South Korea

대한민국

About koreaCapital SeoulOfficial language

Korean

Currency South Korean won ( ) ₩

Drives on the RightArea 100,210 km2

38,691 sq miPopulation2010 estimate

48,875,000

Traditional dress

Hanbok

Flag “Taegeukgi”

Heaven

Earth

Water

Fire

The National Flower of Korea

Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon).

Every year July-Oct, a profusion of mugunghwa blossoms graces the entire country.

Mugung: immortality – reflects the enduring nature of Korean culture and the determination and perseverance.

Hanbok

Traditional outfit of the Korean people. Nowadays worn only on festive days or special anniversaries (however it was worn daily up until just 100 years ago).

Funerals, religious services, casual wear in villages/districts (Chunghak-dong on Mt. Jirisan).

food

• Ramyeon is one of the most widely enjoyed snack foods in Korea and is hailed as the food of the people.

Kimchi

• traditional fermented Korean dish made of vegetables with varied seasonings.

Gimjang

• traditional process of preparation and preservation of kimchi, the spicy Korean pickled vegetable dish, in the wintertime.

Food

Bibimbap

• Bibimbap is one of the most well-known Korean dishes worldwide, becoming internationally recognized after pop star Michael Jackson enjoyed the dish after his first concert in Korea.

Buddhism exercised a far-reaching influence on Korean culture throughout its long history. (1700 years)

Everywhere in the country its valuable heritage abides in buildings, sculptures, paintings, and handicraft works. (numerous temples)

KOREAN BUDDHISM

RELIGION

Buddhism first made its way into Korea in the 2nd year of the reign of King Sosurim of the Goguryo Kingdom. (A.D. 372).

Protestantism & Catholicism : after the signing of Korean American Treaty 1882.

Confucianism.

Shamanism.

CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE

Built in 1405

Historic city of Gyeongju

Dating all the way back to 57 B.C.

Various burial grounds, tombs, shrines, and temples (Cultural World Heritage Sites)

KOREAN TV DRAMA

Popular throughout Asia in recent years.

Most beloved Kdrama: “Winter Sonata”, “Princess Hours”.

PH: based on an interesting premise that Korea is still ruled by a royal family.

Korean Pop Music/ K-pop is currently Asia’s hottest music industry.

Fans all over the world have been captivated by K-pop star’s good looks, amazing dance moves, and catchy tunes.

SINGERS

Taekwondo : Martial art form and sport that uses the hands and feet for attack and defense.

Focus: Training and disciplining the mind along with the body.

Roles: exercise, bare handed martial arts form, sport and educational method.

TAEKWONDO