About South Korea



Introduction



Korean Children Attend Classes In Traditional Korean Culture Two hundred kilometers separate the peninsula from eastern China. The shortest distance between Korean and Chinese coasts is 200 kilometers and from the southeastern tip of the peninsula, the nearest point on the Japanese coast is also about 200 kilometers away. Because of its unique geographical location, Chinese culture filtered into Japan through Korea; a common cultural sphere of Buddhism and Confucianism was thus established between the three countries.

Over the past few decades, Korea has transformed itself from an agrarian society to an industrialized nation. The government has been making efforts to upgrade living standards through vigorous reforms in education, housing, social welfare, and environment. It also continues to invest in science and technology.Korea aims to become a financial and business hub of Northeast Asia in the 21st century. The region, with a population of 1.5 billion, has the essential resources necessary for economic development including abundant natural resources and large-scale consumer markets. Korea's major industries include electronics, automobiles, semi-conductors, steel products, shipbuilding, and textiles.

Korea features scenic natural landscapes and valuable cultural heritage enshrined in UNESCO's World Heritage List. The tourism industry has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last three decades. The government constantly upgrades the nation's tourism facilities to serve visitors better. The Korean culture has continued many of the traditions and events that came into their culture generations ago. These very special aspects are what make Korea what it is today.

Full country name:: Republic of Korea
Area: 99,373 sq km
Population: 48 million
Capital City: Seoul (pop 10.3 million)
People: Koreans, expats (mostly American)
Language: Korean, English
Religion: Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, Shamanism
Government: republic
Head of State: President Roh Moo-hyun

GDP: US$475 billion
GDP per capita: US$10,550
Annual Growth: 2%
Inflation: 4%
Major Industries: Shipbuilding, cars, machinery, electronics, machinery, chemicals, textiles
Major Trading Partners: USA, Japan, Germany