2013 Facts English

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FACTSABOUT

KOREA

Korean

Culture

andIn

formation

Service

Korean Life

Housing

Clothing

Food

Festivals

Religion

Korean Life at a Glance

Society

Social Welfare

Education

Media

Society at a Glance

Culture and the Arts

UNESCO Treasures in Korea

Fine Arts

Literature

Painting

Music and Dance

Dramas and Movies

Museums and Theaters

Culture and the Arts at a Glance

Economy

Economic Situation

Industrial Innovation

Science and Technology

Information and Communications

Challenges Facing the Korean Economy

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Investor-Oriented Support System

World-Class Logistics Hub

Economic Outlook

G20 Seoul Summit and Korea

Economy at a Glance

Korea in the World

International Relations

Economic Exchanges

International Peace and Cooperation

Koreas Development Cooperation

Future Policy Directions

Inter-Korean Relations

Historical Background

Inter-Korean Exchanges and Cooperation

Gaeseong Industrial Complex

Reunion of separated families of South

and North Korea

Inter-Korean Relations at a glance

F AC T S A B O U TKO RE A

Cover Design

Consonants of the Korean alphabet Hangeul are used as motifs for the

design of the cover of this book. Hangeul is a phonetic spelling system

forming characters or syllabic blocks.

www.korea.net

History

Gojoseon

Three Kingdoms and Gaya

Unifed Silla and Balhae

Goryeo

Joseon

Japanese Occupation and

Independence Movement

Founding of the Republic of Korea

History at a Glance

Constitution and Government

Constitution

Executive Branch

Legislature

Judiciary

Independent Organizations

Local Government

Constitution and Government at a Glance

Sports

Seoul Olympics in Retrospect

Overall Olympic Standing

2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan

National Sports Events

Popular Sports

Traditional Sports

Sports at a Glance

Tourism

Travel Information

Transportation

Accommodation

Exploring Korea

Shopping

Tourism at a Glance

Korea and Nature

General

Geography

People

Government

Economy

National Symbol

Climate and Weather

Topography

Coasts

Green Rivers Project

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands


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FACTS ABOUT KOREA

2013 Edition

Copyright 1973

Published by

Korean Culture and Inormation Service

Ministry o Culture, Sports and Tourism

/

15 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic o Korea

Telephone 82-2-398-1914~20

Fax 82-2-398-1882

/

All rights reserved

Printed in Seoul

ISBN 89-7375-154-9 03910

/

For urther inormation about Korea,

please visit:

www.korea.net

F AC T S A B O U TKOREA


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4

5

Korean Life

Housing

Clothing

Food

Festivals

ReligionKorean Lie at a Glance

Society

Social Welare

Education

Media

Society at a Glance

Culture and the Arts

UNESCO Treasures in Korea

Fine Arts

Literature

Painting

Music and Dance

Dramas and Movies


Culture and the Arts at a Glance

Sports


Overall Olympic Standing



Popular Sports

Traditional Sports

Sports at a Glance

TourismTravel Inormation

Transportation

Accommodation

Exploring Korea

Shopping

Tourism at a Glance

Korea and Nature

General

Geography

People

Government

Economy

National Symbol

Climate and Weather

Topography

Coasts

Green Rivers Project

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

CONTENTS

8

36

56

110

History

Gojoseon

Three Kingdoms and Gaya

Unifed Silla and Balhae

Goryeo

JoseonJapanese Occupation and

Independence Movement

Founding o the Republic o Korea

History at a Glance

Constitution and Government

Constitution

Executive Branch

Legislature

Judiciary

Independent Organizations

Local Government

Constitution and Government at a Glance

Economy

Economic Situation

Industrial Innovation

Science and Technology

Inormation and Communications

Challenges Facing the Korean Economy

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Investor-Oriented Support System

World-Class Logistics Hub

Economic Outlook

G20 Seoul Summit and Korea

Economy at a Glance

Korea in the WorldInternational Relations

Economic Exchanges

International Peace and Cooperation

Koreas Development Cooperation

Future Policy Directions

Inter-Korean Relations

Historical Background

Inter-Korean Exchanges and Cooperation

Gaeseong Industrial Complex

Reunion o separated amilies o South

and North Korea

Inter-Korean Relations at a glance

Internet Links

Photo Sources

178

194

210

128

166

236

248

260

262


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F AC T S A B O U TKOREA


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Housing

Clothing

Food

Festivals

Religion

Korean Life at a Glance

1KoreanLife


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10 11

It is generally believed that Paleolithic man began to inhabit the Korean

Peninsula about 40,000 to 50,000 years ago. Neolithic man appeared in Koreaaround 4,000 B.C., with signs o their active presence around 3,000 B.C. being

ound across the peninsula. It is believed that these Neolithic people ormed

the ethnic stock o the Korean people. Neolithic people dwelled near the

seashore and riverbanks beore advancing into inland areas. The sea was their

main source o ood. They used nets, hooks and shing lines to catch sh and

gather shellish. Hunting was another way to procure ood. Arrowheads and

spear points have been ound at Neolithic sites. Later, they began to engage in

1Korean Life

arming using stone hoes, sickles and millstones.

Rice cultivation started during the Bronze Age, which lasted in Korea

until around 400 B.C. People also lived in thatch-covered pits, while dolmen

and stone cist tombs were used predominantly or burials during the period.

As agriculture became a principal activity, villages were ormed and

a ruling leader with supreme authority emerged. Law became necessary

to govern the communities. In Gojoseon (2,333 B.C.-108 B.C.), a law code

consisting o eight articles came into practice, but only three o the articles

are known today: First, anybody who kills another shall immediately be killed.

Second, those who injure anothers body shall compensate in grain. Third, thosewho steal anothers possessions shall become a slave o their victim.

Housing

Hanok, Korean traditional houses, remained relatively unchanged rom the

Three Kingdoms period through the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Ondol, a Korean underfoor heating system, was rst used in the north.

Smoke and heat generated rom the low-lying kitchen stoves were channeled

Pit House Settlement Site in Korea where Neolithic Age people are believed to have lived during the

period spanning rom 4,000 ~ 3,000 B.C.

Ondol

In modern usage it reers to any type o underfoor heating or a room that ollows the traditional way

o eating and sleeping on the foor.


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12 13

through fues built under foors. In the warmer south, ondol was used together

with wooden foors. The major materials o traditional houses were clay and

wood. Giwa, or black-grooved roo tiles, were made o earth, usually red clay.

Today, the Presidential mansion is called Cheong Wa Dae, or the Blue House,

or the blue tiles used or its roo.

Hanok were built without using any nails and were assembled with

wooden pegs. Upper-class houses consisted o a number o separate structures,

one or the accommodation o women and children, one or the men o

the amily and their guests, and another or servants, all enclosed within a

wall. A amily ancestral shrine was built behind the house. A lotus pond wassometimes created in ront o the house outside the wall.

The orm o the houses diered rom the colder north to the warmer

south. Simple houses with a rectangular loor and a kitchen and a room on

either side developed into an L-shaped house in the south. Hanok later became

U- or square-shaped centered around a courtyard.

From the late 1960s, Koreas housing pattern began to change rapidly

with the construction o Western-style apartment buildings. High-rise

apartments have mushroomed all over the country since the 1970s but the

ondol system has remained popular with heated water pipes taking the place

o smoke fues under the foor.

1-2. Bukchon (North Village) in Seouls Gahoe-dong district.

3-4. The hanok-style home o Im Jin-su, in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do province.

1

2 3

4


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16 17

In late November or early December, Korean amilies used to prepare

enough kimchi to last the long winter. The kimchi was stored in large clay

jars partially buried to mainta in temperature and retain lavor. In modern

Korea, housewives oten dont have time to make kimchi or the outdoor space

needed to store large amounts. But kimchi is still a vital part o the Korean

liestyle: companies making the ermented dish and others selling special

kimchi rerigerators enjoy brisk sales.

In addition to kimchi, doenjang (soybean paste), with its anti-cancer

attributes, has attracted the attention o 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 ermenting them in sunlight. However,

only a ew amilies go through this process anymore; the majority buy actory-

made doenjang.

Among meat dishes, seasoned bulgogi (usually bee) and galbi (bee or

pork ribs) are the most avored by both Koreans and oreigners.Steamed White Rice (Ssalbap): White rice is the most typically

consumed rice among Koreans. Freshly cooked white rice tastes great alone,

but when served with side dishes it accentuates the tastes and favors o the

side dishes.

Porridge (Juk): Juk is Koreas oldest ood. Grain is boiled in water or a

long time. There are various kinds o porridge depending on the ingredients.

Steamed White Rice (Ssalbap with assorted cereals on top) (let)

Noodles in bean Juice (Kongguksu) (right)

Making Baechu kimchi

1. Ingredients or kimchi 2. Slice and wash Chinesecabbages and soak in salt

water.

3. Clean the bottoms o thecabbages.

4. Mix seasonings with saltedand ermented sh.

5. Spread seasonings evenlybetween leaves.

6. Wrap the whole cabbageand store in a cool place.

Housewives making kimchi (let)

Baechu kimchi (right)


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18 19

Porridge is smooth and gentle to the stomach, and highly nutritious, thereore

ideal or patients. For the busy people o today, juk serves as great breakast

substitute.

Noodles: Italian spaghetti, Japanese soba, and Vietnamese rice noodles:

countries throughout the world have their signature noodle dishes. Korea also

has a great variety o noodle dishes, notably kalguksu and naengmyeon.

Soup, Stew and Casserole: Korean soups, also called tang, are made

by cooking various ingredients in a pot. Jjigae and jeongol are similar to soup

but jjigae is slightly less watery, and jeongol is a meat and vegetable casserole

cooked on the table.Side Dishes (Banchan): A great variety o side dishes are served during

Korean meals. Rice and soup are served on individual bowls, but side dishes are

served in small dishes at the center o the table to be shared. Because each

region o Korea produces dierent wild vegetables and ingredients, there are

hundreds o dierent side dishes.

Rice Cakes (Tteok) (let)

Omija tea made rom the ruit o the Sch isandra chinensis tree (right)

Traditional Liquor: Korean traditional liquor is made by ermenting

various grains. The ermentation process is a crucial part o the entire liquor

making process or it decides the scent and taste o the inal product.

Depending on the weather and region it is produced, traditional liquors vary

greatly. Fruits and herbs can also be added in order to enhance taste. There

are Makgeolli (Traditional Rice Wine), Soju (Koreas most well-known distilled

liquor), and Gwasilju (Fruit Wine).

Regional Foods: Korea is surrounded on three sides by the sea and

70% o the land is mountainous. Regions within Korea are bounded by steep

mountain ranges and rivers. Climate conditions vary within these regions andthere is a great variety o natural produce as well. The physical and climatic

variations among Koreas regions account or the fowering o Koreas region-

specic ood culture.

Rice Cakes (Tteok): In general, rice is consumed as a main dish, but on

Tang, stew and casserole (let)

Makgeolli, traditional rice-based liquor (right)


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20 21

occasion, rice is also made into rice cakes. On ceremonial occasions, national

holidays, and birthdays, rice cakes are invariably present on the estive table.

Made primarily rom white rice four, ingredients such as mugwort, red beans,

jujubes, beans and chestnuts are added to provide distinctive favors.

Desserts: A tray o tea and cookies or Hangwa is called dagwasang,

and it is normally presented at the end o a meal. It can also be served as a

treat or guests or as a snack. The teas and cookies vary by season. In autumn,

winter, and spring, hot tea is served with various cookies or biscuits made rom

seasonal ruits. In summer, the cookies and biscuits are accompanied by chilled

ruit juices and resh ruits.

Festivals

In bygone days, estivals were lavish religious observances. Even beore the

Three Kingdoms period, harvest thanksgiving estivals were observed ocially

in the smaller conederated kingdoms. They included the yeonggo (spirit-

invoking drums) o Buyeo, dongmaeng (worship o the ounder) o Goguryeo,and mucheon (Dance to Heaven) o Dongye. Usually, estivals were conducted

in the tenth month, according to the lunar calendar, ater harvests were over.

The tradition o enjoying the all harvest and greeting the new year

in merriment continued through the later kingdoms and dynasties with each

making some modications.

A amily making songpyeon, hal moon-shaped rice cakes, or ChuseokSebae is the cu stom o younger people bowing to respected elders as a New Years greeting.

Tteokguk

Korean custom calls or starting the New Year

with a hearty bowl o rice cake soup to bring

luck.


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22 23

Due to the hectic pace o lie today, modern Korea has lost many o

its traditional holidays. But a ew holidays are still celebrated ervently. One

such day is Seollal, the rst day o a new lunar year, which alls sometime in

late January to late February in the solar calendar. The entire amily gathers on

that day. Dressed in Hanbok or their best clothes, the amily observes ancestral

rites. Ater the ceremonies, the younger members make a traditional deep bow

to their elders.

Other major holidays include Daeboreum, the irst ull moon o

the year ater Seollal. During this holiday, armers and ishermen pray or a

bountiul harvest and catch, and ordinary households express yearning or a

ortuitous year and the prevention o bad luck by preparing special dishes o

seasonal vegetables.

On Dano, the ith day o the ith lunar month, armers took a day

o rom the eld or joint estivities marking the completion o sowing, while

women washed their hair in special water prepared by boiling iris fowers in the

hope o preventing misortune. Dano was a major holiday in the old days, but

interest today has greatly decreased except in a ew provinces.

Chuseok, the autumnal ull moon day that alls on the 15th day o the

eighth month by the lunar calendar, is probably the most anticipated estive

day or modern Koreans.

Jan. 1 New Years Day The rst day o the New Year is a public holiday.

Seollal: Lunar New

Years Day

The rst day o the rst month by the lunar calendar: the days

right beore and ater Seollal also make up this 3-day holiday

March 1 Independence

Movement Day

This day marks the day when a large-scale independence

movement was waged against Japanese colonial rule in 1919.

Buddhas Birthday

(April 8, Lunar

calendar)

Solemn rituals are held at Buddhist temples.

A large lantern parade lls Jongno in downtown Seoul with ligh t

and people on the preceding Sunday.

May 5 Childrens Day A day o various celebrations or children.

June 6 Memorial Day The nation pays tribute to its war dead. Memorial services are held

at the National Cemetery.

Aug. 15 Liberation Day On this day in 1945, Korea was liberated rom Japans 35-year-

long colonial rule. The day also marks the establishment o the

government o the Republic o Korea in 1948.

Chuseok: Korean

Thanksgiving Day(Aug. 15, Lunar

calendar)

This is one o the biggest national holidays o the year. Families

hold memorial services at h ome or at amily graves. Viewingthe ull moon and making a wish is an important eature o the

evening.

Oct. 3 National Foundation

Day

This day marks the ounding o the rst nation o Korea by Dangun

in 2333 B.C.

Oct. 9 October 9 (Hangeul

Day)

A day set to commemorate the creation o Hunminjeongeum

(Hangeul, the Korean alphabet) and to encourage research on and

the improvement thereo.

Dec. 25 Christmas Both Christians and non-Christians alike celebrate this day, as in

the West.

Holidays

Korean Tea Ceremony

The chie element o the Korean tea ceremony

is the ease and naturalness o enjoying tea with

an easy setting.

Tea ceremonies are now being revived as a way

to nd relaxation and harmony in the new ast-

paced culture.

Dol

The rst birthday celebration


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24 25

Endless throngs o cars ill expressways and many institutions and

stores are closed or three days. Family members get together, pay tribute to

their ancestors, and visit ancestral graves. People living in cities return to their

hometowns to observe Chuseok. Airplane and train tickets or those returning

to their hometowns are usually reserved several months in advance.

Among other estive days are the Buddhas Birthday, which alls on the

eighth day o the ourth lunar month, and Christmas, which not only Christians

but most young people enjoy. For the Buddhas Birthday, a huge crowd o

Buddhists join a lantern parade through the heart o Seoul, and Buddhist

lanterns are hung along major streets.There are several amily holidays that are important or all Koreans

and that are celebrated with easting and merriment. They include baegil, the

100th day ater a childs birth; dol, a babys rst birthday; and hoegap or hwan-

gap, ones 60th birthday, which is considered as the completion o the 60-

year cycle o the Oriental zodiac. These special days were observed with much

enthusiasm when inant mortality was high and lie expectancy was low.

Such occasions were observed as estivals in which even remote

relatives attended, but these days they are usually observed by only close

amily members. As or hoegap, more and more senior citizens are turning

to other orms o celebration such as traveling abroad, instead o enjoying

celebrations at home.

ReligionUnlike some cultures where a single religion is dominant, Korean culture

includes a wide variety o religious elements that have shaped the peoples

way o thinking and behavior. In the early stages o history in Korea, religious

and political unctions were combined but they later became distinct.

Historically, Koreans lived under the inluences o Shamanism,

Buddhism, Taoism or Conucianism, and in modern times, the Christian aith

has made strong inroads into the country, bringing orth yet another important

actor that may change the spiritual landscape o the people. The rapid pace

o industrialization which occurred within a couple o decades compared to a

couple o centuries in the West, has brought about considerable anxiety and

alienation while disrupting the peace o mind o Koreans, encouraging their

pursuit o solace in religious activities. As a result, the population o religious

believers has expanded markedly with religious institutions emerging as

infuential social organizations.

Freedom o religion is guaranteed by the Constitution in Korea.

According to a 2005 social statistics survey, 53.1% o Koreans ollow a specicreligious aith. Buddhists account or some 43% o the religious population,

ollowed by Protestants at 34.5% and Catholics at 20.6%.

Buddhism

Buddhism is a highly disciplined philosophical religion which emphasizes

personal salvation through rebirth in an endless cycle o reincarnation.

Unit: persons

Source: Statistics Korea

Religion

A 2005 census showed hal o the population actively practices religion. Among this group,

Buddhism (43.0%), Protestantism (34.5%) and Catholicism (20.6%) comprise the three

dominant religions. The remaining 1.9% mostly practice Conucianism; Shamanism; Islam and

Chondogyo (Heavenly Way), an indigenous religion.

Buddhism

Protestantism

Catholicism

Won-Buddhism

Confucianism

Chondogyo

Others

10,726,463

8,616,438

5,146,147

129,907

104,575

45,835

201,401


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Buddhism was introduced to Korea in A.D. 372 during the Goguryeo

Kingdom period by a monk named Sundo who came rom the Qian Qin

Dynasty in China. In 384, monk Malananda brought Buddhism to Baekje rom

the Eastern Jin State o China. In Silla, Buddhism was disseminated by a monk

Ado o Goguryeo by the mid-th century. Buddhism seems to have been well

supported by the ruling people o the Three Kingdoms because it was suitable

as a spiritual prop or the governing structure with Buddha, like the king,

serving as a venerated symbol o authority.

Under royal patronage, many temples and monasteries were

constructed and believers grew steadily. By the sixth century monks andartisans were migrating to Japan with scriptures and religious artiacts to orm

the basis o early Buddhist culture there.

By the time Silla uniied the peninsula in 676, it had embraced

Buddhism as the state religion, though the government systems were along

Conucian lines. Royal preerence or Buddhism in this period produced a

magniicent lowering o Buddhist arts and temple architecture, including

Bulguksa Temple and other relics in Gyeongju, the capital o Silla. The state

cult o Buddhism began to deteriorate as the nobility indulged in a luxurious

liestyle. Buddhism then established the Seon (Zen) sect to concentrate on

nding universal truth through a lie o rugality.

The rulers o the succeeding Goryeo Dynasty were even more

enthusiastic in their support o the religion. During Goryeo, Buddhist arts

and architecture continued to lourish with unreserved support rom thearistocracy. The Tripitaka Koreana was produced during this period. When Yi

Seong-gye, ounder o the Joseon Dynasty, staged a rebellion and had himsel

proclaimed king in 1392, he tried to remove all infuences o Buddhism rom

the government and adopted Conucianism as the guiding principles or state

management and moral decorum. Throughout the ve-century reign o Joseon,

any eort to revive Buddhism was met with strong opposition rom Conucian

scholars and ocials.

When Japan orcibly took over Joseon in 1910, it made attempts

to assimilate Korean Buddhist sects with those o Japan. These attempts,

however, ailed and even resulted in a revival o interest in native Buddhism

among Koreans. The past ew decades have seen Buddhism undergo a sort o

renaissance involving eorts to adapt to the changes o modern society. While

the majority o monks remain in mountainous areas, absorbed in sel-discipline

and meditation, some come down to the cities to spread their religion. There

are a large number o monks conducting religious research at universities in

and outside Korea. Seon (meditation-oriented Korean Buddhism) has been

noticeably growing with many oreigners ollowing in the ootsteps o revered

Korean monks through training at Songgwangsa Temple in Jeollanam-do

Province and Seon centers in Seoul and provincial cities.Lotus Lantern Festival - A lantern estival is held to commemorate the birth o Buddha on a weekend

beore the date (April 8th on the lunar calendar).


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Confucianism

Founded by Conucius in the 6th century B.C., Conucianism is more a moral

code o conduct than a religious belie. It is a system o ethical precepts

benevolent love, righteousness, decorum and wise leadership designed

to inspire and preserve the proper management o amily and society. Still,

Conucianism can be seen as a religion without a god because as the ages have

passed, some ollowers have canonized the ounding sage and religiously ollow

the principal disciplines o his system.

Conucianism was introduced along with the earliest specimens o

Chinese written materials around the beginning o the Christian era. The ThreeKingdoms o Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla all let records that indicate the early

existence o Conucian infuence. In Goguryeo, a state university called Taehak

was established in 372 and private Conucian academies were ounded in its

provinces. Baekje set up such institutions even earlier.

Unied Silla sent delegations o scholars to Tang China to observe the

workings o the Conucian institutions rsthand and to bring back voluminous

writings on the subjects. For the Goryeo Dynasty in the 10th century,

Buddhism was the state religion, and Conucianism ormed the philosophical

and structural backbone o the state. The civil service examination o Gwageo,

adopted ater the Chinese system in the late 10th century, greatly encouraged

studies in the Conucian classics and deeply implanted Conucian values in

Korean minds.

The Joseon Dynasty, which was established in 1392, accepted

Conucianism as the oicial ideology and developed a Conucian system o

education, ceremony and civil administration. When Western powers and Japanbegan using military incursions in the late 19th century to pressure Korea

to open up, the Conucianists raised righteous armies to ight against the

aggressors.

Eorts were also made to reorm Conucianism and adapt it to the

changing conditions o the times. These reormists accepted the new Western

Myeong-dong Cathedral, central Seoul Scholars in traditional attire study the Conucian canon.


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30 31

civilization and endeavored to establish a modern, independent government.

Also, during Japans colonial rule o Korea, Conucian reormists joined many

independence movements to ight against imperial Japan. Today, Conucian

ancestral worship is still prevalent and lial piety is highly revered as a virtue in

Korean society.

Catholicism

The tide o Christian mission activities reached Korea in the 17th century when

copies o Catholic missionary Matteo Riccis works in Chinese were brought

back rom Beijing by the annual tributary mission to the Chinese emperor.Along with religious doctrine, these books included aspects o Western learning

such as the solar calendar and other matters that attracted the attention o

the Joseon scholars o Silhak, or the School o Practical Learning.

By the 18th century, there were several converts among these scholars

and their amilies. No priests entered Korea until Chinese priest Zhou Wenmo

visited Korea in 1794. The number o converts continued to increase, although

the propagation o oreign religions on Korean soil was still technically against

the law and there were sporadic persecutions. By the year 1865, two years

ater the xenophobic prince regent Daewongun came to power, a dozen priests

presided over a community o some 23,000 believers.

In 1925, 79 Koreans who had been martyred during the Joseon Dynasty

persecutions were beatiied at St. Peters Basilica in Rome, and in 1968 an

additional 24 were honored in the same way.

During and ater the Korean War (1950-53), the number o Catholic

relie organizations and missionaries increased. The Korean Catholic Church

grew quickly and its hierarchy was established in 1962. The Roman Catholic

Church in Korea celebrated its bicentennial with a visit to Seoul by Pope John

Paul II and the canonization o 93 Korean and 10 French missionary martyrs

in 1984. It was the rst time that a canonization ceremony was held outside

the Vatican. This gave Korea the ourth-largest number o Catholic saints in the

world.

Protestantism

In 1884, Horace N. Allen, an American medical doctor and Presbyterian

missionary, arrived in Korea. Horace G. Underwood o the same denomination

and Methodist Episcopal missionary, Henry G. Appenzeller, came rom

the United States the next year. They were ollowed by missionaries rom

other Protestant denominations. The oreign missionaries contributed to

Korean society by rendering medical services and education as a means odisseminating their belies. Korean Protestants like Dr. Seo Jae-pil, Yi Sang-jae

and Yun Chi-ho, all independence leaders, committed themselves to political

causes.

The Protestant private schools, such as Yonhi and Ewha, unctioned

to enhance nationalist thought among the public. The Seoul Young Mens

Dedicating a renovated Prorestant church


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32 33

Christian Association (YMCA) was ounded in 1903 along with other such

Christian organizations. The organizations carried out socio-political programs

actively, encouraging the inauguration o similar groupings o young Koreans.

These groups pursued not only political and educational causes but also

awakened social consciousness against superstitious practices and bad habits,

while promoting the equality o men and women, elimination o the concubine

system, and simplication o ceremonial observances.

Indigenous Religions

The all o the Joseon Dynasty and the coming o the Japanese occupationspurred the ormation o several new aiths.

Won-Buddhism was ounded to lead all sentient beings drowning in

the sea o suering to an immeasurable paradise. It is a aith based on moral

training and ortitude and the quest or truth. The name Won-Buddhism,

Wonbulgyo in Korean, is a compound o words signiying truth, enlightenment

and teaching: Won means unitary circle and symbolizes the ultimate truth.

Bul means to enlighten, and gyo means to teach the truth. Thereore, Won-

Buddhism is a religion that calls or truthul enlightenment and the application

o that knowledge in daily lie.

Chondogyo was initiated as a social and technological movement against

rampant competition and oreign encroachment in the 1860s. At that time, it

was called Donghak (Eastern learning) in contrast to Western learning. The

principle o Chondogyo is Innaecheon which identies man with Haneullim,

the God o Chondogyo, even though he is not exactly the same as God. Every

man bears Haneullim in his mind and this serves as the source o his dignity,while spiritual training makes him one with the divine.

Daejonggyo, a nationalist religion that worshiped Dangun, played a

critical role in leading the Korean independence movement during the 1910s

and 20s.

Islam

Although there were trade and diplomatic exchanges between the Goryeo

Dynasty and the Islamic world, these contacts dried up during the Joseon

Dynasty. The irst Koreans to be introduced to Islam in more recent times

were laborers dispatched to northeastern China in the early 20th century as

part o imperial Japans colonial policy. A handul o converts returned home

ater World War II. They lived alone with their new aith until the Korean War

brought Turkish troops here on the side o the UN orces. The Turks invited the

Korean converts to join them in prayers.

Korean Islams inaugural service was held in September 1955, ollowed

by the election o the irst Korean imam. The Korean Islamic Society was

expanded and reorganized as the Korean Muslim Federation in 1967, and a

central mosque was dedicated in Seoul in 1976.Seoul Central Mosque in

Hannam-dong


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34 35

Korean gardens attempt to recreate natural landscapes with

hills, streams and elds.

They are usually small in scale, but strive towards an ideal

harmony o nature and man. The principal idea is to raise

the garden rom nature with the least possible disturbance

because nature, in the Korean mind, is already a perect and

absolute entity that regenerates and sustains lie.

Korean ood is nutritious and many dishes are partly

ermented. Consequently, it is considered healthy and a good

deense against cancer. Kimchi, the most amous Korean ood,

is salted, ermented cabbage served as a side dish at nearly

every meal. It is rich in vitamins and minerals. Main dishes

most amiliar to Westerners are galbi and bulgogi.

Housing

Food

Korean Life at a glance

The Beauty of Korea

Hanbok has been Koreas traditional costume or thousands

o years. Beore the adoption o Western clothing 100 years

ago, Hanbok used to be everyday attire. Men wore a jeogori(jacket) with baji (trousers) while women wore a jeogori and

chima (wrap-around skirt). Today, Hanbok is mainly worn on

days o celebration or special occasions such as weddings,

60th or 70th birthdays, and Seollal or Chuseok.

Clothing


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2Society

Social Welfare

Education

Media

Society at a Glance


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38 39

Social Welfare

Employment

The employment structure o South Korea has undergone remarkable changes

since the beginning o industrialization in the early 1960s. In 1963, workers in

the agricultural, orestry and ishery sectors accounted or 63% o the total

labor orce. However, this igure dropped to 6.2% in 2012. By contrast, the

share o the tertiary industry (service sectors) grew rom 28.3% o employed

people in 1963 to 77.1% in 2012.

2Society

In the latter hal o the 1970s, the Korean labor market went through

a series o important changes. Korea emerged as a competitive country in the

global market with its labor-intensive industries such as textiles and ootwear.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the government ocused on the cultivation o a skilled

workorce and provision o job placement services or low-skilled workers to

help ease labor shortages resulting rom industrialization. Starting in the latter

hal o the 1980s, policy emphasis shited to promoting welare and enhancing

equality, which led to the legislation o the Minimum Wage Act (1986), the

Source: Statistics Korea

Note: The term Primary reers to the agricultural, orestry and fshery sectors; Secondary, the mining

and manuacturing sectors; and Tertiary, social overhead capital (SOC) and other service sectors.

A heavy industry training center teaches

oreign engineers about power station

construction and operation.

Composition o Employment by Industry

Unit: 1,000 persons, %

Source: Statistics Korea < www.kostat.go.kr>

Employment Trends

Year Population aged Economically active population Economic activity Unemployment

15 or over Total Employed Unemployed participation rate rate

2001 36,579 22,471 21,572 899 61.4 4.0

2002 36,963 22,921 22,169 752 62.0 3.3

2003 37,340 22,957 22,139 818 61.5 3.62004 37,717 23,417 22,557 860 62.1 3.7

2005 38,300 23,743 22,856 887 62.0 3.7

2007 39,170 24,216 23,433 783 61.8 3.2

2008 39,598 24,347 23,577 769 61.5 3.2

2009 40,092 24,394 23,506 829 60.7 3.4

2010 40,590 24,661 23,829 832 60.8 3.4

2011 41,052 25,004 24,244 759 60.9 3.0

2012 41,582 25,403 24,681 723 61.1 2.8

Primary

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2000

1990

1980

1970

7.0% 16.4% 76.6%

6.6% 17.0% 76.4%

6.4% 16.9% 76.7%

6.2% 16.7% 77.1%

7.2% 17.4% 75.4%

10.6% 20.4% 69.0%

17.9% 27.6% 54.5%

34.0% 22.5% 43.5%

50.4% 14.3% 35.3%

Seconday Tertiary


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40 41

various measures have been implemented to increase the employment rate o

women. They include such measures as reducing discrimination in employment

and supporting the compatibility between work and amily lie as well as

tackling the problem o career breaks caused by pregnancy and childbirth. A

variety o other measures have been implemented to expand and stabilize

employment o the elderly, such as extending the retirement age, reorming

wage systems and reducing discrimination based on age.

Housing

As in other countries, industrialization in Korea proceeded in parallel with

urbanization. In 1960, only 27.7% o Koreas population lived in cities. In 2000,

88.3% o Koreas population were urban dwellers. But this trend has receded,

and 81.5% o Koreas population lived in cities in 2005.

This rapid population growth in urban areas led to a housing shortage

and spiraling land prices in cities. In order to solve the housing shortage and

stabilize housing costs, increasing the supply o land available or residential

construction and the building o small housing units have been among the top

priorities o the government.

Equal Employment Act (1987) and the Act on Employment Promotion and

Vocational Rehabilitation or the Disabled (1990) as well as other measures.

In the early 1990s, in order to systematically cope with unemployment

problems caused by a slowdown in economic growth, the government passed

several major laws, including the Employment Insurance Act (1993), the Basic

Employment Policy Act (1995) and the Vocational Training Promotion Act

(1997).

In October 1999, the government also strengthened the social saety

net to cope with unemployment by extending the coverage o employment

insurance to all workers, including part-time and temporary workers.

Individual Action Plans (IAPs) or recipients o unemployment benefts

have been expanded to cover both young people and the elderly to assist them

in their search or new jobs.

Also, in response to growing demands or lielong competency

development, the government has gradually expanded investment in vocational

training. Reacting to the trend o low ertility rates and an aging labor orce,

An apartment complex

in Seoul

In the process o modernization and

the emergence o the nuclear amily,

the apartment became the most

preerred type o residence by urban

dwellers or its convenience.

Unit: 1,000 people

Source: Ministry o Land, Inrastructure and Transport

Housing Construction Status

382

387

2011

2010

2009

2008

2000

1990

1980

1970

371

433

750

212

115

550


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42 43

To this end, it will ease regulations on redevelopment and rebuilding.

The plan to supply Bogeumjari housing established in 2008 will also be

implemented to provide 1.5 million units by 2018.

The government has already supplied 600,000 to 700,000 housing

units annually between 2000 and 2008. With rising land prices and a marked

preerence or modern liestyles, the rate o people living in apartment

buildings has continued to increase. In 1985, only 13.5% o housing units were

apartments, but in 2005, 52.5% o all housing units were apartments. In Korea,

most apartments, like condominiums in America, are owned by individual

amilies.

Health and Medical Services

Along with Koreas success in economic development, the overall health o

Koreans has improved signiicantly over the past our decades. In 1960, the

lie expectancy was 51 years or men and 54 or women. These fgures have

increased to 77 or men and 83.8 or women in 2009. The inant mortality rate

has likewise declined sharply, along with maternal mortality as well.

These improvements are directly related to improved diet as well as

health and medical services. National health expenditure per capita, which was

85,000 won in 1985, increased to 1,678,000 won in 2010.

Health care in the orm o medical insurance and medical assistance

was frst introduced in 1977. However, the coverage rate was only 29.5% until

1980. In 2011, 96.8% o the population had access to health insurance, with

the remaining 3.2% entitled to direct medical assistance.

The supply o hospitals and medical personnel has continuously

increased. The total number o hospitals and clinics in the nation (including

traditional herb medicine hospitals and clinics) was 11,183 in 1975. It increased

to 52,914 in 2007. Meanwhile, the number o licensed doctors, which totaled

19,588 in 1975, increased to 126,002 in 2012 .

Korea boasts outstanding top-quality medical services in areas

such as stomach cancer treatment, liver transplants, and cosmetic surgery.

The combination o highly advanced medical technology and reasonable

medical costs has resulted in a marked increase in the number o oreign

patients visiting Korea or medical treatment. The Korean government has

also provided support or the building o an inrastructure which will make

it possible or international patients to receive one-stop services through a

medical call center. The Medical Call Center provides international patients

Unit: persons

Source: Ministry o Health & Welare

Note: Medical personnel include physicians, dentist, Oriental medical doctors, midwives and nurses. A oreign patient getting a check-

up as part o medical tourism

Number o Licensed Medical Personnel Per

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2000

1995

887

870

836

806

778

742

711

578

462

550


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44 45

with consultation services available 24 hours a day in 5 languages (Tel. No. 82-

15777-129) to address complaints o inconvenience and malpractice while

they are being treated in Korea.

Social Security

Various systems related to social security have been implemented since the

late 1980s. These included expansion o medical insurance and medical aid to

cover the entire population in principle, introduction o National Pension Service

in 1988, and the introduction o an Unemployment Insurance System in 1995.

The government has thus provided the basis or building a comprehensive

social saety net. All persons who reside in Korea and are aged between 18 and

60 are automatically included in the National Pension Service system, and this

regardless o their income.

While the primary goal o the above systems is to provide minimum

guarantees to the economically active population, there also are a variety

o welare programs or economically inactive people. These public subsidy

programs consist mainly o two parts: subsidies or living expenses and medical

assistance.

Due to elevated living standards and improvement in health and

medical services, the average age o Koreans has increased rapidly, which

means that the number o elderly people has increased signifcantly over the

years. In 1960, the population aged 65 or over comprised 2.9% o Koreas total

population. In 2010, this ratio had increased to 11% and is expected to rise to

15.7% by 2020.

Policies have been implemented to improve the welare o the elderly

by providing direct subsidies to amilies whose income is under the subsistence

level and expanding employment opportunities or older people by developing

suitable jobs and opening job placement centers. Health care systems or the

aged have been strengthened with examples including the long-term care

insurance system or the elderly and the opening o various types o public

acilities or them. Under the basic old age pension system introduced in

January 2008 , those over the age o 65 who belong to lower-income classes

are now eligible or a pension. Meanwhile, the long-term care insurance system

or the elderly launched in July 2008 is designed to improve the overall health

o the elderly and reduce their fnancial burden, especially or those suering

rom senile dementia and paralysis.

With the strengthening o social security measures, great improvements

have also been made or the welare o the disabled. Disability is classifed into

15 categories. In 2011, some 2.68 million people out o the total population

o 49 million were registered as being disabled. The government has started

releasing disability allowances to both adults and children and also made

eorts to increase jobs or the disabled.

The Four Social Insurance Programs

Program Starting Year Basic Purpose

National Pension 1988 Income security

Health Insurance 1977 Medical care

Employment Insurance 1995 Relie or the unemployed

Industrial Accident Insurance 1964 Compensation or industrial accidents

Source: www.4insure.or.kr

Treating seniors with

respect


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46 47

Korea is already a party to the UN Disability Rights Convention. In this

regard, the Disability Discrimination Prohibition Law which went into eect

in April 2008 secured Koreas status as only the second country in Asia to

promulgate such a law.

Women

In traditional Korean society, womens roles were confned to the home. From

a young age, women were taught the virtues o subordination and endurance

to prepare or their uture roles as wives and mothers. Women, in general,

could not participate actively in society as men did, and their role was limited

to household matters.

With the establishment o the Republic o Korea in 1948, women

achieved constitutional rights or equal opportunities to pursue education,

work, and public lie.

In March 2005, the government took another big step toward a gender-

equal society by abolishing the household head system, which had been a

major example o discrimination against women. The abolishment o this

system laid the oundation or a new amily culture based on democratic

values and gender equality. As economic development proceeded and the living

conditions o Koreans improved, the educational attainment level o women

also increased.

In Korea, elementary and middle school attendance is compulsory and

ree. As o 2005, 100% o the nations children attended elementary school.

The percentage o middle and high school attendance was nearly the same or

girls and boys. A total o 81.6% o male high school graduates go on to college

or university while 82.4% o emale students do. Female students now have a

higher rate o university advancement than male students.

Industrialization has steadily increased the number o women in the

workorce; rom 37.2% in 1965 to 41.7 in 2012. By job classiication, the

emale labor orce in 1975 saw only 2% working in proessional or managerial

occupations, while 3.7% worked in clerical positions. However, by 2012, 21.6%

o emale employees were serving in proessional or managerial positions, and

Female prosecutors are gathered or their ofcial appointment ceremony at the

Gwacheon Government Complex.

Yi So-yeon became the frst Korean in space in April

2008, and spent 11 days at the International Space

Station.


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52 53

a bilingual paper with 300 copies o our tabloid pages printed three times a

week, the frst three pages in Korean and the last page in English.

Over the ollowing decades, Korean newspapers ound their greatest

challenge in upholding the nationalistic spirit o the Korean people and opening

their eyes to the rapidly changing world. The newspapers played an important

role in independence movements during the Japanese colonial period. (1910-

1945).

The Chosun Ilbo and the Dong-a Ilbo are the two oldest newspapers

in Korea, both were inaugurated in 1920 in the wake o the March First

Independence Movement.

Korean newspapers have made signiicant investments in modern

press acilities and equipment in recent years. Most national dailies operate

computerized typesetting and editing systems with multicolor printing

capability.

In addition, Yonhap News Agency maintains 49 overseas bureaus in

Europe, North America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America.

Television

Television broadcasting in the Republic o Korea began in 1956 with the

opening o a privately-owned and commercially operated station in Seoul. This

irst TV station, however, was destroyed by ire in 1959. In December 1961,

KBS-TV was inaugurated by the government as the irst ull-scale television

service in Korea. The Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation established MBC-TV,

another nation-wide network in August 1969. SBS (the Seoul Broadcasting

System), a private channel, began broadcasting in 1990.

The KBS, MBC, SBS and EBS television networks launched digital

broadcasting in the Seoul metropolitan area in the latter hal o 2001. The

service was expanded to the greater Seoul and surrounding areas in 2002.

Cable TV started experimental services in 1990. As public demand or

more inormation and a greater variety o entertainment increased, demand or

cable TV has been on the increase. As o the end o 2009, 15.2 million subscribers

were able to view about 120 cable channels broadcasting programs.

The development o IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) has also paved

the way or Korea to become one o the leaders in the ield o inormation

technology. According to the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), there

were 3.086 million IPTV service subscribers as o the end o 2010.

Radio

There are presently a total o 54 radio broadcasters in the Republic o Korea.

Despite the increasing popularity o television, radio still has an expanding

audience in Korea.

Major oreign newspapers and networks

Media Language Homepage

Korea Times English www.koreatimes.co.kr

Korea Herald English www.koreaherald.co.kr

JoongAng Daily English joongangdaily.joins.com

Arirang TV

KBS worldnet

English, Chinese, Arabic

English, Chinese, Japanese

www.arirang.co.kr

www.kbsworld.net

(As o February 2011)


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64 65

Hwaseong Fortress was constructed over 34 months in Suwon, south

o Seoul, in 1796. The ortress incorporated the very latest construction

technology, theories o military deense and aesthetic principles to create the

most advanced military stronghold Korea had ever known. It stretched over

undulating terrain around an urban center and included our major and several

minor gates, command posts, observation towers, battlements, guard posts and

bunkers. Most o the 5,743 meter exterior ortress wall still remains.

The Gyeongju Historic Areas and dolmen sites in the counties o

Gochang, Jeollabuk-do; Hwasun, Jeollanam-do; and Ganghwa, Incheon, were

also added to the list in 2000. Gyeongju was the capital o the Silla Kingdom

or a thousand years and the area is called a Museum Without Walls because

o the wealth o historical properties there.

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes together comprise three sites that

make up 18,846 hectares. They are Geomunoreum, regarded as the fnest lava

tube cave system anywhere, with its multicolored carbonate ceilings and oors

and dark-colored lava walls; the dramatic ortress-like Seongsan Ilchulbong

crater rising out o the ocean; and Hallasan, South Koreas highest mountain,

with its wateralls, multi-shaped rock ormations and small crater lake. These

sites o outstanding aesthetic beauty also bear testimony to the history o the

planet, its eatures and the processes which ormed our world.

1. Hahoe Village - the oldest historic clan village in Korea, was inscribed on th e UNESCO

World Heritage List in 2010.

2-3. Jejudo Island with its many volcanic eatures has greatly improved understanding o

global volcanism and ecosystems. The beautiul scenery o Mt. Hallasan, biodiversity,

and geographical eatures are o outstanding universal value as world natural heritage.

4. Joseon Dynastys Royal Tombs - Gyeongneung (King Heonjong)

1

2 3

4


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The Joseon Dynastys Royal Tombs were built adhering to the principles

o Conucianism, the ruling ideology o the times, and pungsu, the Korean

version o geographic divination known as eng shui in China. They boast a

kind o beauty that cannot easily be ound in the graves o other countries. The

tombs reect the perspectives on nature and the universe during the Joseon

period with their spatial layout, architectural design and usage, and the scale

o stone objects. The cultural value o the tombs can urther be seen in the

maintenance o the tradition o holding ancestral rites throughout the long

history o the Joseon Dynasty down to the present.

In July 2010, the World Heritage Commission in its 34th general

meeting in Brasilia, Brazil, approved the listing o Hahoe and Yangdong Villages,

both located in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, as World Heritage sites or

their unique cultural values. They were recognized or the preservation o the

Conucian-oriented, clan-centered Joseon era civilian lie.

Memory of the World Register

In 1997, UNESCO initiated a Memory o the World Register or the purpose

o preserving and disseminating the documentary heritage o the world that

is in danger o being lost orever. Korean additions to this registry include

Hunminjeongeum (Proper Phonetics to Instruct the People), Joseonwangjosillok

(Annals o the Joseon Dynasty), Buljo Jikjisimcheyojeol (Selected Sermons

o Buddhist Sages and Seon Masters), Seungjeongwon Ilgi (Diaries o the

Royal Secretariat), the printing woodblocks o the Tripitaka Koreana and

miscellaneous Buddhist scriptures, the Uigwe (Royal Protocols o the Joseon

Dynasty), and Donguibogam, the Principles and Practice o Eastern Medicine.

Hunminjeongeum was a primer or teaching Hangeul, the Korean

alphabet created by the Joseon Dynastys ourth ruler, King Sejong the Great (r.

1418-1450). The new alphabet was promulgated in 1446.

Joseonwangjosillok resulted rom the tradition o preparing a historic

record o each reign. It began in 1413 with the Annals o King Taejo, the

ounder and irst king o Joseon, and continued through the end o the

dynasty in 1910. The Annals were drated by historians in the Ofce or Annals

Compilation (Chunchugwan), and to ensure preservation, copies were stored in

special repositories situated in dierent parts o the country.

Buljo Jikjisimcheyojeol, compiled in 1372 by the monk Baegun (1298-

1374), contains the essentials o Seon (Zen) Buddhism. The key words o

the title, Jikjisimche were taken rom a amous phrase about attaining

enlightenment through the practice o Seon. A colophon on the last page o

the book states that it was printed with movable metal type at Heungdeoksa

Temple in 1377, about eighty years beore the Gutenberg Bible was printed in

Germany, making it the worlds oldest book printed with movable metal type.

The Seungjeongwon, the Royal Secretariat o the Joseon Dynasty, was

responsible or keeping the Seungjeongwon Ilgi, a detailed record o the daily

events and oicial schedule o the court, rom Joseon Dynastys irst king,

Taejo (r. 1392-1398), to the 27th and last, Sunjong (r. 1907-1910). However,

currently only 3,243 volumes exist. Recorded in the Seungjeongwon Ilgi is

the largest amount o authentic historic inormation and state secrets o the

Hunminjeongeum

Published in 1446, the 28th year o King

Sejong, this book records the principles o

Hangeul (Korean alphabet).

Buljo Jikjisimcheyojeol

Printed in 1377, this is the worlds oldest book

printed with movable metal type.


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70 71

heritage o the world. Since the irst proclamation in 2001, three intangible

cultural treasures o Korea have been proclaimed Masterpieces, and these

include the Jongmyojerye and Jongmyojeryeak (Royal Ancestral Rite and

Ritual Music), pansori (epic songs), and the Gangneung Danoje Festival. In

2010, UNESCO added to its list Gagok, lyric song cycles accompanied by an

orchestra; Daemokjang, traditional wooden architecture; and alconry.

As the Convention or the Saeguarding o the Intangible Cultural

Heritage o Humanity was adopted in 2003, all the items that had

been proclaimed Masterpieces were automatically incorporated in the

Representative List o the Intangible Cultural Heritage o Humanity in 2008.

In 2009, fve items were newly inscribed on the Representative List, and they

include Ganggangsullae Circle Dance, Namsadang Vagabond Clowns Play, the

Rites o Vulture Peak, Jeju Rites or the Goddess o the Wind, and the Dance o

Cheoyong.

Jongmyojerye is the ancestral memorial rite held or the repose o the

spirits o the kings and queens o the Joseon period at Jongmyo (the Royal

Ancestral Shrine) where their spirit tablets are enshrined. Jongmyojeryeak

is played during the rites. Accompanied by ritual dancing, Botaepyeong

(Maintaining the Great Peace) was a suite o 11 pieces praising the civil

achievements o the dynastic ounders and Jeongdaeeop (Founding a Great

Dynasty) was a suite o 15 pieces praising their military accomplishments.

These two works were composed in 1447 and revised in 1464 into 11 pieces ,

respectively. Two additional pieces, known as Jongmyoakjang were composed

a ew years later. Hundreds o ofcials, musicians, dancers and attendants take

part in the event, which reects the solemnity and magnifcence o Conucian

rituals. It is a rare example o an intangible cultural masterpiece that has

maintained its original orm or 500 years.

Pansori is a genre o musical story-telling, perormed by a vocalist

with drum accompaniment. These popular solo epic songs, characterized

by expressive singing, stylized speech, and mimetic gestures, embrace both

aristocratic and olk culture. Pansori is a compound word rom pan (a public

place where people gather) and sori (song). Perormances can last up to eight

hours, where a male or emale singer improvises on texts that combine rural

Jongmyojeryeak (Royal ancestral ritual music)

Ilseongnok

Records o Daily Reections


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74 75

Island to implore the Yeongdeung (goddess o the wind) or calm seas and

an abundant catch. In this regard, the rite known as the Jeju Chilmeoridang

Yeongdeunggut incorporates both the haenyeo belie and olk belies

associated with the Yeongdeung. Its uniqueness and academic value lies in the

act that it is the only rite conducted by haenyeo.

Namsadangnori (Namsadang Vagabond Clowns Play) reers generally to

perormances staged by the Namsadangpae, a vagabond troupe o 40 or more

male perormers. Geared towards the common people, the Namsadangnori

was perormed in rural areas, or on the outskirts o towns.

In other words, not only could the roots o the Namsadangnori be

traced back to the commoner class, but such perormances were prepared

and staged with them in mind. These perormances were designed to lighten

the mood o the masses suering under the yoke o oppression, but they also,

through their socially-relevant humor, provided a venue or the criticism o

the immorality o the yangban (noble class), and served as a catalyst or the

development o the consciousness o the minjeong (people).

Yeongsanjae (Rites o Vulture Peak) reers to a Buddhist ceremony

that is generally conducted on the 49th day ater a persons death to help the

soul o the deceased fnd its way into Nirvana. Having originated rom a rite

1. Cheoyongmu reers to a dance carried out while wearing a mask o Cheoyong.

2. Yeongsanjae reers to a Buddhist ceremony that is generally conducted on the 49th day

ater a persons death to help the soul o the deceased fnd i ts way into Nirvana.

3. Jeju Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut is a shaman ritual ( gut) conducted at the Chi

lmeoridang Shrine located in Geonip-dong, Jeju.

4. The Ganggangsullae Circle Dance is a primitive art orm combining song, dance, and

music that can be likened to a Korean-style ballad dance.

12

3

4


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76 77

conducted by Sakyamuni at Mt. Gridhrakuta in India as the latter preached

the Lotus Sutra, Yeongsanjae has now come to symbolize the reproduction o

the Yeongsan Hoesang (Assembly o Sakyamuni Preaching at Vulture Peak). A

shining example o Koreas traditional culture, Yeongsanjae is meant to not only

help the souls o the deceased, but also those o the living so that the latter

can become enlightened to the truth o Buddha, thereby helping them to do

away with all their worldly concerns. This event is not so much a perormance

as it is a majestic Buddhist ceremony that draws in the participation o the

people.

Cheoyongmu (Dance o Cheoyong) reers to a dance carried out while

wearing a mask o Cheoyong. It is the only court dance perormed on the

stage while wearing masks with a human-like appearance. This mask dance is

based on the legend o Cheoyong associated with the reign o King Heongang (r.

875-886) o Unifed Silla. Cheoyong is said to have used singing and dancing

to drive away the evil spirit (god o pestilence) that had seduced his wie. The

Cheoyong dance also connotes the warding o o evil based on the theories o

Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. Featuring vigorous and colorul dance moves,

the dances dynamic movement patterns exude a sense o magnanimity and

vivaciousness that unolds in harmony with the masks.

Gagok (long lyrical song) is a genre o Korean traditional vocal music

accompanied by a small ensemble o Korean traditional musical instruments.

Distinct rom pansori (musical drama), minyo (olk songs), and japga

(miscellaneous songs), gagok is a orm o classical music called jeongga, or

right song. Gagok lourished during the Joseon period. It uses sijo, Korean

traditional poetry, as lyrics, allowing us a glimpse into the spirit o the Koreans

long ago and their appreciation o the arts. In modern times, gagok has been

developed as song to be enjoyed by both the singer and the audience.

Daemokjang reers to a master carpenter or artisan who builds

important buildings such as palaces, temples, and houses, or to their

cratsmanship. Daemokjang can be seen as a traditional title equivalent to

an architect today. The inscription o Daemokjang on the List o Intangible

Cultural Heritage o Humanity is meaningul in that it is the irst orm o

Namsadangnori reers generally to perormances staged by the Namsadangpae, a vagabond troupe o

40 or more male perormers.

Gagok is a genre o Korean traditional vocal music accompanied by a small ensemble o Korean

traditional musical instruments.


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Korean cratsmanship to be so inscribed. The restorations o Changdeokgung

Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and more recently, Gwanghwamun

Gate and Sungnyemun Gate, were led by Daemokjang.

Falconry, the traditional activity o keeping and training alcons and

other raptors to capture wild game or owl or the hunter, is one o the

oldest hunting sports known to man. Inscription o alconry on the UNESCO

Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists is meaningul or Korea in that alconry was

shared with 10 other countries including the United Arab Emirates, Belgium,

France, and Mongolia.

Jultagi, Tightrope walking is a widespread orm o entertainment that

in most countries ocuses purely on acrobatic skill. The traditional Korean

perorming art o Jultagi is distinctive in that it is accompanied by music and

witty dialogue between the tightrope walker and an earthbound clown. Jultagi

is perormed outside. The tightrope walker executes a variety o acrobatic

eats on the rope, along with jokes, mimicry, songs and dance, while a clown

engages the tightrope walker in joking banter, and a team o musicians plays

music to accompany the entertainment. The tightrope walker starts with

simpler eats, gradually moving to more difcult acrobatics, displaying some

orty dierent rope techniques in a perormance that can last several hours.

Today, tightrope walking perormers are requently invited to local estivals

that take place throughout the country, particularly in spring and autumn.

Currently, transmission o tightrope walking in Korea is centred on the Jultagi

Saeguarding Association in Gyeonggi Province.

There are two types o training: apprenticeship education where

masters educate practitioners and take on students, and public education

which takes various orms such as school training, experience classes and

summer camps.

Taekkyeon is a traditional Korean martial art that makes use o uid,

rhythmic dance-like movements to strike or trip up an opponent. The graceul

movements o a well-trained Taekkyeon perormer are gentle and circular

Daemokjang reers to a master carpenter or artisan who builds important buildings such as palaces,

temples, and houses, or to their cratsmanship. (let)

Falconry, the traditional activity o keeping and training alcons and other raptors to capture wild game

or owl or the hunter, is one o the oldest hunting sports kn own to man. (right)

A master o Jultagi tightrope walking uses a an to adjust his balance. (let)

A traditional Korean martial art, Taekkyeon is characterized by uid yet powerul m ovements o the

hand and eet that allow fghters to subdue their opponents with swit orce. (right)


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84 85

earrings, necklaces and belts rom the tombs o Silla, which are a visible

expression o authority. Gold threads and gold granules ound in the tombs

together with splendid accessories attest to the highly refned artistic skills o

this kingdom. In the meantime, the ofcial recognition o Buddhism during the

Three Kingdoms led to the creation o Buddhist statues. One prime example

is the statue o Maitreya (the Buddha o the Future) sitting in meditation with

his fnger touching his cheek.

Unifed Silla (676-935) developed a polished artistic culture bearing a

strong international avor through exchanges with the Tang Dynasty (618-907)

o China. Still, Buddhism served as a strong driving orce behind Silla cultural

developments. Seokguram Grotto, the quintessence o the fne arts o Unifed

Silla, is an unrivalled masterpiece in respect to the majestic igures, their

realistic expressions and unique eatures. In addition, Silla artisans also excelled

in producing temple bells. Bronze bells like the Divine Bell o King Seongdeok

manuactured in the late 8th century are well known or their elegant designs,

sonorous sound and impressive size.

The artistry o Goryeo (918-1392) can be best appreciated by its

celadon ware. The jade green color, elegant designs and great variety o Goryeo

celadon are prooundly beautiul and quite dierent rom Chinese ceramics. Up

until the frst hal o the 12th century, Goryeo celadon was noted or its pure

color, while in the second hal o the century, the technique o incising designs

into clay and then flling the recesses with white or black slip came to stand

out as a main characteristic.

The current oldest wooden structure built in this era is Muryangsujeon

(Hall o Ininite Lie) at Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Province. It is presumed to have been built in the 14th century. Wooden

architectural designs in this age can be categorized into two major types,

jusimpo (column brackets to support the roo) and dapo (multi-bracket sets

placed on the lintels between pillars as well as on the columns). The dapo

system, in particular was developed or the construction o grand, large-scale

Inlaid celadon vase (Goryeo Dynasty)

Blue and white Joseon Dynasty porcelain

vase with bamboo and pine tree design

Celadon pitcher in the shape o

a tortoise (Goryeo Dynasty)

Buncheong ask with peony

design (Joseon Dynasty)


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86 87

structures. These two construction orms remained as the basis or wooden

architecture up to the Joseon Dynasty.

Buncheong, stoneware made o gray clay and decorated with white

slip coating, was one kind o ceramic produced during the Joseon Dynasty. It

was coated with a celadon-type gray-blue glaze. Also typical o this period

was white porcelain and blue-and-white porcelain. Used by common people

in their daily lives, Buncheong ware is decorated with unconstrained patterns.

White porcelain, exhibiting a perect harmony between curves and subtle color

tones, is an example o the acme o beauty. Beginning in the mid-15th century,

blue-and-white porcelain began to exhibit a brilliant aesthetic sense thanks to

the picturesque patterns painted in blue cobalt pigment on the white porcelain

surace.

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) , traditional construction, which

sought harmony with the natural landscape, lourished in great variety and

sophistication. Sungnyemun (also known as Namdaemun) in downtown Seoul

is an especially valued example o the architectural style o the early Joseon

Dynasty. It and numerous temple and palace buildings are being rebuilt or

restored using traditional methods.

Western architecture was introduced to Korea at the end o the 19th

century, as churches and ofces or oreign legations were built by architects

and engineers rom abroad.

Since the 1960s, in Koreas pursuit o industrialization and urbanization,

the government pushed ahead with development plans and a number o

beautiul old buildings were demolished and replaced by unsightly structures.

However, in recent years, there have been active discussions in this

regard as the time-honored concept o harmonizing buildings with nature is

revived.

Literature

Korean literature is usually divided chronologically into classical and modern

periods. Koreas classical literature developed against the backdrop o

traditional olk belies. It was also inluenced by Taoism, Conucianism, and

Buddhism. Among these, Buddhist inuence held the greatest sway, ollowed

by enormous inuences rom Conucianism during the Joseon period.

Modern literature in Korea, on the other hand, developed out o its

contact with Western culture, ollowing the course o modernization. Not

only Christian thought, but also various artistic trends and inluences were

imported rom the West. As the New Education and the National Language

and Literature Movement developed, the Chinese writing system, which had

traditionally represented the culture o the dominant class, lost the socio-

cultural unction it had previously enjoyed.

The hyangga poetry o the Silla period signaled the beginning o a

unique poetic orm in Korean literature. The hyangga were recorded in the

hyangchal script, in which the Korean language was written using sound

(eum) and meaning (hun) o Chinese characters. Fourteen poems in the

hyangga style rom the Silla period have been preserved in the Samgungnyusa

(Memorabilia o the Three Kingdoms).

Honggildongjeon

Honggildongjeon (Tales o Hong Gil-dong, the

frst novel published in Hangeul) is a work o

social criticism that scathingly attacked the

inequities o Joseon with its discriminatory

treatment o illegitimate ospring and its

dierences based on wealth.

Yongbieocheonga Verse

The script eulogizies the virtue o the

ancestors or the House o Yi, the ounding

amily o the Joseon Dynasty, likening

them to a deep rooted tree and a spring o

deep waters.


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102 103

the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004. Kim Ki-duk won the Silver Bear

award or Best Director or his flm Samaria at the Berlin Film Festival in 2004.

Director Lee Chang-dong won the Best Screenplay award or his flm Poetry

at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010. Director Kim Ki-duk won the Golden Lion

award or his flm Pieta at the 69th Venice Film Festival in 2012.

Public interest in flms has been mounting and several international flm

estivals have been staged by provincial governments or private organizations

in Korea. They include the Busan International Film Festival, the Bucheon

International Fantastic Film Festival, the Jeonju International Film Festival and

the Womens Film Festival in Seoul.

As in other countries, Korean cinema circles are seeing a noticeable

expansion o the animation and cartoon industry. More than 200 companies

are producing works in this rising genre.

The ilm, video, animation and online content industries are also

undergoing a boom in Korea, ueled by the availability o high-speed Internet

services. In 2007, ollowing steep reductions in the screen quota system the

previous year, 392 eature flms were screened in Korea, a 60 percent increase

over 2003. Nearly 30 percent, or 112 o these, were Korean productions.


Korea abounds in cultural acilities o all levels and categories where people

can enjoy exhibitions and stage perormances throughout the year. These

places oer an on-the-spot glimpse into the cultural and artistic achievements

o Koreans past and present, regarding both traditional and modern trends

and tastes. From internationally recognized museums to small theaters where

perormers and spectators can casually mingle and interact, these acilities vary

in type and scale to satisy the diverse interests and penchants o their target

audiences.

2009 saw a continuation o the steady growth o box ofce revenues,

Secret Sunshine

(2007, directed by Lee Chang-dong)

The story centers around a lady that copes with

the death o her husband and child. Jeon Do-

yeon won the Best Actress Prize in the 2007

Cannes Film Festival.

Pieta (2012, directed by Kim Ki-duk)

This flm shows that the socially weak, who eel

oppressed by the weight o capitalism, including

the hero Lee Gang-do, who lives like a parasite in

a capitalist society due to his limitations, are all

people who should be saved by god. Director Kim

Ki-duk won the Golden Lion award at the 69th

Venice Film Festival.

Korean movie director Kim Ki-duk holds the

Golden Lion Award or the movie Pieta, during

the closing award ceremony o the 69th Venice

International Film Festival in Venice, Italy, 08

September 2012.


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112 113

Traditionally, Korean people have enjoyed a variety o sporting activities and

games. The impressive economic advancement o recent years has drastically

increased interest in sports. More and more Koreans are now exercising or

competing in organized sporting events.

On a national level, the most noteworthy accomplishments include the

hosting o the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and co-hosting o the 2002 FIFA

World Cup with Japan. Also, Daegu has been selected as the host city or the

2011 IAAF World Championships in Athletics, one o the top three world sports

events along with the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup.

Considering the size and population o Korea, its perormance in

international sport competitions has been outstanding. Unprecedented in Asia,

Korea has qualied or the FIFA World Cup seven times.

4

Sports


The 24th Summer Olympic Games were concluded ater a 16-day run in Seoul,

rom September 17 to October 2, 1988, under the theme o Peace, Harmony

and Progress. In what was the largest-ever Olympiad up to that time, more

than 13,000 athletes and ocials rom 160 countries gathered to promote the

loty ideals o harmony and peace, while transcending the barriers separating

East and West, and North and South. The irst boycott-ree Olympics in 12

years, the Seoul Olympic Games rose above ideological division and national

interest and returned the Olympic movement back to its ounding ideals.

Partly as a result o the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Korea now has many

world-class sports acilities, concentrated in Seoul and Busan where most o

the Olympic events were held. The Seoul Sports Complex, which encompasses

a land area o 545,000 square meters, includes the Olympic Stadium with a

seating capacity o 100,000, two gymnasiums or basketball and boxing, an

indoor swimming pool, a baseball stadium and a warm-up eld.

Olympic Park, occupying a vast area o some 1.5 million square meters

The Olympic Flame at the 1988 Seoul

Olympics

Ranking and number of Gold Medals South Korea won at Summer Olympic Games

Source: International Olympic Committee

*Skipped the 1980 Moscow Olympics

Montreal1976

L.A.1984

Seoul1988

Barcelona1992

Atlanta1996

Sydney2000

Athens2004

Beijing2008

London2012

Number of Gold Medals

Ranking

1

6

12 12

78

9

13

19th

10th

4th

7th

10th

12th

9th

7th

5th

13


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116 117

the countrys rst gold medal in swimming by Park Tae-hwan, 9 straight wins

and the gold medal by the baseball team and 5 world records by Jang Mi-ran

in the womens over-75 kilogram weightliting event.

At the 2012 London Olympics South Korea came 5th overall among

the 204 participating countries, winning medals in archery, encing, shooting,

swimming, and soccer (bronze).

Korea inished ith at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics with six

gold, six silver, and two bronze medals. In addition to the two gold medals

won in short track, Korea also took home three gold medals in speed skating.

The gold medal roundup was completed by Kim Yu-nas historic victory in the

ladies gure skating competition.Korea hosted the 1988 Olympic Games, 2002 FIFA World Cup, and

the 2011 Daegu IAAF World Championships in Athletics and is organizing the

2018 Winter Olympic Games. The country is among only hal a dozen nations

that are achieving a grand slam o hosting the our major international

competitions mentioned above. The Korean peoples quest to contribute to

world peace and harmony through sports will continue in the years to come.


The 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan ended its one-month epic run on June

30, 2002. The rst FIFA World Cup o the 21st century consisted o a total o 64

matches and was saely completed without any hooliganism or terrorist acts.

The national teams o Korea and Japan both cleared the rst round o

competition, and played admirably, the Japanese team advancing to the nal

16, and the Korean team astounding the world by advancing through to the

semi-nals. These successes were ones that until this tournament had never

been achieved by an Asian country in the World Cup.

There were multiple sources o Koreas dynamic perormance on and

o the soccer eld. Having struggled through the 1997 nancial crisis, it was

an upliting accomplishment that still symbolizes the nations resilience. The

Government as well as the private sector have beneted rom this hard-earned

momentum.

Foreign media praised Korea as the biggest winner o the 2002 FIFA

World Cup. Korean ans impressed onlookers with their enthusiastic and orderly

street cheering. Combined, nearly 22 million took to the streets nationwide

Koreans still like to recall the victorious moment o the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan when the

Korean national team advanced to the seminal. (let)

A huge crowd in red T-shirts cheers or the national ootball team in Seoul Plaza during the 2002 FIFA

World Cup Korea/Japan. (right)

Pyeongchang selected to host the 2018 OlympicWinter Games

Jacques Rogge, the president o the International

Olympic Committee, declared Pyeongchang as the

host city or the 2018 Winter Olympics on Sunday,

July 6th, 2011 (South Arica local time). South

Korea will become only the sixth country ater

Italy, Germany, France, Japan, and Russia to host

the worlds our major sports events: the Summer

and Winter Olympics, the Worldcup, and the World

Championship in Athletics.


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118 119

to cheer or the Korean national soccer team. The numbers swelled to 4.2

million people or the nal-16 match against Italy, 5 million or the quarternal

against Spain and 6.5 million or the seminal against Germany. Even or the

third-place match against Turkey on June 29, 2.17 million people showed up on

the streets. In Seoul, over 10 million people gathered in the streets during the

seven games, which accounts or 88% o the capitals population.

In 1983, Korea became the rst country in Asia to eld a proessional

soccer league. In 1994, the proessional league changed its name to the

K-League. Today, 16 teams compete in this league, which allowed oreign

players participation beginning in the 1996 season.


The National Sports Festival is held every October eaturing competition in 39

dierent sports by participants rom all over the nation. The estival is held on

a rotational basis in major cities, including Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and

Incheon.

The Childrens National Sports Festival is also held annually or primary

and middle school students, drawing over 10,000 boys and girls rom across

the country. The National Winter Sports Festival, held every January, includes

speed skating, gure skating, skiing, ice hockey and biathlon.

Another annual event is the National Sports Festival or People with

Disabilities. Held each year since 1981, it brings people together rom all over

the country and provides the opportunity or these individuals to demonstrate

their sports skills.

Skiing and snowboarding have ast become popular winter sports

among Koreas youth in re

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