South Korea

Location
The Republic of Korea, commonly known as South Korea, is an East Asian country, located
in the southern part of the Korean peninsula. Its territory includes the southern half of the
Korean peninsula encompassing some three thousand islands that surround it, including
Jeju, Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Approximately half of the country's population lives in Seoul or
in the metropolitan area.
Surface:​99,143 km².
Situation and limits:​ to the north with the People's Democratic Republic of
Korea, to the east is the Sea of ​Japan, to the South the Strait of Korea
that separates it from Japan and to the west the yellow sea.

border:​The Demilitarized Zone of Korea (ZDC) (hangul: 한반도 의 군사 분계선, revised

romanization: Hanbando-eui Gunsa Bungeseon, McCune-Reischauer: Hanpanto'eui Kunsa
Punkesǒn) ?, also known as the inter-Korean border, is a security strip that protects the
territorial limit of truce between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)
and the Republic of Korea (South Korea). Established in 1953, it measures 4 km wide and
238 km long.

population:​South Korea, with a population of 51,454,000 people.

capital:​Seoul (hangul: 서울); Capital is the capital of South Korea since the creation of this
republic in 1948 and the historical capital of Korea for more than 600 years. It forms an
administrative unit of its own within the Korean state. It is located in the northwest of the
country about 50 kilometers from the demilitarized zone that separates the two Koreas.

river:​The main rivers are the Han and the Naktong, which are born in the mountainous
system of Taebaek. The Han goes towards the west coast to end in the Yellow Sea after 514
km and pass through Seoul, while the Naktong, of longer length (525 km), circulates in a
southerly direction until reaching the waters of the Korea Strait.
main mountains:​The most important mountains of this esteemed country are three,
Hallasan (한라산), Jirisan (지리산) and Seoraksan (서락 산).
Hallasan (한라산): it is the highest mountain of the Asian country of about 1,950msnm is
located on the island of Jeju (제주도)Jirisan (지리산): This national park is the second
highest mountain in the country measuring 1,915 masl, located between the provinces of
Jeollanam-do (전란 남도), Jeollabuk-do (전란 북도) and Gyeongsangnam-do
(경상남도).Seoraksan (서락 산): Although the two previous ones are the highest, this is the
most extensive of the national territory, its altitude is of 1.708msnm and its land measures
around 163.6 square kilometers is located in the east and center of the Korean peninsula
and covers the areas of Injegun (인제군), Yangyanggun (양양군) and Sokchosi (속초시).

main islands:​Jeju and Nami; the first the largest and with several volcanoes, including an
excursion to the highest peak in all of South Korea, the Hallasan volcano. The second, the
maximum expression of autumn colors in Korea. A pleasure for the eyes that no traveler
should miss.

main mountains:​Baektu-san 백두산 (Ryanggang)

Considered the most beautiful mountain in Korea, it is located in the province of Ryanggang,
on the border between Jilin Province in China. The Janggun peak is the highest peak of this
mountain and the entire Korean peninsula, with a maximum altitude of 2750 m.
Geumgang-san 금강산 (Gangwon)
These mountains (also transliterated as Kumgang-san) are located in the east-center of the
Korean peninsula and are part of the Taebaek mountain range (태백 산맥). The highest
point is the Biro peak (비로봉), at 1639 m height. It is one of the sacred mountains for
Buddhism, and a reflection of it are the remaining Buddhist engravings and temples.
Myohyang-san 묘향산 (North Pyongan)
On the border between the provinces of Pyongan del Norte, Pyongan del Sur and Chagang
are the Myohyang mountains. Legend has it that in these mountains was the home of King
Dangun, the mythical father of the Korean people. Although the Myohyang mountains have
many summits, the highest is the Piro peak (비로봉) with 1909 meters of height. Bukhan-san
북한산 (Seoul)
These mountains completely surrounded by urban areas are located in the northwest of
Seoul and the province of Gyeonggi. Bukhan Mountain has dozens of ravines and granite
peaks with crystal clear streams flowing between them, creating a sense of harmony
between water and mountains. It has 14 maximum day hiking routes, such as the Escondida
Wall (Sumeunbyeok 숨은 벽 능선) that ends between Baekwundae (백운대) and Insu
(인수봉, the most famous peak of all). The route of the Uisang Peak (의상봉 능선) is the
most difficult of all; or we can make the famous path of the Bukhansan Fortress (북한산성
코스) where we will discover a fortress built two thousand years ago called Bukhansan
seong .Gyeryong-san 계룡산 (Chungcheong South)
The Gyeryong Mountains are located in the South Chungcheong Province, in the center of
the triangle of Gongju-Daejeon-Nonsan cities. Among its 15 peaks, the highest, the
Cheonhwang peak (천황봉) rises to 845 m in height. In this sacred space full of popular
legends and with an excellent location for Korean geomancy or Pungsujiri (풍수지리)
highlights the Yongmun 용문 폭포 (west), Eunseon 은선 폭포 (east) and Amyongchu (암
용추 폭포) waterfalls and Sutyongchu (to the south). Halla-san 한라산 (Jeju Island)
Halla-san, with its 1950 m, is the highest mountain in South Korea and rises in the very
center of Jeju Island. This ancient volcano has more than 360 peaks around the main
mountain in the shape of false volcano cones that are called Oreum (오름). In addition, its
animal and plant wealth make it an irresistible place for nature lovers.

lakes:​Anapji pond in Gyeongju is one of the major tourist attractions. Anapji, which means
Goose & Duck lake, is an artificial pond in Gyeongju National Park. It was once a part of the
royal palace complex of ancient Silla dynasty( One of the three kingdoms of Korea & one of
the world’s longest sustained dynasties).
Lake Jinyang (in Korean: 진양호) is a reservoir that covers parts of Jinju and Sacheon in
Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. The surface of the water covers approximately 29 km². It
was formed in 1970, by the construction of a dam where the Gyeongho and Deokcheon
rivers join to form the Nam River.
tourist and historical places:​One of the first things to visit in Seoul are the Five Royal
Palaces. These beautiful buildings date back to the 14th century and have been preserved
despite the passage of time.
Ancient homes of royalty, are one of the great symbols of the dynasties that defined Seoul
for several centuries. Although each of the palaces is as fascinating as it is complex, the two
must-sees are Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.
Gyeongbokgung Palace was founded in 1395 and served as the main headquarters of the
dynasty for more than 500 years. It contains several spectacular rooms and pavilions of
traditional style, a beautiful pond of lotus flowers and multiple relics considered Cultural
Heritage.
The Changdeokgung or East Palace, was built in 1104 and is recognized as a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO. It has an endless number of beautiful spaces to visit, such as the
back garden with 300-year-old trees, ponds, pavilions, and a passage that connects with a
sanctuary. At 236 meters high, the Namsam Seoul Tower was once the tallest structure in
Asia. And, although it has already been overcome, it is still one of the places to visit in Seoul.
Another one of the luhares to visit in Seoul is the iconic Cheonggyecheon. It is a popular
project of recreation and urban renewal that borders the stream of the same name.
It stretches for 11 kilometers and offers multiple public spaces to leave behind the urban
bustle without leaving the city. Located in the heart of the city, the fascinating Insadong
neighborhood is a place that every tourist has to visit in Seoul. It concentrates a large
number of establishments and places dedicated to "the culture of the past and the present" A
great option to discover the most spiritual side of Seoul is the Bongeunsa Temple. It is an
admirable traditional construction that dates back to 794 and belongs to the Buddhist
religion. It also has almost 5000 scriptures of 13 different types that include works by Kim
Jeong-hui, one of the great masters of Korean calligraphy. One of the best places to visit in
Seoul to discover its culture! The gateway to the most traditional side of Seoul, Bukchon
Hanok is a picturesque residential neighborhood with 600 years of history and a must-see in
Seoul. In it, there are many traditional constructions, craft workshops and typical places to
eat as it was done centuries agoago.
Surrounded by several of the Royal Palaces, in this area there are 900 traditional Korean
houses known as "hanok”

Languages:​Korean, also known as Hangul, is the national and official language in South
Korea and North Korea.

currency:​The South Korean Won is the currency of Korea (South)

President:​Moon Jae-in

fficial religions:​cording to the latest surveys, the majority of the population, 54.58%, is a
believer in South Korea. The majority religion is Christianity. 28.59% of its population
professes it.
In recent years the percentage of believers has remained, has gone from 54.58% to 54.58%.
Regarding Christianity has not changed, in the previous survey professed 28.59% and
according to the latest data professes 28.59% of the population
popular sport:​A traditional sport in Korea is the "with Ssireum" or "Korean wrestling", this is
similar to Sumo in Japan. Korean wrestling is played in a gritty ring, and the contestant who
throws his opponent to the ground earns a point. Another popular and important sport in
South Korea is baseball, it was introduced in 1905 by American missionaries and to this day
He continues to carry a great fort.
typical food:​Bibimbap
It is a specialty that combines rice with vegetables, sautéed meat, which is seasoned with a
paste of red pepper and sesame oil.Jajangmyeon
Made with Chinese noodles, it is combined with a sauce of black beans, which are fried with
pieces of pork or seafood and accompanied by a variety of vegetables, including zucchini
and potatoesGomguk or gomtang
These are two soups made with boiled beef or cartilage bones. Jjim (steamed)
This is the name given to steamed or boiled dishes in Korean gastronomy.
It is the name with which they refer to saengchae (fresh vegetables) or orsukchae (hot
vegetables), although the term means the second

Typical drink:​Elaborate with rice, the soju, is clear colors and its alcoholic graduation is
between 20 and 45 degrees. The flavor of distillate is similar to that of the vodka but a little
sweetest. The two main brands of Soyj that dominate the Seoul market are called Chamisul
and Chum ChurumChurum

costum:​The Hanbok is a traditional costume from South Korea that has been used by the
population since 1970 and is still in use today. Citizens wear this model on special dates and
having it in the closet means a merit.
It is composed of two main pieces that give the structure to the typical costume. It consists of
a blouse with wide sleeves and a skirt that is much longer with respect to the blouse. In the
case of men, it is a very wide pants. That is a very interesting fact of Hanbok because thanks
to having that shape, is able to highlight the figure of any person.

Famous artistss:​For his part Lee Dong-hae better known as Donghae, is a Korean pop
singer who is part of the group Super JuneG-Dragon is the artistic name of Kwon Ji Yong,
leader of the pop group Big Bang, with which he has won an award for best international
band at the MTV Awards Europe.Among the most popular we will be able to meet Rain, born
under the name Jeong Ji-hoon, not only as a singer but also in the facets of dancer, actor
and even as a modelLee Min Ho
Actor born in 1987.SHINee
Band formed in 2009, which consists of 5 members: Onew, Jonghyun, Key, Minho and
Taemin.

Typical music:​Traditional music

The main element of traditional Korean music is the voice. Korean temperament and history
are manifested in Korean traditional singing. There are two types of traditional music: the
jeong-ak and the minsogak.
Jeong-ak
Jeong-ak means "fixed time" and is a generic term for traditional music, which in turn is
subdivided into several categories.
Minsogak
With minsogak reference is made to Korean folk music, rich in expression and emotions.
This type of music is associated with the people. Unlike jeong-ak, minsogak music is played
faster, to the beat of the heartbeat. Pansori: It is a form of narrative singing. Pungmul: This
style includes percussion with drums, dance and singing. Sanjo: It is totally instrumental,
including changes of rhythms and melodies. Sinawi (시나위) incorporates the chamanisma
music that is presented in the ritual dance of the shamans to calm and please the divine

typical dances:​ of these dances was "Salpuri" which means "expelling the evil spirits" in
which the pure white color predominated, since both the silk scarf and the clothing were of
this color. Geonmu: the normal thing is eight dancers faced in two groups of four dance with
swords.Talchum: a dance with mask Seungmu: it is a traditional Korean dance that has its
origin in Korean Buddhism.Cheoyongmu: It is the oldest Korean dance, there are five
perfectly choreographed dancers, dressed in clothes of much colorful and accompanying
with a large mask.

typical instrumen
"Hyeonakgi" (string instruments): Gayageum, geomungo, yanggeum, haegeum, ajaeng,
among others.
"Gwanakgi" (wind instruments): Daegeum, sogeum, piri, danso, saenghwang, nabal, nagak,
tungso, among others.
"Taakgi" (percussion instruments): Bak, pyeonjong, pyeongyeong, janggu, kkwaenggari,
buk, among others.
popular words:​GREETINGS: if you go to Korea, how much less than knowing how to
introduce yourself, right?
안녕하세요 / 안녕 (Annyeonghaseyo / Annyeong): literally means "go in peace" or
something like that. But obviously they do not want to say that when they greet you, it means
"Hello!
빈기워요 / 반가워 (Bangauoyo / Bangauo): Después de presentarte y decir tu nombre dirías
빈기워요/ 반가워 estás diciendo “¡Mucho gusto!/ Encantado/a de conocerle/ Un
placer…”빈기 워요 / 반가워 (Bangauoyo / Bangauo): After introducing yourself and saying
your name you would say 빈기 워요 / 반가워 you are saying "Nice to meet you! / Pleased to
meet you / A pleasure …”오빠 / 형 (Oppa / Hyung): Both 오빠 and 형 mean "Big Brother"
literally and it is used to affectionately call a boy older than you. But beware! If you are a girl,
you will use 오빠 and if you are a boy you will use 형.언니 / 누나 (Onni / Nuna): it happens
the same as with the previous one, but this is to refer to a girl older than you, and means
"Big Sister". Likewise, if you are a girl, you will use 언니 and if you are a boy, you will use
누나.아가씨 (agassi): it's just a word to refer to a woman, it means "Miss.”아저씨 / 아줌마
(Ahjussi / Ajumma): this you can use to get the attention of a lady or a gentleman, in case
they look somewhat bigger. 아저씨 means "Lord" and 아줌마 "Lady".