welcome to korea

4 The Four Seasons 01. Deoksugung, one of the five Joseon royal palaces,
gives a singular night view of Korea’s capital, Seoul.
· Spring
· Summer 02. Psy rose to international fame with the YouTube

· Fall sensation “Gangnam Style.”

· Winter

8 Food
· Tales of food
· Fermented food, the basis of the dining table

12 The Korean Heritage

· Gangwon-do (province)
· Chungcheong-do (provinces)
· Jeolla-do (provinces)
· Gyeongsang-do (provinces)
· Jejudo (island)
· The DMZ, an ecological treasure house

01 02
 welcome to korea

02

The Four Seasons

One of the most beautiful characteristics of life on the Korean Peninsula is the pen-
dulum swing of the four seasons, each with its own appeal. Throughout the country’s
long history, people have found ways to embrace nature in all its diversity and chang-
ing forms throughout the year. The year on the peninsula begins with the new buds
of spring, steps into life with the vitality of summer, ripens with age during the fall and
then rests and recovers under layers of white snow during the winter. These colorful
changes are brought about by geography, as the peninsula is nearly surrounded by
water, with seas on three sides, and with almost 60% of the land covered by rugged
mountains. The peoples of the Korean Peninsula developed cultures and kingdoms
that were very close to the earth and to Mother Nature. This chapter provides you with
an overview of numerous aspects of Korean society, including nature, culture and the
wisdom of the traditional ways of life.

Spring
People interpret the “road” to mean “a
journey through life,” or “a path con-
necting people.” The numerous hiking
and walking trails that can be found
across the country provide opportuni-
ties to reflect on this symbolic meaning.
In the spring, when the buds appear
and the flowers begin to bloom, hikers
01
experience the awakening of nature
and the revitalization of life as they walk 01. Azaleas herald the arrival of spring on the slopes of

along the trails of Korea. Yeongchwisan (mountain) in Yeosu, Jeolla-do (provinces).

02. Hikers can enjoy the wind and the sea while trekking
Trails on Jirisan (mountain), Misiryeong along the Jeju Olle Trail.
Trail on Seoraksan (mountain)

4 5
 Fall
Fall is a season when all things ripen.
Under the sun’s warm rays, the leaves
turn yellow, red and orange. This sea-
son of harvest is the perfect time to visit
traditional folk villages, communities
which preserve the traditions of Korea’s
ancestors to this day. Korea’s folk vil-
lages, rich with history and tradition, are
especially picturesque at this time of
year.
Folk Village in Seongeup on Jejudo
(island), Yangdong Village in Gyeongju,
Wanggok Village in Goseong, Oeam
Folk Village in Asan, Museom Village in
Yeongju, Han-gae Village in Seongju
03 05

Summer Winter
Many outdoor festivals are held during With its wide annual range of tempera-
the summer, a season of fun and hot tures, the Korean Peninsula gets very
weather. There is a wide range of festi- cold in the winter. However, you can still
vals that take advantage of the natural experience the beauty of nature, even in
environment. Some popular events the cold. Pristine snowflakes greet you
include the Mud Festival in Boryeong, on days of heavy snowfall. The snow-
which boasts Asia’s only shell powder covered land presents breathtaking
beach, the Maritime Cultural Festival in views, especially in the mountainous
Mokpo, which focuses on the preserva- 04
regions of the country. Koreans long
tion of maritime traditions, and the Sea ago demonstrated resourcefulness in
Festival in Busan, a blend of music and 03. At the Boryeong Mud Festival, participants have fun surviving the winter months by utilizing
in the mud and beat the summer heat. 04. Young and old
youth at the beach. scientific knowledge and wise planning
enjoy the International Fireworks Festival held in Pohang,
Gyeongsang-do (provinces). 05. The Hahoe Village, Im- to fight off the cold.
portant Folk Material No. 122, boasts a long tradition and Ondol System of Under-floor Heating,
tranquil scenery. 06. Experience Korean Buddhism and
Traditional Earthen Walls, Traditional
discover your inner self during a temple stay.
Doors
06

6 7
 welcome to korea

Food

01 02

03

Korean cuisine was also influenced by the well-defined four seasons and by the re-
gional characteristics of the peninsula. Local dishes are made from ingredients that
reveal the geographical characteristics of each microclimate and region. The recipes
reflect the wisdom of living healthily by eating seasonally.
Koreans have a high regard for those who prepare food. We believe that one’s hands
play an important role in food preparation and in putting one’s heart and soul into the
cuisine. Come experience the diverse tastes and stories of Korean cuisine, filled with
history, meaning and delicious taste.

Seoul & Gyeonggi-do (province) western Yeongseo region is renowned

A light and clean taste, not too salty or for food made from corn and potatoes.
spicy. Home of buckwheat porridge (mae-
Home to ox bone or brisket soup (seol- milgukjuk), spicy floating goby stew
leongtang), spicy shredded beef soup (ggukjeogutang), cold acorn jelly soup
(yukgaejang), Jangchung-dong pigs’ with rice (mukbap), ground potato
feet in soy sauce and spices (jokbal), dumpling soup (gamjaongsimi), corn
Cheongjin-dong blood pudding and flour noodle soup (olchaengiguksu), 04 05

beef tripe soup (haejangguk, or “soup Chuncheon buckwheat noodle soup 06 07

to chase a hangover”) and Suwon beef (makguksu), chicken bits and veg-
ribs (galbi) etables in a spicy sauce (dakgalbi, or
“chicken ribs”), and Chodang famous
Gangwon-do (province) bean curd (dubu)
01. bibimbap 02. seolleongtang 03. kimchi 04. jokbal
The eastern Yeongdong region is known
05. Pyongyang naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles
for food made from pollack, squid, from Pyongyang) 06. daetongbap 07. jeotgal
seaweed and wild greens, while the

8 9
Chungcheong-do (provinces) seafood, known collectively as jeotgal, Gyeongsang-do (provinces)
This region’s cuisine is known for its made using the high-quality bay salt. The The cuisine here is both salty and spicy,
light and clean taste. region is also known for a type of pickle, due to the hot weather.
This region is famous for fish noodles or jang-ajji, that’s made from soybean This region is famous for giant crabs
made from freshwater fish, crab kimchi paste instead of pepper paste, rice from Yeongdeok, garlic from Uiseong,
(hobakgegukji) and Byeongcheon cooked matchstick slices of Korean white ginseng from Punggi and seaweed,
famous blood sausage (sundae). radish (mubap), stir-fried glass noodles including laver and kelp, from Gijang.
with bean sprouts (kongnamuljapchae), It is also famous for the sweetened rice
Damyang famous rice and grain cooked drink (sikhye) from Andong, marinated beef
Jeolla-do (provinces)
in a container made from a bamboo stalk (bulgogi) from Eonyang, dried persimmons
This relatively flatter rice-growing region
(daetongbap) and the region’s beef rib (gotgam) from Sangju, mixed vegetables,
is known for its variety of ingredients,
meat that is minced on the bone and meat and rice (bibimbap) from Jinju and
ranging from meat and vegetables to 10
marinated (tteokgalbi). seaweed rice rolls from Chungmu.
seafood.
It is famous for a wide variety of salted
Jejudo (island)
This island province’s staple is barley
08. Yukgaejang used to be eaten in the summer to replen- (“chopping block” pork, dombe gogi),
ish one’s energy. Today, it is popular year round. 09. Bay salt 08
and other grains, with side dishes made
mini rice cake balls (omegitteok) and
naturally dried by wind and sunlight. 10. Tteokgalbi is made from seafood.
by mincing and pounding short rib meat while still on the bone crab porridge (ging-ijuk) are some of
Fish-based soups like pumpkin and
and then marinating it in a sweet sauce before grilling it over the delicacies found on Korea’s island
hairtail fish soup, sliced boiled pork
charcoal. 11. The process of making jang, Korean cuisine’s province of Jejudo.
broad range of traditional fermented pastes. 12. Makgeolli is
a very popular traditional alcoholic rice drink.
Fermented food, the basis of the din-
09 ing table
Korean cuisine can be described
as “slow food.” The basic fermented
dishes, such as kimchi and the whole
range of foods and condiments to which
some degree of fermentation is applied
(jeotgal), have excellent nutritional
11
value. They are created over a long
12 period of time for healthy, tasty food.
Tasting these dishes is equivalent to
experiencing the spirit, traditions and
history of the nation.

10 11
 welcome to korea

The Korean Heritage

Humans have been living on the Korean Peninsula for thousands of years and the
resultant heritage is both tangible and intangible. These traditions are pathways to
understanding the people of the past and keys to unlocking the future. Studying a
society’s heritage is like looking at its cultural and artistic DNA. Koreans have an in-
trinsic sense of the aesthetic, a sense of space that shows harmony and adaptation 01

to nature.
02
Such aesthetics can best be understood through the Korean heritage items that are
inscribed with UNESCO. Currently, there are 39 such items and locations. These in-
clude 11 on the World Heritage List, 17 traditions on the Representative List of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and 11 items on the Memory of the World
Register. On top of these, Korea is home to several biosphere reserves.

Gangwon-do (province) : The Danoje manistic exorcisms take place side by

Festival in Gangneung is a syncre- side. It is a unique, artistic festival that
tism of Confucianism, Buddhism and showcases folk religions as well as the
shamanism traditions of cooperation and harmony
The fifth day of the fifth month according that exist in the local community.
to the lunar calendar is a special day During the festival, one can visit the
called Dano. It comes after the rice- Daegwallyeong (mountain pass) deity
planting season of early summer and shrine and the Guksaseonghwangdang
people pray for a good harvest, a big (shrine). There is also the Gwanno
catch at sea and peace in their house- Mask-dance Drama (once performed
hold. The Danoje Festival in Gangneung by government servants), folk games
is one of the most historic traditional and a shaman ritual.
festivals in Korea. During the festival, 01. The Gwanno Mask-dance Drama is a non-verbal play performed during the Gangneung Danoje Festival. 02. Sinju Bitgi,
Confucian rituals, folk games and sha- or the offering of alcohol to the gods, marks the beginning of the Danoje Festival in Gangneung.

12 13
Chungcheong-do (provinces) : The Gyeongsang-do (provinces) until the present, even though more than
communal weaving of fine white -The printing woodblocks of Tripi- 775 years have passed since their initial
ramie (mosi) in Hansan taka Koreana and miscellaneous creation. The perfect preservation of
People used to make clothes out of ra- Buddhist scriptures, scientifically these blocks is not just due to multiple
mie for the hot summer. Ramie is a tradi- crafted with a prayer for national generations’ conservation efforts, but
tional summer fabric that demonstrates security, and their storage halls, also due to the way in which Janggyeo-
a unique sense of aesthetics. Ramie is Janggyeong Panjeon ng Panjeon was engineered to utilize
as white and clear as white jade and so Beginning in 1237, it took 16 years conditions of the natural environment to
finely woven that there is a saying that to engrave the complete Buddhist preserve the wood blocks.
one pil of ramie cloth, about 12 meters, scripture onto 81,258 wooden printing
can fit into a bowl of rice. The highest blocks. This is Tripitaka Koreana. There
quality ramie is called semosi, the fine are over 52 million classical Chinese
ramie made in the Hansan region. characters engraved on the blocks. It
During the Hansan Ramie Festival, is so exquisitely crafted that it does not
women demonstrate ramie weaving at contain a single known misprint. Lined
the traditional village of Seocheon. up in a row, these blocks would stretch
over 60 kilometers. They have been pre-
03 served in almost perfect condition up
05. Janggyeong Panjeon, which stores Tripitaka Koreana
in almost perfect condition, was engineered to utilize con-
ditions of the natural environment. 06. The engraving of
81,258 wood blocks with Buddhist scriptures reflects a
deep desire to protect the nation through the strength of
Buddhism.

03. Clothes made of such fine, white ramie cloth are sim-
ple yet elegant. 04. Korea has such a high concentration
of dolmen sites that it is known as the “Land of Dolmen.” 04

Jeolla-do (provinces) : World famous Ganghwa dolmen sites being inscribed

dolmen sites as UNESCO world heritage sites. These
The Korean Peninsula is home to about giant stone sites have great research
40% of the ancient, giant rock tombs value, as they are well preserved and
known to exist in the world today. have diverse forms and designs. They
Many of these megalithic constructions are important items, inspiring our
are concentrated in Jeolla-do (prov- imagination and curiosity about our
05 06
inces), with the Gochang, Hwasun and prehistoric world.

14 15
-Bulguksa (temple) and Seokguram Jejudo (island) : The Jeju Volcanic
(grotto), Silla’s religious values and Island and Lava Tubes
artistic spirit Jejudo (island) was formed 1.8 million
Completed in 774 during the Unified years ago from volcanic activity. It is
Silla era (668-935), Bulguksa and Seok- home to rare plants and animals and
guram were the first Korean treasures to unique geographical features. The
listed by UNESCO as part of the world Hallasan Mountain Natural Reserve, the
heritage. Bulguksa is a beautiful temple Geomunoreum Lava Tube System and
that shows the craftsmanship and the sunrise peak in Seongsan have all
skill of ancient masons. Seokguram, been grouped together and listed as
carved into a mountainside, was exqui- a UNESCO World Heritage site under
sitely constructed from 360 stone slabs, the name Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava
showing how Silla artisans excelled in Tubes. The sites are recognized for
architecture, mathematics, geometry their volcanic features and outstanding
and the arts. system of caves.

09
07. The statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Seokguram is
a legacy of Silla Buddhist art. 08. Bulguksa symbolizes the
heavenly Buddha realm. 09. The sunrise peak in Seong-
san 10. One can experience the nation’s history, culture

and natural beauty at designated places along the DMZ.

07

The DMZ, an ecological treasure Pyeonghwa Nuri Park, Pyeonghwa Nuri

house, is seeking UNESCO designa- Road, World Peace Concert
tion as a biosphere reserve
As the Korean War drew to a close in
July 1953, the nation was separated into
north and south by the Demilitarized
Zone (DMZ). The 4kilometer wide strip
of land has been a no-man’s land for
more than 60 years, and is thus a natu-
ral preserve for a wide variety of plant
and animal species. It has been recog-
nized for its academic value as a place
to conduct research on ecosystems,
and reflects the wishes of both Koreas
08 10
for peaceful reunification.

16 17
20 Pop Culture, Mass Media & the Arts 01. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), the world’s
largest asymmetrical building, reflects the dynamic life
· Pop Music
· Movies of the Dongdaemun neighborhood. 02. The Busan

· TV Dramas International Film Festival, held in October each year, is

· Sports Korea’s first international film festival and the pinnacle

of Asian film festivals.

24 History
· Prehistoric-Gojoseon
· The Three Kingdoms of Korea
· Goryeo
· Joseon
· Japanese Colonial Period and Independence Movement
· Republic of Korea

28 Seoul, the Capital

· Jongno, nature in the city
· Seoul’s history and development reflected in the cultural heritage
· Urban roads and the diversity of space
· Hongdae, relive your youth, enjoy the music

Figures & Infographics

Korea Facts & Figures

01 02
 welcome to korea

Pop Culture,
Mass Media & the Arts

Recently, the popularity of Korean pop culture and the arts has grown across the
globe. Korean pop music, movies, dance troupes, TV dramas and sports teams have
all earned key positions in the world of culture. The country has been able to emerge
as a cultural powerhouse because of the success and creativity of its actors, direc-
tors and singers. Modern Korean popular culture absorbs influences from around the
world, incorporates them into mainstream Korean culture and then produces fabulous
creations, entertaining fans around the world.
Modern Korean pop culture and its spread across Asia and the world stems from the
01
following four pillars of the culture industry.

02

Pop Music : Korean pop songs take Movies : Korean movies garner at-
over the world tention for their deep imagery and
Korean pop songs, generally branded meaning
as “K-pop” since the mid-2000s, have Korean movies have been received
earned fans around the world. Korean enthusiastically all over the world and
teenage idols have dominated Asia’s the industry is rapidly growing in both
pop charts with their upbeat rhythms, range and variety. Boasting unique
catchy tunes and lyrics and stylish stories, spectacular cinematography
dance moves. Pop music exports have and creative scripts, Korean movies
succeeded in enhancing the overall have positioned themselves at the fore-
image of “Brand Korea,” a feat never front of the cultural content landscape.
envisioned in other industries.
01. One of Korea’s most popular pop groups is Girls’ Gen-
eration. 02. EXO is a rising Korean pop group.

20 21
 Sports : Korea rises as a new sports
powerhouse
Korea has hosted a range of interna-
tional sporting events, from the Asian
Games to the Olympics and the World
Cup. Team Korea regularly picks up
gold medals, whether it be in track &
04 field or Little League baseball. This 05

success has been driven by the nation’s

renowned sports development program
producing numerous home-grown
athletes. It is their hard work and effort
that makes them role models and an
inspiration to people everywhere and to
fans around the world.

03 06

Many acclaimed directors such as Im by Korean studios were first exported

Kwon-taek, Lee Chang-dong, Bong to mainland China and then quickly
Jun-ho, Kim Ki-deok, and Park Chan- spread around the globe. Viewers in
wook have succeeded in connecting many countries were moved by the lives
with audiences worldwide. This shows and love stories of the stars on the small
the solid foundation that Korean movies screen. Backed by the success of such
have been laying around the world. The TV dramas and miniseries, many actors
Busan International Film Festival and and actresses, both young and old,
the Jeonju International Film Festival are have risen in popularity.
great events for getting a richer experi- What is Love, Winter Sonata, Dae Jang
ence of Korean movies. Geum (Jewel in the Palace), The Heirs
Painted Fire by Im Kwon-taek, Poetry by
Lee Chang-dong, Snowpiercer by Bong
Jun-ho, Arirang by Kim Ki-deok , Old Boy
03. The Busan International Film Festival is the top Asian
by Park Chan-wook film festival. 04. The SBS TV drama “My Love From the
Star” is a fantasy romance between an alien and an actress.
05. Yuna Kim is a figure skater and the honorary ambassa-
TV Dramas : Winning the hearts of dor for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. 06. Jisung
viewers at home and abroad Park is a legendary football player. 07. Tourists shopping
In the late 1990s, TV dramas made for pop culture products 07

22 23
 welcome to korea

History

Descriptions of the history of the Korean Peninsula often boast of “a history of 5,000
years,” a common expression that means a very, very long time. Modern-day Koreans
are the result of many kingdoms, tribes and nations that were born on the peninsula,
flourished and disappeared between ancient times and today. Through numerous in-
vasions, alliances and waves of migration, people have managed to maintain a contin-
01
ued existence on this land. Their perseverance and determination has fashioned the
country’s history and culture. 02

Prehistoric-Gojoseon (unknown-108 The Three Kingdoms of Korea (57

BCE) BCE-668 CE) and the North South
Artifacts dating back to 700,000 BCE States Period (698-926)
have been discovered in and around The Three Kingdoms of Korea refer to
the Korean Peninsula. The first ancient Goguryeo (37 BCE-668 CE), Baekje (18
kingdom on the peninsula was Gojo- BCE-660 CE), and Silla (57 BCE-935
seon, established in 2333 BCE. Dan- CE). During this period, Buddhism
gun, the mythical first king of Gojoseon, became the dominant cultural and reli-
is the son of Heaven (Hwanung), and gious force across Manchuria and the
the female bear Ungnyeo, who stayed Korean Peninsula. In the late 600s, Silla
in a cave for 100 days to become a triumphed in battle over Goguryeo and
woman and a devoted mother. In this this led to the beginning of the North
myth, the concept of Hong-ik in-gan first South States Period. Central and re-
appears-an exhortation to live and work gional administrations were established
for the benefit of all mankind. This later to govern the larger amount of land and
becomes the founding philosophy upon the greater number of people.
01. The petroglyphs of Cheonjeon-ri, Ulju, are National Treasure No. 147. They depict the lives of people from prehistoric
which society and the education system
times up to the Silla Kingdom. 02. The Gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje is National Treasure No. 287. It is a master-
are based. piece of art that reflects Baekje’s ideology and beliefs.

24 25
 Goryeo (918-1392)
Goryeo was established in 918 by
Wang Geon and lasted for 474 years.
The modern word “Korea” also comes
from the word Goryeo. Merchants from
the Song Dynasty in China (960-1279),
the Abbasid Caliphate of ancient Arabia
(750-1258) and ancient Southeast Asian
kingdoms traded actively with Goryeo
at the bustling port of Byeongnando on
the western Yellow Sea. The Gukjagam
was established in 992 and is one of the
06
world’s oldest universities.
06. Incheon International Airport, which opened 2001, was

03 Joseon (1392-1910) ranked No. 1 in airport services for the past nine consecu-
tive years.
For 518 years, Joseon was ruled over
03. This celadon vase with an inlaid design of clouds and
by 25 kings and 2 regents of the royal
cranes is National Treasure No. 68. It reveals the high quality
House of Yi, stretching in a patrilineal and trade. During the reign of King Se- dure the pain of division and a fratricidal
and sophistication of Goryeo celadon. 04. Jongmyo Jerye
is Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 56. It is a me- line from King Taejo (r. 1392-1398) jong the Great (r. 1418-1450), one of the war. However, since that time, the nation
morial rite for the kings and queens of the Joseon Kingdom. through to Emperor Sunjong (r. 1907- world’s first rain gauges was developed, has made significant progress in terms
05. Geunjeongjeon, the throne hall of Gyeongbokgung, is
1910). Covering both the Joseon and he also oversaw the creation of the of politics, economic development and
National Treasure No. 223. It is where the king was briefed
Kingdom (1392-1897) and the Great scientific yet beautiful written script now social movements. By the late 1980s,
by his officials, where he presided over major events and
where he met foreign envoys. Han Empire (1897-1910), Joseon times used across the Korean world, Han-geul. it had achieved democracy and from
saw a flourishing of the arts, agriculture The nation struggled with invasions from the 1960s through to the 1990s saw
neighboring countries, striving to preserve astonishing economic development,
the nation state. known as “The Miracle on the Hangang
(river).” Korea was admitted into the
Japanese Colonial Period (1910-1945) OECD in 1996 and successfully hosted
and Independence Movement the G20 Summit in 2010. Based on
Despite being occupied by oppressive its development from an agricultural
foreign colonial forces, Koreans contin- economy, through a manufacturing
ued to struggle for their freedom. The and industrial economy to an economy
provisional government of the Republic based on technology and innovation
of Korea was established in 1919, and today, and from being an aid recipient
there was a government-in-exile based in the 1950s to becoming an aid donor
in China. in the 2000s, Korea is now making great
strides as it finds its place as a leading
Republic of Korea (1945-present) middle power.
04 05 Soon after liberation, Korea had to en-

26 27
 welcome to korea

Seoul, the Capital

For at least two millennia, Seoul has served as a capital for various Korean king-
doms. It first became a capital during the Baekje era (18 BCE-660 CE), and was then
reinstated as the capital in 1394 during Joseon. It has been the capital and largest
city ever since. Today, Seoul is the hub of Korean politics, finance, business, society,
theater, sports and fine arts. Seoul is a city where the past and the present coexist,
a starting point for modernity, a place of breathtaking views and a wellspring of youth
and energy. It is full of stories, a place of adventure.
01

02

Jongno, nature in the city Seoul’s history and development

The three sides of Jongno are sur- reflected in the cultural heritage
rounded by mountains. A stream flows Seoul, the heart of the country, is home
through its center. It is also located near to Korea’s major cultural sites, includ-
the Fortress Wall of Seoul, which was ing many palaces. The five grand
constructed along the ridges of Bugak- Joseon palaces -Gyeongbokgung,
san, Naksan, Namsan and Inwangsan Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung,
(mountains). In this district, the past Gyeong-ungung (now Deoksugung)
and present, nature and civilization, all and Gyeongheegung-connect the past
coexist. There are several programs and present. Visitors feel as if they have
available for visitors to enjoy the stream, been transported back to the past as
the mountains and the bustling life of they step over the threshold into these
the city. majestic royal residences.
Collect a stamp at each station along the
ancient city wall, tour the winding neigh-
01. Gwanghwamun, the main entrance to Gyeongbokgung
borhood alleys, visit the museums.
02. Myeongdong, one of the most exciting areas of Seoul,
is a must-see for tourists.

28 29
 As Seoul served as the starting point
of the modern state of Korea, it is also
home to a colorful modern culture. The
city has not only striven to develop the
modern aspects of its way of life, but
has also reinterpreted the ancient cul-
ture from a modern perspective.
Old Seoul Station building, Tapgol Park

03
Urban roads and the diversity of 05
space
03. Passers-by enjoy a street performance in Daehangno, Roads leave lingering memories during
a vibrant area rich in theaters and art centers. 04. A total of
your travels. It is on roads that you can
31 bridges span the Hangang (river), which flows through
the city. 05. Hongdae is a place of youth, romance, pas- meet new people. In Seoul, you can see just as fascinating. There is Pimatgol, an
sion and the arts. 06. N Seoul Tower, located atop Namsan antiques as well as arts and crafts in alley, which dates back to Joseon times,
(mountain), is a Seoul landmark. 07. Admire the beauty of Insa-dong, walk around the century-old and the Oksu-dong alley, known for its
traditional houses at the Bukchon Hanok Village, located
houses in the Bukchon Hanok village meandering stairs. Every alley is infused
between the palaces of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeok-
gung and Jongmyo (royal ancestral shrine). and see the vibrant theater and musical with old stories of Seoul.
scene in Daehangno. Jegi-dong Medicine Market, Sajikdan
The warrens of narrow alleyways can be altar

Hongdae, relive your youth, enjoy the

music
Hongdae is a place of artistic spirit and
creative talent, the center for Seoul’s
indie art and music scene. Here, one
can feel the individualism and creativity 06
of artists, comic book illustrators and
rock band hopefuls as well as explore
the underground street scene. The wide
range of attractions includes a flea mar-
ket, ample street art, art galleries and
all-night dance clubs.
Hongdae flea market, Trompe-l’oeil Trick
Eye Museum, Rolling Hall, an indie con-
cert venue

04 07

30 31
 welcome to korea

Figures & Infographics Korea Facts & Figures

Though there was pain and suffering from the tragic Korean War (1950-1953), people Official Name of South Korea
looked beyond the ruins and strove forward. In a relatively short period of time, they The Republic of Korea (ROK)
achieved astounding growth. This has only been possible through hard work, especially that
of the factory workers, who shed blood and tears to rebuild the country and create a better Capital City
society. The following statistics show the truly remarkable progress that has been made. Seoul
*Source : Korea in the World, Institute for International Trade, Korea International Trade Association

Area
UN e-government Korean Peninsula : 223,405km2
Mobile phone shipments evaluation
South Korea : 100,267km2
World’s World’s
1 st
(2013) 1st (2013)
for three consecutive
Population (2013)
51.14million
Gartner (February 2014)
years
UNPAN Political System
Airport service ranking
Democratic Republic, Presidential System
World’s Semiconductor sales

1st
for nine consecutive
World’s
2 nd
(2013)
President
Park Geun-hye
years (ICN) IHS iSuppli Semiconductor pre-
Airports Council International (ACI) liminary rankings for 2013 Language
(2014)
Korean(Writing System : Han-geul)

Shipbuilding Synthetic fiber exports Economic Statistics (2013)

World’s World’s
2 nd 4 th
GDP : US$ 1.304 trillion
Per capita GNI : US$ 26,205
(2013) (2013)
GDP Growth Rate : 3.0%
Lloyd’s Register, Korea Offshore United Nations Commodity Trade
& Shipbuilding Association (http://comtrade.un.org)
Currency Unit (2013)
Won (US$1=1,095 won)
Automobile production
World’s Exports

5 th
(2013)
Korea Automobile Manufacturers
World’s
7 th (2013)
Association, 『Korea’s Automobile WTO, stat.wto.org
Industry』