South Korea

By

Tetiana Kutsakh

SOUTH KOREA:LAND OF THE MORNING CALM

South Korea is a country in Eastern Asia.

Interesting facts

• When you are born in South Korea, you are considered a year old. This means that you age faster by a year if you are a South Korean compared to a westerner.

• In South Korea, an individual is judged based on his/her blood type. It is very common for a person who you are talking to, to ask you for your blood type and is somewhat similar to someone asking you what your sun sign is.

• The number “4” is considered to be a very unlucky one in this country. Houses, streets and even hotel floors skip this number.

• In Korea, drinking in public is legally permissible. People will carry around open alcohol containers and bottles and have a drink or two, very casually while they are in parks or other public places.

• Tipping is not a requirement in South Korea. You may find yourself being chased by a waiter for the change you left, as it is not customary to leave tips.

• Everything closes late, with most stores open until at least 11:00 p.m. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and street food vendors stay open even later than that, until 4 a.m.

• The taxis in South Korea are colour coded according to the level of service offered (if you hire a grey or white taxi, your tax would be a basic car with a fully qualified but not so experienced driver. Whereas if you hire a black cab, you will get a luxury car with a more experienced driver)

• Taekwondo is the national sport and is everywhere in Korea. There is a school in every town. Many Korean kids learn taekwondo as a routine part of their education.

Largest cities and population

•On June 23, 2012 South Korea's population touched 50 million as the 26th country to reach the mark.•The largest cities:1. Seoul: 9,794,3042. Busan: 3,414,9503. Incheon: 2,662,5094. Daegu: 2,446,4185. Daejeon: 1,501,859

The people

• South Korea is one of the richest country in East Asia. Many people work in manufacturing and banking.

• Lives in Korea are influenced by Confucianism from Chinese culture that teaches respects and morality.

• Although Korea people has many religion, they respect each other and live in harmony.

• Although many Korean young people are very modern, they still maintain their traditional lives and their culture.

• The family is the most important part of Korean life. 

• In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter, and to approve the marriages of family members. 

Busan City• With over 3.6 million people, Busan is South Korea's second largest city and largest seaport. Busan is known for its beaches, hot springs, nature reserves and events such as the city's renowned international film festival held each autumn.

Seoul• The capital of South Korea. Seoul is by far South Korea's largest city and one of East Asia's financial and cultural epicenters. A fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge digital technology, home to endless street food vendors and vast nightlife districts, an extraordinarily high-pressure educational system and serene Buddhist temples, a trend-setting youth culture and often crushing conformism, extraordinary architecture and endless monotonous rows of grey apartment buildings, Seoul is a city filled with stark contrasts.

Daegu• Daegu could possibly be the most under-

rated city in the country. Daegu is located in the South central region of Korea and is famous for being the self-proclaimed fashion capital, home to pro baseball and the friendliest big city in the country.

• Traditionally,Buddhism has been strong; today there are still many temples. Confucianism is also popular in Daegu, with a large academy based in the city. Neon cross-topped spires of Christian churches can also be seen in the city.

Jeju Island• Jeju Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods," is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners. It remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds, and is also regarded as one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world. Despite attempts to market the island as "the Hawaii of Korea," climatologically and geographically it bears little in similarity to the Hawaiian Islands in the U.S. The island offers visitors a wide range of activities: hiking on Halla-san (South Korea's highest peak) or Olle-gil(routes), catching sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, riding horses, touring all the locales from a favorite television K-drama, or just lying around on the sandy beaches.

Gyeongju• Gyeongju has been described as Korea's equivalent of Japan's historic Kyoto: an open-air museum that has become the historical pride of the Korean people. The contemporary residents of this city have proudly upheld their duty to preserve their cultural heritage as best they can. Gyeongju is the most prominent historical monument of the country.• Aside from the historical draw, perhaps Gyeongju's most charming aspect is its mountains which are widespread throughout the city. Numerous hiking trails meander through ever-changing forests, blooming with springtime flowers, vibrant fall foliage, and winter's silent snow.

Seoraksan National Park• One of the tourist attractions overseas visitors consider the most memorable is Seoraksan - the mountains that Koreans love most. Outer Seoraksan has fantastic cliffs and big fountains, while the beautiful inner Seoraksan exhibits the highest level of splendor and sensation by displaying various forms and colors that nature can offer during the four seasons. The Seoraksan Mountains have multiple hiking courses, valleys, and cultural artifacts hidden in each valley, and are internationally renowned as a habitat for rare plants and animals. UNESCO designated the region in 1992 as a Biosphere Reserve.

Yeojwa Stream

• Yeojwa Stream, located near Gyeonghwa Station is a perfect place for couples. Along both side of the stream is a 1.5 km long, arched cherry trees forms virtually a huge flower tunnel in the sky. When the pink and white cherry flowers get full blossom, this particular area gives a visionary snowy world to visitors during the Cherry Blossom Festival. At nights, lights are turned on around the place for more spectacular and romantic atmosphere.

The Garden of Morning Calm

• The Garden of Morning Calm is a 30,000 ㎡ flower garden, opens year-round for your enjoyment. The moment you enter the garden, you will see that it is a paradise for photographers, tourists, families and couples. The thousands of varieties of flowers coupled with pine trees, release an unforgettable aroma into the air that causes all worries to quickly melt away.

Thank you for your attention!