I will explain the reason why I like it so much but before, I want to give some information about this country.
History
Korea's legendary foundation by the mythical
king Tangun in BC 2333 embodies the homogeneity and self-sufficiency valued by
the Korean people. Korea experienced many invasions by its larger neighbors in
its 2,000 years of recorded history. The country repelled numerous foreign
invasions despite domestic strife, in part due to its protected status in the
Sino-centric regional political model during Korea's Joseon dynasty
(1392-1910). Historical antipathies to foreign influence earned Korea the title
of "Hermit Kingdom" in the 19th century.With declining Chinese power and a weakened
domestic posture at the end of the 19th century, Korea was open to Western and
Japanese encroachment. In 1910, Japan began a 35-year period of colonial rule
over Korea. As a result of Japan's efforts to supplant the Korean language and
aspects of Korean culture, memories of Japanese annexation still recall fierce
animosity and resentment, especially among older Koreans. Nevertheless, since
import restrictions on Japanese movies, popular music, fashion, and the like
were lifted in the 1990s, many Koreans, especially the younger generations,
have eagerly followed Japanese pop culture. Aspects of Korean culture,
including television shows and movies, have also become popular in Japan.
On
August 15, 1948 the Republic of Korea (R.O.K.) was established, with Syngman
Rhee as the first President. On September 9, 1948 the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea (D.P.R.K.) was established under Kim Il Sung.On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces invaded
South Korea. Led by the U.S., a 16-member coalition undertook the first
collective action under United Nations Command (UNC). The Armistice Agreement was signed by representatives
of the Korean People's Army, the Chinese People's Volunteers, and the U.S.-led
UNC. The war left almost three
million Koreans dead or wounded and millions of others homeless and separated
from their families. As you know, Turkey sent its troops to help Korean people and they fought together against North Korean forces.
Population
Korea's population is one of the most ethnically
and linguistically homogenous in the world. Virtually all Koreans share a
common cultural and linguistic heritage. There is a small Chinese community
(about 20,000), and there are rising rates of interracial marriage. With 48.7
million people inhabiting an area roughly the size of Indiana, South Korea has
one of the world's highest population densities. Major population centers are
located in the northwest, southeast, and in the plains south of the
Seoul-Incheon area.
Language
The Korean language is related to Japanese and
Mongolian. Although it differs grammatically from Chinese and does not use
tones, a large number of Chinese cognates exist in Korean. The learned class spoke Korean, but read and wrote Chinese. A vernacular
writing system ("hangul") was invented in the 15th century by King
Sejong to provide a writing system for commoners who could not read classical
Chinese. Modern Korean uses hangul almost exclusively with Chinese characters
in limited use for word clarification. Approximately 1,300 Chinese characters
are used in modern Korean. English is taught as a second language in most
primary and secondary schools. Chinese is also widely taught at secondary
schools.
Korean Society &
Culture
Korean Family Values
. The family is the most important part of Korean life.
. In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is
his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter, and to approve the
marriages of family members.
. The eldest son has special duties: first to his parents, then to his
brothers from older to younger, then to his sons, then to his wife, and lastly
to his daughters.
. Family welfare is much more important than the needs of the individual.
. Members of the family are tied to each other because the actions of one
family member reflect on the rest of the family.
Confucianism
. The teachings of Confucius describe the position of the
individual in Korean society.
. It is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of
people towards one another based upon their relationship. . Confucianism stresses duty,
loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority, and sincerity.
. Children are raised to believe they can never repay their debt to their
parents, hence the popularity of ancestor worship.
. They hold ancestral ceremonies for the previous three generations
(parents, grandparents, and great grandparents) several times a year,
particularly on Chusok and New Year's Day.
I'm going on natural beauties of Korea. (^ ^) In South Korea, there are many touristic places. I start with Busan.
Even though Busan is
primarily a port city, it has developed into an important tourist destination
of South Korea because of its mild weather. Shopping in the markets of Busan,
having a delicious meal in one of the seafood restaurants, going for a tour to
the historic sites of the city, taking in a breath of fresh air in the
mountains and springs, – these are some of the things to do in Busan.
Busan Martyrdom is also important for us. 462 of our soldiers who were killed in the Korean War lie in this martyrdom.
A total of 2300 soldiers from 11 countries lie in the martyrdom. After the English (885),the maximum number of graves belongs to our soldiers.
The cost of joining NATO is result with
approximately 751 martyrs who died in the Korean War and175 soldiers who had lost. It's tragic actually.
. In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter, and to approve the marriages of family members.
. The eldest son has special duties: first to his parents, then to his brothers from older to younger, then to his sons, then to his wife, and lastly to his daughters.
. Family welfare is much more important than the needs of the individual.
. Members of the family are tied to each other because the actions of one family member reflect on the rest of the family.
. It is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards one another based upon their relationship. . Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority, and sincerity.
. Children are raised to believe they can never repay their debt to their parents, hence the popularity of ancestor worship.
. They hold ancestral ceremonies for the previous three generations (parents, grandparents, and great grandparents) several times a year, particularly on Chusok and New Year's Day.
I must continue mentioning ambulatory places.
Ulleungdo is a South Korean island in East Sea
Jeju Island, also known as Cheju Island, is located off of the southern coast of mainland South Korea. It is an absolutely stunning natural environment complete with gorgeous white-sand beaches.
Ulleungdo is a South Korean island in East Sea
That's enough for now, I think. I want to go there and I believe I'll do it someday. (^ ^)
