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South Korea
What to
tackle Flag and official name
Religion
Government
Economy
UN Membership and Rep.
Arts
Geography Architecture
Society Language
The Republic of Korea (ROK)
The Republic of Korea (ROK)
The official name of South Korea is the Republic of Korea (ROK). That is because its
government claims to be in charge of the whole of Korea and does not recognize
North Korea as separate.
The white background symbolizes brightness, purity, and peace. In contrast, the
taegeuk symbolizes harmony between yin and yang (which, in the Eastern philosophy,
represent the two contrasting aspects of energy that creates all beings in the
universe), and the four trigrams (geon, gon, gam, and ri) represent the sky, the
earth, water, and fire..
Forms of
Government:
South Korea is a democratic republic with a presidential
system. The government is based on the principles of
separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and
judicial branches.
Head of State and
Government:
The President serves as both the head of state and
government in South Korea. This role involves
representing the country both domestically and
internationally, as well as leading the executive
branch.
Hwang Joon-kook
Geography:
Location: South Korea, country in East Asia. It
occupies the southern portion of the Korean
peninsula. The country is bordered by the
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North
Korea) to the north, the East Sea (Sea of
Japan) to the east, the East China Sea to the
south, and the Yellow Sea to the west; to the
southeast it is separated from the Japanese
island of Tsushima by the Korea Strait. South
Korea makes up about 45 percent of the
peninsula’s land area. The capital is Seoul
(Sŏul).
Geography:
In essence, the "Miracle on the Han River" reflects the extraordinary journey
of South Korea's economic resurgence from post-war devastation to becoming
a global economic leader. It underscores the power of human innovation,
effective governance, and determination in transforming a nation's destiny.
Arts:
South Korea has a rich cultural heritage that includes
traditional art forms like pottery, calligraphy, and traditional
music. In recent years, Korean pop culture, including K-pop
music, TV dramas, and movies, has gained immense popularity
worldwide.
Traditional Art Forms:
1. Pottery: Traditional Korean pottery, known as "celadon," is celebrated for its intricate designs,
subtle colors, and exquisite craftsmanship. This art form dates back centuries and has its roots in the
Goryeo Dynasty. It often features delicate floral and nature-inspired motifs.
2. Calligraphy: Korean calligraphy, also known as "seoye," is a form of artistic writing that emphasizes
the beauty of characters and strokes. Calligraphers use various tools and techniques to create
elegant and visually pleasing compositions, often incorporating poetic verses or philosophical quotes.
.
3. Traditional Music: Traditional Korean music includes various genres such as court music ("gagok"),
folk music ("minyo"), and instrumental ensembles ("samulnori"). These musical forms use traditional
instruments like the gayageum (a stringed instrument) and the janggu (a drum), and they often carry
narratives from Korea's history and culture.
4. Hanbok: The traditional Korean attire, known as hanbok, is characterized by its vibrant colors and
graceful lines. It has evolved over time but remains an essential part of Korean cultural identity, often
worn during important occasions and ceremonies.
Modern Cultural Phenomena:
1. Korean Wave (Hallyu): Over the past few decades, South Korea has experienced a global cultural phenomenon known as the
Korean Wave or Hallyu. This wave encompasses the worldwide popularity of South Korean pop culture, including music, TV
dramas, movies, fashion, and beauty trends.
2. K-pop: Korean pop music, commonly referred to as K-pop, has gained immense popularity globally. K-pop groups and solo
artists often feature elaborate choreography, eye-catching visuals, and a wide range of musical styles. They have
passionate fanbases and contribute significantly to South Korea's international cultural influence.
3. TV Dramas (K-dramas): South Korean TV dramas have a dedicated following, both within the country and internationally.
These dramas often explore diverse genres, including romance, historical fiction, thriller, and fantasy, and are known for
their compelling storytelling and high production values.
4. Movies: South Korean cinema has received international acclaim, with filmmakers producing works that explore a wide
range of themes and genres. Films like "Parasite" have won prestigious awards, highlighting the depth and creativity of
South Korean storytelling.
5. Fashion and Beauty Trends: South Korea is known for setting trends in fashion and beauty. K-beauty products and
skincare routines have gained popularity for their innovation and focus on achieving healthy and radiant skin.
6. Cultural Exchange: The global popularity of Korean pop culture has led to increased interest in South Korea's traditional
heritage. Cultural exchange programs and events often showcase traditional art forms, fostering a deeper understanding
of the country's history and artistic achievements.
Architecture:
South Korean architecture blends traditional designs with
modern influences. You can mention traditional hanok houses,
modern skyscrapers in cities like Seoul, and innovative
architectural projects.
Technology:
South Korea is known for its advanced technology sector,
including electronics, semiconductors, and telecommunications.
Companies like Samsung and LG are global leaders in their
respective industries.
Language: