Land
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 Jeju-do, Ulleung-do and Dok-do (Liancourt Rocks). The 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 100,140 sq km, and it has a population of 48.7 million people (2009).At present, the Korean peninsular is separated by a Demilitarized Zone at roughly the 38th parallel: the Republic of Korea in the south and Communist North Korea.
The Republic of Korea consists of nine provinces(do); the capital Seoul; and the six metropolitan cities of Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon and Ulsan. In total, there are 77 cities(shi) and 88 counties(gun).
Geographic position - Between 33˚ and 43˚ north latitude, and 124˚ and 131˚ east longitude (including North Korea).Highest mountains in S. Korea - Hallasan on Jeju Island, 1,950 meters (6,400 ft); Jirisan, 1,915 meters (6,283 ft); and Seoraksan, 1,708 meters (5,604 ft)
Rivers - Nakdonggang, 522 km (324 miles); Han-gang, 494 km (307 miles); Geumgang, 396 km (246 miles)
Climate
Korea is fully within the temperate zone and has four distinct seasons.Spring begins in late March or early April as the trees burst into leaf. Rainfall comes in the form of occasional drizzles from March to May. Summer in Korea is relatively hot and rainy, and the vegetation is very lush. In June the temperatures rise above 20 C [ 68 F ] , and at the end of June the monsoon rains usually begin. Rainfall is heaviest in July. Autumn is rather short and lasts from the end of September to November . The air blows in from the continent bringing clear, dry weather. With the golden and red hues of the autumn foliage, this is the most pleasant season in the year. The winter weather is cold and dry from December to February, though spells of cold weather normally alternate with days of warmer weather . there is occasional rain or snow during this season.
Flora And Fauna
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The Climate conditions of the Korean peninsula result in a rich and diverse flora : some 201 families of plants with 3,347 species are endemic to Korea. The peninsula is best divided into three botanical regions : North, Central, and South. The northern region is characterized by extensive alpine flora; Conifers such as Fir and Pine also abound as well as Oak , Beech, Cedar, Larch, and Birch. Many types of Rhododendrons are native to Korea, especially in the north region.
In the central region pines and deciduous trees such as Beech, Oak, and Chestnut thrive. Rowan trees, Ash, Catkins, Linden trees, Plane trees, Forsythia and Rhododendrons transform the landscape with their blossom and foliage.
The third botanical region, the south, is home to a variety of Camelias, Azaleas, Aralias, and Ginkgo trees. This south region also has many heathers and medicinal herbs, including the famous cure-all Ginseng.
Korea's indigenous fauna includes the Korean black Bear, the Mandarin field vole, Tristram's woodpecker, Deer, and various kinds of Pheasant. The country also has 379 birds species ( of which 266 are migratory), 130 fish species, 14 amphibians and 25 types of reptiles.
Traditionally, the most famous of Korean fauna is the Korean Tiger (Siberian Tiger: Panthera Tigris Altaica). Although no longer found on peninsula, this species was once scattered widely in Korea. The Tiger is a familiar figure in Korean myths and legends; in fact, a tiger and a bear are mythical ancestors of the Korean race.
Another famous animal is the Chindo dog from the island of Chindo off Korea's southwest coast. This animal is a popular watch dog and well known for its faithfulness and strength.
The Climate conditions of the Korean peninsula result in a rich and diverse flora : some 201 families of plants with 3,347 species are endemic to Korea. The peninsula is best divided into three botanical regions : North, Central, and South. The northern region is characterized by extensive alpine flora; Conifers such as Fir and Pine also abound as well as Oak , Beech, Cedar, Larch, and Birch. Many types of Rhododendrons are native to Korea, especially in the north region.In the central region pines and deciduous trees such as Beech, Oak, and Chestnut thrive. Rowan trees, Ash, Catkins, Linden trees, Plane trees, Forsythia and Rhododendrons transform the landscape with their blossom and foliage.
The third botanical region, the south, is home to a variety of Camelias, Azaleas, Aralias, and Ginkgo trees. This south region also has many heathers and medicinal herbs, including the famous cure-all Ginseng.
Korea's indigenous fauna includes the Korean black Bear, the Mandarin field vole, Tristram's woodpecker, Deer, and various kinds of Pheasant. The country also has 379 birds species ( of which 266 are migratory), 130 fish species, 14 amphibians and 25 types of reptiles.
Traditionally, the most famous of Korean fauna is the Korean Tiger (Siberian Tiger: Panthera Tigris Altaica). Although no longer found on peninsula, this species was once scattered widely in Korea. The Tiger is a familiar figure in Korean myths and legends; in fact, a tiger and a bear are mythical ancestors of the Korean race.
Another famous animal is the Chindo dog from the island of Chindo off Korea's southwest coast. This animal is a popular watch dog and well known for its faithfulness and strength.
The Koreans, whose ancestors used to live in northeastern Asia, mostly in Liaoshi, Manchuria and the Korean peninsula, have developed into a highly homogeneous people.
Ethnically, Koreans belong to the Mongolian race, but for centuries the people have maintained their own unique language, culture and customs.
Koreans have been called one of the hardest working peoples in the world, yet they have not sacrificed traditional traits of generosity and warmth. Visitors often remark that Koreans are among the friendliest people they have met anywhere.
Language
Hangeul – Korea’s Official AlphabetHangeul (한글), Korea’s official alphabet, was first invented by King Sejong during the Choson Dynasty. Originally called Hunminjeongeum (훈민정음), the language was conceived in 1443, and further promulgated by the King in 1446. At the time of its inception, the language consisted of 17 consonants and 11 vowels however, since then, 3 of the originally established consonants and 1 vowel have fallen into disuse bringing the total number of characters to 24. Syllables are formed by the selective combination of vowels and consonants to create words.The official name for the Korean language was changed to 'Hangeul' in 1910. Hunminjeongeum Proclamation Day was called ‘Gagya Proclamation Day’ up until 1926, and it wasn't until 1928 that it was changed to its current title, ‘Hangeul Proclamation Day’. The chart below represents the 24 Hangeul characters together with their romanized equivalents. 'The Hunminjeongeum,' a historical document which provides instructions to educate people on the use of Hangeul, is registered with UNESCO. UNESCO awards a 'King Sejong Literacy Prize,' every year in memory of the inventor of Hangeul. Hangeul written in syllabic units made up of two, three, or four letters.
Hangeul – Korea’s Official AlphabetHangeul (한글), Korea’s official alphabet, was first invented by King Sejong during the Choson Dynasty. Originally called Hunminjeongeum (훈민정음), the language was conceived in 1443, and further promulgated by the King in 1446. At the time of its inception, the language consisted of 17 consonants and 11 vowels however, since then, 3 of the originally established consonants and 1 vowel have fallen into disuse bringing the total number of characters to 24. Syllables are formed by the selective combination of vowels and consonants to create words.The official name for the Korean language was changed to 'Hangeul' in 1910. Hunminjeongeum Proclamation Day was called ‘Gagya Proclamation Day’ up until 1926, and it wasn't until 1928 that it was changed to its current title, ‘Hangeul Proclamation Day’. The chart below represents the 24 Hangeul characters together with their romanized equivalents. 'The Hunminjeongeum,' a historical document which provides instructions to educate people on the use of Hangeul, is registered with UNESCO. UNESCO awards a 'King Sejong Literacy Prize,' every year in memory of the inventor of Hangeul. Hangeul written in syllabic units made up of two, three, or four letters.
Exploring Korea
According to legend, the mythical figure Dan-gun founded Gojoseon, the first Korean Kingdom, in 2333 B.C. Subsequently, several tribes moved from the southern part of Manchuria to the Korean Peninsula.
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Buddhism first made its way into Korea in the 2nd year (A.D. 372) of the reign of King Sosurim of the Goguryeo Kingdom. After its introduction, Buddhism exerted a powerful influence in the Baekje Kingdom and Silla Kingdom. The Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto, which are designated as World Cultural Heritage sites by UNESCO, are Buddhist creations from the Silla Kingdom that are said to reflect the importance of Buddhism at this time.[Read more]
If you're the kind of person who enjoys the great outdoors, you are in for a treat. There are 20 national parks in Korea for you to choose from, including three marine parks. The first designated national park also happens to be the largest, Jirisan National park located in the southwest. Parks are home to a variety of wildlife, and have been kept in remarkably pristine condition.[Read more]
Seoul was a seat of government in the Paekche Kingdom, more than 1,500 years ago. But the city's real genesis began in 1394, when it became the capital of the Choson Dynasty(1394-1910). Seoul will celebrate its 616th anniversary in 2010.[Read more]
Onyang is about an hour's drive south of Seoul on the Seoul-Pusan Expressway. This hot spring area is a popular honeymoon retreat.
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Midway along the Honam Expressway is Chonju, Korea's seventh largest city. Here you can find shops specializing in Korea's traditional mulberry paper, Hanji; is used in Caligraphy and making umbrellas, fans and other items. Chonju is famous for its gourmet dishes including Pibimpap (a large bowl of rice mixed with combination of vegetables and minced meat). People say: "Don't leave Chonju without tasting them".[Read more]
It is just south of Mt. Soraksan, is equally beautiful, and it is the site of Wolchongsa Temple, one of the oldest temples of the Shilla Kingdom, and Sangwonsa Temple, famous for its bronze bell cast in 725 A.D[Read more]
They are two well known tourist sites on the southern outskirts of Halim town. The cave contains stalactites and stalagmites. Winds have blown calcium-rich sand over the ground, and rain water has carried the calcium down into the cave to form these icicle-like columns. Another caves are Manjanggul and Kimnyongsagul Cave are situated close by each other on the northeast coast. Manjanggul cave is the longest lava tube in the world, it is over 10 km long.[Read more]
