South Korean History
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/169033766.jpg)
Background information
--At the Potsdam Conference in 1945, Korea was divided into a North and South Korea at the 38th parallel.
--Being the two strongest nations at the time, it was decided that the US would occupy South Korea while Soviet troops occupied the North.
--By 1948, both North and South Korea established their own governments; the North being The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the South was The Republic of Korea.
---At this point, the north had established there own communist party, (The Korean Worker’s Party) so to avoid communist influences, South Korea declared Independence from the North.
---Three days later- on July 25, North Korea Invaded South Korea’s capital (Seoul), starting what became known as the Korean War.
Korean War (1950 June 25- 1953 July 27, 1953)
--After the attack on Seoul, South Korea appealed for aid from the United Nations- whom sent 16 member countries (primarily the US) to help.
---At the start of the war, the North Korean People’s Army continually pushed back UN forces to the southeast corner of the peninsula.
---The UN effectively counter-attacked on September 30th, when they sent troops at the Inchon Port near Seoul to recapture it.
---To prevent further attacks, the UN crossed the 38th parallel and continued on to capture the North Korean capital of Pyongyang.
---Unfortunately, troops neared the border to China; Chinese troops attacked and pushed them back to the 38th parallel.
---The fighting continued along the border for another two years, as plans a truce were still being negotiated. Finally, on July 27 1953, an armistice was signed at Panmunjom- implying the end of the war.
---To this day, a formal treaty has yet to be signed between the two countries.
Postwar South Korea
--After the war, the US helped maintain South Korea politically and economically for the next 10 years or so.
---Throughout the early 1960’s, tensions involving President Syngman Ree’s candidacy were very high; after he was accused of electoral fraud.
---Following massive student protests, he resigned. After his resignation, General Park Hung-hee was put in power by a military coup in 1961.
---During his candidacy, park promotes industrial growth and economic reform in order to try to stimulate the economy.
---In 1972, imposed Martial Law, using constitutional methods to try to increase his own power (also, North and South Korea secretly work towards talking about reunifying throughout the year).
---By 1979, After Park was assassinated, he was succeeded by Chun Doo Hwan (later convicted for a military coup).
--In 1980 following student protesting Martial Law in Kwangju, 200 people were killed- leaving a hateful impression on martial law and legal system.
---Chun is reelected (indirectly) in 1981, and formally ended martial law- but although martial law is no longer in place, the government still has a hold on its people.
---Near the end of his candidacy 1986, the constitution is changed to allow the direct election of future presidents.
--By 1987 Chun was pressured out of office, (6th constitution) and replaced by Roh-Tae-woo.
---By 1996 however, the two are both accused of bribery, while Chun is also convicted for his military coup in 1979.
Recent History
--In 1993, Kim Young Sam replaces Roh (replaced before accused of bribery), whom served as the 1st civilian elected president.
---He was followed by another civilian president in 1998 named Kim Dae Jung, who’s Sunshine Policy would later earn him the Nobel Peace Prize.
---(also ended up leaving a massive influence on the direction the South Korean government policy's)
2007- Lee Myung-bak wins presidency-doesnt follow Dae Jung's Sunshine Policy
2008- As part of a free trade deal with the US, beef imports are continued, sparking major protests throughout Seoul (they were banned in 2003 b/c of fear of mad cow disease. )
2009- South Korean banks are in a Financial crises from falling into foreign debt. The South Korean government spends 130 billion to restabilize markets and banking systems.
August 2009- Former president Kim Dae Jung dies, North Korea sends delegation to pay respects.
External Affairs
During 1996-- a North Korean submarine was spotted in South Korean waters. When forces came to investigate, they found that 11 crewmembers committed suicide.
--In 1998, another submarine (mini-submarine) was captured, and again –9 crewmembers were found dead.
--Later that year, President Kim Dae Jung announced his “Sunshine Policy”, which aimed at offering complete humanitary and economic aid to North Korea.
--By June of 2000, Kim Jung IL and Kim Dae Jung met to ease tensions between the two countries, and Jung IL agreed to stop airing propaganda against South Korea( Kim Dae Jung was the 1st South Korean president to set foot in Pyongyang since the two countrys split-goal of his).
--In August that same year, a truce temporarily allowed North Koreans to reunite with family members in South Korea, highlighting the benefit of the Sunshine policy (which ended up winning Dae Jung the Nobel Peace Prize).
--During October of 2003, hundreds of South Koreans visit Pyongyang to see the opening of a gym funded by South Korea’s Hyundai business- making it the largest crossing of the border since the war started.
--By March of 2006, railways were allowed to run between North and South Korea for the 1st time in 56 years.
--During October 2007, North and South Korean leaders pledge to try to end the Korean War.
--Diplomatic ties between the two korea's are now cut at the moment.
-- During February of 2004, Parliament allowed for 4,000 troops to be sent to Iraq. Other international relations include conflicts over claims made in 2005 to the Dokdo Island by Japan. Although they seem minor, these claims might affect the relationship between the two countries because of Japanese occupation during the 1900s.
--Unfortunately, (during May of 2010) the South Korean warship Cheonon was sunk in the Yellow Sea, killing 46 people. Investigators found a torpedo propeller with what seems like a North Korean serial code at the scene. When South Korea formally accuses North Korea, they respond by denying it and stating that any retaliation would be considered an act of war.
November 2010- Border clash with North Korea leads to the death of 2 South Korean Marines. North says they fired first, and blames south. After Yeongpyong island recieved shells from North Korea, South Korea put on it's highest non-military alert.
--At the Potsdam Conference in 1945, Korea was divided into a North and South Korea at the 38th parallel.
--Being the two strongest nations at the time, it was decided that the US would occupy South Korea while Soviet troops occupied the North.
--By 1948, both North and South Korea established their own governments; the North being The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the South was The Republic of Korea.
---At this point, the north had established there own communist party, (The Korean Worker’s Party) so to avoid communist influences, South Korea declared Independence from the North.
---Three days later- on July 25, North Korea Invaded South Korea’s capital (Seoul), starting what became known as the Korean War.
Korean War (1950 June 25- 1953 July 27, 1953)
--After the attack on Seoul, South Korea appealed for aid from the United Nations- whom sent 16 member countries (primarily the US) to help.
---At the start of the war, the North Korean People’s Army continually pushed back UN forces to the southeast corner of the peninsula.
---The UN effectively counter-attacked on September 30th, when they sent troops at the Inchon Port near Seoul to recapture it.
---To prevent further attacks, the UN crossed the 38th parallel and continued on to capture the North Korean capital of Pyongyang.
---Unfortunately, troops neared the border to China; Chinese troops attacked and pushed them back to the 38th parallel.
---The fighting continued along the border for another two years, as plans a truce were still being negotiated. Finally, on July 27 1953, an armistice was signed at Panmunjom- implying the end of the war.
---To this day, a formal treaty has yet to be signed between the two countries.
Postwar South Korea
--After the war, the US helped maintain South Korea politically and economically for the next 10 years or so.
---Throughout the early 1960’s, tensions involving President Syngman Ree’s candidacy were very high; after he was accused of electoral fraud.
---Following massive student protests, he resigned. After his resignation, General Park Hung-hee was put in power by a military coup in 1961.
---During his candidacy, park promotes industrial growth and economic reform in order to try to stimulate the economy.
---In 1972, imposed Martial Law, using constitutional methods to try to increase his own power (also, North and South Korea secretly work towards talking about reunifying throughout the year).
---By 1979, After Park was assassinated, he was succeeded by Chun Doo Hwan (later convicted for a military coup).
--In 1980 following student protesting Martial Law in Kwangju, 200 people were killed- leaving a hateful impression on martial law and legal system.
---Chun is reelected (indirectly) in 1981, and formally ended martial law- but although martial law is no longer in place, the government still has a hold on its people.
---Near the end of his candidacy 1986, the constitution is changed to allow the direct election of future presidents.
--By 1987 Chun was pressured out of office, (6th constitution) and replaced by Roh-Tae-woo.
---By 1996 however, the two are both accused of bribery, while Chun is also convicted for his military coup in 1979.
Recent History
--In 1993, Kim Young Sam replaces Roh (replaced before accused of bribery), whom served as the 1st civilian elected president.
---He was followed by another civilian president in 1998 named Kim Dae Jung, who’s Sunshine Policy would later earn him the Nobel Peace Prize.
---(also ended up leaving a massive influence on the direction the South Korean government policy's)
2007- Lee Myung-bak wins presidency-doesnt follow Dae Jung's Sunshine Policy
2008- As part of a free trade deal with the US, beef imports are continued, sparking major protests throughout Seoul (they were banned in 2003 b/c of fear of mad cow disease. )
2009- South Korean banks are in a Financial crises from falling into foreign debt. The South Korean government spends 130 billion to restabilize markets and banking systems.
August 2009- Former president Kim Dae Jung dies, North Korea sends delegation to pay respects.
External Affairs
During 1996-- a North Korean submarine was spotted in South Korean waters. When forces came to investigate, they found that 11 crewmembers committed suicide.
--In 1998, another submarine (mini-submarine) was captured, and again –9 crewmembers were found dead.
--Later that year, President Kim Dae Jung announced his “Sunshine Policy”, which aimed at offering complete humanitary and economic aid to North Korea.
--By June of 2000, Kim Jung IL and Kim Dae Jung met to ease tensions between the two countries, and Jung IL agreed to stop airing propaganda against South Korea( Kim Dae Jung was the 1st South Korean president to set foot in Pyongyang since the two countrys split-goal of his).
--In August that same year, a truce temporarily allowed North Koreans to reunite with family members in South Korea, highlighting the benefit of the Sunshine policy (which ended up winning Dae Jung the Nobel Peace Prize).
--During October of 2003, hundreds of South Koreans visit Pyongyang to see the opening of a gym funded by South Korea’s Hyundai business- making it the largest crossing of the border since the war started.
--By March of 2006, railways were allowed to run between North and South Korea for the 1st time in 56 years.
--During October 2007, North and South Korean leaders pledge to try to end the Korean War.
--Diplomatic ties between the two korea's are now cut at the moment.
-- During February of 2004, Parliament allowed for 4,000 troops to be sent to Iraq. Other international relations include conflicts over claims made in 2005 to the Dokdo Island by Japan. Although they seem minor, these claims might affect the relationship between the two countries because of Japanese occupation during the 1900s.
--Unfortunately, (during May of 2010) the South Korean warship Cheonon was sunk in the Yellow Sea, killing 46 people. Investigators found a torpedo propeller with what seems like a North Korean serial code at the scene. When South Korea formally accuses North Korea, they respond by denying it and stating that any retaliation would be considered an act of war.
November 2010- Border clash with North Korea leads to the death of 2 South Korean Marines. North says they fired first, and blames south. After Yeongpyong island recieved shells from North Korea, South Korea put on it's highest non-military alert.
Ecorium "Eden Project"
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/697834945.jpg?215)
---33,090 sq. meter reserve (costing 113 Million dollars) currently being made to raise awareness of environmental issues and to promote appreciation for nature throughout the country.
--South Korea teamed up with Samoo Architecture
-- Inter-connected greenhouse domes were designed to automatically adjust temperatures inside based off the weather outside (no shades required).
--Roads designed to almost look like small, tributary rivers
--Features plantlife and weland reserves throughout the area.
--also features education centers and committee's that give advice on how to better take care of the environment.
--South Korea teamed up with Samoo Architecture
-- Inter-connected greenhouse domes were designed to automatically adjust temperatures inside based off the weather outside (no shades required).
--Roads designed to almost look like small, tributary rivers
--Features plantlife and weland reserves throughout the area.
--also features education centers and committee's that give advice on how to better take care of the environment.
National Symbols
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/9773791.jpg)
The Flag-
On the South Korean Flag, the white background stands for peace and purity
the 4 trigrams in the corners of the flag symbolize the 4 main elements
- 1st symbolize heaven, the south, and summer
-2nd symbolizes the moon, water, the west and autumn
3rd symbolizes the earth, the north, and winter
and the 4th symbolizes the sun, the east, spring, and fire
---written in black to symbolize "chasity, perservancc, justice, and vigilance"
the trigrams also promote harmony and "express movement"
The blue on the ying-yang sign represents the negative forces of yin
finally, the red represents the postitive forces of yang.
Anthem "The Patriotic Song"
http://www.countryreports.org/country/KoreaSouth/symbols/anthem.htm (link to anthem)
Until that day when the waters of the Eastern Sea run dry and Mt. Baekdu is worn away,
God protect and preserve our nation.
CHORUS:
Three thousand Li of splendid rivers and mountains, filled with Roses of Sharon;
Great Korean people, stay true to the Great Korean way!
2. As the pine atop Mt. Namsan stands firm, as if wrapped in armour,
unchanged through wind and frost, so shall our resilient spirit.
Chorus
3. The Autumn sky is void and vast, high and cloudless;
the bright moon is our heart, undivided and true.
Chorus
4. With this spirit and this mind, give all loyalty,
in suffering or in joy, to the love of country.
Chorus
On the South Korean Flag, the white background stands for peace and purity
the 4 trigrams in the corners of the flag symbolize the 4 main elements
- 1st symbolize heaven, the south, and summer
-2nd symbolizes the moon, water, the west and autumn
3rd symbolizes the earth, the north, and winter
and the 4th symbolizes the sun, the east, spring, and fire
---written in black to symbolize "chasity, perservancc, justice, and vigilance"
the trigrams also promote harmony and "express movement"
The blue on the ying-yang sign represents the negative forces of yin
finally, the red represents the postitive forces of yang.
Anthem "The Patriotic Song"
http://www.countryreports.org/country/KoreaSouth/symbols/anthem.htm (link to anthem)
Until that day when the waters of the Eastern Sea run dry and Mt. Baekdu is worn away,
God protect and preserve our nation.
CHORUS:
Three thousand Li of splendid rivers and mountains, filled with Roses of Sharon;
Great Korean people, stay true to the Great Korean way!
2. As the pine atop Mt. Namsan stands firm, as if wrapped in armour,
unchanged through wind and frost, so shall our resilient spirit.
Chorus
3. The Autumn sky is void and vast, high and cloudless;
the bright moon is our heart, undivided and true.
Chorus
4. With this spirit and this mind, give all loyalty,
in suffering or in joy, to the love of country.
Chorus
About South Korea
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/952762305.jpg)
--- Borders North Korea, between Japan and yellow sea
like military services are met)
--Divided into 9 Provinces
--Capital City is Seoul.
--Both North and South Korea speak Korean
--Has one of the highest population densities
Statistics
Population- 48,636,068 (48 million, 636 thousand, 68)
15.00% Below Poverty Line
Labor Force of 24,350,000 (US's 24 million 200 thousand)
Inflation rate - 4.7% (US's is 4.2%)
Labor force by occupation - 69% Services, 21.5% Industrial workers, and 9.5% Agricultural
Unemployment rate - 3.2% (US's 7.2%)
Industrial Growth Rate of 4.5% ( US 's 0.2%)
Government budget - $195,000,000,000 (USD)
Recreational Activities - Both South and North Korea are known for promoting different forms of martial arts, while also adopting various activities from different cultures. some activities include...
---Tai-Kwon-Do is a Form of self-defense focusing on exercising, sport, meditation, and combat techniques (literally means "break with foot- break with fists- art" combat,
---Ssirum is more of a game (that started over 1500 years ago) in which a person tries to grab the other persons belt (sabta) and throw them to the ground.
whomever touches the ground above the knee's looses
Teakkyeon- form of martial arts originating in Korea- literally meaning "art of kicking or tripping" uses smooth movements to knock opponents down-- (Does not use clenched fists)
Hapkido- literally meaning "Way of Harmony with Kai" - a very enthusiastic form of self-defense. Uses strong kicks, punches, jump kicks, joint-locks, throws, and various weapons (canes, ropes, and staffs)
Bullfighting (so Ssaum)- bulls fight against each other in a ring,
-- Adoptive of other western activities like Soccer (participated in FIFA), baseball, hiking, and fishing (in rivers)
Geographic features- "coastal plains at west/south", mountainous/hilly regions throughout
Climate- Winters tend to be dry/cold,
springs are usually unpredictable (cherry blossoms bloom in spring)
summers tend to be humid,
autumn's tend to have clear skies and warm weather (best time of year)
Environmental Issues- Most land isn't farmable- (only about 19.49%)
--Acid rain from pollution often causes problems in cities
---water pollution from Industrial waste/sewage displacement
---Typhoons in the Southwest may bring heavy winds & possibly floods
Social Graces (In North and South Korea)
--modesty while speaking of yourself is very common now (confuscist roots)
-- Friendships are highly valued- people can expect to rely on friends
-- Its not odd to see men holding hands in public or making contact with each other ( putting an arm over someone's shoulder)
--Touching strangers and aquintences (especially of the opposite sex) is considered inappropriate
--Hats and shoes are taken off when entering homes (sometimes slippers are provided)
--Good posture is a sign of respect
--treating guests with respect is Very important (if their are multiple guests, the oldest or most important is treated with the most respect)
--When inviting people over, its polite to offer some sort of gift (a drink, fruit, etc..)
--Sitting relaxed is considered disrespectful.
-- When meeting someone older or more respected, its polite to bow and accept a handshake when offered.
-- It's common for the wife to handle family finances (the husband gives her the money)
Language Background
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/725963888.gif)
---Language is called Chosongul in North Korea and Hangul in south- but is the same language
---has minor Chinese influencse in Hangul, but not Chosongul
--Their are a few minor vocab differences between the two due to locations (near other nations)
----Russian, Chinese and English are commonly taught side-languages
Family life- society encourages people to "Love your Family, Love your State"
---Usually both parents work while kids go to daycare (usually located near
work)
--Marriage is illegal under age 25 for men and 27 for women (to make sure any prior commitments like military services are met)
-- Parental conscent for marriage is common
---97.90% population can read/write --one of the largest literary rates in the world.
---Monthly wage tends to be enough to pay for Necessities, equivelant to $50.
---has minor Chinese influencse in Hangul, but not Chosongul
--Their are a few minor vocab differences between the two due to locations (near other nations)
----Russian, Chinese and English are commonly taught side-languages
Family life- society encourages people to "Love your Family, Love your State"
---Usually both parents work while kids go to daycare (usually located near
work)
--Marriage is illegal under age 25 for men and 27 for women (to make sure any prior commitments like military services are met)
-- Parental conscent for marriage is common
---97.90% population can read/write --one of the largest literary rates in the world.
---Monthly wage tends to be enough to pay for Necessities, equivelant to $50.
Trade/ Economics
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/594763577.jpg)
Major Industries throughout South Korea include:
Telecommunications, Electronics, Chemicals, Shipbuilding, Steel, Automobile production
Trade- Major trading partners include Japan, China, South Korea, (exports to themselves) The UK, the US, France, and Germany
$288,200,000,000 made from exports
---Exports- Main exports include: , Semiconductors, wireless communication devices (like phones), automobiles, computers, steel, ships, Petrochemicals
1 South Korean Won= 0.000900 US dollars (usually traded in large amounts)
Imports- Main imports include: electronics/electronic equipment, Machinery, oil
Steel, transport equipment, organic chemicals, plastics
Telecommunications, Electronics, Chemicals, Shipbuilding, Steel, Automobile production
Trade- Major trading partners include Japan, China, South Korea, (exports to themselves) The UK, the US, France, and Germany
$288,200,000,000 made from exports
---Exports- Main exports include: , Semiconductors, wireless communication devices (like phones), automobiles, computers, steel, ships, Petrochemicals
1 South Korean Won= 0.000900 US dollars (usually traded in large amounts)
Imports- Main imports include: electronics/electronic equipment, Machinery, oil
Steel, transport equipment, organic chemicals, plastics
Foods
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/351463306.jpg)
Common dishes Throughout South Korea are similar to that of North Korea, Including:
Kim chee (bread, not Kimch'i)
Kim Chi
Korean Bul Kogi (a type of Barbecue Beef)
Samgyetang ("baby chickennamd gingseng soup"--- like thick soup with soft chicken) (http://www.countryreports.org/country/KoreaSouth/recipe/82.htm)
--Eating while walking is considered rude for adults
--Millet, wheat, corn, and soybeans are commonly consumed with meals
--Eating with fingers is considered impolite
--Most familys dont eat together (both parent's usually work)
--Talking while eating is not very common
--slurping soup is not considered rude
Kim chee (bread, not Kimch'i)
Kim Chi
Korean Bul Kogi (a type of Barbecue Beef)
Samgyetang ("baby chickennamd gingseng soup"--- like thick soup with soft chicken) (http://www.countryreports.org/country/KoreaSouth/recipe/82.htm)
--Eating while walking is considered rude for adults
--Millet, wheat, corn, and soybeans are commonly consumed with meals
--Eating with fingers is considered impolite
--Most familys dont eat together (both parent's usually work)
--Talking while eating is not very common
--slurping soup is not considered rude
Government
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/837701770.jpg)
Kim Dae Jung
Independance day- August 15- Independent from Japan in 1945
Constitution was written on July 17, 1948
Countrys official is name- Republic of Korea (South Korea for short)
Divided into 9 Provinces
Capital- Seoul
Voting rights- 19 years (for everyone)
Legal System
Executive Branch
President= Head of State
Head of Gov.=Prime minister
Cabinet- appointed by the president with Prime Ministers approval
President elected by popular vote for one 5-year term
Prime Minister is appointed by the president with approval of National Assembly
Legislative Branch
Led by National Assembly (Kuhoe)- 299 seats, members elected for 4 year-terms
Judicial Branch- Court System
Supreme Court- appointed by the President with Approval of National Assembly
Constitutional Court- appointed by the President with partial-conscent of National Assembly and conscent of Chief Justice.
Constitution was written on July 17, 1948
Countrys official is name- Republic of Korea (South Korea for short)
Divided into 9 Provinces
Capital- Seoul
Voting rights- 19 years (for everyone)
Legal System
Executive Branch
President= Head of State
Head of Gov.=Prime minister
Cabinet- appointed by the president with Prime Ministers approval
President elected by popular vote for one 5-year term
Prime Minister is appointed by the president with approval of National Assembly
Legislative Branch
Led by National Assembly (Kuhoe)- 299 seats, members elected for 4 year-terms
Judicial Branch- Court System
Supreme Court- appointed by the President with Approval of National Assembly
Constitutional Court- appointed by the President with partial-conscent of National Assembly and conscent of Chief Justice.
Religions
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/7643783.jpg)
South Korea does not have a national religion
---1% of the population are Confuscianists, 1% other minor religions, 26% Christianity, and 26% Buddhism
The other 46% are not
--The government does not favor any religions, but they do promote celebrating Christmas and Wesak day (buddha's birthday)
-- Religious favoring is illegal in public schools (not private)
-- Religious groups do not need to be licensed
--The Traditional Temples Preservations Law helps preserve and maintain many historical religious monuments
---1% of the population are Confuscianists, 1% other minor religions, 26% Christianity, and 26% Buddhism
The other 46% are not
--The government does not favor any religions, but they do promote celebrating Christmas and Wesak day (buddha's birthday)
-- Religious favoring is illegal in public schools (not private)
-- Religious groups do not need to be licensed
--The Traditional Temples Preservations Law helps preserve and maintain many historical religious monuments
South Korean Festivals/Holidays Include (but are not limited to...)
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/397894344.jpg)
Liberation Day - August 15th- Celebrates the Day the Korean peninsula was liberated from Japan at the end of WWII. Its usually celebrated with patriotic displays like hanging flags from buildings.
Hangul Day - October 9th- Celebrated to remember to the Korean Alphabet- Established in 1446 by King Sejong the Great and used in both North and South Korea.
Christmas - December 25th - Celebrate the birth of Christ - Celebrated similar to western cultures in many households
New Years -Jan. 2- celebrate the beginning of a New Year.
Independence Movement Day- June 6th--Day celebrating a massive Independence movement against the Japanese during early occupation.
Wesak Day- April 8th- celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha- temples are decorated with lanterns and free tea and meals are usually offered.
Harvest Mooncake Festival - Aug. 14-16th-- Origianally Celebrated in China for the Triumph of the Yuan Dynasty over the Mongols. It's rumored that plans to overthrow the Mongols were placed in the mooncakes and distributed to the public. also rumored that the laterns were used as signals to for enforcement operations.
---- Often Times Norh and South Korea share similar Celebration Days like Liberation Day.
--- South Korea encourages major religious holidays like christmas and wesak day, but doesnt publicly side with any major religions.
Hangul Day - October 9th- Celebrated to remember to the Korean Alphabet- Established in 1446 by King Sejong the Great and used in both North and South Korea.
Christmas - December 25th - Celebrate the birth of Christ - Celebrated similar to western cultures in many households
New Years -Jan. 2- celebrate the beginning of a New Year.
Independence Movement Day- June 6th--Day celebrating a massive Independence movement against the Japanese during early occupation.
Wesak Day- April 8th- celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha- temples are decorated with lanterns and free tea and meals are usually offered.
Harvest Mooncake Festival - Aug. 14-16th-- Origianally Celebrated in China for the Triumph of the Yuan Dynasty over the Mongols. It's rumored that plans to overthrow the Mongols were placed in the mooncakes and distributed to the public. also rumored that the laterns were used as signals to for enforcement operations.
---- Often Times Norh and South Korea share similar Celebration Days like Liberation Day.
--- South Korea encourages major religious holidays like christmas and wesak day, but doesnt publicly side with any major religions.
Boryeong Mud Festival
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/518206391.jpg)
Started in 1996, originally done to promote cosmetic uses for mud.
--Festival in Boryeong (near Seoul)
--Features mud pools, mud slides, mud skiing, and mud prisons.
--Festival in Boryeong (near Seoul)
--Features mud pools, mud slides, mud skiing, and mud prisons.
The Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/733120534.jpg?265)
--Major Bullfighting festival town within the
Usually features around 100 bullfights
--Features special matches between Korean and Japanese teams
-Somtimes features performances by a US Rodeo teams
Usually features around 100 bullfights
--Features special matches between Korean and Japanese teams
-Somtimes features performances by a US Rodeo teams
Places to go...
63 Building
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/467550423.jpg)
--Called 63 building b/c its 63 stories tall.
-- Established in 1985, this buildings famous for being the tallest building in Seoul (great view of the city)
--Features an aquarium with over 400 species of fish (about 20,000 total fish)
-- Also features Coffee shops, banquet halls, an IMAX theatre, offices, and various restuarants.
-- Established in 1985, this buildings famous for being the tallest building in Seoul (great view of the city)
--Features an aquarium with over 400 species of fish (about 20,000 total fish)
-- Also features Coffee shops, banquet halls, an IMAX theatre, offices, and various restuarants.
Seoraksan National Park
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/751392828.jpg)
features the one of the highest mountains in the Taebaek Mountain range (Northeastern coast of the country)
-named Seorak because some rocks on the mountain are permanently white due to snow not melting--
-3rd highest mountain in South Korea (behind Hallasan
---- which runs through North and South Koreaand Jirisan)
-- also features dense forests, abudant wildlife, and hotsprings.
-named Seorak because some rocks on the mountain are permanently white due to snow not melting--
-3rd highest mountain in South Korea (behind Hallasan
---- which runs through North and South Koreaand Jirisan)
-- also features dense forests, abudant wildlife, and hotsprings.
Youngdusan Park
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/947679558.jpg)
---Known as "Dragon-Head Montain Park"
---Named b/c the mountain shape resembles that of a dragon coming out of the water.
---features Busan Tower- Tall tower that provides an excellent view of the park.
---also features exciting aquariums, cafes, restaurants, and other recreational facilities.
---Named b/c the mountain shape resembles that of a dragon coming out of the water.
---features Busan Tower- Tall tower that provides an excellent view of the park.
---also features exciting aquariums, cafes, restaurants, and other recreational facilities.
Gyeongbok Palace
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/536278570.jpg?263)
The Gyeongbok Palace was built in 1394 by king Teajo, and embodies the use of traditional south korean architecture.
-- Literally means "Palace of Shining Happiness"
Known as the base of the Jeseon Dynasty.
-Palace was almost destroyed by the Japanese during their Invasion and currently being rebuilt by the government to restore it to it's former glory.
Changyong Palace
![Picture](/uploads/7/5/0/6/7506588/806668547.jpg?225)
--Originally named Sugang-gung
--Built in 1419 By King Sejong, whom built it in memory of previous kings.
Sejong essentially wrote the Korean Alphabet in 1446, and also further promoted Confuscianism throughout his palace.
--Palace served as a zoo during Japanese occupation in 1911, but was restored back to a museum in 1986 (it was renamed during Japanese occupation)
--Built in 1419 By King Sejong, whom built it in memory of previous kings.
Sejong essentially wrote the Korean Alphabet in 1446, and also further promoted Confuscianism throughout his palace.
--Palace served as a zoo during Japanese occupation in 1911, but was restored back to a museum in 1986 (it was renamed during Japanese occupation)