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Korea is situated on the Korea Peninsula, which spans 1,100km north to south. The Korean Peninsula lies on the northeastern section of the Asian continent. The peninsula shares its northern border with China and Russia. To its east is the East Sea, beyond which neighboring Japan lies. In addition to the mainland peninsula, Korea includes 3,000 islands. The total area of the peninsula is 222,154 square kilometers, which is similar in size to that of the U.K., New Zealand, or Romania.
The Koreans are one ethnic family and speak one language. Sharing distinct physical characteristics, they are believed to be descendants of several Mongol tribes that migrated onto the Korean Peninsula from Central Asia. As of the end of 2000, Korea's total population was estimated at 47,275,000, with a density of 476 people per square kilometer. The population of North Korea is estimated to be 22,175,000. Korean people are characterized by their generosity, warmth, and kindness, and are renowned as some of the hardest working people in the world.
The traditional Korean meal has many side dishes, a bowl of rice and soup. There are many different types of side dishes: kimchi, vegetables cooked in different styles, boiled dishes flavored with grilled meat or fish, pan-fried meat or fish, and raw fish or seafood.
The Korean unit of currency is the Won(￦). The exchange rate, valued against the Dollar ($) is Federation 1,211.70 Won = 1 US Dollar (June 19, 2020)
Seoul is both the capital and the heart of the Republic of Korea, containing about 10.3 million of the nation's 46.8 million people. It is the financial, political, commercial, recreational, educational and cultural center of Korea. After being heavily damaged during the Korean War, the city was rebuilt into a modern urban center but still retains three gates of its ancient wall and three imperial palaces. The city was the site of the 1988 Summer Olympic games and hosted the Korea- Japan World Cup 2002. There is a rich and satisfying variety of things to see and do for residents and visitors alike. To see more detailed maps, visit www.visitkorea.or.kr
All Koreans speak and write the same language, which has been a decisive factor in forging their strong national identity. Koreans have developed several different dialects in addition to the standard used in Seoul. However, the dialects, except for that of Jeju-do province, are similar enough for native speakers to understand without any difficulties. A group of scholars under the patronage of King Sejong invented Hangul in 1443. Hangeul, which consists of 10 vowels and 14 consonants, can be combined to form numerous syllabic groupings. It is simple, yet systematic and comprehensive, and is considered one of the most scientific writing systems in the world. Hangul is easy to learn and write.
Formerly called the Korea Exhibition Center, COEX celebrated its grand opening in July 1979. Since then, it has hosted numerous international conventions and exhibitions. Over 150 exhibitions, conventions, and special events are held at COEX each year. In its spacious exhibition halls and various meeting rooms, COEX accommodates everything from small company size conferences to world- class summit meetings and international conventions. With Korea's best facilities and equipment for meeting and exhibitions, COEX boasts its "state-of-the-art" simultaneous interpretation systems, audio-visual systems, lighting capabilities, electrical infrastructure,and telecommunications systems installed in all meeting rooms and exhibition halls.
159 Samsung-dong, Kangnam-gu, Seoul 135-731, Korea
Tel: (82) (2) 551-0114 Fax: (82) (2) 555-7414
Local Seoul time is Greenwich Mean Time +9 hours. (9hours ahead of GMT)
Korea has four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are rather short, summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold and dry with abundant snowfall. Temperatures differ widely from region to region within Korea, with the average being between 6℃(43。F) and 16℃(61°F). The average temperature in August, the hottest period of the year, ranges from 19℃(66°F) to 27℃(81°F), while in January, the coldest month, temperatures range from -8℃(17°F) to 6℃(43°F).
Korean culture has blossomed over a long history. Though influenced by other Asian cultures, its roots lie deep in the creative Korean psyche. The culture tends to spread rather than be encroached upon. Japan in particular has adopted many Korean ideas and customs. The delicate styling and fine craftsmanship of celadon pottery well illustrates the refinement of the culture, even from as far back as the Three Kingdoms Period. Korea has also spawned some great inventions. Its early printing systems were highly refined and Korea's moveable metal type predated that of Gutenberg. The famous "Turtle Ship" was the world's first ever ironclad battleship, and the Korean alphabet, devised by a group of scholars in the 15th century, was so effective that it remains largely unchanged today and is lauded by linguists for its simple clarity and for the ease with which it can be learned. Reasons behind Korea's rapid economic development can be found in this innate creativity.
- This information was obtained from the Korea Nation al Tourism Organization Website.
For more information or details, please visit KNTO's website at http://kto.visitkorea.or.kr/
