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The Land of Morning
Calm
Republic of Korea, located on East corner of continental
Asia, is connected with mainland China to North and the
peninsula surrounded by the sea in other three sides. The
country has temperate climate of four seasons, with scenery
changing beautifully according to each season. Korea is
known as "Land of Oriental Courtesy" of "
Land of Morning Calm".
Treasury in Orient
Koreans have long been known as people who have maintained
love for the arts throughout their country's 5000 years of
history. The characteristic has helped Korea to continue
to be treasury of highly sophisticated arts in various
fields. In particular, Buddhist sculptures and golden
artifacts of Unified Silla Dynasty (668-936), celadon of
Koryo Dynasty (918-1392) and "intangible
treasures" of dance and music are acknowledged as the
most unique among Korean arts, loved for their simple, but
elegant and exquisite beauty.
East and West Breathe Together
The impact of Western culture and the effects of
industrialization have brought Korea steadily through
transition from the best-kept secret in Orient to one of
the busiest centers in the world.
Skyscrapers, huge apartment complexes, modern
transportation facilities, wide range of household
appliances and variety of Western-style entertainment, all
these can make one think at times that he is in another
industrialized nation in West.
Behind this appearance of Westernization, however,
Koreans' traditional consciousness and way of life remain
deeply rooted. Koreans still attach the highest value in
human relationships to Confucian virtues of loyalty to the
nation, filial piety, respect for one's elders and trust
between friends.
They retain strong affection for traditional food, dress
and tiled roofs with graceful, upswept lines. Koreans thus
remain exclusively Korean even in this fast changing
modern society.
Education
As a result of the influence of Confucianism, education is
regarded as supremely important pursuit among Korean
People.
Through this tradition, Korea maintains abundant reservoir
of human resources, considered one of the major
contributors to its economic success.
While in the past education has aimed purely at
scholarship, it is desired today at more practical and
productive learning. This trend is adding to the
ever-increasing numbers of technical and professional
institutions.
Religion
People in Korea are free to pursue any religious faith or
belief they choose. Nearly all the world's great religions
are practiced, including Buddhism, Confucianism,
Christianity, "Chondo-gyo", Islam and even
Shamanism.
Buddhism, once the state religion, has the largest number
of followers. Christianity is second in popularity
(Catholic and Protestant), followed by Chondo-gyo, nation
alistic religion founded in 1891, and then Islam.
Sports
Among Korea's traditional sports, "Taekwondo",
marital art, was practiced early as 37 BC.
The Beauty of the Four Seasons
Korea, with its mysterious beauties, abundant and unique
historical and cultural heritage, and four distinct
seasons, is well on its way to becoming one of the most
popular places to visit in Far East.
Inexhaustible panorama unfolds before the visitors,
ranging from snow-covered valleys to island bedecked with
orange blossoms; from subtly scented azaleas to blazing
maple trees; and from deserted palace courtyards to
teeming market-places.
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