Facts about Korea 2009 (English)

8/14/2019 Facts about Korea 2009 (English)

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Facts about Korea

2009 EditionCopyright 1973

Published byKorean Culture and Information ServiceMinistry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

15, Hyojaro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of KoreaTelephone: 82-2-398-1914~20Fax: 82-2-398-1882

All rights reservedPrinted in Seoul

ISBN 89-7375-101-3 03910For further information about Korea,please visit:www.korea.net


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Facts about Korea

Korean Culture and Information Service

Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism


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4

C o n t e n t s

Facts and Figures 6

General / Geography / People /

National Flag / National Anthem (Aegukga) /

Government / Economy /

Koreas World Heritage

Korea and Its People 12

Geography /

Climate /

Population /

Language

History 24

Gojoseon / Three Kingdoms and Gaya /Unified Silla and Balhae / Goryeo / Joseon /

Japanese Occupation and Independence Movement /

Founding of the Republic of Korea

Constitution and Government 36

Constitution / Executive Branch /

Legislature / Judiciary /

Independent Organizations / Local Government

Inter-Korean Relations 54

Historical Background /

Efforts Toward Peaceful Resolution of the North Korean Nuclear Issue /

Inter-Korean Exchanges and Cooperation

Korea in the World 72

International Relations /

Economic Exchanges /

International Peace and Cooperation /

Korean's Development Cooperation /

Future Policy Directions


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Economy 84

Economic Growth / Industrial Innovation /

Science and Technology / Information and Telecommunications /

Economic Challenges / Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) /

Capital Market Liberalization / Investor-Oriented Support System /

World-Class Logistics Hub / Economic Outlook

Society 112

Social Welfare /

Education /

Media

Culture and the Arts 142

UNESCO Treasures in Korea /Fine Arts / Literature /

Painting / Music and Dance /

Drama and Movies / Museums and Theaters

Korean Life 182

Houses / Clothing /

Food / Festivals /

Religion

Sports 208

Seoul Olympics in Retrospect /

Overall Olympic Standing /

2002 FIFA World Cup Korea, Japan /

National Sports Events / Popular Sports /

Traditional Sports

Tourism 224

Travel Advice / Transportation / Accommodation /

Exploring Korea / Shopping


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FAC

TS

AN

DFIG

URES


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General

Geography

People

National Flag

National Anthem (Aegukga)

Government

Economy


1Facts and Figures


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General

Country Name: Republic of Korea (South Korea)

Capital City: Seoul (10.0 million)

National flag: Taegeukgi

National flower: Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon)

Currency: won (US$1 = 1,257.5 won)

Exchange rate at the end of 2008

Language: Korean (Written form: Hangeul)

People

Population: 48.61 million (South Korea, 2008)

Foreign residents: 1.1 million

Median Age: 36.7 years (2008)

Economically active population: 24.3 million

(2008)

Population increase rate: 0.31% (2008)Life Expectancy: Males, 76.1 years; females,

82.7 years (2007)

Religion: A 2005 census showed half of the

population actively practices religion.

Among this group, 10,726,463 Buddhists,

8,616,438 Protestants and 5,146,147

Catholics comprise the three dominant

religions. The Constitution guarantees

freedom of thought, conscience andreligion.

Geography

Location: Strategically located at the

crossroads of Northeast Asia, Korea lies

between Japan, the Russian Far East and

China

Territory

-Korean Peninsula: 223,170km2

-South Korea: 100,032km2

Highest mountains: Baekdusan Mountain2744m, Hallasan Mountain 1950m

Longest rivers: Amnokgang River 790km,

Nakdonggang River 521.5km, Dumangang

River 521km, Hangang River 481.7km

Major cities: Seoul (10.0 million),

Busan (3.5 million), Incheon (2.6 million),

Daegu (2.5 million), Daejeon (1.5 million),

Gwangju (1.4 million), Ulsan (1.1 million)

Climate: Temperate with four distinct

seasons

Facts and Figures


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National Flag The Korean flag is called Taegeukgi. Its design symbolizes theprinciples of the yin and yang in Asian philosophy. The circle in the center of the flag isdivided into two equal parts. The upper red section represents the proactive cosmic forces

of the yang. Conversely, the lower blue section represents the responsive cosmic forces of

the yin. The two forces embody the concepts of continual movement, balance, and

harmony that characterize the sphere of infinity. The circle is surrounded by four trigrams,

one in each corner. Each trigram symbolizes one of the four universal elements: heaven,

earth, fire, and water.

The national flower of Korea isthe Mugunghwa or Rose of Sharon

National Anthem (Aegukga)

Dong hae mul gwa Baek du sa ni Ma reugo dal to rok

Andante maestoso Music by Ahn Eak-tai

Dae - hansa ram Dae han - eu ro gi ri bojeonha se

Mu - gung hwa sam - cheol li hwa reo gang - san

Ha neu ni mi bo u-- ha sa u ri na raman se


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Government

Economy

Political System: Democracy with presidentelected to a single 5-year term by direct

popular vote. Division of power among the

executive, legislature (unicameral National

Assembly) and judiciary

President: Lee Myung-bak since 2008

Suffrage: Universal at 19 years of age

Elections

- Presidential: every 5 years- National Assembly: every 4 years

- Local Councils: every 4 years

Political parties: Grand National Party,

United Democratic Party, Liberal Forward

Party, Democratic Labor Party, Pro-Park

Geun-hye Alliance, Renewal of Korea Party

AID: In 2008, Korea provided a total of 797

million USD (preliminary figure) of ODA and

plans to expand the volume up to 0.15% ofits Gross National Income (GNI) by 2012,

and 0.25% by 2015.

Peacekeeping: South Korea began

participating in United Nations peacekeeping

operations with the dispatch of a battalion of

military engineers to Somalia in 1993. It has

since joined peacekeeping efforts in India,

Pakistan, Liberia, Burundi, Sudan, Georgia,

East Timor, Lebanon and Afghanistan andsent the Zaytun forces to Iraqs Kurdish

autonomous region.

Gross Domestic Product: US$928.7 billion

(2008, Preliminary)

Per Capita GNI: US$19,231 (2008, Preliminary)

GDP Growth Rate: 2.2 percent (2008, Preliminary)

Foreign Exchange Reserves: US$201.2

billion (as of the end of 2008)

Exports: US$422.0 billion (2008)

Imports: US$435.3 billion (2008)

Major Industrial Products: Semiconductors,

automobiles, ships, consumer electronics,

mobile telecommunication equipment,

steel and chemicals

FTAs: Korea has signed free trade

agreements with Chile, Singapore, the

European Free Trade Association(EFTA),

ASEAN, the U.S. and India -18 countries in

all. Currently, negotiations with the EU,

Canada, Mexico, GCC(Gulf Cooperation

Council), Peru, Australia and New Zealand

are under way with the aim of concluding

these FTAs negotiations by the end of 2009.

Facts and Figures


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World Heritage

Haeinsa Temple Janggyeongpanjeon, the

Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana

Woodblocks (1995)

Jongmyo Shrine (1995)

Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple

(1995)

Changdeokgung Palace Complex (1997)

Hwaseong Fortress (1997)

Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen

Sites (2000)Gyeongju Historic Areas (2000)

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes (2007)

Joseon Dynasty's royal tombs (2009)

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Royal Ancestral Ritual at the Jongmyo

Shrine and its Music (2001)Pansori Epic Chant (2003)

Gangneung Danoje Festival (2005)

Memory of the World Register

The Hunminjeongeum Manuscript (1997)

Joseon Wangjo Sillok, the Annals of theJoseon Dynasty (1997)

Seungjeongwon Ilgi, the Diaries of the

Royal Secretariat (2001)

Buljo Jikjisimcheyojeol (vol. II), the

second volume of The Anthology of Great

Buddhist Priests Seon Teachings (2001)

Printing woodblocks of the Tripitaka

Koreana and miscellaneous Buddhist

scriptures (2007)

Uigwe, the Royal Protocols of the Joseon

Dynasty (2007)

Donguibogam, the principles and Practice of

Eastern Medicine (2009)

Visit korea.net, the official website of the

Korean Government, whenever you need:

An update of whats happening in Korea.

In-depth knowledge about Koreas

economy, history, arts and culture

The latest government information

An extensive directory of websites

related to Korea.

korea.net provides users with the most

accurate, timely, and comprehensive

information about Korea.

http://www.korea.net


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KOR

EA

AND

ITS

PEO

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Geography

Climate

Population

Language

2Korea and Its People


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Geography

Korea is situated on the Korean Peninsula, which spans 1,100

kilometers north to south. The Korean Peninsula lies on the

northeastern section of the Asian continent, where Korean

waters are joined by the western-most parts of the Pacific. The

peninsula shares its northern border with China and Russia.

To the east is the East Sea, beyond which neighboring Japan

lies. To the west is the Yellow Sea. In addition to the mainland,

Korea includes some 3,200 islands.

Roughly the size of the United Kingdom or Ghana, the

Korean Peninsula boasts a total land area of 223,170 square

kilometers. In this regard, the Republic of Korea accounts for

100,032 square kilometers, or some 45 percent of the overall

area. Mountainous terrain accounts for some two-thirds of the

territory like Portugal, Hungary or Ireland.

The Taebaeksan Mountain Range runs the full length of the

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The Borders of Korean Territory

Northernmost Pungseo-ri (Yuwonjin), Hamgyeongbuk-do Province 430042N

Southernmost Marado Island, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 330643N

Easternmost Dokdo Island, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province 1315222E

Westernmost Bidanseom Island, Pyeonganbuk-do Province 1241051E

Extreme points Places Coordinates

Source: National Geographic Information Institute

Korea and Its People



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east coast, where the lashing waves of the East Sea have

carved out sheer cliffs and rocky islets. The western and

southern slopes are rather gentle, forming plains and many

offshore islands honeycombed with inlets.

The peninsula features so many scenic mountains and

rivers that Koreans have often likened their country to a

beautifully embroidered brocade. The highest peak is on Mt.

Baekdusan in North Korea, along the northern border facing

China. It rises 2,744 meters above sea level and is an extinct

volcano with a large crater lake named Cheonji. The mountain

is regarded as an especially important symbol of the Korean

spirit and is mentioned in Koreas national anthem.

Considering its territorial size, Korea has a relatively large

number of rivers and streams. These waterways played crucial

roles in shaping the lifestyle of Koreans and in the nations

industrialization. The two longest rivers in North Korea are the

Amnokgang River (Yalu, 790 kilometers) and the Dumangang

River (Tumen, 521 kilometers). These rivers originate from Mt.

Baekdusan and flow to the west and the east, respectively.

They form the peninsulas northern border.In the southern part of the peninsula, the Nakdonggang

The Floating Island will bebuilt on Seouls HangangRiver near Banpo. Whencompleted in March 2010,the Floating Island,composed of three artificial

islands, will have facilitiesfor performances andexhibitions as well asfestivals, sports andleisure activities.


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River (521.5 kilometers) and the Hangang River (481.7

kilometers) are the two major waterways. The Hangang Riverflows through Seoul, the capital of Korea, and serves as a

lifeline for the heavily concentrated population in the central

region of modern Korea, just as it did for the people of the

ancient kingdoms that developed along its banks.

Surrounding the peninsula on three sides, the ocean has

played an integral role in the lives of Koreans since ancient

times, contributing to the early development of shipbuilding

and navigational skills.

Climate

Korea has four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are

rather short, summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold

and dry with abundant snowfall, especially in the

mountainous regions, but not along the southern coast.

Temperatures differ widely from region to region within Korea,

with the average being between 10C (50F) and 16C (61F).

Spring on AnmyeondoIsland, Summer onBaengnyeongdo Island,Fall on Juwangsan andWinter on Deogyusan

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In early spring, Siberian winds pick up yellow dust

from thawing deserts in northern China and carry it to thepeninsula and Japan. But in mid-April, the country also

enjoys balmy weather with the mountains and fields garbed

in brilliant wild flowers. Farmers prepare seedbeds for the

annual rice crop at this time.

Autumn, with its crisp air and crystal blue sky, is the

season most widely loved by Koreans. The countryside is

particularly beautiful, colored in a multitude of rustic hues.

Autumn, the harvest season, features various folk festivalsrooted in ancient agrarian customs.

Population

As of the end of 2008, South Koreas total population was

estimated to be 48,606,787 with a density of 498 people per

square kilometer. The population of North Korea was

estimated to be 23,298,012.

Korea saw its population grow by an annual rate of 3


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Monthly Mean Temperature and Precipitation in Seoul

Source: Korea Meteorological Administration


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percent during the 1960s, but growth slowed to 2 percent over

the next decade. In 2008, the rate stood at 0.31 percent and is

expected to further decline to 0.02 percent by 2020.

In the 1960s, Koreas population distribution formed a

pyramid, 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

The influx of workers fromother countries and

growing number ofinternational marriages ismaking Korea a moremultiethnic andmulticultural society.

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Population Structure

Source: Korea National Statistical Office

Male Female

2008

580,336

1,416,414

2,025,648

2,999,751

4,108,272

4,031,278

3,462,098

3,126,831

2,440,2762,652,467

3,515,185

3,719,366

4,251,732

4,251,758

3,019,045

1,803,676

956,093

246,561

(persons)


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Hangeul has helped Korea

achieve a nearly 100%

literacy rate. The scientific

alphabet has even given the

country an edge in the

computer age.

expectancy. Those aged 15 and younger will make up a

decreasing portion of the total, while senior citizens (65 andolder) will account for some 15.6 percent of the total by the

year 2020.

The nations 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.

The number of foreigners, including short-term

sojourners, residing in Korea reached 1,158,866 in 2008. To

this end, foreigners now account for two percent of the

population. The speed at which Korean society is

diversifying in terms of race and culture is evidenced by the

8.7 percent annual growth in the size of the foreign

population, which stood at 1,066,273 in 2007.

While 48.9 percent of the foreign population (566,116)

was made up of workers, including industrial trainees,

another 10.6 percent consisted of individuals who came to

Korea through marriage (122,552); meanwhile, 6.2 percent

(71,531) were students.

In terms of nationality, Chinese nationals accounted for


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57 percent (484,674, 362,920 of which were ethnic

Koreans) of the 854,007 long-term foreign residentsregistered in Korea. The second largest ethnic group was

the Vietnamese (79,848, 9.4 percent), followed by Filipinos

(39,372, 4.6 percent), Thais (30,051, 3.5 percent) and

Americans (28,853, 3.4 percent). The remainder for the

most part hailed from nations such as Indonesia, Taiwan

and Mongolia.

Language

All Koreans speak and write the same language, which has

been a decisive factor in forging their strong national

identity. Korean has several different dialects in addition to

the standard variety used in Seoul. Only the dialect of Jeju

Special Self-Governing Province, however, is so different

that it is difficult for others to understand.

Linguistic and ethnological studies have classified the

Korean language in the Altaic language family, which

includes the Turkic, Mongolic and Tungus-Manchu

languages.

King Sejong the Great commissioned and helped create

the Korean alphabet Hangeul during the 15th century.

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A portrait of King Sejong,the leading force behindthe creation of Hangeul

Korean language courses

are attracting studentsfrom overseas.


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Before its creation, only a relatively small percentage of the

population was literate; few could master the difficultChinese characters used by the upper class.

Before developing a Korean writing system, King Sejong

studied several writing systems known at the time, such as

Uighur and Mongolian scripts and old Chinese seal characters.

The system that Joseon scholars came up with, however,

is predominantly based upon phonology. They developed

and followed a theory that divided each syllable into initial,

medial and final phonemes, as opposed to the bipartitedivision of traditional Chinese phonology.


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The Korean Alphabet

Hangeul consists of ten vowels and fourteen consonants.

Depending on the vowel, syllables in Hangeul are written either from left to right () or

from top to bottom () with the possibility of one or two additional letters below (,).

Ex)


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Hangeul, which consists of 10 vowels and 14 consonants,

can be combined to form numerous syllabic groupings. It issimple, yet systematic and comprehensive, and is

considered one of the most scientific writing systems in the

world. Hangeul is easy to learn and write, which has greatly

contributed to Koreas high literacy rate and advanced

publication industry.

A growing number of students from abroad are enrolling

in Korean language courses at universities in Seoul,

including Seoul National, Yonsei, Korea and Ewha WomansUniversity.

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Useful Korean Phrases


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HIS

TORY


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Gojoseon

Three Kingdoms and Gaya

Unified Silla and Balhae

Goryeo

Joseon

Japanese Occupation and Independence Movement


History

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Gojoseon

People began living on the Korean Peninsula and its

surrounding areas from some 700,000 years ago. The

Neolithic Age began some 8,000 years ago. Relics from that

period can be found in areas throughout the Korean

Peninsula, mostly in coastal areas and in areas near big rivers.

The Bronze Age began around 1,500 to 2,000 B.C. in

present-day Mongolia and on the peninsula. As this civilization

began to form, numerous tribes appeared in the Liaoning

region of Manchuria and in northwestern Korea. These tribes

were ruled by leaders, whom Dangun, the founder of the

Bronze Age

Period: about 700,000 years ago

Tools: stone goods, bone-madetools

Economic activity: hunting andgathering nomadic

Habitat: caves, huts

Society: group society,egalitarian society

Relics:jumeok dokki(handaxe), geulkkae

(side-scraper)

Period: about 8,000 B.C.

Tools: polished stone tools, pottery

Economic activity: agriculture,livestock settlements

Habitat: dugouts

Society: tribal, and egalitarian

Relics:bitsalmunui togi

(comb-patternpottery),

ppyeobaneul(boneneedles)

Period: around 1,000 B.C.

Tools: Bronze

Economic activity: Private property

Habitat: ground-level housing

Society: class society,private propertyrecognized

Relics: minmunui togi(non-decorativeearthenware), bipahyeong

donggeom (mandolin-shaped dagger)

Neolithic Age

Pre-historic Period on the Korean Peninsula

History

History

Paleolithic Age


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Korean people, later united to establish Gojoseon (2333 B.C.).

The founding date is a testament to the longevity of Koreashistory. This heritage is also a source of pride that provides

Koreans the strength to persevere in times of adversity.

Three Kingdoms and Gaya

Town-states gradually united into tribal leagues with complex

political structures which eventually grew into kingdoms.

Among various tribal leagues, Goguryeo (37 B.C.- A.D. 668),

situated along the middle course of the Amnokgang (Yalu

River), was the first to mature into a kingdom.

As a result of the wars of conquest initiated by Gwanggaeto

the Great (r. 391-413) and King Jangsu (r. 413-491), Goguryeo

was able to occupy a large swathe of land that encompassed

Manchuria and large segments of the Korean Peninsula. The

subsequent establishment of a political structure resulted in

giving it the full trappings of an empire.

Baekje (18 B.C.-A.D. 660), which grew out of a town-state

located south of the Hangang River in the vicinity of present-

day Seoul, was another confederated kingdom similar to

Goguryeo. During the reign of King Geunchogo (r. 346-375),

Baekje developed into a centralized state.

Silla (57 B.C.-A.D. 935) was located in the southeast

corner of the peninsula and was initially the weakestand most underdeveloped of the three kingdoms.

However, because it was geographically removed

from Chinese influence, it was more open to non-Chinese

practices and ideas. Its society was built on an advanced

Buddhist order that was markedly class-oriented, including a

military that featured a unique corps of young aristocratic

warriors called Hwarang.

Gaya (42-562) began as a type of confederation, formedwhen several tribes from the Nakdonggang River came together.

Armor and helmet

The armor used by Gayawarriors was made fromlong, rectangular steelplates connected by nails.

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Goguryeo

Pyongyang

Namgyeong(Seoul) Usan

Dokdo

Tamna

Ungjin (Gongju)Sabi (Buyeo)

Yellow Sea

East Sea

BaekjeGaya

Silla

Geumseong(Gyeongju)

Three Kingdoms and

Gaya (5th century)


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Unified Silla and Balhae

By the mid-sixth century, the Silla

Kingdom had brought under its control

all of the neighboring town-states within

the Gaya Confederation.

Having forged an alliance with the Tang

Dynasty of China, Silla was able to subjugate

Baekje in 660 and Goguryeo in 668. The unification

of the Korean Peninsula was officially completed with

Sillas defeat of the Tang Dynasty in 676.

Silla reached its zenith in terms of power and prosperity

during the mid-eighth century. It attempted to establish an

ideal Buddhist country. It was during the Unified Silla period

that the magnificent Bulguksa Temple was constructed.

In 698, refugees from Goguryeo established the Kingdom

of Balhae in south-central Manchuria. This new entity

known as Balhae included not only refugees from Goguryeo,but also a large Mohe population.

Balhae established a government system which was

modeled after the Goguryeo Kingdom's own administrative

structure. Moreover, its advanced culture was also rooted in

that of Goguryeo.

Balhae prosperity reached its height in the first half of the

ninth century with the occupation of a vast

territory reaching to the Amur River inthe north and Kaiyuan in south-central

Manchuria to the west. It also

established diplomatic ties with

Turkey and Japan. Balhae existed

until 926, when it was overthrown

by the Khitan. Many of the Balhae

nobility, who were mostly Goguryeo

descendants, moved south and joined the

newly founded Goryeo Dynasty.

History

28

Yellow Sea

East Sea

Balhae

Sanggyeong

Pyongyang

Namgyeong(Seoul)

Usan

Dokdo

Tamna

Silla

Unified Silla and Balhae(8th century)

Geumseong

(Gyeongju)

A roofing tile with addedcharm from unified Silla


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Goryeo

The Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) was founded by Wang Geon,

a general who had served under Gungye, a rebel prince of

the Silla Kingdom. Choosing his native town of Songak

(present-day Gaeseong in North Korea) as the capital, Wang

Geon proclaimed the goal of recovering the lost territory of

the Goguryeo Kingdom in northeast China.

Wang Geon named his dynasty Goryeo, from which the

modern name Korea is derived. Although the Goryeo

Dynasty could not reclaim lost lands, it achieved a

sophisticated culture represented by cheongja or blue-

green celadon and flourishing Buddhist tradition. No less

significant was the invention of the worlds first movable

metal type in 1234, which preceded the Gutenberg Bible of

Germany by two centuries. About that time, skilled Korean

artisans also completed the herculean task of carving the

entire Buddhist canon on large woodblocks.These woodblocks, numbering more than 80,000, were

intended to invoke the influence of Buddha for the repulsion

of the Mongol invaders. Called the Tripitaka Koreana, they

are now stored at the historic Haeinsa Temple.

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East Sea

Goryeo Dynasty

(11th century)

Yellow Sea

Seogyeong(Pyongyang)

Gaegyeong(Gaeseong)

Namgyeong(Seoul)

Donggyeong(Gyeongju)

Tamna

Usan

Dokdo

Restored geumsok hwalja(metal movable type) fromthe Goryeo era


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Joseon

In 1392, General Yi Seong-gye established a new dynasty

called Joseon. The early rulers of Joseon, in order to counter

the dominant Buddhist influence during the Goryeo period,

supported Confucianism as the guiding philosophy of the

kingdom.

The Joseon rulers governed the dynasty with a well-

balanced political system. A civil service examination system

was the main channel for recruiting government officials. The

examinations served as the backbone for social mobility and

intellectual activity during the period. The Confucian-

oriented society, however, highly valued academic learning

while disdaining commerce and manufacturing.

During the reign of King Sejong the Great (1418-1450),

Joseons fourth monarch, Korea enjoyed an unprecedented

flowering of culture and art. Under King Sejongs guidance,

scholars at the royal academy created the Korean alphabetHangeul. It was then called Hunminjeongeum, or proper

phonetic system to educate the people.

King Sejongs interest in astronomical science was

comprehensive. Sundials, water clocks, celestial globes and

astronomical maps were produced at his request.

As part of efforts to establish the ruling structure of

Joseon, King Sejo (r. 1455-1468) put in place a legal system,

and initiated the compilation of the Gyeongguk daejeon(National Code). The ruling structure of the Joseon Dynasty

was officially established with the subsequent completion

of the Gyeongguk daejeon during the reign of King

Seongjong (r. 1469-1494).

In 1592, Japan invaded the peninsula to pave the way for

its incursion into China. At sea, Admiral Yi Sun-sin (1545-

1598), one of the most respected figures in Korean history,

led a series of brilliant naval maneuvers against the

Japanese, deploying the geobukseon (turtle ships), which

History

30

Joseon Dynasty(15th century)

ellow Sea

East Sea

Haeju

Wonju

Gongju

Jeonju Daegu

Ulleungdo

Dokdo

Gangwon-do

Gyeongsang-do

Jeolla-do

Jeju-do

Hamgil-do(Hamgyeong-do)

HamheungPyeongan-do

Pyongyang

Hwanghae-do

Gyeonggi-do

Chungcheong-do

Hanseong(Seoul)

Gyeongguk daejeon


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are believed to be the worlds first ironclad battleships.

From the early 17th century, a movement advocatingSilhak, practical learning, gained considerable momentum

among liberal-minded scholar-officials as a means of

building a modern nation.

They strongly recommended agricultural and industrial

improvements along with sweeping reforms in land

distribution. The conservative government aristocrats,

however, were not ready to accommodate such drastic change.

In the latter half of the Joseon era, governmentadministration and the upper classes came to be marked by

recurring factionalism. To rectify the undesirable political

situation, King Yeongjo (r.1724-1776) eventually adopted a

policy of impartiality. He was thus able to strengthen the

royal authority and achieve political stability.

King Jeongjo (r.1776-1800) maintained the policy of

impartiality and set up a royal library(Gyujanggak) to preserve

royal documents and records. He also initiated other political

and cultural reforms. This period witnessed the blossoming of

Silhak. A number of outstanding scholars wrote progressive

works recommending agricultural and industrial reforms, but

few of their ideas were adopted by the government.

Japanese Occupation and Independence Movement

In the 19th century, Korea remained a Hermit Kingdom,adamantly opposed to Western demands for diplomatic and

trade relations. Over time, a few Asian and European

countries with imperialistic ambitions competed with each

other for influence over the Korean Peninsula. Japan, after

winning wars against China and Russia, forcibly annexed

Korea and instituted colonial rule in 1910.

Colonial rule stimulated the patriotism of Koreans. Korean

intellectuals were infuriated by Japans official assimilation

policy, which even banned Korean-language education in

31

Drawings of a geobukseon,believed to be the worldsfirst ironclad battleship


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Korean schools. On March 1, 1919, a peaceful demonstration

calling for independence spread nationwide. The Japaneseauthorities ruthlessly repressed the demonstrators and their

supporters, slaughtering thousands.

Although it failed, the March 1 Independence Movement

created strong bonds of national identity and patriotism

among Koreans. The movement led to the establishment of

a Provisional Government in Shanghai, China, as well as an

organized armed struggle against the Japanese colonists in

Manchuria. The Independence Movement is stil lcommemorated among Koreans every March 1, which is

designated a national holiday.

During the colonial period, Japans economic exploitation

of Korea continued. The lives of Koreans deteriorated under

colonial rule until the end of World War II in 1945.


Koreans rejoiced at Japans World War II defeat. However,

their joy was short-lived. Liberation did not instantly bring

about the independence for which the Koreans had fought

so fiercely. Rather, it resulted in a country divided by

ideological differences caused by the emerging Cold War.

Korean efforts to establish an independent government

were frustrated as U.S. forces occupied the southern half of

the peninsula and Soviet troops took control of the north.

In November 1947, the United Nations General Assembly

adopted a resolution that called for general elections in

Korea under the supervision of a UN Commission.

However, the Soviet Union refused to comply with the

resolution and denied the UN Commission access to the

northern half of Korea. The UN General Assembly then

adopted another resolution calling for elections in areas

accessible to its commission. The first elections in Korea were

History

Kim Gu, President of theProvisional Government ofKorea in Shanghai

High-ranking officials fromKoreas ProvisionalGovernment in Shanghaipose for a commemorativephoto in 1945 .

32


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carried out on May 10, 1948, in the areas south of the 38th

parallel. This parallel came to divide the Korean Peninsulainto South and North.

Syngman Rhee was elected the first President of the

Republic of Korea in 1948. Meanwhile, north of the 38th

parallel, a communist regime was set up under the leadership

of Kim Il-sung.

On June 25, 1950, North Korea launched an unprovoked

full-scale invasion of the South, triggering a three-year war

which drew in U.S., Chinese and other foreign forces. Theentire peninsula was devastated by the conflict. A cease-fire

was signed in July 1953.

Koreas growth-oriented, export-led economic

development since the 1960s was so remarkable that it

earned the expression the Miracle on the Hangang River

in the 1970s. Subsequently, Seoul successfully hosted the

24th Olympics in 1988 and Korea co-hosted the 2002 FIFA

World Cup soccer finals with Japan. Through these

occasions, Korea has demonstrated to the world its rich

cultural heritage and love of art, as well as modern

technologies. In the 1950s, Korea ranked among

the poorest countries. Today, its economy is

around the 13th largest in the world, and the

nation is determined to become even more of a

global economic leader throughout the new

millennium.

The Republic of Korea has steadily followed the

path to mature democracy and market economy.

Even though the legacies of the Cold War still

linger on this peninsula, Korea today is poised to

make a new economic take-off. The Koreas are

also working toward a durable structure of peace

on the peninsula and promoting commonprosperity for South and North Korea through

peace, reconciliation and cooperation.

Syngman Rhee The firstPresident of the Republicof Korea

A special ceremonyinaugurating the Republicof Korea Government onAugust 15. 1948

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History

34

Iron AgeBuyeo

Greek CivilizationThe Foundation of Rome (735)

First Punic War (264-241)Second Punic War (219-201)

Third Punic War (149-146)

Socrates (470-399)Alexander the Great (356-323)

Julius Caesar(101-44) Birth of

Jesus Christ

Anglo-Saxonsestablishedin Britain (449)

Christianity establishedas State Religion of

Roman Empire (392)Roman Empire split in

two (395)

Mohammed(570-632)

Spring and Autumn Era(770-476)

Warring States Era (475-221)Qin Dynasty (221-206)Western Han Dynasty(206 B.C.-A.D.25 )

San Guo (ThreeKingdoms) Era(220-280)Jin Dynasty(265-420)

Shang Dynasty

(1600 -1046)

EasternHan Dynasty (25-220)

Nan Bei ChaoDynasties(420-589)

Sui Dynasty(581-618)

Zhou (1046-256)

Gaya Confederation(42-562)

Confederated Kingdoms ofSamhan (Three Han States)

Three Kingdoms EraSilla (57 B.C.-A.D.935)Baekje (18 B.C.-A.D.660)Goguryeo (37 B.C.-A.D.668)

Paleolithic AgeNeolithic Age

GojoseonBronze Age

Bronze Age

This scene portrays warriors on horsebackhunting deer and tigers.Hunting was a very important activity forthe welfare of the state during GoguryeoKingdom (37 B.C.-A.D.668 ).

Hunting Scene in Dancing Figure Tomb(replica)

Korean History

Koreas history started from Gojoseon (2333 B.C.).Through its 5,000-year history, Korea has developed a

truly distinct culture while interacting with the larger

nations surrounding it.

Early MesopotamiaEgyptian Kingdoms

KOREA

CHINA

THE WEST

B.C. 5000 2000 1000 500 200 100 A.D. 200 300 400 500

at a glance


35/25835

Charles the Great Crownedfirst Holy Roman Emperor (800)

Hegira (622) and beginning of Islamic era

Tang Dynasties(618-907)

Wu Dai Dynasties(907-960)

Unified Silla Kingdom (676-935)

BalhaeKingdom(698-926)

Daehan Empire

Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392)

Tripitaka Koreana is the oldest andmost comprehensive compilation ofBuddhist scriptures in existence today.It was carved on 81,258 woodblocksduring the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392).

Seokguram Grotto

Korean War(1950-53)

2002 FIFA World CupKorea / Japan

The establishment ofRepublic of Korea (1948)

The Depositories for the TripitakaKoreana Woodblocks

24th Olympic Games,Seoul (1988)

YuanDynasty(1271-1368)

Ming Dynasty(1368-1644)

Qing Dynasty(1616-1911)

Establishment ofthe Republic of China

(1912)

Establishment ofthe Peoples Republicof China (1949)

Song Dynasty(960-1279)

First Crusade(1096-99)

Martin Luther launched the Reformation (1517)

American Revolution (1776)French Revolution (1789-1793)

The thirty Years War (1618-48)

Gutenbergs Press (1455)Columbus discovered America (1492)

Marco Polo(1254-1324)Magna Carta (1215)

The one hundredYears War(1344-1434)

American Civil War (1861-65)

Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910)

CeladonPottery

World War I (1914-18)World War II (1939-45)

Hunminjeongeumwas a primer for teachingHangeul, the Koreanalphabet created by the

Joseon Dynastys fourthruler, King Sejong theGreat (r.1418-1450).

00 700 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1800 1900 2000


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CON

STITUT

IONAN

DGOV

ERNME

NT


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Constitution

Executive Branch

Legislature

Judiciary

Independent Organizations

Local Government

Constitution and

Government

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Constitution and Government

Constitution

On July 17, 1948, the first Constitution of the Republic of

Korea was adopted. As the nation underwent political

upheavals in pursuit of democratic development, the

Korean Constitution has been amended nine times, the last

time on October 29, 1987.

The current Constitution represents a major ad-

vancement in the direction of full democratization. Apart

from a legitimate process of revision, a number of

substantive changes are notable. They include the

curtailment of presidential powers, the strengthening of the

power of the legislature and additional devices for the

protection of human rights. In particular, the creation of a

new, independent Constitutional Court played a vital role in

making Korea a more democratic and freesociety.

The Constitution consists of a preamble,

130 articles, and six supplementary rules. It

is divided into 10 chapters: General

Provisions, Rights and Duties of Citizens,

the National Assembly, the Executive, the

Courts, the Constitutional Court, Election

Management, Local Authority, theEconomy, and Amendments to the

38

The manuscript of the firstConstitution of theRepublic of Korea

38

Constitution andGovernment


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Constitution.

The basic principles of the Korean Constitution include

the sovereignty of the people, separation of powers, the

pursuit of peaceful and democratic unification of South and

North Korea, the pursuit of international peace and

cooperation, the rule of law and the responsibility of the

state to promote welfare.

Constitutional amendment requires special procedures

different from other legislation. Either the President or a

majority of the National Assembly may submit a proposal

for constitutional amendment. An amendment needs theconcurrence not only of the National Assembly but also of a

national referendum. The former requires support of two-

thirds or more of the National Assembly members, while the

latter requires more than one half of all votes cast by more

than one half of eligible voters in a national referendum.

Executive Branch

The President

The President of the Republic of Korea, elected by

nationwide, equal, direct and secret ballot, stands at the

apex of the executive branch.

The President serves a single five-year term, with no

Cheong Wa Dae

(Office of the President)

39


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additional terms being allowed. This single-term provision

is a safeguard for preventing any individual from holding

the reins of government power for a protracted period of

time. In the event of presidential disability or death, thePrime Minister or members of the Cabinet will temporarily

serve as the President as determined by law.

Under the current political system, the President plays

five major roles. First, the President is head of state,

symbolizing and representing the entire nation both in the

governmental system and in foreign relations. He receives

foreign diplomats, awards decorations and other honors,

and grants pardons. He has the duty to safeguard theindependence, territorial integrity, and continuity of the

state and to uphold the Constitution, in addition to the

unique task of pursuing the peaceful reunification of Korea.

Second, the President is the chief administrator and thus

enforces the laws passed by the legislature while issuing

orders and decrees for the enforcement of laws. The

President has full power to direct the Cabinet and a varying

number of advisory organs and executive agencies. He is

authorized to appoint public officials, including the Prime

President Lee Myung-bak(R) and First Lady KimYoon-ok (L)


40


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Minister and heads of executive agencies.

Third, the President is commander-in-chief of the armedforces. He has extensive authority over military policy,

including the power to declare war.

Fourth, the President is the chief diplomat and foreign

policy maker. He accredits or dispatches diplomatic envoys,

and signs treaties with foreign nations.

Finally, the President is chief policy maker and a key

lawmaker. He may propose legislative bills to the National

Assembly or express his views to the legislature in personor in writing. The President cannot dissolve the National

Assembly, but the Assembly can hold the President

ultimately accountable to the Constitution by means of an

impeachment process.

Cabinet

Under Koreas presidential system, the President performs

his executive functions through the Cabinet made up of 15

to 30 members and presided over by the President, who is

solely responsible for deciding all important government

policies. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President

and approved by the National Assembly. As the principal

executive assistant to the President, the Prime Minister

supervises the administrative ministries and manages the

41

The Cabinet


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Office for Government Policy Coordination under the

direction of the President. The Prime Minister also has the

power to deliberate major national policies and to attend

the meetings of the National Assembly.

Members of the Cabinet are appointed by the President

upon recommendation by the Prime Minister. They have the

right to lead and supervise their administrative ministries,

deliberate major state affairs, act on behalf of the President

and appear at the National Assembly and express their

opinions. Members of the Cabinet are collectively and

individually responsible to the President only.

In addition to the Cabinet, the President has several

agencies under his direct control to formulate and carry out

national policies: the Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea,

the National Intelligence Service, and the Korea Communications

Commission. The heads of these organizations are appointed

by the President, but the presidential appointment of the

Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection is subject to

the approval of the National Assembly.

The Board of Audit and Inspection has the authority to

audit the financial accounts of central and local governmentagencies, government corporations and related

The Central GovernmentComplex on Sejongno


42


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organizations. The board is also vested with the power to

inspect abuses of public authority or misconduct by public

officials in their official duties. The results of audits are

reported to the President and the National Assembly,

although the board is responsible only to the chief

executive.

The National Intelligence Service is authorized to collect

strategic intelligence of internal as well as external origin

and information on subversive and international criminal

activities. It also plans and coordinates the intelligence and

security activities of the government.

The Korea Communications Commission comprises five

standing members who run the committee on consensus-

basis. Its the highest-level agency that governs broadcasting,

telecommunications and real-time Internet television services

or IPTV.

Daejeon GovernmentComplex

43


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Legislature

Legislative power is vested in the National Assembly, a

unicameral legislature. The Assembly is composed of 299

members serving four-year terms.

Out of 299 members, 245 are elected by popular vote

from local constituencies, while the remaining 54 members

obtain their seats through a proportional representation

system in which seats are allocated to each political party

that has gained 3 percent or more of all valid votes or five ormore seats in the local constituency election. The system is

aimed at reflecting the voices of people from different walks

of life while enhancing the expertise of the Assembly.

To be eligible for election, a candidate must be at least

25 years of age. One candidate from each electoral district

is selected by majority vote.

An Assembly member is not held responsible outside the

Assembly for any opinions expressed or votes cast in thelegislative chamber. During a session of the Assembly, no

Assembly member may be arrested or detained without consent

of the Assembly except in the case of a flagrant criminal act.

In case of apprehension or detention of an Assembly

member prior to the opening of a session, the member must

The National Assembly


44


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be released during the session upon the request of the

Assembly.Two types of legislative sessions are provided for, regular

and special. The regular session is convened once a year

from September through December and special sessions

may be convened upon the request of the President or one-

fourth or more of the members of the Assembly. The period

of a regular session is limited to 100 days and to 30 days for

special sessions. If the President requests the convening of a

special session, he must clearly specify the period of thesession and the reasons for the request.

Except as otherwise provided in the Constitution or law,

the attendance of more than one half of the entire Assembly

members, and the concurrent vote of more than one half of

the Assembly members present, are necessary to make the

decisions of the National Assembly binding. In the case of a

tie vote, the matter is considered to be rejected by the

Assembly. Legislative meetings are open to the public, but

this rule may be waived with the approval of more than one

half of the members present or when the Speaker deems it

45

All citizens aged 19 andolder are eligible to vote.

The 18th National Assembly


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necessary to do so in the interest of national security.

The National Assembly is vested with a number of

functions under the Constitution, the foremost of which is

making laws. Other functions of the Assembly include

approval of the national budget, matters related to foreign

policy, declaration of war, and the stationing of Koreantroops abroad or of foreign forces within the country,

inspecting or investigating specific matters of state affairs

and impeachment.

An impeachment motion against an appointed official can

come to a vote if approved by at least one third of the

Assembly. The impeachment passes if it receives the backing

of a majority of the Assembly members. A motion of

impeachment against the President requires a majority vote

from the Assembly to proceed. The motion passes only if

two-thirds or more of the entire Assembly approves.

The Assembly elects one Speaker and two Vice Speakers,

who serve for two-year terms. The Speaker presides over

plenary sessions and represents the legislature while

supervising its administration. In the absence of the Speaker,

the Vice Speakers shall act for the Speaker.

The Supreme Court


46


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Judiciary

The Judiciary of Korea consists of the Supreme Court, High

Courts, District Courts, Patent Court, Family Court,

Administrative and Local Courts. The courts exercise

jurisdiction over civil, criminal, administrative, electoral,

and other judicial matters, while also overseeing affairs

related to real estate registrations, family registrations,

financial holdings, and court officials.

The Supreme Court is the highest judicial tribunal. It hearsappeals on cases rendered by lower courts. The Chief Justice of

the Supreme Court is appointed by the President with the

consent of the National Assembly. Other justices are appointed

by the President upon the recommendation of the Chief Justice.

The term of office for the Chief Justice is six years and is not

renewable. The Chief Justice must retire from office at the age

of 70. The term for other justices is six years. Though they may

be re-appointed in accordance with legal provisions, they mustretire from office when they reach the age of 65.

The High Courts hear civil, criminal and administrative

appeals cases rendered by district, administrative and family

courts and try special cases designated by law. The Patent

Court reviews decisions rendered by the Patent Office. The

Supreme Court is the final tribunal over patent disputes.

District Courts are located in Seoul and in the following 13

cities: Incheon, Uijeongbu, Suwon, Chuncheon, Daejeon,

Cheongju, Daegu, Busan, Changwon, Ulsan, Gwangju, Jeonju

and Jeju. The Family Court is empowered to hear all cases

involving matrimonial, juvenile or other domestic matters.

The Administrative Court handles administrative cases only.

District Courts outside of Seoul also perform the functions

of the Administrative Court in their respective districts. In

addition to these courts, there are military tribunals which

exercise jurisdiction over offenses committed by members of

the Armed Forces and their civilian employees.

47

Lady Justice statue in frontof the Supreme Court inSeocho-dong, Seoul


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Independent Organizations

The Constitutional Court

The Constitutional Court was established in September

1988 as a key part of the constitutional system. The

Constitution of the Sixth Republic, based on the Korean

peoples deep enthusiasm for democracy, adopted a new

judicial review system the Constitutional Court to

safeguard the Constitution and to protect the peoples basic

rights by establishing special procedures for the adjudicationof constitutional issues.

The Court is empowered to interpret the Constitution

and to review the constitutionality of all statutes, to make

judicial decisions on impeachment or on dissolution of a

political party, and to pass judgment in competence

disputes and constitutional complaints.

The Court is composed of nine Justices. The term of

office for Justices is six years and is renewable. The

courthouse is a five-story domed building in Seoul which

has won the Korean Architectural Award.

National Election Commission

In accordance with the provision of Article 114 of the

Constitution, the National Election Commission was established

The Constitutional Court


48


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Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall

as an independent constitutional agency compatible with the

National Assembly, the government, courts and theConstitutional Court of Korea for the purpose of fair

management of elections and national referenda. It also deals

with administrative affairs concerning political parties and

political funds.

The term and status of each Election Commissioner is

strictly guaranteed as prescribed in the Constitution. They

are guaranteed fair execution of duties without any external

interference.

National Human Rights Commission

The Commission was established in 2001 as a national

advocacy institution for human rights protection. It is

committed to the fulfillment of human rights in a broader

sense, including dignity, value and freedom of every human

being, as signified in international human rights conventions

and treaties to which Korea is a signatory.

The Commission is comprised of 11 Commissioners

including the Chairperson, 3 Standing Commissioners and 7

Non-standing Commissioners. Among the 11 Commissioners,

4 shall be elected by the National Assembly, 4 shall be

nominated by the President of Korea, and 3 shall be

nominated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and

then approved by the President of Korea.

Local Governments

The Constitution of the Republic of Korea states in Article

117 that Local governments deal with matters pertaining to

the welfare of local residents, manage properties and may,

within the limit of laws, enact provisions relating to local

autonomy regulations.

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Local government heads manage and supervise

administrative affairs except as otherwise provided by law.The local executive functions include those delegated by

the central government such as the management of public

properties and facilities and assessment and collection of

local taxes and fees for various services.

Higher-level local governments basically serve as

intermediaries between the central and lower-level local


50

Local Governments

1

3

5

6

4

7

2

1

8

11

15

14

10

9

12

13

16

Metropolitan Seoul

Office Location: EuljiroPopulation: 10.1 millionArea: 605 km2

http://www.seoul.go.kr/

2 Metropolitan Busan

Office Location : Jungang-roPopulation: 3.5 millionArea: 766 km2

http://www.busan.go.kr/

3 Metropolitan Incheon

Office Location: Guwol-dongPopulation: 2.6 millionArea: 1,007 km2

http://www.incheon.go.kr/

4 Metropolitan Daegu

Office Location: Gongpyeong-roPopulation: 2.5 millionArea: 884 km2

http://www.daegu.go.kr/

5 Metropolitan Daejeon

Office Location: Hyangchon-gil

Population: 1.5 millionArea: 540 km2

http://www.metro.daejeon.kr/

16 Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

Office Location: Jeju

Population: 0.5 millionArea: 1,848 km2

http://www.jeju.go.kr/


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governments.

Lower-level local governments deliver services to theresidents through an administrative district (eup, myeon,

and dong) system. Each lower-level local government has

several districts which serve as field offices for handling the

needs of their residents. Eup, myeon, and dong offices are

engaged mainly in routine administrative and social service

functions.

51

6 Metropolitan Gwangju

Office Location: Chipyeong-dongPopulation: 1.4 millionArea: 501 km2

http://www.gwangju.go.kr/

7 Metropolitan Ulsan

Office Location: Shinjeong 1-dongPopulation: 1.1 millionArea: 1,057 km2

http://www.ulsan.go.kr/

8 Gyeonggi-do

Office Location: SuwonPopulation: 11.0 millionArea: 10,184 km2

http://www.gg.go.kr/

11 Chungcheongnam-do

Office Location: DaejeonPopulation: 1.9 millionArea: 8,601 km2

http://www.chungnam.net/

15 Chungcheongbuk-do

Office Location: CheongjuPopulation: 1.5 millionArea: 7,432 km2

http://www.cb21.net/

13 Jeollabuk-do

Office Location: JeonjuPopulation: 1.8 millionArea: 8,063 km2

http://www.jeonbuk.go.kr/

12 Jeollanam-do

Office Location: MuanPopulation: 1.8 millionArea: 12,121 km2

http://www.jeonnam.go.kr/

14 Gangwon-do

Office Location: ChuncheonPopulation: 1.5 millionArea: 16,874 km2

http://www.provin.gangwon.kr/

10 Gyeongsangbuk-do

Office Location: DaeguPopulation: 2.6 millionArea: 19,026 km2

http://www.gyeongbuk.go.kr/

9 Gyeongsangnam-do

Office Location: ChangwonPopulation: 3.1 millionArea: 10,524 km2

http://www.gsnd.net/


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Constitution and Government at a glance

52

Ministry ofStrategy

and Finance

Ministry of Education,Science andTechnology

Ministry ofForeign

Affairs and Trade

Ministry ofUnification

Ministry ofJustice

Ministry ofNationalDefense

Ministry of PublicAdministration

and Security

Ministry ofCulture, Sports

and Tourism

Ministry for Food,Agriculture, Forestry

and Fisheries

Ministry ofKnowledgeEconomy

Ministry for Health,Welfare and

Family Affairs

Ministry ofEnvironment

Ministry of

Labor

Ministry of

Gender Equality

Ministry of Land,

Transportand Maritime Affairs

President

Prime Minister

Board of Audit and Inspection

National Intelligence Service

Office of Minister for Special Affairs

Ministry of Government LegislationMinistry of Patriots & Veterans

Affairs

Fair Trade Commission

Financial Services CommissionAnti-Corruption & Civil Rights

Commission

Korea Communications Commission

Government Structure

Legislature Executive JudiciaryConstitutional

Court


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Syngman Rhee

1st, 2nd and 3rdPresident

(1948 - 1960)

Yun Bo-seon

4th President(1960 - 1962)

Park Chung-hee

5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and9th President(1963 - 1979)

Choi Kyu-hah

10th President(1979-1980)

Chun Doo-hwan

11th, 12th President(1980 - 1988)

Roh Tae-woo


Roh Moo-hyun


Lee Myung-bak

17th President(2008 - )

Kim Young-sam


Kim Dae-jung


Presidents of the Republic of Korea


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INT

ER-KO

REAN

RELA

TIONS


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Historical Background

Efforts Toward Peaceful Resolution of the North Korean Nuclear Issue


Inter-Korean

Relations5


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Historical Background

The end of the Second World War marked by the formal

surrender of Japan was met with great joy by Koreans who

aspired to bring about a unified independent nation.

However, much to their chagrin, Koreans found themselves

taking center stage in the ensuing Cold War between East

and West, and having to suffer the ignominy of national

division. The national division and establishment of

separate governments in the South and North eventually

led to a civil war that has come to be known as the Korean

War (1950-1953). While the Korean War was a byproduct of

internal ideological conflicts, it was also viewed by many as

a proxy war between the West and the Communist Bloc.

The Korean War Veterans

Memorial in Washington,D.C.

56

Inter-Korean Relations

56



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The Korean War developed into a large-

scale international conflict which saw 16 UN

countries fight alongside the South;

meanwhile, China and the USSR joined the

hostilities on the side of their communist ally

North Korea. The fighting ended in an armistice

which created a 155-mile truce line that

effectively partitioned the Korean Peninsula.

The Cold War confrontation on the Korean

Peninsula only intensified after the signing of

the ceasefire. In this regard, while the SouthKorean Government pursued a policy toward

North Korea that was aimed at achieving

unification by defeating Communism, North

Korea adopted a hard-line strategy that revolved around

attempting to communize the South.

Cold War tensions began to ease at the beginning of the

1970s as capitalist and communist countries actively sought

dtente. It was against this backdrop that Seoul andPyongyang jointly announced the South-North Joint

Communiqu of July 4, 1972. Moreover, they also engaged in

limited dialogue and exchanges through venues such as the

South-North Red Cross Talks and South-North Coordinating

Committee Meetings. Nevertheless, the years of animosity

and mistrust that had built up between the South and North

proved to be impossible to dissipate, and efforts to build

mutual confidence in the political arena came to naught.

In 1979, the world was once again driven to the brink as

a new Cold War confrontation emerged following the

USSRs invasion of Afghanistan. As a result, inter-Korean

relations also took a turn for the worse. By the mid 1980s,

reforms and openness initiated in the USSR had triggered

the acceleration of this very process in East European

communist countries. Inter-Korean relations reached an

important turning point as the Cold War structure began to

be dismantled.

Soldiers at thedemarcation line in theDemilitarized Zone nearCheorwon

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As part of efforts to actively respond to the rapidly

changing international situation that prevailed during the late

1980s, Korea undertook a series of measures that included

the proclamation of the Special Presidential Declaration for

National Self-Esteem, Unification, and Prosperity on July 7,

1988, the establishment of the Korean National Community

Unification Formula, the passage of the Inter-Korean

The fifth round of the high-level talks in 1991


58

Production and Number of Employees at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex

Source: Ministry of Unification

Value of manufactured products (US$ million)

No. of North Korean employees (persons)

2005.3 2005.6 2005.9 2005.12 2006.6 2006.12 2007.6 2007.12 2008.6 2008.12

0.5 0.7 2.81 10.8917.38

46.90

77.31

107.27118.87

132.56

2,0003,657

4,728

7,6218,879

11,189

15,584

22,538

29,489

38,931


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Exchange and Cooperation Act, and the forging of the Inter-

Korean Cooperation Fund. More concrete measures such asthe Inter-Korean Basic Agreement were also reached through

dialogue with North Korea. In 1991, the two Koreas

simultaneously joined the United Nations. This can be

regarded as the manner in which the framework for inter-

Korean reconciliation and cooperation was established.

However, despite Koreas internal efforts to establish the

framework for the development of inter-Korean relations,

and the reaching of important agreements between the twoKoreas, inter-Korean relations failed to move to the next

level, namely that of reconciliation. North Koreas

subsequent withdrawal from the NPT had the effect of once

again throwing a cold shower over inter-Korean relations,

and restoring the stalemate.

While an agreement in principle was reached to hold an

inter-Korean summit in 1994, the idea was effectively

shelved following the sudden death of Kim Il-sung. Over the

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Source: Ministry of Unification

Official Reunions of Separated Families

(persons)


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next four years, North Korea featured a ruling structure

in which all decisions continued to be based on Kim Il-sungs instructions. As a result, inter-Korean relations

were once again thrown into a deep freeze. This was

also a period in which North Korea experienced

serious economic difficulties. Meanwhile, an attempt

was made to resolve the first North Korean nuclear

crisis through the construction of Korean-style light

water power reactors with a capacity of 2 million

kilowatts in North Korea. So-called four-party talkswere also carried out as part of efforts to establish a

permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.

Soon after the inauguration of the Kim Dae-jung

Administration in 1998, the government, as part of its policy

of separating political and economic matters, authorized

large-scale economic cooperation projects involving the

private sector. In addition, it also launched the

Geumgangsan Tourism Project in November 1998. All of

these positive developments paved the way for the advent

of a significant breakthrough in inter-Korean relations. In

June 2000, the first summit between the leaders of the two

Koreas since the division of the nation was held. With this

meeting serving as an impetus, large-scale humanitarian

food aid to North Korea began to be carried out, and several

rounds of divided family reunions were conducted. In the

economic field, efforts were made to reconnect the

Gyeongui and Donghae railways and roads linking together

the two Koreas. The Gaeseong Industrial Complex was also

established. The implementation of such projects in the

aftermath of the inter-Korean summit resulted in easing

tensions between the two Koreas, and in altering North

Koreas perception of South Korea.

However, North Koreas carrying out of a nuclear test in

October 2006 caused a great stir amongst the Korean

public, and criticism of the governments sunshine policy

Historic First South-NorthKorean Summit in 2000


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toward North Korea became more strident. It was amidst

such circumstances that the second inter-Korean summitwas held in October 2007; however, this gathering did little

to assuage the publics concerns with regards to the North

Korean nuclear issue

It was against such a backdrop that the Lee Myung-bak

government was inaugurated, and that its Vision 3000,

Denuclearization, Openness policy was proposed. The Lee

Myung-bak government introduced a policy for coexistence

and co-prosperity with North Korea that was based onreconciliation and cooperation measures. This policy of

coexistence and co-prosperity with North Korea has as its

objectives the resolution of the North Korean nuclear crisis

and establishment of a new peace regime, the construction

of the North Korean economy and formation of an inter-

Korean economic community through economic cooperation

that is geared towards co-prosperity, and the ensuring of

the happiness of Korean residents on both sides of the

divide through the resolution of humanitarian issues. The

Lee Myung-bak government has sought to attain these

policy goals by implementing its North Korean policy in a

manner in which, while adhering to the basic principles, has

nevertheless been flexible.

Making Efforts Toward a Peaceful Resolution

of the North Korean Nuclear Issue

The North Korean nuclear issue is a matter which concerns

not only the Korean Peninsula but also the international

community as a whole, because it poses a serious threat to

peace and stability in Northeast Asia and undermines the

international non-proliferation regime. The Korean

government is pursuing to resolve the North Korean nuclear

issue through the Six-Party Talks involving the two Koreas,

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the United States, Japan, China and Russia.

In 2005, the Six Parties agreed on the Joint Statement

of September 19 , the first concrete agreement reached by

the Six Parties on the denuclearization of North Korea. In

this Statement, North Korea committed to abandoning all

nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs, while the

other parties agreed to take steps to normalize relations

and promote economic cooperation in the fields of energy,

trade and investment. The Statement provided the basic

framework for the resolution of the North Korean nuclear

issue. Despite North Koreas missile launches and its first

nuclear test in 2006, the continued efforts of the

participants of the Six-Party Talks led to outcomes such as

the Initial Actions for the Implementation of the Joint

Statement of February 13, 2007 and the Second-Phase

Actions for the Implementation of the Joint Statement of

October 3, 2007.

However, the Six-Party Talks has fallen into a stalemate

since December 2008 following a failure to reach an

agreement on how to verify the completeness and correctness

of the declaration submitted by North Korea in June 2008.In early 2009, North Korea undertook a series of

provocative acts: they launched a long-range rocket and

Heads of delegations fromsix nations pose for agroup photo during thesecond session of the sixthround of the Six-PartyTalks in Beijing, China, 30September 2007.


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started reversing disablement measures at the Yongbyon

facilities in April, while refusing to participate in the Six-

Party Talks. They even conducted a second nuclear test in

May. These acts are clear violations of relevant UN Security

Council resolutions as well as the agreements reached at

the Six-Party Talks. To this date, North Korea is continuing

its nuclear activities, heightening the international

communitys concern.

The international community has been united in

responding to North Koreas provocations in a resolute

manner, particularly, by adopting and fully implementing

Security Council resolution 1874.

The Korean government is closely cooperating with

relevant countries to bring North Korea back to the Six-Party

Talks and to fully implement Security Council resolutions.

In the meantime, President Lee Myung-bak proposed the

Grand Bargain in September 2009, which demonstrates

our willingness to pursue a fundamental resolution to the

North Korean nuclear issue. Departing from the incremental

and partial agreements of the past, the Grand Bargain

aims at capturing in a single agreement all steps related toNorth Koreas irreversible denuclearization and the Five

Parties corresponding measures to realize the ultimate goal

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An inter-Korean mensfriendly soccer game


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of North Koreas denuclearization. Based on the Five Parties

common understanding of this comprehensive approach, theKorean government will continue consultations with relevant

parties to elaborate the Grand Bargain.

In addition, given that it is difficult to substantially improve

inter-Korean relations without genuine progress in the nuclear

issue, the ROK government places high priority on the nuclear

issue as part of the agenda in inter-Korean dialogue.

The peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear

issue requires concerted efforts by the internationalcommunity. The Korean government will spare no efforts to

make progress in the complete and verifiable

denuclearization of North Korea through inter-Korean

dialogue as well as the Six-Party Talks.


The announcement of the Presidential Declaration for National

Self-Esteem, Unification, and Prosperity on July 7, 1988

marked the official onset of inter-Korean exchanges and

cooperation. During the inter-Korean Summit held in 2000, the

two sides agreed to establish regular inter-Korean ministerial

meetings and to form the inter-Korean Economic Cooperation

Committee. In addition, three economic cooperation projects,

namely the construction of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex,inter-Korean railways and roads, and the Geumgangsan

Tourism Project, were implemented in a full-scale manner.

Inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation have contributed

not only to the creation of economic benefits, but also to

easing military tensions on the Korean Peninsula, heightening

the dependency of the North Korean economy on South

Korea, and inducing gradual change in the North. The

government seeks to further develop inter-Korean exchanges

and cooperation as part of its efforts to facilitate opening and


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number of economic cooperation projects approved increased

from two in 2000 to sixty-two in 2008. The fields in which suchcooperation has occurred have also become more diversified,

moving from the manufacturing sector to the service industry-

related fields such as logistics.

The connection of railways and roads and the

Geumgangsan and Gaeseong Tourism Projects

While roads linking together the two Koreas, such as the

Gyeongui and Donghae Highways, have been in use sinceDecember 2004, freight trains have run on a regular basis

since December 17, 2007. However, North Koreas unilateral

decision to cease rail travel has resulted in such travel being

suspended since December 1, 2008.

In excess of 1.93 million people have travelled to

Geumgangsan as part of the tourism project initiated in

November 1998; however, the venture was provisionally

suspended after an incident on July 11, 2008 in which a tourist

was shot and killed while at the mountain resort. Meanwhile,

some 110,000 tourists travelled to Gaeseong during the period

spanning from December 2007 to November 28, 2008, or until

North Korea unilaterally decided to put an end to the tour.


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In 2007, the two Koreasbegan daily cargo railservice between Munsan,South Korea, andBongdong, North Korea.


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Gaeseong Industrial Complex

The Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC) is an economiccooperation project which has been jointly developed and

pursued by the two Koreas near the border city of Gaeseong in

North Koreas Hwanghaebuk-do Province. After official inter-

Korean consultations and an agreement between Hyundai

Asan and North Korea, construction on the site was

commenced on Aug. 22, 2000. The complex began operations

in earnest in late December 2007 when the first phase of

development and the lottery for lots were completed.

The Gaeseong Industrial Complex primarily brings the

Souths capital and technology together with the Norths labor

and land for mutual gain. The complex is gradually

transforming an area of confrontation and tension into one of

reconciliation and peace. Every day, the Gyeongui Highway is

used to transport some 700 vehicles and 1,200 South Korean

staff members and supplies across the Demilitarized Zone as

part of efforts to meet the needs of existing enterprises and to

help prepare the industrial zone for newly arriving businesses.

As of the end of December 2008, 93 companies were operating

in the complex. In 2008, some US$251.42 million dollars worth

of goods was produced within the complex, nearly US$36

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North Korean workers atthe Gaeseong Industrial

Complex


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million of which came from exports. As evidenced by the

fact that the GICs cumulative production value since 2005

has been estimated at US$524.8 million dollars, 2008 saw a

marked increase in output within the complex.

In accordance with agreements reached by the two Koreas,

the government will consistently strive to consult closely withthe North Korean authorities and related firms, as well as

monitor developments, so that companies can invest and

continue to do business in the complex.

The current state of inter-Korean social and cultural

exchanges

Inter-Korean social and cultural exchanges have been carried

out in order to bridge the gap that has emerged between the

two Koreas in terms of such aspects as language, education,

and life culture, thereby paving the way for the formation of a

national community. Exchanges and cooperation in the social

and cultural fields have been continuously expanded and

developed since 2000. The number of inter-Korean social and

cultural exchange and cooperation projects approved had risen

to 143 by 2008, and some 47,611 people had visited the other

half of the nation as part of these ventures. The effort to restore

national homogeneity has resulted in cooperation projects


68

Kim Soon-kwon (Dr. Corn)

As head of the InternationalCorn Foundation (ICF),Dr. Kim oversaw thedevelopment of supercorn, a cereal engineeredto provide bigger yields.In 1998, the ICFtransferred super cornseeds to North Korea andbegan working with theirresearchers to find newways to help alleviate

chronic food shortagesthere.


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being implemented in fields such as history, education and

academics, as well as art & culture, sports, and religion. In

particular, unified teams were dispatched to the 1991 World

Table Tennis Championship and to the 1991 FIFA World Youth

Championship. The two Koreas also marched together during

the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Divided family reunions

Thanks to the 16 rounds of divided family reunions and seven

rounds of video reunions held since 2000, a grand total of

19,960 people have been able for the first time in 50 years to

meet with members of their families from whom they were

separated. Unfortunately, the recent frost in inter-Korean

relations has resulted in divided family reunions being nixed

at the governmental level since 2008. However, such reunions

continue to be carried out at the private level. The government

fully intends to make the issue of divided family reunions a

priority when inter-Korean talks resume. The government will

strive to bring about regular reunions by pushing for the

establishment of a permanent center for divided family

reunions at Geumgansan, the granting of permission for

divided family members to visit their hometowns, as well as

free visits between the members of divided families.

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Once-divided relativesfrom the South and North

meet at an official familyreunion.


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Inter-Korean Relations at a glance

70

1950, June 25

The Korean Warbegins

1953, July 27

Signing of theceasefire agreement

1972, July 4

Announcement of the July 4thSouth-North JointCommuniqu

1972, November 30

South-North CoordinatingCommittee

1985, September 20 - 23

First reunion of separatedKorean families

1998,

November 18

Package trips to

the NorthsGeumgansanMountain startfor South Koreantourists

Major Accomplishments in

Inter- Korean RelationsThe Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when

North Korea invaded the South. An armistice

agreement was signed in 1953. South Koreas

astonishing economic growth since 1960 has

affected relations between the two Koreas. With its

strong economy as a platform, South

Korea was able to propose dialogue and

exchanges with the North.


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2000, June 13 - 15

The first inter-KoreanSummit

2000, September 15

The Koreas make a joint entry into theopening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics

2003, June 30

Groundbreaking for Gaeseong IndustrialComplex

2005, September 19

4th round of the Six-Party Talksproduces the Joint Statement calling fordenuclearization of the KoreanPeninsula

2007, October 2 - 4

Second inter-KoreanSummit

2007, December 5

South Korean packagetours to the Northshistoric city Gaeseongbegin

2007, December 11

Inter-Korean Gyeongeui and

Donghae railway lines open (Freightservice between Munsan andBongdong begins)


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KO

REAINTHE

WOR

LD


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International Relations

Economic Exchanges

International Peace and Cooperation

Korean's Development Cooperation

Future Policy Directions

6Korea in the World


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International Relations

Since its founding

Facts about Korea 2009 (English)

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