It is generally surmised that Paleolithic man began to inhabit the Korean Peninsula about 40,000 to 50,000 years ago, although it has yet to be confirmed if they were the ethnic ancestors of present-day Koreans. Some Paleolithic men lived in caves, while others built structures on level ground. They lived on fruit and edible roots and by hunting and fishing.
Neolithic man appeared in Korea around 4000 B.C., with signs of their active presence around 3000 B.C. being found across the peninsula. It is believed that the Neolithic people formed the ethnic stock of the Korean people. Neolithic people dwelled near the seashore and riverbanks before advancing into inland areas. The sea was their main source of food. They used nets, hooks and fishing lines to catch fish and gather shellfish. Hunting was another way to procure food. Arrowheads and spear points have been found at Neolithic sites. Later, they began to engage in farming using stone hoes, sickles and millstones.
Korean traditional house with giwa, black-grooved tiles for the roof.
Namsangol Traditional Village in downtown Seoul
Rice cultivation started during the Bronze Age, generally thought to have lasted in Korea until around 400 B.C. People also lived in thatch-covered pits, while dolmen and stone cist tombs were used predominantly for burials during the period.
As agriculture became a principal activity, villages were formed and a ruling leader with supreme authority emerged. Law became necessary to govern the communities. In Gojoseon (2333 B.C.-108 B.C.), a law code consisting of eight articles came into practice, but only three of the articles are known today: First, anybody who kills another shall immediately be killed. Second, those who injure another's body shall compensate in grain. Third, those who steals other's possessions shall become a slave of their victim.
Traditional Korean houses remained relatively unchanged from the Three Kingdoms period through the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
Ondol, a unique Korean underfloor heating system, was first used in the north. Smoke and heat were channeled through flues built under the floor. In the warmer south, ondol was used together with wooden floors. The major materials of traditional houses were clay and wood. Giwa, or black-grooved roof tiles, were made of earth, usually red clay. Today, the Presidential mansion is called Cheong Wa Dae, or the Blue House, for the blue tiles used for its roof.
Traditional houses were built without using any nails but rather assembled with wooden pegs. Upper-class houses consisted of a number of separate structures, one for accommodation of women and children, one for the men of the family and their guests, and another for servants, all enclosed within a wall. A family ancestral shrine was built behind the house. A lotus pond was sometimes created in front of the house outside the wall.
The form of the houses differed from the colder north to the warmer south. Simple houses with a rectangular floor and a kitchen and a room on either side developed into an L-shaped house in the south, but would become U-shaped or square-shaped with a courtyard at the center in the north.
From the late 1960s, Korea's housing pattern began to change rapidly with the construction of Western-style apartment buildings. High-rise apartments have mushroomed all over the country since the 1970s.
Koreans began to weave cloth with hemp and arrowroot and raised silkworms to produce silk. During the Three Kingdoms period, men wore jeogori (jacket), baji (trousers), and durumagi (overcoat) with a hat, belt and pair of shoes. The women wore jeogori (short jacket) with two long ribbons which are tied to form an otgoreum (knot), a full length, high-waist wrap-around skirt called chima, a durumagi, with beoseon, white cotton socks, and boat-shaped shoes. This attire, known as hanbok, has been handed down in the same form for men and women for hundreds of years with little change except for the length of the jeogori and chima.
Western wear entered Korea during the Korean War (1950-53), and during the rapid industrialization in the 1960s and 1970s, hanbok use declined, being regarded as inappropriate for casual wear. Recently, however, hanbok lovers have been campaigning to revitalize hanbok, and have created updated styles which are easier to wear.
Traditional hanbok is usually worn on special days like the lunar New Year holidays and Chuseok (Thanksgiving) and family festivities such as Hwangap, which marks one's 60th birthday.
Of the three basic elements of life - house, clothing and food - the change in dietary habits has most significantly affected Koreans. Rice still remains the staple of most Koreans, but among the younger generations, many prefer Western-style food.
Housewives making Kimchi, Korea's famous red-pepper cabbage dish Traditional Korean full-course dinner
Rice has been usually accompanied by various side dishes, mostly seasoned vegetables, soup, pot stew, and meat.
A traditional Korean meal is not complete without Kimchi, a mixture of various pickled vegetables such as Oriental cabbage, radish, green onion and cucumber. Certain types of kimchi are made spicy with the addition of red chili pepper powder, while others are prepared without red chili peppers or are soaked in a tasty liquid. However, garlic is always used in Kimchi to add to its flavor.
In late November or early December, Korean families engage in gimjang, or preparation of kimchi, for the long winter season. Until a few decades ago, the kimchi prepared for the winter was placed into large vessels which were stored underground to retain the flavor. With the emergence of apartment houses, electronic appliance makers are now manufacturing refrigeration units exclusively for Kimchi. In addition, Kimchi factories enjoy a brisk business as an increasing number of families buy Kimchi instead of preparing it themselves.
In addition to Kimchi, doenjang (Korean soybean paste), with its anti-cancer attributes, has attracted the attention of modern-day nutritionists. Koreans used to make doenjang at home by boiling yellow beans, drying them in the shade, soaking them in salty water, and fermenting them in sunlight. However, only a few families go through this process at home these days while the majority buy factory-made doenjang.
Among meat dishes, seasoned bulgogi (usually beef) and galbi (beef or pork rib) are most favored by both Koreans and foreigners.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Shopping
South Korea is known as a mecca for shoppers, offering a great variety of items at reasonable prices. Tourists may purchase many necessities and souvenir items at any of the hundreds of shops in department stores and shopping arcades in Seoul as well as major cities throughout the country.
Gyeongdong market attracts visitors with its Oriental medicine and health supplements.
Myeong-dong: One of Seoul's most famous shopping districts
Popular shopping items include jewelry, ginseng, furs, silk, antique chests, ceramics, lacquerware, brassware, embroidery and many more unique Korean products.
Gyeongdong market attracts visitors with its Oriental medicine and health supplements.
Myeong-dong: One of Seoul's most famous shopping districts
Popular shopping items include jewelry, ginseng, furs, silk, antique chests, ceramics, lacquerware, brassware, embroidery and many more unique Korean products.
Accommodations
Visitors to Korea can choose from a wide range of quality accommodations including hotels, inns, hostels, homestay and condominiums. There is an extensive choice of hotels. At the lower end, rates start at about 46,000 won (US$48.4) per night, and in the case of deluxe hotels, room charges go up from about 170,000 won.
An increasing number of hotels offer recreation facilities such as swimming pools, saunas, indoor driving ranges, bowling alleys and health clubs for their guests. There are also dance clubs and karaoke bars, casinos and recreation rooms, providing nighttime as well as daytime entertainment. In addition, exciting and fun-filled special seasonal events and packages are available throughout the year.
Inns (yeogwan) and hostels are inexpensive types of accommodation. They offer simple, clean accommodations. Rates vary with the services and facilities provided. Staying at hostels can cost as little as 6,000 ~22,000 won (US$6.3~$23.1) per night and inns range from 30,000 won to 60,000 won (US$31.5~$63.1).
Some Korean families offer homestay at a very reasonable rate or even for free to make friends from other countries. This is a good opportunity to make Korean friends and experience Korean family life firsthand.Resort condominiums provide excellent self-service accommodations and are mostly located around major tourist attractions. They come with fully- equipped kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, and many are available to non-condo association members on a short-term basis.
An increasing number of hotels offer recreation facilities such as swimming pools, saunas, indoor driving ranges, bowling alleys and health clubs for their guests. There are also dance clubs and karaoke bars, casinos and recreation rooms, providing nighttime as well as daytime entertainment. In addition, exciting and fun-filled special seasonal events and packages are available throughout the year.
Inns (yeogwan) and hostels are inexpensive types of accommodation. They offer simple, clean accommodations. Rates vary with the services and facilities provided. Staying at hostels can cost as little as 6,000 ~22,000 won (US$6.3~$23.1) per night and inns range from 30,000 won to 60,000 won (US$31.5~$63.1).
Some Korean families offer homestay at a very reasonable rate or even for free to make friends from other countries. This is a good opportunity to make Korean friends and experience Korean family life firsthand.Resort condominiums provide excellent self-service accommodations and are mostly located around major tourist attractions. They come with fully- equipped kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, and many are available to non-condo association members on a short-term basis.
How to Travel korea
Domestic flights: Most domestic destinations are within an hour's flight from Seoul. Gimpo Airport, located between the western area of Seoul and the newer Incheon International Airport, is primarily used for domestic travel. Korean Air and Asiana Airlines handle all domestic flights.
Railway services: The Korea Railroad (KORAIL) operates three types of trains - super-express, express, and local - along an extensive nationwide network. Super-express (KTX) trains link Seoul with Busan, Mokpo, East Daegu, Gwangju and Iksan. Most popular destinations in the nation can be reached via direct line or a single transfer. Many express trains include dining cars. Local trains make frequent stops.
Local and city bus services: A regular intercity bus network, as opposed to the long distance express bus network, connects virtually all cities and towns in the country. Regular intercity buses, which make frequent stops, are the least expensive way to travel around the country. To help relieve traffic congestion and encourage use of mass transportation, exclusive bus lanes are enforced during busy hours in busy streets and expressways. Seoul and several other major cities have different types of bus service. Some go beyond city limits into nearby suburbs and satellite cities. Bus fares range from 500 to 1,500 won(US$0.52~$1.57). Buses running in the city and into the suburban cities are numbered according to their routes. (The website www.tour2korea.com has detailed information. Click on "Transportation.")
Long distance express buses: Long distance express buses go directly to their destinations, stopping only at expressway rest areas every few hours. Two types of buses link every major city in the country. Regular intercity buses have four seats from side to side. The more-expensive deluxe buses have only three seats from side to side and offer amenities such as mobile phones and movies. Some lines run late-night deluxe express buses as well. Seoul has three intercity terminals providing service to different parts of the country - the main Express Bus Terminal and Nambu Bus Terminal on subway Line 3 in Gangnam and the Dong (East) Seoul Bus Terminal near Gangbyeon Station on Line 2. Busan's Express Bus Terminal is in its eastern downtown area.
Subway services: The subway is the most efficient and convenient way to get around Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Incheon and Daejeon. The subway system has developed into these cities' main transportation system and continues to provide a fast, safe, and comfortable means of transportation. In Seoul, it links all neighborhoods with the outlying areas and satellite cities. On the intercity network, trains operate at intervals of 2.5 to 3 minutes during the morning and evening rush hours, and intervals of 4 to 6 minutes during non-peak times. Fares vary according to destinations, with a basic fare of 900 won (US$ 0.94) in cash.
Taxi services: There are two kinds of taxis - regular and deluxe. Fares are based on distance and time. The black deluxe taxis are more comfortable, provide better service and, of course, charge more than the regular gray taxis, but nearly all taxis are equipped with a third-party interpretation system that can be accessed by cell phone.
Car rental: Driving can be an exciting and effective way of getting around Korea. Extensive road and expressway networks are available, which means you can visit every corner of the country. Road numbers and destinations are clearly indicated on road signs. Drivers must meet the following requirements: have more than one year's driving experience, possess an international driver's license valid for a year from the date of entry, be at least 21 years old and possess a valid passport.
Rental fees vary from 68,000 to 265,000 won (US$ 71.5~$ 278.9) per day, depending upon the type of car. The speed limit is 60km/hr for most roads in the city and 80-100km/hr for city expressways. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a felony that may result in a heavy penalty.
Ferry services: One of the most pleasant ways to see Korea, routes are available between Busan and Jeju-do Island, Mokpo and Hongdo Island and Pohang and Ulleungdo Island. There are ships making runs between Busan and Yeosu, with many in-between stops possible at ports along the south coast and the Hallyeo Maritime National Park.
Railway services: The Korea Railroad (KORAIL) operates three types of trains - super-express, express, and local - along an extensive nationwide network. Super-express (KTX) trains link Seoul with Busan, Mokpo, East Daegu, Gwangju and Iksan. Most popular destinations in the nation can be reached via direct line or a single transfer. Many express trains include dining cars. Local trains make frequent stops.
Local and city bus services: A regular intercity bus network, as opposed to the long distance express bus network, connects virtually all cities and towns in the country. Regular intercity buses, which make frequent stops, are the least expensive way to travel around the country. To help relieve traffic congestion and encourage use of mass transportation, exclusive bus lanes are enforced during busy hours in busy streets and expressways. Seoul and several other major cities have different types of bus service. Some go beyond city limits into nearby suburbs and satellite cities. Bus fares range from 500 to 1,500 won(US$0.52~$1.57). Buses running in the city and into the suburban cities are numbered according to their routes. (The website www.tour2korea.com has detailed information. Click on "Transportation.")
Long distance express buses: Long distance express buses go directly to their destinations, stopping only at expressway rest areas every few hours. Two types of buses link every major city in the country. Regular intercity buses have four seats from side to side. The more-expensive deluxe buses have only three seats from side to side and offer amenities such as mobile phones and movies. Some lines run late-night deluxe express buses as well. Seoul has three intercity terminals providing service to different parts of the country - the main Express Bus Terminal and Nambu Bus Terminal on subway Line 3 in Gangnam and the Dong (East) Seoul Bus Terminal near Gangbyeon Station on Line 2. Busan's Express Bus Terminal is in its eastern downtown area.
Subway services: The subway is the most efficient and convenient way to get around Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Incheon and Daejeon. The subway system has developed into these cities' main transportation system and continues to provide a fast, safe, and comfortable means of transportation. In Seoul, it links all neighborhoods with the outlying areas and satellite cities. On the intercity network, trains operate at intervals of 2.5 to 3 minutes during the morning and evening rush hours, and intervals of 4 to 6 minutes during non-peak times. Fares vary according to destinations, with a basic fare of 900 won (US$ 0.94) in cash.
Taxi services: There are two kinds of taxis - regular and deluxe. Fares are based on distance and time. The black deluxe taxis are more comfortable, provide better service and, of course, charge more than the regular gray taxis, but nearly all taxis are equipped with a third-party interpretation system that can be accessed by cell phone.
Car rental: Driving can be an exciting and effective way of getting around Korea. Extensive road and expressway networks are available, which means you can visit every corner of the country. Road numbers and destinations are clearly indicated on road signs. Drivers must meet the following requirements: have more than one year's driving experience, possess an international driver's license valid for a year from the date of entry, be at least 21 years old and possess a valid passport.
Rental fees vary from 68,000 to 265,000 won (US$ 71.5~$ 278.9) per day, depending upon the type of car. The speed limit is 60km/hr for most roads in the city and 80-100km/hr for city expressways. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a felony that may result in a heavy penalty.
Ferry services: One of the most pleasant ways to see Korea, routes are available between Busan and Jeju-do Island, Mokpo and Hongdo Island and Pohang and Ulleungdo Island. There are ships making runs between Busan and Yeosu, with many in-between stops possible at ports along the south coast and the Hallyeo Maritime National Park.
People
Koreans are primarily 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.
In the seventh century, the various states of the peninsula were unified for the first time under the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 935). Such homogeneity has enabled Koreans to be relatively free from ethnic problems and to maintain a firm solidarity with one another.
As of the end of 2005, Korea's total population was estimated at 48,294,000 with a density of 474 people per square kilometer. The population of North Korea is estimated to be 22,928,040.
Korea saw its population grow by an annual rate of 3 percent during the 1960s, but growth slowed to 2 percent over the next decade. In 2005, the rate stood at 0.44 percent and is expected to further decline to 0.01 percent by 2020.
A notable trend in Korea's demographics is that it is growing older with each passing year. Statistics show that 6.9 percent of the total population of Korea was 65 years or older in 1999, and 9.1 percent was in 2005.
In the 1960s, Korea's population distribution formed a pyramid shape, with a high birth rate and relatively short life expectancy. However, age-group distribution is now shaped more like a bell because of the low birth rate and extended life expectancy. Youths (15 and younger) will make up a decreasing portion of the total, while senior citizens (65 and older) will account for some 15.7 percent of the total by the year 2020.
The nation's rapid industrialization and urbanization in the 1960s and 1970s has been accompanied by continuing migration of rural residents into the cities, particularly Seoul, resulting in heavily populated metropolitan areas. However, in recent years, an increasing number of seoulites have begun moving to suburban areas.
In the seventh century, the various states of the peninsula were unified for the first time under the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 935). Such homogeneity has enabled Koreans to be relatively free from ethnic problems and to maintain a firm solidarity with one another.
As of the end of 2005, Korea's total population was estimated at 48,294,000 with a density of 474 people per square kilometer. The population of North Korea is estimated to be 22,928,040.
Korea saw its population grow by an annual rate of 3 percent during the 1960s, but growth slowed to 2 percent over the next decade. In 2005, the rate stood at 0.44 percent and is expected to further decline to 0.01 percent by 2020.
A notable trend in Korea's demographics is that it is growing older with each passing year. Statistics show that 6.9 percent of the total population of Korea was 65 years or older in 1999, and 9.1 percent was in 2005.
In the 1960s, Korea's population distribution formed a pyramid shape, with a high birth rate and relatively short life expectancy. However, age-group distribution is now shaped more like a bell because of the low birth rate and extended life expectancy. Youths (15 and younger) will make up a decreasing portion of the total, while senior citizens (65 and older) will account for some 15.7 percent of the total by the year 2020.
The nation's rapid industrialization and urbanization in the 1960s and 1970s has been accompanied by continuing migration of rural residents into the cities, particularly Seoul, resulting in heavily populated metropolitan areas. However, in recent years, an increasing number of seoulites have begun moving to suburban areas.
About Korea
Korea lies adjacent to China and Japan. The northern border of Korea is formed by the Amnokgang (Yalu) and Dumangang (Tumen) rivers, which separate it from Manchuria. A 16-kilometer segment of the Dumangang to the east also serves as a natural border with Russia. The west coast of the Korean Peninsula is bounded by the Korean Bay to the north and the West Sea to the south; the east coast faces the East Sea.
Two hundred kilometers separate the peninsula from eastern China. The shortest distance between Korean and Chinese coasts is 200 kilometers and from the southeastern tip of the peninsula, the nearest point on the Japanese coast is also about 200 kilometers away.
Because of its unique geographical location, Chinese culture filtered into Japan through Korea; a common cultural sphere of Buddhism and Confucianism was thus established between the three countries.
The Korean Peninsula extends about 1,000 kilometers southward from the northeast Asian continental landmass. Roughly 300 kilometers in width, climate variations are more pronounced along the south-north axis. Differences in plant vegetation can be seen between the colder north and the warmer south.
The peninsula and all of its associated islands lie between 33 06'40"N and 43 00'39"N parallels and 124 11'00"E and 131 52'08"E meridians. The latitudinal location of Korea is similar to that of the Iberian Peninsula and Greece. The entire peninsula corresponds approximately to the north-south span of the state of California.
The Tips of Korean Territory
Extreme points Places Coordinates
Northernmost Yeopojin, Hamgyeongbuk-do 43 00'39"N
Southernmost Marado Island, Jeju-do 33 06'40"N
Easternmost Dokdo Island, Gyeongsangbuk-do 131 52'08"E
Westernmost Maando Island, Pyeonganbuk-do 124 11'00"E
Longitudinally, Korea lies straight north of the Philippines and central Australia. The meridian of 127 30'E passes through the middle of the Korean Peninsula. Korea, however, shares the same standard meridian of 135 E with Japan. Seoul and Tokyo local time is nine hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Territory
The total area of the peninsula, including its islands, is 222,154 square kilometers of which about 45 percent (99,313 square kilometers), excluding the area in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), constitutes the territory of South Korea. The combined territories of South and North Korea are similar to the size of Britain (244,100 square kilometers) and Guyana (215,000 square kilometers). South Korea alone is about the size of Hungary (93,000 square kilometers) and Jordan (97,700 square kilometers).
There are about 3,000 islands belonging to Korea. The islands are located mostly off the west and south coasts; only a handful of them lie off the East Sea. Ulleungdo, the largest island in the East Sea, serves as a major fishery base as does Dokdo. Bigger islands include Jejudo - the largest, Geojedo, Ganghwado, and Namhaedo.
Until the 11th century, the territory of Korea had encompassed most of Manchuria but by the 15th century, due to repeated conflicts with China, Koreans retreated southward and the Amnokgang and Dumangang rivers became the permanent Sino-Korean border.
At the end of World War II, the peninsula was divided into a northern zone occupied by Soviet forces and a southern zone occupied by U.S. forces. The boundary between the two zones was the 38th parallel. In 1953, at the end of the Korean War, a new border was fixed at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a 4 kilometer-wide strip of land that runs along the lines of ceasefire from the east to the west coast for a distance of about 241 kilometers.
Administrative Units
There are three administrative tiers in South Korea. The highest tier includes seven metropolitan cities and nine provinces (do). Designated metropolitan cities are those urban areas with a population of over one million. Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is the largest urban center, having 10 million residents. Busan is the second largest city, with a population of over four million. Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon and Ulsan, in descending order, are each home to more than one million people. At the second administrative tier, provinces (do) are subdivided into cities (si) and counties (gun). A city has a population of more than 50,000. A gun consists of one town (eup) and five to ten myeon. Although they are administrative units, provinces (do) also play an important role in the regional identification of the people and many Koreans often identify themselves by the province in which they were born and raised. Metropolitan cities are subdivided into districts (gu). The lowest units are dong in cities and ri in provinces. In the last several decades, South Korea has witnessed the rapid growth of its urban centers. The population of these areas now constitutes over 85 percent of the national total. Urban growth has been particularly spectacular along the Seoul-Busan corridor, the Seoul metropolitan area and the Gyeongsang Province area. By contrast, the southwestern and northeastern regions have sustained a considerable loss in population.
Geographical Regions
Mountain ranges have traditionally served as natural boundary markers between regions. Because these natural boundaries inhibited contacts between peoples living on either side of the range, subtle, and sometimes substantial, regional differences developed in both the spoken language and customs of the people. These regional distinctions also correspond to the traditional administrative divisions set up during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
Dokdo Island
The Korean Peninsula is divided into three distinct regions; Central, South and North. These macro regions are divided into three separate geographical spheres, each of which shows particular economic, cultural and physical distinctiveness. In the Central region are the Seoul metropolitan area, Chungcheong and Gangwon provinces; in the South, Gyeongsang, Jeolla and Jeju provinces; and in the North, Pyeongan, Hamgyeong and Hwanghae provinces. The term "northern area" traditionally referred to those regions of Pyeongan and Hamgyeong provinces prior to the division of the peninsula in 1945. The "North" now refers to all the areas north of the Demilitarized Zone, comprising Pyeongan, Hamgyeong, Hwanghae and the northern parts of the Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces.
The Central Region
This region consists of the Seoul metropolitan area which is part of, Gyeonggi Province, Chungcheong Province to the south, and Gangwon province to the east.
The Capital (Seoul / Gyeonggi) Area: This includes Seoul and Incheon, which encompass the Gyeonggi-do. The capital area, as the name implies, is the center of all political, economic and cultural activity in South Korea. Clustered around Seoul are also a number of smaller cities, which form a continuous and sprawling urban area. In and around Seoul is the largest concentration of the nation's industries. As the hub of South Korea's transportation networks, with Gimpo International Airport located on the western outskirts of Seoul, the newly built Incheon International Airport, and railroad networks that connect to all parts of the country, the capital area serves as South Korea's gateway to the world. Given its strategic importance, the dialect spoken in Seoul is considered to be the nation's standard language.
Chungcheong Province: This region lies between the capital area and the South. Cheongju and Daejeon are the leading urban centers of the region, respectively. Lying just below the capital area, this region consisting of Chungcheongnam-do and Chungcheongbuk-do, has been characterized as a southern extension of Seoul; its proximity to the capital has been economically advantageous. New industries have recently mushroomed along the Asanman Bay on the west coast. The region has also profited from transportation and urban services available for Seoul and its vicinity. Chungcheong and Gyeonggi provinces specialize in horticulture and dairy farming to meet the huge demands of the nearby urban centers of the capital area.
Gangwon Province: This region lies to the east of the capital area. The Taebaeksan Mountain range, which runs north-south through the middle of the region, divides the province into eastern coastal and western inland areas. Gangneung, Chuncheon, and Wonju are its leading urban areas. Gangwon-do offers a variety of opportunities for tourism and sports, with its rugged terrain. Mining industries, once a major sector in the regional economy, have recently experienced a drastic decline due to competition from cheaper foreign-imported coal and minerals. The fall of mining industries, coupled with the national trend of rural to urban migration, are the major contributing factors for the recent migration out of the region. Gangwon-do, with less than 2 million residents, has now the smallest population of all the mainland provinces.
The South Region
The region includes the Gyeongsang Province, located in the southeast, Jeolla Province in the southwest, and Jejudo province which lies off the south coast.
Gyeongsang Province: This area includes metropolitan cities Busan, Daegu, and Ulsan encompassing Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do. Busan and Daegu are the major urban centers of the province, being the second (4 million) and third (2.5 million) largest cities in South Korea.
This region is characterized by the vast basin of the Nakdonggang River and is surrounded by the Sobaeksan mountain ranges. Due to the rugged topography of the surrounding mountains, sub-areas within the region share common cultural traits such as dialect and custom, which are quite distinct from peoples of other regions. The fact that Gyeongsang Province also has another name, "Yeongnam," which literally means "south of the mountain pass," attests to the key role that the mountains have historically played in fostering regional differences between the Korean people.
Gyeongsang Province has one of the largest industrial agglomerations, second only to the capital area, due mainly to the heavy investments in the region by the South Korean government since the 1960s. These heavy industrial facilities of steel, shipbuilding, automobile and petrochemical factories are largely concentrated along the southeast stretch of Pohang, through Ulsan, Busan, Changwon, and Masan. The northern part also has two major clusters of industries around Daegu and Gumi, specializing in textile and electronics.
Jeolla Province: Jeolla Province is located southwest of the peninsula and comprises of Jeollabuk-do and Jeollanam-do. Gwangju, Jeonju, and Naju are their respective centers.
"Honam" is another name for Jeolla Province. The flat fertile lands of the Geumgang and Yeongsangang river basins, as well as the coastal lowlands, have made the region the major granary of the nation. The regional economy has lagged somewhat behind the capital and Gyeongsang regions due to sparse industrial investments made there during the past decades. However, this situation is changing and the region is now experiencing industrial growth in major urban centers like Gwangju and Jeonju, as well as along its western coast. Also, the tidal flats near Gunsan and Mokpo have recently been reclaimed, adding new land for industrial development.
The region is endowed with a very irregular coastline and countless large and small islands, and this unique landscape attracts a number of tourists year-round.
Jejudo Island: Jejudo is the largest Island in Korea located about 140 kilometers south of Mokpo in the South Sea. Its historic isolation from the mainland contributed to the Jejudo peoples' distinct dialect and lifestyle. Of volcanic origin, the island has rugged topography of numerous hills, gorges, and waterfalls. Because of its subtropical climate and the unique lifestyles and customs of its people, tourism is the region's most important industry. The island is also famous for its subtropical fruits such as tangerines, pineapples and bananas. It is also known for its women divers.
The North Region
The northern part of the peninsula is divided into two geographic regions: Pyeongan Province in the northwest and Hamgyeong Province in the northeast. The former with its flatlands is also known as the Gwanseo region while the latter is often referred to as Gwanbuk. Pyeongan Province serves as the major agricultural area of the North. By contrast, Hamgyeong Province, due to its mountainous topography, boasts mining and forestry as its major economic activities. Pyongyang, the leading urban center in the Pyeongan Province, is the capital of North Korea and Nampo serves as the gateway port to Pyongyang. Hamheung and Cheongjin are the major cities of Hamgyeong Province.
The third geographical region of the North, Hwanghae Province lies to the south of Pyeongan Province. Once a part of the Central Region prior to the South-North division, Hwanghae Province shares a great many cultural similarities with other west-central regions of the peninsula. Gaeseong is the major city of the region.
refer from korea.net
Two hundred kilometers separate the peninsula from eastern China. The shortest distance between Korean and Chinese coasts is 200 kilometers and from the southeastern tip of the peninsula, the nearest point on the Japanese coast is also about 200 kilometers away.
Because of its unique geographical location, Chinese culture filtered into Japan through Korea; a common cultural sphere of Buddhism and Confucianism was thus established between the three countries.
The Korean Peninsula extends about 1,000 kilometers southward from the northeast Asian continental landmass. Roughly 300 kilometers in width, climate variations are more pronounced along the south-north axis. Differences in plant vegetation can be seen between the colder north and the warmer south.
The peninsula and all of its associated islands lie between 33 06'40"N and 43 00'39"N parallels and 124 11'00"E and 131 52'08"E meridians. The latitudinal location of Korea is similar to that of the Iberian Peninsula and Greece. The entire peninsula corresponds approximately to the north-south span of the state of California.
The Tips of Korean Territory
Extreme points Places Coordinates
Northernmost Yeopojin, Hamgyeongbuk-do 43 00'39"N
Southernmost Marado Island, Jeju-do 33 06'40"N
Easternmost Dokdo Island, Gyeongsangbuk-do 131 52'08"E
Westernmost Maando Island, Pyeonganbuk-do 124 11'00"E
Longitudinally, Korea lies straight north of the Philippines and central Australia. The meridian of 127 30'E passes through the middle of the Korean Peninsula. Korea, however, shares the same standard meridian of 135 E with Japan. Seoul and Tokyo local time is nine hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Territory
The total area of the peninsula, including its islands, is 222,154 square kilometers of which about 45 percent (99,313 square kilometers), excluding the area in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), constitutes the territory of South Korea. The combined territories of South and North Korea are similar to the size of Britain (244,100 square kilometers) and Guyana (215,000 square kilometers). South Korea alone is about the size of Hungary (93,000 square kilometers) and Jordan (97,700 square kilometers).
There are about 3,000 islands belonging to Korea. The islands are located mostly off the west and south coasts; only a handful of them lie off the East Sea. Ulleungdo, the largest island in the East Sea, serves as a major fishery base as does Dokdo. Bigger islands include Jejudo - the largest, Geojedo, Ganghwado, and Namhaedo.
Until the 11th century, the territory of Korea had encompassed most of Manchuria but by the 15th century, due to repeated conflicts with China, Koreans retreated southward and the Amnokgang and Dumangang rivers became the permanent Sino-Korean border.
At the end of World War II, the peninsula was divided into a northern zone occupied by Soviet forces and a southern zone occupied by U.S. forces. The boundary between the two zones was the 38th parallel. In 1953, at the end of the Korean War, a new border was fixed at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a 4 kilometer-wide strip of land that runs along the lines of ceasefire from the east to the west coast for a distance of about 241 kilometers.
Administrative Units
There are three administrative tiers in South Korea. The highest tier includes seven metropolitan cities and nine provinces (do). Designated metropolitan cities are those urban areas with a population of over one million. Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is the largest urban center, having 10 million residents. Busan is the second largest city, with a population of over four million. Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon and Ulsan, in descending order, are each home to more than one million people. At the second administrative tier, provinces (do) are subdivided into cities (si) and counties (gun). A city has a population of more than 50,000. A gun consists of one town (eup) and five to ten myeon. Although they are administrative units, provinces (do) also play an important role in the regional identification of the people and many Koreans often identify themselves by the province in which they were born and raised. Metropolitan cities are subdivided into districts (gu). The lowest units are dong in cities and ri in provinces. In the last several decades, South Korea has witnessed the rapid growth of its urban centers. The population of these areas now constitutes over 85 percent of the national total. Urban growth has been particularly spectacular along the Seoul-Busan corridor, the Seoul metropolitan area and the Gyeongsang Province area. By contrast, the southwestern and northeastern regions have sustained a considerable loss in population.
Geographical Regions
Mountain ranges have traditionally served as natural boundary markers between regions. Because these natural boundaries inhibited contacts between peoples living on either side of the range, subtle, and sometimes substantial, regional differences developed in both the spoken language and customs of the people. These regional distinctions also correspond to the traditional administrative divisions set up during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
Dokdo Island
The Korean Peninsula is divided into three distinct regions; Central, South and North. These macro regions are divided into three separate geographical spheres, each of which shows particular economic, cultural and physical distinctiveness. In the Central region are the Seoul metropolitan area, Chungcheong and Gangwon provinces; in the South, Gyeongsang, Jeolla and Jeju provinces; and in the North, Pyeongan, Hamgyeong and Hwanghae provinces. The term "northern area" traditionally referred to those regions of Pyeongan and Hamgyeong provinces prior to the division of the peninsula in 1945. The "North" now refers to all the areas north of the Demilitarized Zone, comprising Pyeongan, Hamgyeong, Hwanghae and the northern parts of the Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces.
The Central Region
This region consists of the Seoul metropolitan area which is part of, Gyeonggi Province, Chungcheong Province to the south, and Gangwon province to the east.
The Capital (Seoul / Gyeonggi) Area: This includes Seoul and Incheon, which encompass the Gyeonggi-do. The capital area, as the name implies, is the center of all political, economic and cultural activity in South Korea. Clustered around Seoul are also a number of smaller cities, which form a continuous and sprawling urban area. In and around Seoul is the largest concentration of the nation's industries. As the hub of South Korea's transportation networks, with Gimpo International Airport located on the western outskirts of Seoul, the newly built Incheon International Airport, and railroad networks that connect to all parts of the country, the capital area serves as South Korea's gateway to the world. Given its strategic importance, the dialect spoken in Seoul is considered to be the nation's standard language.
Chungcheong Province: This region lies between the capital area and the South. Cheongju and Daejeon are the leading urban centers of the region, respectively. Lying just below the capital area, this region consisting of Chungcheongnam-do and Chungcheongbuk-do, has been characterized as a southern extension of Seoul; its proximity to the capital has been economically advantageous. New industries have recently mushroomed along the Asanman Bay on the west coast. The region has also profited from transportation and urban services available for Seoul and its vicinity. Chungcheong and Gyeonggi provinces specialize in horticulture and dairy farming to meet the huge demands of the nearby urban centers of the capital area.
Gangwon Province: This region lies to the east of the capital area. The Taebaeksan Mountain range, which runs north-south through the middle of the region, divides the province into eastern coastal and western inland areas. Gangneung, Chuncheon, and Wonju are its leading urban areas. Gangwon-do offers a variety of opportunities for tourism and sports, with its rugged terrain. Mining industries, once a major sector in the regional economy, have recently experienced a drastic decline due to competition from cheaper foreign-imported coal and minerals. The fall of mining industries, coupled with the national trend of rural to urban migration, are the major contributing factors for the recent migration out of the region. Gangwon-do, with less than 2 million residents, has now the smallest population of all the mainland provinces.
The South Region
The region includes the Gyeongsang Province, located in the southeast, Jeolla Province in the southwest, and Jejudo province which lies off the south coast.
Gyeongsang Province: This area includes metropolitan cities Busan, Daegu, and Ulsan encompassing Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do. Busan and Daegu are the major urban centers of the province, being the second (4 million) and third (2.5 million) largest cities in South Korea.
This region is characterized by the vast basin of the Nakdonggang River and is surrounded by the Sobaeksan mountain ranges. Due to the rugged topography of the surrounding mountains, sub-areas within the region share common cultural traits such as dialect and custom, which are quite distinct from peoples of other regions. The fact that Gyeongsang Province also has another name, "Yeongnam," which literally means "south of the mountain pass," attests to the key role that the mountains have historically played in fostering regional differences between the Korean people.
Gyeongsang Province has one of the largest industrial agglomerations, second only to the capital area, due mainly to the heavy investments in the region by the South Korean government since the 1960s. These heavy industrial facilities of steel, shipbuilding, automobile and petrochemical factories are largely concentrated along the southeast stretch of Pohang, through Ulsan, Busan, Changwon, and Masan. The northern part also has two major clusters of industries around Daegu and Gumi, specializing in textile and electronics.
Jeolla Province: Jeolla Province is located southwest of the peninsula and comprises of Jeollabuk-do and Jeollanam-do. Gwangju, Jeonju, and Naju are their respective centers.
"Honam" is another name for Jeolla Province. The flat fertile lands of the Geumgang and Yeongsangang river basins, as well as the coastal lowlands, have made the region the major granary of the nation. The regional economy has lagged somewhat behind the capital and Gyeongsang regions due to sparse industrial investments made there during the past decades. However, this situation is changing and the region is now experiencing industrial growth in major urban centers like Gwangju and Jeonju, as well as along its western coast. Also, the tidal flats near Gunsan and Mokpo have recently been reclaimed, adding new land for industrial development.
The region is endowed with a very irregular coastline and countless large and small islands, and this unique landscape attracts a number of tourists year-round.
Jejudo Island: Jejudo is the largest Island in Korea located about 140 kilometers south of Mokpo in the South Sea. Its historic isolation from the mainland contributed to the Jejudo peoples' distinct dialect and lifestyle. Of volcanic origin, the island has rugged topography of numerous hills, gorges, and waterfalls. Because of its subtropical climate and the unique lifestyles and customs of its people, tourism is the region's most important industry. The island is also famous for its subtropical fruits such as tangerines, pineapples and bananas. It is also known for its women divers.
The North Region
The northern part of the peninsula is divided into two geographic regions: Pyeongan Province in the northwest and Hamgyeong Province in the northeast. The former with its flatlands is also known as the Gwanseo region while the latter is often referred to as Gwanbuk. Pyeongan Province serves as the major agricultural area of the North. By contrast, Hamgyeong Province, due to its mountainous topography, boasts mining and forestry as its major economic activities. Pyongyang, the leading urban center in the Pyeongan Province, is the capital of North Korea and Nampo serves as the gateway port to Pyongyang. Hamheung and Cheongjin are the major cities of Hamgyeong Province.
The third geographical region of the North, Hwanghae Province lies to the south of Pyeongan Province. Once a part of the Central Region prior to the South-North division, Hwanghae Province shares a great many cultural similarities with other west-central regions of the peninsula. Gaeseong is the major city of the region.
refer from korea.net
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