Korea in brief

"Korea in brief"

The Korean Penninsula extends southward form the eastern end of the asian continent. Itis rounghly 1,020 km (612 miles) wide at its narrowest point. Mountains cover 70% of the land mass, marking it one of the most mountainous regions in the world. The lifting and folding of Korea's granite and limestone base has created breathtaking landscapes of scenic hills and valleys. The mountain range that traverses the length of the east coast plunges steeply in to the East Sea, while along the southen and western coasts, the mountain descend gredually to the coastal plains that produce the bulk of korea's agricultural crops, especially rice. The peninsula is divided just slightly north of the 38th parallel. The democratic Republic of Korea in the south and communist North korea are separated by the demiltarized Zone. South Korea has a population of 48.2 million (2005). Administratively, the Republic of korea consists of nine provinces(do); the capital Seoul; and the six metropolitan cities of Busan, daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon and Ulsan. In total, there are 77 cities(si) and 88 counties(gun)

"Nationnal Flag"

The Korea flag is called taegeukgi. The design symbolizes the principles of the yin and yang in Oriental philosophy. The circle in the center of the flag is divided into two equal parts. The red half represent the proactive comsmic forces of the yang. Conversely, the blue half reprnsent the responsive cosmic forces of the yin. The two forces together embody the concepts of continual movement, balance andharmony that charaterize the sphere of infinity. The circle is surrounded by a trigram in each corner. Eash trigram symbolizes one of the four universal element: haven (), earth (), fire () and water ()

"Nation Flower"

The national flower of Korea is the mugunghwa (Roe of Sharon).every year form July to October, aprofusion of mugunghwa blossoms graces the country. Unlike most flower, the mugunghwa is remarkably tenacious and able to withstand both blght and insects. The flower's symbolic singificance stems form the Korean word muguag (immortality). This word accurately reflects the enduring nature of Korean culture and the determination and perseverance of the Korea people.

"Climate"

Korea lies in the temperate zone and has four distinct seasons.

In late March or early April, the trees burst into leafy splendor to mark the beginning of spring. Mostly sunny day can be expected form march to May.

During the relatively hot and rainy summer season, the vegetation is lush. By Junr the average temperature is over 20C (68F). Monsoon rain usually begin around the end of June and last until mid- to late July. August is hto and humid.

The coming of autumn in late September brings continental winds and clear, dry weather, making the fall months pleasant time of year. October's vivid glods and vibrant reds create a colorful panorama.

December to February is cold and dry with occasional snow. During the winter months,three or four days of cold weather are often followed by a few warmer days.

"Religion"

Freedom of religion is fully guaranteed in the Republic of Korea. Korea's traditional religions- Shamanism, Buddhism and Confucianism- have all played an integral role in the country's sociocutural development. There are also minor religions based on various combinations of elements form these traditional religions. Christianity has developed a large following since its introduction to the peninsula in the late 18th century.

"Arts"

The artistic talents of thr Korean people are expressed through music, dance and oainting, which have evolved over Korea's 5,000 year history. While in modern time many Western art forms have been introduced and embraced by Korea, her unique arts still flourish, both in their pure forms and in various harmonious combinations with modern genres.

TRADITIONAL KOREAN MUSIC

Gugak (traditional Korean music) shared a cultural background with China and Japan. But despite some superficial similaritie, anyone who has heard gugak can tell that it is clearly different form other East Asian music. Korean music has a triple rhythm (three beats per measure), while Chinese and Japanese music have two beats per measure. Gugak can be divided into two type: jeong-ak (music of the upper classes) andminsogak (folkmusic). Jeong-ak has a slow, solemn, and complicated melody, while minsogak, such asnong-ak (framers' music), pansori (epic solo song) and shamanistic music, is fast and vigorous.

TRADITIONAL DANCE

Korea's traditional dance, like its music, can also be classified into either court dances or folk dances. The slow, gracious movements of the court dances reflect the beauty of moderation and the subdued emotions formed as aresult of the strong influence of Confucain philosophy. In contrast, the folk dances, mirroring the life, work and religion of the common people, are exciting and romantic, aptly portaying the free and spontaneous emotions of the Korea people. some tyical folk dances are fars' dances, mask dance and shamanistic dances.

TRADITIONAL PAINTING

Traditnonal Lorean painting is very different form Western painting. Its roots lie in the unique lines and colors of Orient. Evidence of early Korean paintings can be found in the royal tombs of the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC- 688AD), which have helped us piece together details about the lifestyles of thr time. During the later Goryeo Dynasty, Buddhism reached its peak, leaving many precious Buddhist paintings and images in temples around the country. Confucianism became the political ideology of the Joseon Dynasty (1392- 1910) and the upper-class intellectuals who produenced by chinese works. Folk painting, which became popular among the lower classes, was not influenced by any pariatcular school but used free, expressive technique and brght colors to depict strength, humor and leisure.

POTTERY

Pottery-marketing techniques were transmitted form China to Korea over 1,000 years ago, when they flourised and prouduced an artistic tradition of which Koreans are justifiably proud. The subtle beauty and unique bluish- green color of the celadon pottery of the Goryeo Dynasty (918- 1392) have made it world famous and much sought after by antique dealers. The white porcelain of the Joseon Dynasty(1392-1910) is also renowned. this pottery-maketing skill was transmitted to japan at different period in history, particularly during the japanese invasions of the 1590s, greatly contributing to the development of the art form in japan.

"Customs"

SENSE OF SENIORITY

Although the traditional Confucian social steucture is changing, it is still prevalent in Koresa Age and seniority are all-important and juniors are expected to follow the wishes of their elders without question. Therefore, people often ask you your age and sometimes your maeital status(interestingly, no matter how old you are, at least among family member, you cannot be regarded as an adult if you are not married) to find out their position relative to you. These questions are not meant tointrude in your privacy and Koreans will not be offended if you do not answer.

NAMES

The majority of Koreans have family names within one of a small set: Kim (about 21% of the poulation), Yi (or Lee or Rhee, 14%), Park (or Pak, 8%), Choi (or Choe), Jeong (or Chung or Jung), Jang (or Chang), Han, Lim, etc. A Kotran name consists of a family name, in almst every case one syllable, plus a given name usually of two syllables. The family name comes first. Korean woman does not take her husband's family name, but their children take their father's family name.

MARRIAGE

Today's typical wedding ceremony is some what different from what it was inold times: first a Western-style ceremony is usually held at a wedding hall or a church with the bride wearing a white dress and the groom wearing a tuxedo, and later in the day the bride and groom have a traditional ceremony in a different room of the venue in colorful traditional costumes.

JERYE (ANCESTRAL MEMORIAL RITE)

According to a traditional Koeran belief, when people die, their spirits do not immediately depart; they stay with descendants for four generations. During this period, the deceased are still regarded as family members and Koreans reaffirm the relationship between ancestors and descendants through jerye on special days like Seollal (Lunar new year's Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day), as well as on the anniversary the ancestors passed away. Korean also believe that people can live well and happily thanks to benefits their ancestors bestow upon them.

BODY LANGUAGE

When you beckon a person, do so with your palm down, then flutter your hand up and down with your finger thouching. It is not polite to beckon with your palm up, especially using only one finger, because that is how Koreans call dog.

HANBOK

The hanbok has been the Korean people's unique traditional costume for thousands of years. Thr beauty and grace of Korean culture can be seen in phothgraphs of women dressed in the hanbok. Before the arrival of Western-style clothing 100 years ago, the hanbok was everyday attire. Men wore jeogori (Korean jackets) with baji (trousers) while women wore jeogori with chima (skirts). Today, the hanbok is worn on special occasions such as wedding, Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day).

ONDOL

Traditional Korean room have multiple functions. Rooms are not labeled or reserved for speccific purpose; there is no definite bedroom or dining room for example. Rather, tables and mats are brought in as needed. Most people sit and sleep on the floor on thick mats. Underneath the floors are stone or concrete flues. Traditionally, hot air was vented through the flues to provide heat. Clay or cement would be placed over the stones to protect the residents form noxious gasses. This type of underfloor heating is called ondol.Nowadays, hot water is piped through cement floors covered woth linoleum.

GIMJANG

Gimjang is the age-old Korean practice of preparing winter kimchi, which has been passed down foem generation to generation. Since very few vegetables are grown in thr winter months, gimjang takes place in early winter and provides what has become a staple food for Koreans. For Koreans, a dinner table without kimchi is unthinkable.

ORIENTAL MEDICINE

Oriental medicine considers decreased vital energy and a weakened immune system to be the cause of disease-not a problem with a particular body part but rather an imbalance of the life forces in the whole body. Therefore, Oriental medicine seeks to treat disease by stengyhening the immune system and restoring haromny within the body, not by removing pathogenic factors. Major fields of Oriental medicine include herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxa teratment and suction-cup therapy.