/ref> in South Korea today, with almost two-thirds of Christians belonging to Protestant churches, while about 35% belong to the Catholic Church. Roman Catholicism has been the fastest growing denomination in South Korea since the late 1980s.lt;/ref> South Korea is also the second-largest missionary-sending nation.lt;/ref> Buddhism was introduced to Korea in the year 372.lt;/ref> According to the national census as of 2005, South Korea has over Buddhists.lt;/ref> Today, about 90% of Korean Buddhists belong to Jogye Order Most of the National Treasures of South Korea are Buddhist artifacts. Along with Neo-Confucianism Buddhism was also a state religion during the periods from Three Kingdoms of Korea to Goryeo before suppression under the Joseon Dynasty.lt;/ref> Islam in South Korea has an estimated less than 30,000 native followers, in addition to some 100,000 resident foreign workers from Muslim countries,lt;/ref> particularly Bangladesh and Pakistan lt;/ref>

Public health and safety

Although life expectancy has increased significantly since 1950, South Korea faces a number of important health-care issues. Foremost is the impact of environmental pollution on an increasingly urbanized population. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, chronic diseases account for the majority of diseases in South Korea, a condition exacerbated by the health care systems focus on treatment rather than prevention. The incidence of chronic disease in South Korea hovers around 24 percent. Approximately 33 percent of all adults Smoking The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) rate of prevalence at the end of 2003 was less than 0.1 percent. In 2001 central government expenditures on health care accounted for about 6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/South_Korea.pdf South Korea country profile]. Library of Congress Federal Research Division (May 2005). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the [[public domain]].lt;/ref> The Suicide in South Korea was 26 per 100,000 in 2008, the highest in the industrialized world.http://oberon.sourceoecd.org/vl9354525/cl26/nw1/rpsv/societyataglance2009/08/04/index.htm Suicide rate 2009], OECD; http://www.economist.com/node/16542639?story_id16542639 Suicide in South Korea], The Economist, 2010-07-08. Retrieved 2010-07-15.

Culture

South Korea shares its traditional culture with North Korea but the two Koreas have developed distinct contemporary forms of culture since the peninsula was divided in 1945. Historically, while the culture of Korea has been heavily influenced by that of neighbouring China, it has nevertheless managed to develop a unique and distinct cultural identity from its larger neighbour.lt;/ref> The South Korean Ministry of Culture and Tourism (South Korea) actively encourages the traditional arts, as well as modern forms, through funding and education programs.See also lt;/ref> The industrialization and urbanization of South Korea have brought many changes to the way Korean people live. Changing economics and lifestyles have led to a concentration of population in major cities, especially the capital Seoul, with multi-generational households separating into nuclear family living arrangements.

Art

File:Goryeo Celadon .jpg Dynasty]] Korean art has been highly influenced by Buddhism in Korea and Korean Confucianism which can be seen in the many traditional paintings, sculptures, ceramics and the performing arts.http://www.asia-art.net/korean_paint.html Korean painting], Asia Art Korean pottery and porcelain such as Joseon s [[Joseon white porcelain|baekja]]and buncheong and Goryeo s celadon are well known throughout the world.http://www.armkor.com/korea-info3.htm Korean Pottery and Celadon], Asian Relocation Management Korea The Korean tea ceremony pansori talchum and buchaechum are also notable Korean performing arts. Post-war modern Korean art started to flourish in the 1960s and 1970s, when South Korean Artists took interest in geometrical shapes and intangible subjects. Establishing a harmony between man and nature was also a favorite of this time. Due to social instability, social issues appeared as main subjects in the 1980s. Art was influenced by various international events and exhibits in Korea, and with it brought more diversity.http://www.apexart.org/conference/lee.htm Contemporary Korean Art in 1990s], apexart, 1999 The Olympic Park, Seoul in 1988, the transposition of the 1993 edition of the Whitney Biennial to Seoul,http://www.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id20100326020003 Whitney Biennal to come to Seoul again], Seoul News, 2010-03-26. Retrieved 2010-07-13. the creation of the Gwangju Biennale lt;ref>http://gb.or.kr/?midmain_eng Gwangju Biennale] and the Korean Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 1995 http://www.korean-pavilion.or.kr/07pavilion/kpEN.html Korean Pavilion], La Biennale di Venezia were notable events.

Architecture

File:Deoksugungpalacefromthebuilding.jpg and the Deoksugung palace]] File:Paldalmn.jpg a UNESCO World Heritage Site ] Due to South Koreas tumultuous history, construction and destruction has been repeated endlessly, resulting in an interesting melange of architectural styles and designs.http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/arc/modern_period.htm Korean architecture], Asian Info Organization Korean traditional architecture is characterized by its harmony with nature. Ancient architects adopted the Bracket (architecture) and is characterized by thatched roofs and heated floors called [[ondol]]http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/03/148_63378.html Exhibit Focuses on Traditional Architecture], Korea Times, 2010-03-31; http://park.org/Korea/Pavilions/PublicPavilions/KoreaImage/e-information/life/tradi-03.html Photos of traditional Korean shelters] People of the upper classes built bigger houses with elegantly curved tiled roofs with lifting eaves. Traditional architecture can be seen in the palaces and temples, preserved old houses called [[hanok]]http://ata.hannam.ac.kr/korea/k-house1.htm List of traditional Korean houses], Asian Tradition in Architecture and special sites like Hahoe Folk Village Yangdong Village of Gyeongju and Korean Folk Village Traditional architecture may also be seen at the nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Korea.http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/kr UNESCO World Heritage: Republic of Korea] Western architecture was first introduced to Korea at the end of the 19th century. Churches, offices for foreign legislation, schools and university buildings were built in new styles. With Korea under Japanese rule the colonial regime intervened in Koreas architectural heritage and Japanese-style modern architecture was imposed. The anti-Japanese sentiment, and the Korean War led to the destruction of most buildings constructed during that time.http://nongae.gsnu.ac.kr/~mirkoh/cob1.html Brief Review of Korea Modern Architecture], Prof. Park Kil-ryong (Kukmin University), modified by Architectural Design Lab, GSNU. Korean architecture entered a new phase of development during the post-Korean War reconstruction, incorporating modern architectural trends and styles. Stimulated by the economic growth in the 1970s and 1980s, active redevelopment saw new horizons in architectural design. In the aftermath of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, South Korea has witnessed a wide variation of styles in its architectural landscape due, in large part, to the opening up of the market to foreign architects.http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/arc/contemporary_architecture.htm Contemporary Korean architecture], Asian Info Organization Contemporary architectural efforts have been constantly trying to balance the traditional philosophy of "harmony with nature" and the fast-paced urbanization that the country has been going through in recent years.http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id9605&sec10 Korean buildings that captivate world], Asia News, 2010-01-15; http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid2903625 Still, slow waters of Korean architecture], Joongang Daily, 2009-04-16. Retrieved 2010-07-10.

Cuisine

Korean cuisine, hanguk yori(한국요리; 韓國料理), or hansik(한식; 韓食), has evolved through centuries of social and political change. Ingredients and dishes vary by province. There are many significant regional dishes that have proliferated in different variations across the country in the present day. The Korean royal court cuisine once brought all of the unique regional specialties together for the royal family. Meals consumed both by the royal family and ordinary Korean citizens have been regulated by a unique culture of etiquette. Korean cuisine is largely based on rice noodle , tofu vegetables, fish and meats. Traditional Korean meals are noted for the number of side dishes, [[banchan]](반찬), which accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice. Every meal is accompanied by numerous banchan. Kimchi a fermented, usually spicy vegetable dish is commonly served at every meal and is one of the best known Korean dishes. Korean cuisine usually involves heavy seasoning with sesame oil [[doenjang]](된장), a type of fermented bean paste Korean soy sauce salt, garlic, ginger, and [[gochujang]](고추장), a hot pepper paste. Soups are also a common part of a Korean meal and are served as part of the main course rather than at the beginning or the end of the meal. Soups known as [[guk]](국) are often made with meats, shellfish and vegetables. Similar to guk, tang(탕) has less water, and is more often served in restaurants. Another type is [[jjigae]](찌개), a stew that is typically heavily seasoned with chili pepper and served boiling hot. File:Banchans.jpg|Various banchan File:Gimchi.jpg|Baechu(napa cabbage) kimchi File:Korean barbeque-Bulgogi-16.jpg|Barbecued beef bulgogi File:Korean stew-Sundubu jjigae-08.jpg|Sundubu jjigae a Korean uncurdled tofu stew File:Korean fruit punch-Sujeonggwa-02.jpg|Sujeonggwa a traditional Korean fruit punch, garnished with pine nuts

Contemporary music, film and television

In addition to domestic consumption, South Korean mainstream culture, including televised drama, films, and popular music, also generates significant exports to various parts of the world. This phenomenon, often called "Hallyu or the "Korean Wave", has swept many countries in Asia and other parts of the world.lt;/ref> Until the 1990s, trot (music) and ballad dominated Korean popular music. The emergence of the rap group Seo Taiji and Boys in 1992 marked a turning point for Korean popular music, also known as K-Pop as the group incorporated elements of popular musical genres of rap music rock music and techno into its music.http://rki.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_artists_detail.htm?No10058 Seo Taiji], KBS World Hip hop, dance and ballad oriented acts have become dominant in the Korean popular music scene, though trot is still popular among older Koreans. Many K-Pop stars and groups are also well known abroad, especially in Asia. Since the success of the film [[Shiri (film)|Shiri]]in 1999, Korean film has begun to gain recognition internationally. Domestic film has a dominant share of the market, partly due to the existence of screen quotas requiring cinemas to show Korean films at least 73 days a year.http://rki.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Ec_detail.htm?No74142 S.Koreas Screen Quota Hinders Market Access], KBS World, 2010-07-16. Korean drama especially the short form dramatic mini-series called "dramas", have also become popular outside of Korea, becoming another driving trend for wider recognition. The trend has caused some Korean actors to become better known abroad. The dramas are popular mostly in Asia. The stories have tended to have a romance focus, such as Winter Sonata Autumn Fairy Tale Full House (2004 TV series) All About Eve (TV series) Historical/fantasy dramas have included Dae Jang Geum The Legend (TV series) and Goong http://www.koreandrama.org/ List of Korean dramas]

Technology culture

File:Korean.culture-PC.bang-01.jpg are popular LAN gaming center in South Korea.]] File:DMB Korea.JPG (DMB) on a mobile phone]] South Korean corporations Samsung and LG were ranked second and third largest mobile phone companies in the world in the first quarter of 2010, respectively.http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerIdprUS22322210 Top Five Mobile Phone Vendors], International Data Corporation, 2010-01-29. Retrieved 2010-07-07. An estimated 90% of South Koreans own a mobile phone http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid2900275 Koreans love their mobile phones], Joongang Daily, 2009-01-28. Retrieved 2010-07-07. Aside from placing/receiving calls and text messaging, mobile phones in the country are widely used for watching Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) or viewing websites.http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article-eastasia.asp?parentid38998 KOREA: Terrestrial-DMB adds color to Korean lifestyle], Asia Media, 2006-02-12; http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/16/digital.korea/ Facts from Digital Korea], CNN Asia, 2007-10-16. Retrieved 2010-07-07. Over one million DMB phones have been sold and the three major wireless communications providers SK Telecom KT (telecommunication company) and LG Telecom provide coverage in all major cities and other areas. Wide access to broadband has let Video game culture become a significant part of Korean culture in recent years. [[StarCraft]] a Real-time strategy is by far the most popular televised computer game in South Korea.http://www.gamespot.com/news/6141627.html Spot On: Tuning in to whats on in South Korea], Gamespot, 2006-01-20. StarCraft professional competition recorded in places like the COEX Mall are often broadcast live on TV stations such as MBCGame and Ongamenet Professional StarCraftplayers can command considerable salaries in South Korea as members of pro-gaming teams that are sponsored primarily by cell phone providers.http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/south-korea-in-a-frenzy-over-starcraft-sequel/story-e6frg6so-1225885273217 South Korea in a frenzy over StarCraft sequel ], The Australian, 2010-06-28. Retrieved 2010-07-07. PC games are usually played in PC bang which are basically internet cafes dedicated to online games such as [[Aion: The Tower of Eternity|Aion]] [[Lineage II]] [[Sudden Attack]] [[Kart Rider]] [[Maple Story]] [[Mabinogi (video game)|Mabinogi]] [[World of WarCraft]] and [[StarCraft 2]]citation needed|dateAugust 2010}}.

Sports

File:Exhibicion dollyo chagui con apoyo.jpg practitioner demonstrating dollyo chagitechnique]] File:World Peace Gate, Olympic Park, Seoul.jpg ] The martial arts taekwondo originally developed from karate, because of the ban on traditional Korean martials art, after the occupation of Japan ended. In the 1950s and 60s, modern rules were standardised and taekwondo became an official Olympic Games in 2000.http://www.wtf.org/wtf_eng/site/about_taekwondo/present_day.html Taekwondo], World Taekwondo Federation] Other Korean martial arts include taekkyeon hapkido tang soo do kuk sool won kumdo and subak http://www.kmaf.kr/ Korea Martial Arts Federation] Baseball was first introduced to Korea in 1905 and has since become the most popular spectator sport in South Korea.KOIS (2003), p.632. The first South Korean professional sports league was the Korea Baseball Organization established in 1982. South Korea finished third during the 2006 World Baseball Classic and second during the 2009 World Baseball Classic In the 2008 Summer Olympics South Korea won the gold medal in baseball.http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/olympics_blog/2008/08/south-korea-tak.html South Korea takes Olympics baseball gold], L.A. Times, 2008-08-23. Retrieved 2010-07-07. South Korea hosted the Asian Games in 1986 (Seoul , 2002 (Busan , and will host again in 2014 (Incheon . It also hosted the Asian Winter Games in 1999, the Winter Universiade in 1997 and the Summer Universiade in 2003. In 1988, South Korea hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics coming fourth with 12 gold medals, 10 silver medals and 11 bronze medals. South Korea regularly performs well in archery shooting table tennis badminton short track speed skating team handball hockey freestyle wrestling Greco-Roman wrestling baseball judo taekwondo speed skating figure Skating and Olympic weightlifting The Seoul Olympic Museum is a museum in Seoul South Korea, dedicated to the 1988 Summer Olympics. In the 2002 FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by South Korea and Japan, the Korea Republic national football team became the first team in the Asian Football Confederation to reach the semi-finals. The Korea Republic team (as it is known) has qualified for every World Cup since 1986 FIFA World Cup and has broken out of the group stage twice: first in 2002, as above, and second in 2010 FIFA World Cup where it was defeated by Uruguay national football team in the Round of 16. South Korean athletes have shown skill in the Winter Olympics as well; after the 2010 Winter Olympics South Korea, has won a total of 45 medals (23 gold, 14 silver, and 8 bronze). South Korea is especially strong in short track speed skating however, ice hockey is emerging as Anyang Halla won their first ever ALIH title in March 2010.http://www.alhockey.com/ ALIH Official site] Seoul hosted a professional triathlon race, which is part of the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championship Series in May 2010.lt;/ref> In October 2010, South Korea hosts their first Formula One race to be staged at the Korean International Circuit in Yeongam about south of Seoul. In 2011, the South Korean city of Daegu will host the 2011 World Championships in Athletics http://www.formula1.com/races/in_detail/korea_840/ Formula 1 Official Site] South Korea has three horse racing tracks of which Seoul Race Park in Gwacheon Gyeonggi-do is the biggest.http://eng.gg.go.kr/entry/south-Korea-Gyeonggi-Do-Seoul-Horse-Racing-Park Seoul Horse Racing Park], Gyeonggi-do Overseas PR Official Blog Gaming forums around the world commonly refer to the computer game StarCraft as the national "sport" of South Korea, due to the fact it is televised more than any other real sport in South Korea.

See also

*History of South Korea *Index of South Korea-related articles *International rankings of South Korea

References

Footnotes

Bibliography

* * * * * * *

External links

*http://www.korea.net/ The official website of the Republic of Korea (Korea.net)] *http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/intro.html The Official Korea Tourism Guide Site] *http://www.nso.go.kr/eng2006/emain/index.html Korea National Statistical Office] *http://www.britannica.com/nations/Korea South South Korea] in Encyclopædia Britannica * *http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/krtoc.html A Country Study: South Korea] in the Library of Congress * * *http://www.turbomaps.com.ar/english/southkorea.php Main cities of South Korea], satellite views and geographical coordinates *https://www.warmemo.or.kr/eng/intro/message/message.jsp The War Memorial of Korea] *http://www.geoje-island.com Expat tourism guide to Geoje Island, South Korea] *http://www.zuidkorea.be Dutch information about South Korea] }} }} Category:South Korea Category:Divided regions Category:East Asian countries Category:G20 nations Category:Liberal democracies Category:Republics Category:States and territories established in 1948 ace:Korèa Tunong af:Suid-Korea als:Südkorea am:ደቡብ ኮርያ ang:Sūþcorēa ar:كوريا الجنوبية an:Coreya d'o Sud frp:Corê du Sud ast:Corea del Sur gn:Yvykorea az:Cənubi Koreya bn:দক্ষিণ কোরিয়া zh-min-nan:Hân-kok be:Паўднёвая Карэя be-x-old:Рэспубліка Карэя bcl:Sur nin Korea bar:Südkorea bo:ལྷོ་ཀོ་རི་ཡ། bs:Južna Koreja br:Republik Korea bg:Южна Корея ca:Corea del Sud ceb:Habagatang Korea cs:Jižní Korea cy:De Corea da:Sydkorea de:Südkorea dv:ދެކުނު ކޮރެއާ nv:Kolíya Bikéyah Shádiʼááhjí Siʼánígíí dsb:Pódpołdnjowa Koreja dz:ལྷོ་ཀོ་རི་ཡ་ et:Lõuna-Korea el:Νότια Κορέα es:Corea del Sur eo:Sud-Koreio ext:Corea el Sul eu:Hego Korea ee:South Korea fa:کره جنوبی hif:South Korea fo:Suðurkorea fr:Corée du Sud fy:Súd-Korea ga:An Chóiré Theas gv:Yn Chorea Yiass gd:Coirea a Deas gl:Corea do Sur - 한국 gan:韓國 gu:દક્ષિણ કોરિયા hak:Thai-hôn Mìn-koet ko:대한민국 hy:Կորեայի Հանրապետություն hi:दक्षिण कोरिया hsb:Južna Koreja hr:Južna Koreja io:Sud-Korea ilo:Abagatan a Korea bpy:খা কোরিয়া id:Korea Selatan ia:Corea del Sud ie:Sud-Korea os:Республикæ Корей is:Suður-Kórea it:Corea del Sud he:קוריאה הדרומית jv:Koréa Kidul kl:Korea Kujalleq kn:ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಕೊರಿಯಾ pam:Mauling Korea krc:Корея Республика ka:სამხრეთი კორეა ks:दक्षिण कोरिया csb:Repùblika Kòreji kk:Оңтүстік Корея kw:Korea Dhyhow sw:Korea Kusini kv:Корея Республика ht:Kore disid ku:Komara Korêyê la:Respublica Coreana lv:Dienvidkoreja lb:Republik Korea lt:Pietų Korėja lij:Corea do Sud li:Zuud-Korea ln:Kore ya Sidi jbo:snanu zei .xanguk lmo:Curea del Süd hu:Dél-Korea mk:Република Кореја mg:Korea Atsimo ml:ദക്ഷിണ കൊറിയ mt:Korea t'Isfel mr:दक्षिण कोरिया arz:كوريا الجنوبيه ms:Korea Selatan cdo:Hàng-guók mn:Өмнөд Солонгос my:တောင်ကိုရီးယားနိုင်ငံ nah:Corea Huitztlāmpa na:South Korea nl:Zuid-Korea ne:दक्षिण कोरिया ja:大韓民国 nap:Corea d%27%27o Sud pih:Sowth Koriya no:Sør-Korea nn:Sør-Korea nrm:Corée du Sud nov:Sud Korea oc:Corèa del Sud mhr:Кечывалвел Корей uz:Koreya Respublikasi pnb:دکھنی کوریا ps:سوېلي کوريا km:កូរ៉េខាងត្បូង pms:Coréa dël Sud tpi:Saut Koria nds:Süüdkorea pl:Korea Południowa pt:Coreia do Sul crh:Cenübiy Koreya ro:Coreea de Sud rm:Corea dal Sid qu:Urin Kuriya ru:Республика Корея sah:Соҕуруу Кэриэйэ se:Mátta-Korea sm:Kolea i Saute sa:दक्षिण कोरिया sco:Republic o Korea sq:Koreja e Jugut scn:Corea dû Sud simple:South Korea sk:Kórejská republika sl:Južna Koreja szl:Połedńowo Koryjo so:Koonfur Kuuriya sr:Јужна Кореја sh:Južna Koreja su:Koréa Kidul fi:Korean tasavalta sv:Sydkorea tl:Timog Korea ta:தென்கொரியா te:దక్షిణ కొరియా tet:Koreia Súl th:ประเทศเกาหลีใต้ chr:ᎤᎦᎾᏭ ᎢᏗᎵ ᎪᎴᎠ tr:Güney Kore tk:Koreýa Respublikasy udm:Республика Корея uk:Південна Корея ur:جنوبی کوریا ug:جەنۇبىي چاۋشيەن vec:Corea del Sud vi:Hàn Quốc vo:Sulüda-Koreyän fiu-vro:Lõunõ-Korea zh-classical:大韓民國 war:Salatan nga Korea wo:Kore gu Bëj-saalum wuu:大韩民国 yi:דרום קארעע yo:Gúúsù Kòréà zh-yue:大韓民國 diq:Korya Veroci bat-smg:Pėitū Kuoriejė zh:大韩民国

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