General

The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is located on the eastern edge of the Asian continent. The total area of South Korea is 99,538㎢ and its population is approximately 50 million. The capital of South Korea is Seoul. Neighbors include China to the west separated by the Yellow Sea, and Japan to the east and south just across the South Sea. To the north lies North Korea and just beyond the boundaries of the Amnok and Duman Rivers in North Korea are China and Russia.

History

The first nation to be established on the Korean peninsula was Gojoseon founded by Dangun in 2333 B.C. Gojoseon was the first of many tribal nations to rise and fall on the Korean peninsula until the ancient kingdoms of Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje were founded. In 688, the divided country was unified by the Silla kingdom. After the era of a unified Silla kingdom, Korea experienced the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties which contributed greatly to the shape it has today.

The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is located on the eastern edge of the Asian continent. The total area of South Korea is 99,538㎢ and its population is approximately 50 million. The capital of South Korea is Seoul. Neighbors include China to the west separated by the Yellow Sea, and Japan to the east and south just across the South Sea. To the north lies North Korea and just beyond the boundaries of the Amnok and Duman Rivers in North Korea are China and Russia.

Terrain & Climate

Korea is surrounded by water on three sides and has a magnificent landscape with many mountains and rivers.

As for the climate, Korea is a temperate region with four distinct seasons. Spring comes in March with clear skies and warm weather and lasts until May. In June, July, and August, the temperature goes up, and during the monsoon season from late June to early July, the weather can get quite hot and humid. In September, October, and November the temperature cools down, but the diurnal temperature ranges become larger. Winters in Korea which begin in December and last until February, are usually cold and dry.

Culture

	Despite rapid industrialization, Korea still embodies much agricultural tradition and culture, because it was originally a farming community. Also, the influences of Confucianism and Buddhism enrich Korea's culture even today. Korea's filial pietyand respect for elders originates from Confucian teachings and Buddhist elements strongly remain in Korean culture.
	In addition, Korea has many traditional holidays such as Chuseok (harvest festival), Seol (Lunar New Year),Jeongwol (First full moon of the

	year), and Dano (start of summer, May 5 by lunar calendar). Koreans spend their traditional holidays with family and share authentic dishes.
	Also, Koreans use a unique alphabet called "Hangul," which was created by King Sejong the Great in 1443.

People & Customs

	Koreans are basically diligent and polite. Having good manners is very important to Koreans, and because of a rich tradition in confucianism, it is quite common to see young people offer their seats to elders in the subway or bus.
	Koreans speak in an honorific tone when addressing an older person, and the younger person is obliged to bow to the older person first unless he wants to be regarded as impolite. It is also bad manners for the younger person to smoke in front of an elder.
	Another characteristic of Korean people is that they are full of affection for their fellow neighbors and have a strong sense solidarity. The collective cheers of Korean supporters and the "Red Devils" during the 2002 World Cup are a good example Koreans showing their unity to the world.
	Traditionally, Koreans are a people that enjoy song, dance, and wine. They are accustomed to sharing in celebration, so they offer each other drinks, and fill one another's empty glass. An empty glass should always be filled to the brim and it is against tradition to refill a glass that is not empty. Also, when pouring a drink or receiving one from an elder, the younger person should use both hands to be polite.