Awe-inspiring Korea
This year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and 15th of August sees the 72th anniversary of Korea’s independence - Gwangbokjeol (Time of the Restoration of Light).
ROK might be known as the Land of the Morning Calm, but its capital Seoul, the powerhouse of Asia’s third-largest economy, is one of the busiest cities in the world.
The country is visited by more than ten million international travelers every year. Korea offers the traveler a dazzling range of experiences, beautiful landscapes, marvelous culture and rich history.
HERITAGE
Studying a society’s heritage is like looking at its cultural and artistic DNA.
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.
Koreans have an intrinsic sense of the aesthetic, a sense of space that shows harmony and adaptation to nature. Such aesthetics can best be understood through the Korean heritage items that are inscribed with UNESCO. Currently, there are 44 such items and locations. These include 12 on the World Heritage List, 19 traditions on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and 13 items on the Memory of the World Register. On top of these, ROK is home to several biosphere reserves.
The Danoje Festival of Gangneung is a syncretism of Confucianism, Buddhism and shamanism can be cited as a good example to this. The Danoje Festival of Gangneung is one of the most historic traditional festivals in Korea.
The fifth day of the fifth month according to the lunar calendar is a special day called Dano. It comes after the rice planting season of early summer and people pray for a good harvest, a big catch at sea and peace in their household. During the festival, Confucian rituals, folk games and shamanistic exorcisms take place side by side. It is a unique, artistic festival that showcases folk religions as well as the traditions of cooperation and harmony that exist in the local community. During the festival, one can visit the Deity Shrine of Daegwallyeong Mountain Pass and the Guks-aseonghwangdang Shrine. There is also the Gwanno Mask-dance Drama (once performed by government servants), folk games and a shaman ritual.
SPECIAL DAYS
People in every country have special days within the lifecycle. Koreans remain heavily influenced by Confucianism, which stresses the magnitude of key four ceremonies: the coming-of-age, marriage, funeral, and sacrifices to deceased ancestors.
To Koreans, a marriage is not just a union of a man and woman but also the union of two families. In traditional times, the bridegroom-to-be went to the house of the bride-to-be for the wedding ceremony and then spent the first three days there before bringing his bride to his own home. Today, however, Western-style ceremony (with some modifications) is preferred to the traditional type, and it is held at a wedding hall, hotel, or church.
SEOUL
Seoul has served as a capital for various Korean kingdoms for at least two millennia. 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.
The capital city is home to Korea’s major cultural sites, including many palaces. The five grand Joseon palaces-Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Gyeong-ungung (now Deoksugung) and Gyeonghuigung-connect the past and present. Visitors feel as if they have been transported back to the past as they step over the threshold into these majestic royal residences.
As Seoul served as the starting point of the modern state of ROK, 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 culture from a modern perspective.
Shopping in Seoul is fun and easy. Myeong-dong is the most famous shopping area, where locals and foreign visitors alike fill department stores, arcades and diverse restaurants.
Namdaemun Market is the biggest open market in Korea, where clothes, food and other everyday items are sold.
The city also has many museums, each with its own type of displays. In recent years, theme museums have been attracting many visitors.
CULTURE AND ARTS
The popularity of Korean pop culture and the arts has already 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, directors 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 following four pillars of the culture industry.
Korean pop songs, generally branded as “K-pop” since the mid2000s, have earned fans around the world. Korean teenage idols have dominated Asia’s pop charts with their upbeat rhythms, catchy tunes and lyrics and stylish dance moves. Pop music exports have succeeded in enhancing the overall image of “Brand Korea,” a feat never envisioned in other industries.
Boasting unique stories, spectacular cinematography and creative scripts, Korean movies have positioned themselves at the forefront of the cultural content landscape.
Many acclaimed directors such as Im Kwon-taek, Lee Chang-dong, Bong Jun-ho, Kim Ki-deok, and Park Chanwook have succeeded in connecting with audiences worldwide.
Korean TV Dramas are winning the hearts of viewers at home and abroad.
Beauty of Hanbok
While traveling throughout Korea, there are many ways to get a glimpse of the nation’s traditions and culture; trying the food or visiting ancient buildings to name a few, but nothing compares to trying on hanbok, the traditional clothing of ROK.
Although hanbok is generally only worn on special occasions or during national holidays, it is growing in popularity among young couples and international visitors. The eye-pleasing combination of straight and curved lines suits all body types.
National Flower
The national flower of Korea is mugunghwa, or rose of Sharon, which comes into bloom from July to October every year. Profusions of the blossom gracefully decorate the entire nation during that time, providing a view which has been loved by all Korean for many years. It is also the favorite plant of the people as 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.
ARCHITECTURE
The traditional-style private dwellings in Korea are called hanok, which have evolved over time. However a certain basic tradition remains: The hanok has a wood frame, walls and floor of clay, and either thatched-straw or tiled roof. As such, the structure "breathes," allowing the proper amount of ventilation yet blocking the winter chill. The interior is not too humid in the summer rainy season and warm in winter. The ondol heating system in the floor is highly efficient, and an open area with wooden floor is built between the two bedrooms to serve as a living room that is cool in summer. The ideal placement is facing south, which allows more sunshine in the winter while avoiding the most intense rays of the sun in the summer.
The hanok began to disappear in large numbers during the 1980s, as Koreans flocked to the more convenient apartments or Western-style single family dwellings. Recently, however, the traditional Korean home, with its environment friendly features, has again become popular among the health-conscious.
High-rise (15+ stories) multiunit housing called "apartments" in Korea (or condominiums in the West because they are owned, not rented) are found throughout Korea. More than half of the population live in apartments and 68.9 percent say they prefer them to other types of housing. The first apartment buildings were constructed in the 1960s to ease the housing shortage in large cities. Since then, apartment design and quality have improved greatly.
A building that has both residential and commercial space is called jusang-bokhap (mixeduse) and an example of the greater versatility in modern architectural design. The commercial facilities typically occupy the second through fourth floors, and the upper stories are residential.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
South Korea’s compact size and superb transport infrastructure mean that tranquillity can be found in easy reach of the urban sprawl. Hike to the summits of craggy mountains enclosed by densely forested national parks. Some of those same mountains transform into ski slopes come winter. Get further off the beaten path than you thought possible by sailing to remote islands, where farming and fishing folk welcome you into their homes and simple seafood cafes. Chill out in serene villages surrounded by rice fields, sleeping in rustic hanok (traditional wooden house) guesthouses.
Highlights include scenic Jejudo, the largest island in Korea, the port city of Busan, historic sites and Buddhist temples. Visits to these places will provide greater insight into Korean tradition and history.
Juju-do (Island) is pristine volcanic island and world-class tourist destination. The island is renowned for its natural environment, open fields, beaches and mountains. UNESCO designated Jeju-do a world natural heritage. It is a popular place among Koreans for honeymoons and family trips, offering visitors a wide range of things to see and do such as eco-tours and water sports.
Busan is Korea's second largest city and the world's fifth largest port--an important international logistics center with beautiful coastline and mountains. In addition, the areas offer many sights worth seeing and festivals of all kinds.
Jeolla-do Province: World famous dolmen sites
The Korean Peninsula is home to about 40% of the ancient, giant rock tombs known to exist in the world today. Many of these megalithic constructions are concentrated in Jeolla-do Province, with the Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa dolmen sites being inscribed as UNESCO world heritage sites. These giant stone sites have great research value, as they are well preserved and have diverse forms and designs. They are important items, inspiring our imagination and curiosity about our prehistoric world.
Deoksugung Palace’s Daehanmun Gate
A traditional changing of the guards ceremony takes place every day of the week, excluding Mondays, in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace, a palace of the Joseon Dynasty located in Seoul’s Jung-gu.
In addition to viewing the fascinating progression of the changing of the guard, visitors can also stop by the hanbok rental booth in front of the main gate to try on traditional guard uniforms and other hanbok for free. Just sign your name on the list and wait your turn, then the staff at the booth will help you try on the item of your choice. Given the opportunity to both witness the changing of the guard ceremony and pretend you’re a guard as well, it’s a popular attraction among international visitors.
Unhyeongung Royal Residence
Located in Anguk-dong is Unhyeongung Royal Residence, which functioned as the personal residence of Heungseon Daewongun, a politician and the father of King Gojong.
The building serves as a wonderful example of the housing used by the aristocracy in the late Joseon Dynasty (1820-1898). It has also become more known recently due to being used as a filming site for the popular drama “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016).”
Hwaseong Haenggung
Sitting at the base of Mt Paldal, King Jeongjo’s palace was built in the late 18th century as a place for him to stay on his visits. It's been meticulously reconstructed after being destroyed during the Japanese Occupation. From March to November, various traditional performances are held at the plaza in front of the palace, including a changing of the guard ceremony and martial-arts display.
Every October a grand royal procession is reenacted as part of Suwon’s annual festival.
FOOD
Korean cuisine was also influenced by the well-defined four seasons and by the regional 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.
In Korea, staying healthy and cool during the summer is all about what you eat. Many Koreans try to beat the heat and counteract summer fatigue by eating cool dishes, as well as warm, healthy foods that are known for their restorative powers.
Come to experience the diverse tastes and stories of Korean cuisine, filled with history, meaning and delicious taste!
ECONOMY
During the past half century, ROK achieved one of the world's fastest economic growth rates. Many foreigners visit Korea to learn about it and to benchmark Koreans' economic success. Korean enterprises are playing an ever-larger role in the global marketplace, and the future potential of the Korean economy remains the focus of world attention.
Key industries and highways began to be built in the 1960s, and foreign capital was brought in, resulting in a dramatic success dubbed the "Miracle on the Han River." The agricultural nation was rapidly industrialized and economic growth was led by exports, achieving a trade surplus.
Realization of the "economic miracle” would not have been possible without the sacrifices and hard work of all Koreans. Other factors include low-cost labor, a favorable international political climate, the emergence of new markets in the 1960s, technical innovations, discovery of new resources, changes in the aid policies, and the development of highly competitive human resources.
SPORTS
Korea rises as a new sports powerhouse and hosts a range of international sporting events, from the Asian Games to the Olympics and the World Cup. Team Korea regularly picks up gold medals. This success has been driven by the nation’s renowned sports development program producing numerous home-grown athletes.
Taekwondo has long helped to make Korea better known to the world. This Korean martial art form uses fast kicking and punching techniques. The origins were developed as self defense against wild animals, requiring the movements to be instant and fast. Over time, blocking, kicking and punching evolved to create the Taekwondo of today.
Taekwondo does not condone aggressive violence; self-defense is the purpose. People practice the art to prevent violence, exercising patience and control gained after long and hard training.
Football is special to Koreans. Of course, many other countries may have better players and teams, but few exhibit the emotion Koreans do when their team competes internationally. Koreans come together to back their team, making it a major festival.
PYEONGCHANG 2018
The XXIII Olympic Winter Games will be held for 17 days from 9 to 25 February 2018 in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province, the Republic of Korea. The PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games will be held for 10 days from 9 to 18 March, 2018 in PyeongChang.
PyeongChang is a place of global festivals that inspires each other and symbolises a place where Koreans share their warm affection. It also expresses the Olympic spirit and the warm heartedness of Koreans.
PyeongChang was selected as the host city of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games after receiving a majority vote at the 123rd IOC Session held on 7 July 2011 after three consecutive bids. The Olympic Winter Games will be held in Korea for the first time in 30 years after the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988. PyeongChang will be the stage for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and most snow sports. Alpine speed events will take place in Jeongseon, and all ice sports will be competed in the coastal city of Gangneung.
The world’s best athletes will compete on Asia’s centre stage to launch New Horizons in winter sports and create a sustainable legacy for Gangwon Province and the Republic of Korea.
Slogan: Passion.Connected. Passion.Connected refers to a world in which everyone is connected with shared passion for winter sports, a world open to any generation anywhere, anytime, to open new horizons in the continued growth of winter sports.