Slide 1: KOREA: BEYOND THE DRAMA
Slide 2: KOREA • Climate: temperate, monsoon, four distinct seasons, and heavier rainfall in the summer. • Topography: hills and mountains cover nearly 70% of land, with over 3,000 islands. • Highest peaks: Mt. Hallasan (1,950m) in South Korea, Mt. Baekdusan (2,744m) in North Korea • Longest rivers: Han-gang River (514 km) in South Korea, Amnokgang River (The Yalu) (790 km) in North Korea • Major cities: Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon, Ulsan, Suwon, Jeonju • Suffrage: universal, 20 years or older
Slide 3: Four Distinct Seasons Spring Spring lasts from late March to May and is warm. Various flowers, including the picturesque cherry blossom, cover the nation's mountains and fields during this time. Summer Summer lasts from June to early September. It is a hot and humid time of the year. Autumn Autumn lasts from September to November, and produces mild weather. It is the best season for visiting Korea. Winter Winter lasts from December to mid-March.
Slide 4: KOREAN PEOPLE • The Koreans are one ethnic family and speak one language. • Sharing distinct physical characteristics, they are believed to be descendants of several Mongol tribes that migrated onto the Korean Peninsula from Central Asia. • Notable trend in Korea's demographics is that it is getting older with each passing year. • In the 1960s, Korea's population distribution formed a pyramid shape, with a high birth rate and relatively short life expectancy. • However, the structure is now shaped more like a bell with a low birth rate and extended life expectancy. • The nation's rapid industrialization and urbanization in the 1960s and 1970s has been accompanied by a continuing migration of rural residents into the cities, particularly Seoul, resulting in heavily populated metropolitan areas.
Slide 5: RELIGIONS IN KOREA Buddhism Buddhism has exercised a far-reaching influence on Korean culture throughout its long history. The nation's invaluable Buddhist heritage abides in buildings, sculptures, paintings and handicraft. Protestantism & Catholicism Christianity challenged the basic values of Joseon society, its believers were subject to persecution in the early years, but as Christians took an increasingly active role in the anti-colonial struggle against the Japanese and churches promoted more educational opportunities, Christianity gained acceptance. Catholicism first came to Korea as a western scholarly pursuit.
Slide 6: Confucianism Confucianism became a common philosophy in ancient Korea. It has been an indispensable component of the Korean moral system, way of life and national laws. Shamanism It is closely related to the primitive cults which practiced communal rites for the gods of heaven, and which were uninfluenced by Buddhist tradition. It seeks to solve human problems through a meeting between humans and the spirits.
Slide 7: OFFICIAL KOREAN HOLIDAYS New Year’s Day (January 1) The first day of the New Year is recognized and celebrated. Seollal (February 17 - 19) Lunar New Year’s Day (Seollal) is one of the most important traditional events of the year, still much more significant than January 1st. Independence Movement Day (March 1) This day commemorates the Declaration of Independence proclaimed on March 1, 1919, while under Japanese colonization. Children’s Day (May 5) On this day, parents dress up the little ones and take them to children’s parks, amusement parks, zoos, or to the cinema for a full day of fun and games. Buddha’s Birthday (May 24) The 8th day of the 4th lunar month. Elaborate, solemn rituals are held at many Buddhist temples across the country and lanterns are hung in the temple courtyards.
Slide 8: Memorial Day (June 6) Memorial Day is set aside to honor the soldiers and civilians who have given their lives for their country. Constitution Day (July 17) Commemorates the proclamation of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea that was made on July 17, 1948. Liberation Day (August 15) This day commemorates Japanese acceptance of the Allies’ terms of surrender and the resulting liberation of Korea in 1945. Chuseok (September 24 - 26) Chuseok is one of the year’s most important traditional holidays. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Chuseok is often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving Day. National Foundation Day (October 3) This day commemorates the founding of the Korean nation in 2333 B.C.
Slide 9: Christmas (December 25) Christmas is observed as a national holiday in Korea as in many other countries. SPECIAL DAYS Labor Day (May 1) Although Labor Day is not a national holiday, banks and business establishments are closed, and many people enjoy a day off. Parents’ Day (May 8) Sons and daughters show their love and respect for their parents on this day. Parents’ Day is not a national holiday. Banks and shops are open for business.
Slide 10: KOREAN FOOD Korea was once primarily an agricultural nation, and Koreans have cultivated rice as their staple food since ancient times. Much of Korean cuisine consists of simple dishes. It is known for its strong and pungent flavors. Many Korean banchans rely on fermentation for flavor and preservation, resulting in a tangy, salty, and spicy taste. 1. Kimchi Kimchi, also spelled gimchi or kimchee, is a traditional Korean fermented dish made of seasoned vegetables, such as the pickled Chinese cabbage. • Bap (steamed rice) and Juk (porridge) Bibimbap mixed rice: rice topped with vegetables, beef and egg, and served with a dollop of chili pepper paste.
Slide 11: 3. Meat dishes At traditional restaurants, meats are cooked at the center of the table over a charcoal grill, surrounded by various banchan and individual rice bowls. • Bulgogi • Galbi 4. Soup and Stews Soup (Guk) is an essential dish when rice is served. A Stew (Jjigae) is similar to soup but is thicker. • Kimchi Jjigae • Samgyetang 5. Noodles • Ramyeon • Naengmyeon 6. Snacks • Kimbap • Tteokbokki
Slide 12: SOJU • Soju is an alcoholic beverage native to Korea. • The main ingredient is potato. • Soju is clear in color and typically varies in alcohol content from about 20% to about 45% alcohol by volume (ABV), with 20% ABV being most common. • Its taste is comparable to vodka, though it is often slightly sweeter due to the addition of sugar in the manufacturing process. • Soju is usually drunk in group gatherings.
Slide 13: SOUND OF KOREA Music • Traditional Korean music is characterized by improvisation and the lack of breaks between movements. • Most traditional Korean music begins with the slowest movement and then accelerates as the performance continues. • Korean court music is closely related to the literate upper-class. • Korea's folk music and is full of expressions and emotions. This kind of traditional music is closely related to the lives of common people. • Traditional Korean musical instruments can be divided into wind, string, and percussion types. Dance • Common court dances are performed at banquets and at Confucian rituals. • Religious dances include all the performances at shamanistic rites.
Slide 14: TAEKWONDO • Also: Tae Kwon Do, Taekwon-Do, Tae Kwon-Do • Taekwondo is a martial art form and combat sport that that uses the hands and feet for attack and defense, originating in Korea. • Taekwondo is the national sport of South Korea and sparring is an Olympic sporting event. • Taekwondo is famed for its use of kicking techniques, which distinguishes it from martial arts such as karate or southern styles of kungfu. • The focus of Taekwondo is on training and disciplining the mind along with the body.
Slide 15: HANBOK • Hanbok is the traditional Korean dress. • It is often characterized by vibrant colors and simple lines without pockets. • These days modern hanboks for children only consist of two or three pieces and can be put on easily. • They are usually made of less expensive fabrics. • They are only worn once or twice a year during the bigger holidays like Chuseok and Seollal. • Children are dressed up in hanbok also on the day one year after they were born.
Slide 16: FAMOUS TOURISTS PLACES ANDONG This has traditionally been the town of the aristocrats and the old culture is valued here. Andong Folk Village and Folk Museum showcases the relics of Korean culture. Restaurants here serve traditional food. To the north of Andong is Dosan Seowon, the famous Confucian institute. To the west is the Hahoe Maeul Folk Village. The Mask Dance Festival is held here every autumn. BUSAN Waterways have been the lifeline of civilization and Busan, the port city and the second largest metropolis is absolutely indispensable to the Koreans. A bird.s eye view of the city can be had from the Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park. The U.N. Cemetery is one place that attracts a lot of tourists. It is here that the fallen U.N. soldiers of the Korean War are buried, some thousands of miles away from their homeland.
Slide 17: FAMOUS TOURISTS PLACES JEJU ISLAND Jeju, though only 100km off the mainland, seems to be a completely different world altogether. It is a honeymooner.s delight. Beautiful yellow flowers brighten the landscape and golden beaches are alluring indeed. Coastal waterfalls plunging straight into the sea, hot spring, fishing and scuba diving have become synonymous with Jeju. The island also has the tallest mountain of the country, Mt. Hallasan. SEOUL The capital city of South Korea is the political and economic nerve center of Korea. This is a wonderful city where modern architecture is harmoniously blended with ancient architecture. Modern skyscrapers of steel and glass stand side by side painstakingly restored monument and palaces of intricately designed stones making Seoul a sight to behold. The Summer Palace is undoubtedly a remarkable piece of art and architecture.
Slide 18: FAMOUS TOURISTS PLACES PANMUNJEOM Come here to visit the Demilitarized Zone. Walk into the Third Tunnel of Aggression and stand on the Freedom Pavilion. From here the North Korean soldiers can be seen peering back through binoculars. Troops here are always on high alert and confrontations here are both common and lethal. GYEONGJU Once the capital of the Silla kingdom, the city has about 20 huge burial tombs. The beautiful temple of Bulguksa is just outside the town. Seokguram Grotto has exquisite stone image of Buddha. Hiring a boat to see the underwater tomb of King Munmu, who wanted to become a dragon to protect his subjects from invasions.