Do you know South Korea?

General Information

Country Name :Republic of Korea (South Korea)

Capital City: Seoul (10.2 million) (2012)

National Flag: Taegeukgi

National Flower :Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon)

Currency :won (US$1 = 1,127 won) (2012)

Language :Korean (Writing system: Hangeul)

The Republic of Korea is a small country on the far eastern edge of Asia. Although it ranks 109th in the world in terms of land area, the country is a center of economic, cultural, and arts activity. Korea was colonized by Japan in the early 20th century and later had to endure the Korean War (1950-53), but since that time it has achieved amazing economic growth in a short period, dubbed "the Miracle on the Hangang River."

Today, Korea is an industrial nation standing tall on the world stage. Its semiconductor, automobile, shipbuilding, steel making, and IT industries are on the leading edge in global markets. In 1988, it was host of the Seoul 1988 Summer Olympics and in 2002, it hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan. More recently, Korean dramas, movies, and music have been attracting a wide audiences throughout Asian countries and beyond, creating what is being called the "Korean Wave". Korea's new standing in the international community was highlighted in 2010 as the nation became the first Asian country to chair the G20 when it hosted the G20 Seoul Summit.

 

 

 

Location & Weather

Geographic position - Between 33˚ and 43˚ north latitude, and 124˚ and 131˚ east longitude (including North Korea)

The Korean Peninsula is located in North-east Asia. It is bordered by the Amnok River (Yalu River) to the northwest, separating Korea from China, and the Duman River (Tumen River) to the northeast which separates Korea from both China and Russia. The country itself is flanked by the Yellow Sea to its west and the East Sea to the east. There are several notable islands that surround the peninsula including Jejudo, Ulleungdo and Dokdo.

The Korean peninsula is roughly 1,030 km (612 miles) long and 175 km (105 miles) wide at its narrowest point. Korea's total land area is 100,033 sq km, and it has a population of 49.8 million people (2011).

Because of its unique geographical location, Korea is a very valuable piece of land and an international hub of Asia.

Monthly Mean Temperature and Precipitation in Seoul

 

 

 

National Symbols

 

The National Flag - Taegeukgi

The Korean flag is called Taegeukgi (태극기). Its design symbolizes the principles of the yin and yang in Asian philosophy. The circle in the center of the flag is divided 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 the 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 – Mugunghwa

The national flower of Korea is the mugunghwa (무궁화), rose of sharon. Every year from July to October, a profusion of mugunghwa blossoms graces the entire country. Unlike most flowers, the mugunghwa is remarkably tenacious and able to withstand both blight and insects. The flower’s symbolic significance stems from the Korean word mugung, meaning immortality. This word accurately reflects the enduring nature of Korean culture, and the determination and perseverance of the Korean people.

 

 

Source: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea