General information of Korea: Korean culture and history

Recommended Information

World Cultural Heritage

The Janggyeongpanjeon (National Treasure No. 52) at Haeinsa Temple is the repository of the woodblocks used to print the Tripitaka Koreana

Exploring Korea

Located along the Hangang River, Seoul has grown into a teeming metropolis with a population of more than 10 million. Over the years,

Inside Channels

General

What is Hangeul?

Visa & Immigration

Traces of Korean history date back over half a million years ago. First century B.C. saw the three kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla rule the Korean peninsula and some part of Manchuria. Koreans developed a unique alphabet in 1443 called Hangeul (earlier known as Hunminjeongeum), created under King Sejong during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Government

Executive Branch

Korean Missions

The Korean government is comprised of three branches: executive, legislative, and judiciary. The President performs executive functions. Cabinet members act on policy matters and are accountable to the President. The Prime Minister, appointed by the President upon approval of the National Assembly, oversees administrative functions of the ministries.

Biz & Economy

Science & Technology

Statistics

Korea aims to become a financial and business hub of Northeast Asia in the 21st century. The region, with a population of 1.5 billion, has the essential resources necessary for economic development including abundant natural resources and large-scale consumer markets. Korea's major industries include electronics, automobiles, semi-conductors, steel products, shipbuilding, and textiles.

Culture

World Cultural Heritage

Images of Korea

Korea's 5,000-year-old history boasts a rich and distinct culture. Steeped in Confucianism and Buddhism, culture is manifested in the style of housing, architecture, costumes, and beliefs. Koreans, however, are open to change and dynamism and are catching up with global trends.

Tourism

Exploring Korea

How to Travel

Korea features scenic natural landscapes and valuable cultural heritage enshrined in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The tourism industry has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last three decades. The government constantly upgrades the nation's tourism facilities to serve visitors better.

President

About President

First Lady Kim Yoon-ok

Presidential elections are held by equal, direct, and secret ballots in a popular election. The President serves five-year term as Head of State and Chief Executive representing the entire nation both in government and in foreign relations.

Korea and the World

Inter-Korean Relations

Relations with Neighboring Countries

South Korea maintains its alliance with the U.S. to ensure sustained peace, security, and economic development. It pursues diplomacy through dialogue in dealing with nuclear issues posed by North Korea in coordination with the U.S., Japan, China, Russia, the European Unions, and other countries.

Society

Social Welfare Services

Transportation & Communications

Over the past few decades, Korea has transformed itself from an agrarian society to an industrialized nation. The government has been making efforts to upgrade living standards through vigorous reforms in education, housing, social welfare, and environment. It also continues to invest in science and technology.

Arts

Traditional Musical Instruments

Movie Review

Korea is proud of its artistic achievements in music, dance, handcrafts, paintings, and other art genres. Today, public interest in films has been increasing as Korean movies are earning recognition at various international festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, and Venice. Credits are given to talented young directors who boldly discarded old stereotypes in movie making.

Sports & events

Events by Province

Taekwondo

Most Koreans are sports enthusiasts. There are abundant sporting facilities all over the country. Koreans love to take part and prove their mettle in local and international sporting events. Korea has produced world-class players in golf, soccer, baseball, tennis, archery, short track, and Taekwondo.