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Facts about Korea
2009 EditionCopyright 1973
Published byKorean Culture and Information ServiceMinistry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
15, Hyojaro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of KoreaTelephone: 82-2-398-1914~20Fax: 82-2-398-1882
All rights reservedPrinted in Seoul
ISBN 89-7375-101-3 03910For further information about Korea,please visit:www.korea.net
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Facts about Korea
Korean Culture and Information Service
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
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4
C o n t e n t s
Facts and Figures 6
General / Geography / People /
National Flag / National Anthem (Aegukga) /
Government / Economy /
Koreas World Heritage
Korea and Its People 12
Geography /
Climate /
Population /
Language
History 24
Gojoseon / Three Kingdoms and Gaya /Unified Silla and Balhae / Goryeo / Joseon /
Japanese Occupation and Independence Movement /
Founding of the Republic of Korea
Constitution and Government 36
Constitution / Executive Branch /
Legislature / Judiciary /
Independent Organizations / Local Government
Inter-Korean Relations 54
Historical Background /
Efforts Toward Peaceful Resolution of the North Korean Nuclear Issue /
Inter-Korean Exchanges and Cooperation
Korea in the World 72
International Relations /
Economic Exchanges /
International Peace and Cooperation /
Korean's Development Cooperation /
Future Policy Directions
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Economy 84
Economic Growth / Industrial Innovation /
Science and Technology / Information and Telecommunications /
Economic Challenges / Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) /
Capital Market Liberalization / Investor-Oriented Support System /
World-Class Logistics Hub / Economic Outlook
Society 112
Social Welfare /
Education /
Media
Culture and the Arts 142
UNESCO Treasures in Korea /Fine Arts / Literature /
Painting / Music and Dance /
Drama and Movies / Museums and Theaters
Korean Life 182
Houses / Clothing /
Food / Festivals /
Religion
Sports 208
Seoul Olympics in Retrospect /
Overall Olympic Standing /
2002 FIFA World Cup Korea, Japan /
National Sports Events / Popular Sports /
Traditional Sports
Tourism 224
Travel Advice / Transportation / Accommodation /
Exploring Korea / Shopping
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FAC
TS
AN
DFIG
URES
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General
Geography
People
National Flag
National Anthem (Aegukga)
Government
Economy
Koreas World Heritage
1Facts and Figures
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General
Country Name: Republic of Korea (South Korea)
Capital City: Seoul (10.0 million)
National flag: Taegeukgi
National flower: Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon)
Currency: won (US$1 = 1,257.5 won)
Exchange rate at the end of 2008
Language: Korean (Written form: Hangeul)
People
Population: 48.61 million (South Korea, 2008)
Foreign residents: 1.1 million
Median Age: 36.7 years (2008)
Economically active population: 24.3 million
(2008)
Population increase rate: 0.31% (2008)Life Expectancy: Males, 76.1 years; females,
82.7 years (2007)
Religion: A 2005 census showed half of the
population actively practices religion.
Among this group, 10,726,463 Buddhists,
8,616,438 Protestants and 5,146,147
Catholics comprise the three dominant
religions. The Constitution guarantees
freedom of thought, conscience andreligion.
Geography
Location: Strategically located at the
crossroads of Northeast Asia, Korea lies
between Japan, the Russian Far East and
China
Territory
-Korean Peninsula: 223,170km2
-South Korea: 100,032km2
Highest mountains: Baekdusan Mountain2744m, Hallasan Mountain 1950m
Longest rivers: Amnokgang River 790km,
Nakdonggang River 521.5km, Dumangang
River 521km, Hangang River 481.7km
Major cities: Seoul (10.0 million),
Busan (3.5 million), Incheon (2.6 million),
Daegu (2.5 million), Daejeon (1.5 million),
Gwangju (1.4 million), Ulsan (1.1 million)
Climate: Temperate with four distinct
seasons
Facts and Figures
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National Flag The Korean flag is called Taegeukgi. Its design symbolizes theprinciples of the yin and yang in Asian philosophy. The circle in the center of the flag isdivided into two equal parts. The upper red section represents the proactive cosmic forces
of the yang. Conversely, the lower blue section represents the responsive cosmic forces of
the yin. The two forces embody the concepts of continual movement, balance, and
harmony that characterize the sphere of infinity. The circle is surrounded by four trigrams,
one in each corner. Each trigram symbolizes one of the four universal elements: heaven,
earth, fire, and water.
The national flower of Korea isthe Mugunghwa or Rose of Sharon
National Anthem (Aegukga)
Dong hae mul gwa Baek du sa ni Ma reugo dal to rok
Andante maestoso Music by Ahn Eak-tai
Dae - hansa ram Dae han - eu ro gi ri bojeonha se
Mu - gung hwa sam - cheol li hwa reo gang - san
Ha neu ni mi bo u-- ha sa u ri na raman se
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Government
Economy
Political System: Democracy with presidentelected to a single 5-year term by direct
popular vote. Division of power among the
executive, legislature (unicameral National
Assembly) and judiciary
President: Lee Myung-bak since 2008
Suffrage: Universal at 19 years of age
Elections
- Presidential: every 5 years- National Assembly: every 4 years
- Local Councils: every 4 years
Political parties: Grand National Party,
United Democratic Party, Liberal Forward
Party, Democratic Labor Party, Pro-Park
Geun-hye Alliance, Renewal of Korea Party
AID: In 2008, Korea provided a total of 797
million USD (preliminary figure) of ODA and
plans to expand the volume up to 0.15% ofits Gross National Income (GNI) by 2012,
and 0.25% by 2015.
Peacekeeping: South Korea began
participating in United Nations peacekeeping
operations with the dispatch of a battalion of
military engineers to Somalia in 1993. It has
since joined peacekeeping efforts in India,
Pakistan, Liberia, Burundi, Sudan, Georgia,
East Timor, Lebanon and Afghanistan andsent the Zaytun forces to Iraqs Kurdish
autonomous region.
Gross Domestic Product: US$928.7 billion
(2008, Preliminary)
Per Capita GNI: US$19,231 (2008, Preliminary)
GDP Growth Rate: 2.2 percent (2008, Preliminary)
Foreign Exchange Reserves: US$201.2
billion (as of the end of 2008)
Exports: US$422.0 billion (2008)
Imports: US$435.3 billion (2008)
Major Industrial Products: Semiconductors,
automobiles, ships, consumer electronics,
mobile telecommunication equipment,
steel and chemicals
FTAs: Korea has signed free trade
agreements with Chile, Singapore, the
European Free Trade Association(EFTA),
ASEAN, the U.S. and India -18 countries in
all. Currently, negotiations with the EU,
Canada, Mexico, GCC(Gulf Cooperation
Council), Peru, Australia and New Zealand
are under way with the aim of concluding
these FTAs negotiations by the end of 2009.
Facts and Figures
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Koreas World Heritage
World Heritage
Haeinsa Temple Janggyeongpanjeon, the
Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana
Woodblocks (1995)
Jongmyo Shrine (1995)
Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
(1995)
Changdeokgung Palace Complex (1997)
Hwaseong Fortress (1997)
Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen
Sites (2000)Gyeongju Historic Areas (2000)
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes (2007)
Joseon Dynasty's royal tombs (2009)
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Royal Ancestral Ritual at the Jongmyo
Shrine and its Music (2001)Pansori Epic Chant (2003)
Gangneung Danoje Festival (2005)
Memory of the World Register
The Hunminjeongeum Manuscript (1997)
Joseon Wangjo Sillok, the Annals of theJoseon Dynasty (1997)
Seungjeongwon Ilgi, the Diaries of the
Royal Secretariat (2001)
Buljo Jikjisimcheyojeol (vol. II), the
second volume of The Anthology of Great
Buddhist Priests Seon Teachings (2001)
Printing woodblocks of the Tripitaka
Koreana and miscellaneous Buddhist
scriptures (2007)
Uigwe, the Royal Protocols of the Joseon
Dynasty (2007)
Donguibogam, the principles and Practice of
Eastern Medicine (2009)
Visit korea.net, the official website of the
Korean Government, whenever you need:
An update of whats happening in Korea.
In-depth knowledge about Koreas
economy, history, arts and culture
The latest government information
An extensive directory of websites
related to Korea.
korea.net provides users with the most
accurate, timely, and comprehensive
information about Korea.
http://www.korea.net
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KOR
EA
AND
ITS
PEO
PLE
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Geography
Climate
Population
Language
2Korea and Its People
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Geography
Korea is situated on the Korean Peninsula, which spans 1,100
kilometers north to south. The Korean Peninsula lies on the
northeastern section of the Asian continent, where Korean
waters are joined by the western-most parts of the Pacific. The
peninsula shares its northern border with China and Russia.
To the east is the East Sea, beyond which neighboring Japan
lies. To the west is the Yellow Sea. In addition to the mainland,
Korea includes some 3,200 islands.
Roughly the size of the United Kingdom or Ghana, the
Korean Peninsula boasts a total land area of 223,170 square
kilometers. In this regard, the Republic of Korea accounts for
100,032 square kilometers, or some 45 percent of the overall
area. Mountainous terrain accounts for some two-thirds of the
territory like Portugal, Hungary or Ireland.
The Taebaeksan Mountain Range runs the full length of the
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The Borders of Korean Territory
Northernmost Pungseo-ri (Yuwonjin), Hamgyeongbuk-do Province 430042N
Southernmost Marado Island, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 330643N
Easternmost Dokdo Island, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province 1315222E
Westernmost Bidanseom Island, Pyeonganbuk-do Province 1241051E
Extreme points Places Coordinates
Source: National Geographic Information Institute
Korea and Its People
Korea and Its People
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east coast, where the lashing waves of the East Sea have
carved out sheer cliffs and rocky islets. The western and
southern slopes are rather gentle, forming plains and many
offshore islands honeycombed with inlets.
The peninsula features so many scenic mountains and
rivers that Koreans have often likened their country to a
beautifully embroidered brocade. The highest peak is on Mt.
Baekdusan in North Korea, along the northern border facing
China. It rises 2,744 meters above sea level and is an extinct
volcano with a large crater lake named Cheonji. The mountain
is regarded as an especially important symbol of the Korean
spirit and is mentioned in Koreas national anthem.
Considering its territorial size, Korea has a relatively large
number of rivers and streams. These waterways played crucial
roles in shaping the lifestyle of Koreans and in the nations
industrialization. The two longest rivers in North Korea are the
Amnokgang River (Yalu, 790 kilometers) and the Dumangang
River (Tumen, 521 kilometers). These rivers originate from Mt.
Baekdusan and flow to the west and the east, respectively.
They form the peninsulas northern border.In the southern part of the peninsula, the Nakdonggang
The Floating Island will bebuilt on Seouls HangangRiver near Banpo. Whencompleted in March 2010,the Floating Island,composed of three artificial
islands, will have facilitiesfor performances andexhibitions as well asfestivals, sports andleisure activities.
Korea and Its People
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River (521.5 kilometers) and the Hangang River (481.7
kilometers) are the two major waterways. The Hangang Riverflows through Seoul, the capital of Korea, and serves as a
lifeline for the heavily concentrated population in the central
region of modern Korea, just as it did for the people of the
ancient kingdoms that developed along its banks.
Surrounding the peninsula on three sides, the ocean has
played an integral role in the lives of Koreans since ancient
times, contributing to the early development of shipbuilding
and navigational skills.
Climate
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, especially in the
mountainous regions, but not along the southern coast.
Temperatures differ widely from region to region within Korea,
with the average being between 10C (50F) and 16C (61F).
Spring on AnmyeondoIsland, Summer onBaengnyeongdo Island,Fall on Juwangsan andWinter on Deogyusan
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In early spring, Siberian winds pick up yellow dust
from thawing deserts in northern China and carry it to thepeninsula and Japan. But in mid-April, the country also
enjoys balmy weather with the mountains and fields garbed
in brilliant wild flowers. Farmers prepare seedbeds for the
annual rice crop at this time.
Autumn, with its crisp air and crystal blue sky, is the
season most widely loved by Koreans. The countryside is
particularly beautiful, colored in a multitude of rustic hues.
Autumn, the harvest season, features various folk festivalsrooted in ancient agrarian customs.
Population
As of the end of 2008, South Koreas total population was
estimated to be 48,606,787 with a density of 498 people per
square kilometer. The population of North Korea was
estimated to be 23,298,012.
Korea saw its population grow by an annual rate of 3
Korea and Its People
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Monthly Mean Temperature and Precipitation in Seoul
Source: Korea Meteorological Administration
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percent during the 1960s, but growth slowed to 2 percent over
the next decade. In 2008, the rate stood at 0.31 percent and is
expected to further decline to 0.02 percent by 2020.
In the 1960s, Koreas population distribution formed a
pyramid, with a high birth rate and relatively short life
expectancy. However, age-group distribution is now shaped
more like a bell because of the low birth rate and extended life
The influx of workers fromother countries and
growing number ofinternational marriages ismaking Korea a moremultiethnic andmulticultural society.
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Population Structure
Source: Korea National Statistical Office
Male Female
2008
580,336
1,416,414
2,025,648
2,999,751
4,108,272
4,031,278
3,462,098
3,126,831
2,440,2762,652,467
3,515,185
3,719,366
4,251,732
4,251,758
3,019,045
1,803,676
956,093
246,561
(persons)
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Korea and Its People
20
Hangeul has helped Korea
achieve a nearly 100%
literacy rate. The scientific
alphabet has even given the
country an edge in the
computer age.
expectancy. Those aged 15 and younger will make up a
decreasing portion of the total, while senior citizens (65 andolder) will account for some 15.6 percent of the total by the
year 2020.
The nations rapid industrialization and urbanization in
the 1960s and 1970s has been accompanied by continuing
migration of rural residents into the cities, particularly
Seoul, resulting in heavily populated metropolitan areas.
However, in recent years, an increasing number of Seoulites
have begun moving to suburban areas.
The number of foreigners, including short-term
sojourners, residing in Korea reached 1,158,866 in 2008. To
this end, foreigners now account for two percent of the
population. The speed at which Korean society is
diversifying in terms of race and culture is evidenced by the
8.7 percent annual growth in the size of the foreign
population, which stood at 1,066,273 in 2007.
While 48.9 percent of the foreign population (566,116)
was made up of workers, including industrial trainees,
another 10.6 percent consisted of individuals who came to
Korea through marriage (122,552); meanwhile, 6.2 percent
(71,531) were students.
In terms of nationality, Chinese nationals accounted for
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57 percent (484,674, 362,920 of which were ethnic
Koreans) of the 854,007 long-term foreign residentsregistered in Korea. The second largest ethnic group was
the Vietnamese (79,848, 9.4 percent), followed by Filipinos
(39,372, 4.6 percent), Thais (30,051, 3.5 percent) and
Americans (28,853, 3.4 percent). The remainder for the
most part hailed from nations such as Indonesia, Taiwan
and Mongolia.
Language
All Koreans speak and write the same language, which has
been a decisive factor in forging their strong national
identity. Korean has several different dialects in addition to
the standard variety used in Seoul. Only the dialect of Jeju
Special Self-Governing Province, however, is so different
that it is difficult for others to understand.
Linguistic and ethnological studies have classified the
Korean language in the Altaic language family, which
includes the Turkic, Mongolic and Tungus-Manchu
languages.
King Sejong the Great commissioned and helped create
the Korean alphabet Hangeul during the 15th century.
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A portrait of King Sejong,the leading force behindthe creation of Hangeul
Korean language courses
are attracting studentsfrom overseas.
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Before its creation, only a relatively small percentage of the
population was literate; few could master the difficultChinese characters used by the upper class.
Before developing a Korean writing system, King Sejong
studied several writing systems known at the time, such as
Uighur and Mongolian scripts and old Chinese seal characters.
The system that Joseon scholars came up with, however,
is predominantly based upon phonology. They developed
and followed a theory that divided each syllable into initial,
medial and final phonemes, as opposed to the bipartitedivision of traditional Chinese phonology.
Korea and Its People
22
The Korean Alphabet
Hangeul consists of ten vowels and fourteen consonants.
Depending on the vowel, syllables in Hangeul are written either from left to right () or
from top to bottom () with the possibility of one or two additional letters below (,).
Ex)
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Hangeul, which consists of 10 vowels and 14 consonants,
can be combined to form numerous syllabic groupings. It issimple, yet systematic and comprehensive, and is
considered one of the most scientific writing systems in the
world. Hangeul is easy to learn and write, which has greatly
contributed to Koreas high literacy rate and advanced
publication industry.
A growing number of students from abroad are enrolling
in Korean language courses at universities in Seoul,
including Seoul National, Yonsei, Korea and Ewha WomansUniversity.
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Useful Korean Phrases
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HIS
TORY
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Gojoseon
Three Kingdoms and Gaya
Unified Silla and Balhae
Goryeo
Joseon
Japanese Occupation and Independence Movement
Founding of the Republic of Korea
History
3
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Gojoseon
People began living on the Korean Peninsula and its
surrounding areas from some 700,000 years ago. The
Neolithic Age began some 8,000 years ago. Relics from that
period can be found in areas throughout the Korean
Peninsula, mostly in coastal areas and in areas near big rivers.
The Bronze Age began around 1,500 to 2,000 B.C. in
present-day Mongolia and on the peninsula. As this civilization
began to form, numerous tribes appeared in the Liaoning
region of Manchuria and in northwestern Korea. These tribes
were ruled by leaders, whom Dangun, the founder of the
Bronze Age
Period: about 700,000 years ago
Tools: stone goods, bone-madetools
Economic activity: hunting andgathering nomadic
Habitat: caves, huts
Society: group society,egalitarian society
Relics:jumeok dokki(handaxe), geulkkae
(side-scraper)
Period: about 8,000 B.C.
Tools: polished stone tools, pottery
Economic activity: agriculture,livestock settlements
Habitat: dugouts
Society: tribal, and egalitarian
Relics:bitsalmunui togi
(comb-patternpottery),
ppyeobaneul(boneneedles)
Period: around 1,000 B.C.
Tools: Bronze
Economic activity: Private property
Habitat: ground-level housing
Society: class society,private propertyrecognized
Relics: minmunui togi(non-decorativeearthenware), bipahyeong
donggeom (mandolin-shaped dagger)
Neolithic Age
Pre-historic Period on the Korean Peninsula
History
History
Paleolithic Age
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Korean people, later united to establish Gojoseon (2333 B.C.).
The founding date is a testament to the longevity of Koreashistory. This heritage is also a source of pride that provides
Koreans the strength to persevere in times of adversity.
Three Kingdoms and Gaya
Town-states gradually united into tribal leagues with complex
political structures which eventually grew into kingdoms.
Among various tribal leagues, Goguryeo (37 B.C.- A.D. 668),
situated along the middle course of the Amnokgang (Yalu
River), was the first to mature into a kingdom.
As a result of the wars of conquest initiated by Gwanggaeto
the Great (r. 391-413) and King Jangsu (r. 413-491), Goguryeo
was able to occupy a large swathe of land that encompassed
Manchuria and large segments of the Korean Peninsula. The
subsequent establishment of a political structure resulted in
giving it the full trappings of an empire.
Baekje (18 B.C.-A.D. 660), which grew out of a town-state
located south of the Hangang River in the vicinity of present-
day Seoul, was another confederated kingdom similar to
Goguryeo. During the reign of King Geunchogo (r. 346-375),
Baekje developed into a centralized state.
Silla (57 B.C.-A.D. 935) was located in the southeast
corner of the peninsula and was initially the weakestand most underdeveloped of the three kingdoms.
However, because it was geographically removed
from Chinese influence, it was more open to non-Chinese
practices and ideas. Its society was built on an advanced
Buddhist order that was markedly class-oriented, including a
military that featured a unique corps of young aristocratic
warriors called Hwarang.
Gaya (42-562) began as a type of confederation, formedwhen several tribes from the Nakdonggang River came together.
Armor and helmet
The armor used by Gayawarriors was made fromlong, rectangular steelplates connected by nails.
27
Goguryeo
Pyongyang
Namgyeong(Seoul) Usan
Dokdo
Tamna
Ungjin (Gongju)Sabi (Buyeo)
Yellow Sea
East Sea
BaekjeGaya
Silla
Geumseong(Gyeongju)
Three Kingdoms and
Gaya (5th century)
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Unified Silla and Balhae
By the mid-sixth century, the Silla
Kingdom had brought under its control
all of the neighboring town-states within
the Gaya Confederation.
Having forged an alliance with the Tang
Dynasty of China, Silla was able to subjugate
Baekje in 660 and Goguryeo in 668. The unification
of the Korean Peninsula was officially completed with
Sillas defeat of the Tang Dynasty in 676.
Silla reached its zenith in terms of power and prosperity
during the mid-eighth century. It attempted to establish an
ideal Buddhist country. It was during the Unified Silla period
that the magnificent Bulguksa Temple was constructed.
In 698, refugees from Goguryeo established the Kingdom
of Balhae in south-central Manchuria. This new entity
known as Balhae included not only refugees from Goguryeo,but also a large Mohe population.
Balhae established a government system which was
modeled after the Goguryeo Kingdom's own administrative
structure. Moreover, its advanced culture was also rooted in
that of Goguryeo.
Balhae prosperity reached its height in the first half of the
ninth century with the occupation of a vast
territory reaching to the Amur River inthe north and Kaiyuan in south-central
Manchuria to the west. It also
established diplomatic ties with
Turkey and Japan. Balhae existed
until 926, when it was overthrown
by the Khitan. Many of the Balhae
nobility, who were mostly Goguryeo
descendants, moved south and joined the
newly founded Goryeo Dynasty.
History
28
Yellow Sea
East Sea
Balhae
Sanggyeong
Pyongyang
Namgyeong(Seoul)
Usan
Dokdo
Tamna
Silla
Unified Silla and Balhae(8th century)
Geumseong
(Gyeongju)
A roofing tile with addedcharm from unified Silla
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Goryeo
The Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) was founded by Wang Geon,
a general who had served under Gungye, a rebel prince of
the Silla Kingdom. Choosing his native town of Songak
(present-day Gaeseong in North Korea) as the capital, Wang
Geon proclaimed the goal of recovering the lost territory of
the Goguryeo Kingdom in northeast China.
Wang Geon named his dynasty Goryeo, from which the
modern name Korea is derived. Although the Goryeo
Dynasty could not reclaim lost lands, it achieved a
sophisticated culture represented by cheongja or blue-
green celadon and flourishing Buddhist tradition. No less
significant was the invention of the worlds first movable
metal type in 1234, which preceded the Gutenberg Bible of
Germany by two centuries. About that time, skilled Korean
artisans also completed the herculean task of carving the
entire Buddhist canon on large woodblocks.These woodblocks, numbering more than 80,000, were
intended to invoke the influence of Buddha for the repulsion
of the Mongol invaders. Called the Tripitaka Koreana, they
are now stored at the historic Haeinsa Temple.
29
East Sea
Goryeo Dynasty
(11th century)
Yellow Sea
Seogyeong(Pyongyang)
Gaegyeong(Gaeseong)
Namgyeong(Seoul)
Donggyeong(Gyeongju)
Tamna
Usan
Dokdo
Restored geumsok hwalja(metal movable type) fromthe Goryeo era
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Joseon
In 1392, General Yi Seong-gye established a new dynasty
called Joseon. The early rulers of Joseon, in order to counter
the dominant Buddhist influence during the Goryeo period,
supported Confucianism as the guiding philosophy of the
kingdom.
The Joseon rulers governed the dynasty with a well-
balanced political system. A civil service examination system
was the main channel for recruiting government officials. The
examinations served as the backbone for social mobility and
intellectual activity during the period. The Confucian-
oriented society, however, highly valued academic learning
while disdaining commerce and manufacturing.
During the reign of King Sejong the Great (1418-1450),
Joseons fourth monarch, Korea enjoyed an unprecedented
flowering of culture and art. Under King Sejongs guidance,
scholars at the royal academy created the Korean alphabetHangeul. It was then called Hunminjeongeum, or proper
phonetic system to educate the people.
King Sejongs interest in astronomical science was
comprehensive. Sundials, water clocks, celestial globes and
astronomical maps were produced at his request.
As part of efforts to establish the ruling structure of
Joseon, King Sejo (r. 1455-1468) put in place a legal system,
and initiated the compilation of the Gyeongguk daejeon(National Code). The ruling structure of the Joseon Dynasty
was officially established with the subsequent completion
of the Gyeongguk daejeon during the reign of King
Seongjong (r. 1469-1494).
In 1592, Japan invaded the peninsula to pave the way for
its incursion into China. At sea, Admiral Yi Sun-sin (1545-
1598), one of the most respected figures in Korean history,
led a series of brilliant naval maneuvers against the
Japanese, deploying the geobukseon (turtle ships), which
History
30
Joseon Dynasty(15th century)
ellow Sea
East Sea
Haeju
Wonju
Gongju
Jeonju Daegu
Ulleungdo
Dokdo
Gangwon-do
Gyeongsang-do
Jeolla-do
Jeju-do
Hamgil-do(Hamgyeong-do)
HamheungPyeongan-do
Pyongyang
Hwanghae-do
Gyeonggi-do
Chungcheong-do
Hanseong(Seoul)
Gyeongguk daejeon
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are believed to be the worlds first ironclad battleships.
From the early 17th century, a movement advocatingSilhak, practical learning, gained considerable momentum
among liberal-minded scholar-officials as a means of
building a modern nation.
They strongly recommended agricultural and industrial
improvements along with sweeping reforms in land
distribution. The conservative government aristocrats,
however, were not ready to accommodate such drastic change.
In the latter half of the Joseon era, governmentadministration and the upper classes came to be marked by
recurring factionalism. To rectify the undesirable political
situation, King Yeongjo (r.1724-1776) eventually adopted a
policy of impartiality. He was thus able to strengthen the
royal authority and achieve political stability.
King Jeongjo (r.1776-1800) maintained the policy of
impartiality and set up a royal library(Gyujanggak) to preserve
royal documents and records. He also initiated other political
and cultural reforms. This period witnessed the blossoming of
Silhak. A number of outstanding scholars wrote progressive
works recommending agricultural and industrial reforms, but
few of their ideas were adopted by the government.
Japanese Occupation and Independence Movement
In the 19th century, Korea remained a Hermit Kingdom,adamantly opposed to Western demands for diplomatic and
trade relations. Over time, a few Asian and European
countries with imperialistic ambitions competed with each
other for influence over the Korean Peninsula. Japan, after
winning wars against China and Russia, forcibly annexed
Korea and instituted colonial rule in 1910.
Colonial rule stimulated the patriotism of Koreans. Korean
intellectuals were infuriated by Japans official assimilation
policy, which even banned Korean-language education in
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Drawings of a geobukseon,believed to be the worldsfirst ironclad battleship
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Korean schools. On March 1, 1919, a peaceful demonstration
calling for independence spread nationwide. The Japaneseauthorities ruthlessly repressed the demonstrators and their
supporters, slaughtering thousands.
Although it failed, the March 1 Independence Movement
created strong bonds of national identity and patriotism
among Koreans. The movement led to the establishment of
a Provisional Government in Shanghai, China, as well as an
organized armed struggle against the Japanese colonists in
Manchuria. The Independence Movement is stil lcommemorated among Koreans every March 1, which is
designated a national holiday.
During the colonial period, Japans economic exploitation
of Korea continued. The lives of Koreans deteriorated under
colonial rule until the end of World War II in 1945.
Founding of the Republic of Korea
Koreans rejoiced at Japans World War II defeat. However,
their joy was short-lived. Liberation did not instantly bring
about the independence for which the Koreans had fought
so fiercely. Rather, it resulted in a country divided by
ideological differences caused by the emerging Cold War.
Korean efforts to establish an independent government
were frustrated as U.S. forces occupied the southern half of
the peninsula and Soviet troops took control of the north.
In November 1947, the United Nations General Assembly
adopted a resolution that called for general elections in
Korea under the supervision of a UN Commission.
However, the Soviet Union refused to comply with the
resolution and denied the UN Commission access to the
northern half of Korea. The UN General Assembly then
adopted another resolution calling for elections in areas
accessible to its commission. The first elections in Korea were
History
Kim Gu, President of theProvisional Government ofKorea in Shanghai
High-ranking officials fromKoreas ProvisionalGovernment in Shanghaipose for a commemorativephoto in 1945 .
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carried out on May 10, 1948, in the areas south of the 38th
parallel. This parallel came to divide the Korean Peninsulainto South and North.
Syngman Rhee was elected the first President of the
Republic of Korea in 1948. Meanwhile, north of the 38th
parallel, a communist regime was set up under the leadership
of Kim Il-sung.
On June 25, 1950, North Korea launched an unprovoked
full-scale invasion of the South, triggering a three-year war
which drew in U.S., Chinese and other foreign forces. Theentire peninsula was devastated by the conflict. A cease-fire
was signed in July 1953.
Koreas growth-oriented, export-led economic
development since the 1960s was so remarkable that it
earned the expression the Miracle on the Hangang River
in the 1970s. Subsequently, Seoul successfully hosted the
24th Olympics in 1988 and Korea co-hosted the 2002 FIFA
World Cup soccer finals with Japan. Through these
occasions, Korea has demonstrated to the world its rich
cultural heritage and love of art, as well as modern
technologies. In the 1950s, Korea ranked among
the poorest countries. Today, its economy is
around the 13th largest in the world, and the
nation is determined to become even more of a
global economic leader throughout the new
millennium.
The Republic of Korea has steadily followed the
path to mature democracy and market economy.
Even though the legacies of the Cold War still
linger on this peninsula, Korea today is poised to
make a new economic take-off. The Koreas are
also working toward a durable structure of peace
on the peninsula and promoting commonprosperity for South and North Korea through
peace, reconciliation and cooperation.
Syngman Rhee The firstPresident of the Republicof Korea
A special ceremonyinaugurating the Republicof Korea Government onAugust 15. 1948
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History
34
Iron AgeBuyeo
Greek CivilizationThe Foundation of Rome (735)
First Punic War (264-241)Second Punic War (219-201)
Third Punic War (149-146)
Socrates (470-399)Alexander the Great (356-323)
Julius Caesar(101-44) Birth of
Jesus Christ
Anglo-Saxonsestablishedin Britain (449)
Christianity establishedas State Religion of
Roman Empire (392)Roman Empire split in
two (395)
Mohammed(570-632)
Spring and Autumn Era(770-476)
Warring States Era (475-221)Qin Dynasty (221-206)Western Han Dynasty(206 B.C.-A.D.25 )
San Guo (ThreeKingdoms) Era(220-280)Jin Dynasty(265-420)
Shang Dynasty
(1600 -1046)
EasternHan Dynasty (25-220)
Nan Bei ChaoDynasties(420-589)
Sui Dynasty(581-618)
Zhou (1046-256)
Gaya Confederation(42-562)
Confederated Kingdoms ofSamhan (Three Han States)
Three Kingdoms EraSilla (57 B.C.-A.D.935)Baekje (18 B.C.-A.D.660)Goguryeo (37 B.C.-A.D.668)
Paleolithic AgeNeolithic Age
GojoseonBronze Age
Bronze Age
This scene portrays warriors on horsebackhunting deer and tigers.Hunting was a very important activity forthe welfare of the state during GoguryeoKingdom (37 B.C.-A.D.668 ).
Hunting Scene in Dancing Figure Tomb(replica)
Korean History
Koreas history started from Gojoseon (2333 B.C.).Through its 5,000-year history, Korea has developed a
truly distinct culture while interacting with the larger
nations surrounding it.
Early MesopotamiaEgyptian Kingdoms
KOREA
CHINA
THE WEST
B.C. 5000 2000 1000 500 200 100 A.D. 200 300 400 500
at a glance
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Charles the Great Crownedfirst Holy Roman Emperor (800)
Hegira (622) and beginning of Islamic era
Tang Dynasties(618-907)
Wu Dai Dynasties(907-960)
Unified Silla Kingdom (676-935)
BalhaeKingdom(698-926)
Daehan Empire
Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392)
Tripitaka Koreana is the oldest andmost comprehensive compilation ofBuddhist scriptures in existence today.It was carved on 81,258 woodblocksduring the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392).
Seokguram Grotto
Korean War(1950-53)
2002 FIFA World CupKorea / Japan
The establishment ofRepublic of Korea (1948)
The Depositories for the TripitakaKoreana Woodblocks
24th Olympic Games,Seoul (1988)
YuanDynasty(1271-1368)
Ming Dynasty(1368-1644)
Qing Dynasty(1616-1911)
Establishment ofthe Republic of China
(1912)
Establishment ofthe Peoples Republicof China (1949)
Song Dynasty(960-1279)
First Crusade(1096-99)
Martin Luther launched the Reformation (1517)
American Revolution (1776)French Revolution (1789-1793)
The thirty Years War (1618-48)
Gutenbergs Press (1455)Columbus discovered America (1492)
Marco Polo(1254-1324)Magna Carta (1215)
The one hundredYears War(1344-1434)
American Civil War (1861-65)
Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910)
CeladonPottery
World War I (1914-18)World War II (1939-45)
Hunminjeongeumwas a primer for teachingHangeul, the Koreanalphabet created by the
Joseon Dynastys fourthruler, King Sejong theGreat (r.1418-1450).
00 700 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1800 1900 2000
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CON
STITUT
IONAN
DGOV
ERNME
NT
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Constitution
Executive Branch
Legislature
Judiciary
Independent Organizations
Local Government
Constitution and
Government
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Constitution and Government
Constitution
On July 17, 1948, the first Constitution of the Republic of
Korea was adopted. As the nation underwent political
upheavals in pursuit of democratic development, the
Korean Constitution has been amended nine times, the last
time on October 29, 1987.
The current Constitution represents a major ad-
vancement in the direction of full democratization. Apart
from a legitimate process of revision, a number of
substantive changes are notable. They include the
curtailment of presidential powers, the strengthening of the
power of the legislature and additional devices for the
protection of human rights. In particular, the creation of a
new, independent Constitutional Court played a vital role in
making Korea a more democratic and freesociety.
The Constitution consists of a preamble,
130 articles, and six supplementary rules. It
is divided into 10 chapters: General
Provisions, Rights and Duties of Citizens,
the National Assembly, the Executive, the
Courts, the Constitutional Court, Election
Management, Local Authority, theEconomy, and Amendments to the
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The manuscript of the firstConstitution of theRepublic of Korea
38
Constitution andGovernment
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Constitution.
The basic principles of the Korean Constitution include
the sovereignty of the people, separation of powers, the
pursuit of peaceful and democratic unification of South and
North Korea, the pursuit of international peace and
cooperation, the rule of law and the responsibility of the
state to promote welfare.
Constitutional amendment requires special procedures
different from other legislation. Either the President or a
majority of the National Assembly may submit a proposal
for constitutional amendment. An amendment needs theconcurrence not only of the National Assembly but also of a
national referendum. The former requires support of two-
thirds or more of the National Assembly members, while the
latter requires more than one half of all votes cast by more
than one half of eligible voters in a national referendum.
Executive Branch
The President
The President of the Republic of Korea, elected by
nationwide, equal, direct and secret ballot, stands at the
apex of the executive branch.
The President serves a single five-year term, with no
Cheong Wa Dae
(Office of the President)
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additional terms being allowed. This single-term provision
is a safeguard for preventing any individual from holding
the reins of government power for a protracted period of
time. In the event of presidential disability or death, thePrime Minister or members of the Cabinet will temporarily
serve as the President as determined by law.
Under the current political system, the President plays
five major roles. First, the President is head of state,
symbolizing and representing the entire nation both in the
governmental system and in foreign relations. He receives
foreign diplomats, awards decorations and other honors,
and grants pardons. He has the duty to safeguard theindependence, territorial integrity, and continuity of the
state and to uphold the Constitution, in addition to the
unique task of pursuing the peaceful reunification of Korea.
Second, the President is the chief administrator and thus
enforces the laws passed by the legislature while issuing
orders and decrees for the enforcement of laws. The
President has full power to direct the Cabinet and a varying
number of advisory organs and executive agencies. He is
authorized to appoint public officials, including the Prime
President Lee Myung-bak(R) and First Lady KimYoon-ok (L)
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Minister and heads of executive agencies.
Third, the President is commander-in-chief of the armedforces. He has extensive authority over military policy,
including the power to declare war.
Fourth, the President is the chief diplomat and foreign
policy maker. He accredits or dispatches diplomatic envoys,
and signs treaties with foreign nations.
Finally, the President is chief policy maker and a key
lawmaker. He may propose legislative bills to the National
Assembly or express his views to the legislature in personor in writing. The President cannot dissolve the National
Assembly, but the Assembly can hold the President
ultimately accountable to the Constitution by means of an
impeachment process.
Cabinet
Under Koreas presidential system, the President performs
his executive functions through the Cabinet made up of 15
to 30 members and presided over by the President, who is
solely responsible for deciding all important government
policies. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President
and approved by the National Assembly. As the principal
executive assistant to the President, the Prime Minister
supervises the administrative ministries and manages the
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The Cabinet
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Office for Government Policy Coordination under the
direction of the President. The Prime Minister also has the
power to deliberate major national policies and to attend
the meetings of the National Assembly.
Members of the Cabinet are appointed by the President
upon recommendation by the Prime Minister. They have the
right to lead and supervise their administrative ministries,
deliberate major state affairs, act on behalf of the President
and appear at the National Assembly and express their
opinions. Members of the Cabinet are collectively and
individually responsible to the President only.
In addition to the Cabinet, the President has several
agencies under his direct control to formulate and carry out
national policies: the Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea,
the National Intelligence Service, and the Korea Communications
Commission. The heads of these organizations are appointed
by the President, but the presidential appointment of the
Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection is subject to
the approval of the National Assembly.
The Board of Audit and Inspection has the authority to
audit the financial accounts of central and local governmentagencies, government corporations and related
The Central GovernmentComplex on Sejongno
Constitution and Government
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organizations. The board is also vested with the power to
inspect abuses of public authority or misconduct by public
officials in their official duties. The results of audits are
reported to the President and the National Assembly,
although the board is responsible only to the chief
executive.
The National Intelligence Service is authorized to collect
strategic intelligence of internal as well as external origin
and information on subversive and international criminal
activities. It also plans and coordinates the intelligence and
security activities of the government.
The Korea Communications Commission comprises five
standing members who run the committee on consensus-
basis. Its the highest-level agency that governs broadcasting,
telecommunications and real-time Internet television services
or IPTV.
Daejeon GovernmentComplex
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Legislature
Legislative power is vested in the National Assembly, a
unicameral legislature. The Assembly is composed of 299
members serving four-year terms.
Out of 299 members, 245 are elected by popular vote
from local constituencies, while the remaining 54 members
obtain their seats through a proportional representation
system in which seats are allocated to each political party
that has gained 3 percent or more of all valid votes or five ormore seats in the local constituency election. The system is
aimed at reflecting the voices of people from different walks
of life while enhancing the expertise of the Assembly.
To be eligible for election, a candidate must be at least
25 years of age. One candidate from each electoral district
is selected by majority vote.
An Assembly member is not held responsible outside the
Assembly for any opinions expressed or votes cast in thelegislative chamber. During a session of the Assembly, no
Assembly member may be arrested or detained without consent
of the Assembly except in the case of a flagrant criminal act.
In case of apprehension or detention of an Assembly
member prior to the opening of a session, the member must
The National Assembly
Constitution and Government
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be released during the session upon the request of the
Assembly.Two types of legislative sessions are provided for, regular
and special. The regular session is convened once a year
from September through December and special sessions
may be convened upon the request of the President or one-
fourth or more of the members of the Assembly. The period
of a regular session is limited to 100 days and to 30 days for
special sessions. If the President requests the convening of a
special session, he must clearly specify the period of thesession and the reasons for the request.
Except as otherwise provided in the Constitution or law,
the attendance of more than one half of the entire Assembly
members, and the concurrent vote of more than one half of
the Assembly members present, are necessary to make the
decisions of the National Assembly binding. In the case of a
tie vote, the matter is considered to be rejected by the
Assembly. Legislative meetings are open to the public, but
this rule may be waived with the approval of more than one
half of the members present or when the Speaker deems it
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All citizens aged 19 andolder are eligible to vote.
The 18th National Assembly
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necessary to do so in the interest of national security.
The National Assembly is vested with a number of
functions under the Constitution, the foremost of which is
making laws. Other functions of the Assembly include
approval of the national budget, matters related to foreign
policy, declaration of war, and the stationing of Koreantroops abroad or of foreign forces within the country,
inspecting or investigating specific matters of state affairs
and impeachment.
An impeachment motion against an appointed official can
come to a vote if approved by at least one third of the
Assembly. The impeachment passes if it receives the backing
of a majority of the Assembly members. A motion of
impeachment against the President requires a majority vote
from the Assembly to proceed. The motion passes only if
two-thirds or more of the entire Assembly approves.
The Assembly elects one Speaker and two Vice Speakers,
who serve for two-year terms. The Speaker presides over
plenary sessions and represents the legislature while
supervising its administration. In the absence of the Speaker,
the Vice Speakers shall act for the Speaker.
The Supreme Court
Constitution and Government
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Judiciary
The Judiciary of Korea consists of the Supreme Court, High
Courts, District Courts, Patent Court, Family Court,
Administrative and Local Courts. The courts exercise
jurisdiction over civil, criminal, administrative, electoral,
and other judicial matters, while also overseeing affairs
related to real estate registrations, family registrations,
financial holdings, and court officials.
The Supreme Court is the highest judicial tribunal. It hearsappeals on cases rendered by lower courts. The Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court is appointed by the President with the
consent of the National Assembly. Other justices are appointed
by the President upon the recommendation of the Chief Justice.
The term of office for the Chief Justice is six years and is not
renewable. The Chief Justice must retire from office at the age
of 70. The term for other justices is six years. Though they may
be re-appointed in accordance with legal provisions, they mustretire from office when they reach the age of 65.
The High Courts hear civil, criminal and administrative
appeals cases rendered by district, administrative and family
courts and try special cases designated by law. The Patent
Court reviews decisions rendered by the Patent Office. The
Supreme Court is the final tribunal over patent disputes.
District Courts are located in Seoul and in the following 13
cities: Incheon, Uijeongbu, Suwon, Chuncheon, Daejeon,
Cheongju, Daegu, Busan, Changwon, Ulsan, Gwangju, Jeonju
and Jeju. The Family Court is empowered to hear all cases
involving matrimonial, juvenile or other domestic matters.
The Administrative Court handles administrative cases only.
District Courts outside of Seoul also perform the functions
of the Administrative Court in their respective districts. In
addition to these courts, there are military tribunals which
exercise jurisdiction over offenses committed by members of
the Armed Forces and their civilian employees.
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Lady Justice statue in frontof the Supreme Court inSeocho-dong, Seoul
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Independent Organizations
The Constitutional Court
The Constitutional Court was established in September
1988 as a key part of the constitutional system. The
Constitution of the Sixth Republic, based on the Korean
peoples deep enthusiasm for democracy, adopted a new
judicial review system the Constitutional Court to
safeguard the Constitution and to protect the peoples basic
rights by establishing special procedures for the adjudicationof constitutional issues.
The Court is empowered to interpret the Constitution
and to review the constitutionality of all statutes, to make
judicial decisions on impeachment or on dissolution of a
political party, and to pass judgment in competence
disputes and constitutional complaints.
The Court is composed of nine Justices. The term of
office for Justices is six years and is renewable. The
courthouse is a five-story domed building in Seoul which
has won the Korean Architectural Award.
National Election Commission
In accordance with the provision of Article 114 of the
Constitution, the National Election Commission was established
The Constitutional Court
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Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall
as an independent constitutional agency compatible with the
National Assembly, the government, courts and theConstitutional Court of Korea for the purpose of fair
management of elections and national referenda. It also deals
with administrative affairs concerning political parties and
political funds.
The term and status of each Election Commissioner is
strictly guaranteed as prescribed in the Constitution. They
are guaranteed fair execution of duties without any external
interference.
National Human Rights Commission
The Commission was established in 2001 as a national
advocacy institution for human rights protection. It is
committed to the fulfillment of human rights in a broader
sense, including dignity, value and freedom of every human
being, as signified in international human rights conventions
and treaties to which Korea is a signatory.
The Commission is comprised of 11 Commissioners
including the Chairperson, 3 Standing Commissioners and 7
Non-standing Commissioners. Among the 11 Commissioners,
4 shall be elected by the National Assembly, 4 shall be
nominated by the President of Korea, and 3 shall be
nominated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and
then approved by the President of Korea.
Local Governments
The Constitution of the Republic of Korea states in Article
117 that Local governments deal with matters pertaining to
the welfare of local residents, manage properties and may,
within the limit of laws, enact provisions relating to local
autonomy regulations.
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Local government heads manage and supervise
administrative affairs except as otherwise provided by law.The local executive functions include those delegated by
the central government such as the management of public
properties and facilities and assessment and collection of
local taxes and fees for various services.
Higher-level local governments basically serve as
intermediaries between the central and lower-level local
Constitution and Government
50
Local Governments
1
3
5
6
4
7
2
1
8
11
15
14
10
9
12
13
16
Metropolitan Seoul
Office Location: EuljiroPopulation: 10.1 millionArea: 605 km2
http://www.seoul.go.kr/
2 Metropolitan Busan
Office Location : Jungang-roPopulation: 3.5 millionArea: 766 km2
http://www.busan.go.kr/
3 Metropolitan Incheon
Office Location: Guwol-dongPopulation: 2.6 millionArea: 1,007 km2
http://www.incheon.go.kr/
4 Metropolitan Daegu
Office Location: Gongpyeong-roPopulation: 2.5 millionArea: 884 km2
http://www.daegu.go.kr/
5 Metropolitan Daejeon
Office Location: Hyangchon-gil
Population: 1.5 millionArea: 540 km2
http://www.metro.daejeon.kr/
16 Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
Office Location: Jeju
Population: 0.5 millionArea: 1,848 km2
http://www.jeju.go.kr/
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governments.
Lower-level local governments deliver services to theresidents through an administrative district (eup, myeon,
and dong) system. Each lower-level local government has
several districts which serve as field offices for handling the
needs of their residents. Eup, myeon, and dong offices are
engaged mainly in routine administrative and social service
functions.
51
6 Metropolitan Gwangju
Office Location: Chipyeong-dongPopulation: 1.4 millionArea: 501 km2
http://www.gwangju.go.kr/
7 Metropolitan Ulsan
Office Location: Shinjeong 1-dongPopulation: 1.1 millionArea: 1,057 km2
http://www.ulsan.go.kr/
8 Gyeonggi-do
Office Location: SuwonPopulation: 11.0 millionArea: 10,184 km2
http://www.gg.go.kr/
11 Chungcheongnam-do
Office Location: DaejeonPopulation: 1.9 millionArea: 8,601 km2
http://www.chungnam.net/
15 Chungcheongbuk-do
Office Location: CheongjuPopulation: 1.5 millionArea: 7,432 km2
http://www.cb21.net/
13 Jeollabuk-do
Office Location: JeonjuPopulation: 1.8 millionArea: 8,063 km2
http://www.jeonbuk.go.kr/
12 Jeollanam-do
Office Location: MuanPopulation: 1.8 millionArea: 12,121 km2
http://www.jeonnam.go.kr/
14 Gangwon-do
Office Location: ChuncheonPopulation: 1.5 millionArea: 16,874 km2
http://www.provin.gangwon.kr/
10 Gyeongsangbuk-do
Office Location: DaeguPopulation: 2.6 millionArea: 19,026 km2
http://www.gyeongbuk.go.kr/
9 Gyeongsangnam-do
Office Location: ChangwonPopulation: 3.1 millionArea: 10,524 km2
http://www.gsnd.net/
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Constitution and Government at a glance
52
Ministry ofStrategy
and Finance
Ministry of Education,Science andTechnology
Ministry ofForeign
Affairs and Trade
Ministry ofUnification
Ministry ofJustice
Ministry ofNationalDefense
Ministry of PublicAdministration
and Security
Ministry ofCulture, Sports
and Tourism
Ministry for Food,Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries
Ministry ofKnowledgeEconomy
Ministry for Health,Welfare and
Family Affairs
Ministry ofEnvironment
Ministry of
Labor
Ministry of
Gender Equality
Ministry of Land,
Transportand Maritime Affairs
President
Prime Minister
Board of Audit and Inspection
National Intelligence Service
Office of Minister for Special Affairs
Ministry of Government LegislationMinistry of Patriots & Veterans
Affairs
Fair Trade Commission
Financial Services CommissionAnti-Corruption & Civil Rights
Commission
Korea Communications Commission
Government Structure
Legislature Executive JudiciaryConstitutional
Court
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Syngman Rhee
1st, 2nd and 3rdPresident
(1948 - 1960)
Yun Bo-seon
4th President(1960 - 1962)
Park Chung-hee
5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and9th President(1963 - 1979)
Choi Kyu-hah
10th President(1979-1980)
Chun Doo-hwan
11th, 12th President(1980 - 1988)
Roh Tae-woo
13th President(1988 - 1993)
Roh Moo-hyun
16th President(2003 - 2008)
Lee Myung-bak
17th President(2008 - )
Kim Young-sam
14th President(1993 - 1998)
Kim Dae-jung
15th President(1998 - 2003)
Presidents of the Republic of Korea
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INT
ER-KO
REAN
RELA
TIONS
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Historical Background
Efforts Toward Peaceful Resolution of the North Korean Nuclear Issue
Inter-Korean Exchanges and Cooperation
Inter-Korean
Relations5
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Historical Background
The end of the Second World War marked by the formal
surrender of Japan was met with great joy by Koreans who
aspired to bring about a unified independent nation.
However, much to their chagrin, Koreans found themselves
taking center stage in the ensuing Cold War between East
and West, and having to suffer the ignominy of national
division. The national division and establishment of
separate governments in the South and North eventually
led to a civil war that has come to be known as the Korean
War (1950-1953). While the Korean War was a byproduct of
internal ideological conflicts, it was also viewed by many as
a proxy war between the West and the Communist Bloc.
The Korean War Veterans
Memorial in Washington,D.C.
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The Korean War developed into a large-
scale international conflict which saw 16 UN
countries fight alongside the South;
meanwhile, China and the USSR joined the
hostilities on the side of their communist ally
North Korea. The fighting ended in an armistice
which created a 155-mile truce line that
effectively partitioned the Korean Peninsula.
The Cold War confrontation on the Korean
Peninsula only intensified after the signing of
the ceasefire. In this regard, while the SouthKorean Government pursued a policy toward
North Korea that was aimed at achieving
unification by defeating Communism, North
Korea adopted a hard-line strategy that revolved around
attempting to communize the South.
Cold War tensions began to ease at the beginning of the
1970s as capitalist and communist countries actively sought
dtente. It was against this backdrop that Seoul andPyongyang jointly announced the South-North Joint
Communiqu of July 4, 1972. Moreover, they also engaged in
limited dialogue and exchanges through venues such as the
South-North Red Cross Talks and South-North Coordinating
Committee Meetings. Nevertheless, the years of animosity
and mistrust that had built up between the South and North
proved to be impossible to dissipate, and efforts to build
mutual confidence in the political arena came to naught.
In 1979, the world was once again driven to the brink as
a new Cold War confrontation emerged following the
USSRs invasion of Afghanistan. As a result, inter-Korean
relations also took a turn for the worse. By the mid 1980s,
reforms and openness initiated in the USSR had triggered
the acceleration of this very process in East European
communist countries. Inter-Korean relations reached an
important turning point as the Cold War structure began to
be dismantled.
Soldiers at thedemarcation line in theDemilitarized Zone nearCheorwon
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As part of efforts to actively respond to the rapidly
changing international situation that prevailed during the late
1980s, Korea undertook a series of measures that included
the proclamation of the Special Presidential Declaration for
National Self-Esteem, Unification, and Prosperity on July 7,
1988, the establishment of the Korean National Community
Unification Formula, the passage of the Inter-Korean
The fifth round of the high-level talks in 1991
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Production and Number of Employees at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex
Source: Ministry of Unification
Value of manufactured products (US$ million)
No. of North Korean employees (persons)
2005.3 2005.6 2005.9 2005.12 2006.6 2006.12 2007.6 2007.12 2008.6 2008.12
0.5 0.7 2.81 10.8917.38
46.90
77.31
107.27118.87
132.56
2,0003,657
4,728
7,6218,879
11,189
15,584
22,538
29,489
38,931
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Exchange and Cooperation Act, and the forging of the Inter-
Korean Cooperation Fund. More concrete measures such asthe Inter-Korean Basic Agreement were also reached through
dialogue with North Korea. In 1991, the two Koreas
simultaneously joined the United Nations. This can be
regarded as the manner in which the framework for inter-
Korean reconciliation and cooperation was established.
However, despite Koreas internal efforts to establish the
framework for the development of inter-Korean relations,
and the reaching of important agreements between the twoKoreas, inter-Korean relations failed to move to the next
level, namely that of reconciliation. North Koreas
subsequent withdrawal from the NPT had the effect of once
again throwing a cold shower over inter-Korean relations,
and restoring the stalemate.
While an agreement in principle was reached to hold an
inter-Korean summit in 1994, the idea was effectively
shelved following the sudden death of Kim Il-sung. Over the
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Source: Ministry of Unification
Official Reunions of Separated Families
(persons)
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next four years, North Korea featured a ruling structure
in which all decisions continued to be based on Kim Il-sungs instructions. As a result, inter-Korean relations
were once again thrown into a deep freeze. This was
also a period in which North Korea experienced
serious economic difficulties. Meanwhile, an attempt
was made to resolve the first North Korean nuclear
crisis through the construction of Korean-style light
water power reactors with a capacity of 2 million
kilowatts in North Korea. So-called four-party talkswere also carried out as part of efforts to establish a
permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.
Soon after the inauguration of the Kim Dae-jung
Administration in 1998, the government, as part of its policy
of separating political and economic matters, authorized
large-scale economic cooperation projects involving the
private sector. In addition, it also launched the
Geumgangsan Tourism Project in November 1998. All of
these positive developments paved the way for the advent
of a significant breakthrough in inter-Korean relations. In
June 2000, the first summit between the leaders of the two
Koreas since the division of the nation was held. With this
meeting serving as an impetus, large-scale humanitarian
food aid to North Korea began to be carried out, and several
rounds of divided family reunions were conducted. In the
economic field, efforts were made to reconnect the
Gyeongui and Donghae railways and roads linking together
the two Koreas. The Gaeseong Industrial Complex was also
established. The implementation of such projects in the
aftermath of the inter-Korean summit resulted in easing
tensions between the two Koreas, and in altering North
Koreas perception of South Korea.
However, North Koreas carrying out of a nuclear test in
October 2006 caused a great stir amongst the Korean
public, and criticism of the governments sunshine policy
Historic First South-NorthKorean Summit in 2000
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toward North Korea became more strident. It was amidst
such circumstances that the second inter-Korean summitwas held in October 2007; however, this gathering did little
to assuage the publics concerns with regards to the North
Korean nuclear issue
It was against such a backdrop that the Lee Myung-bak
government was inaugurated, and that its Vision 3000,
Denuclearization, Openness policy was proposed. The Lee
Myung-bak government introduced a policy for coexistence
and co-prosperity with North Korea that was based onreconciliation and cooperation measures. This policy of
coexistence and co-prosperity with North Korea has as its
objectives the resolution of the North Korean nuclear crisis
and establishment of a new peace regime, the construction
of the North Korean economy and formation of an inter-
Korean economic community through economic cooperation
that is geared towards co-prosperity, and the ensuring of
the happiness of Korean residents on both sides of the
divide through the resolution of humanitarian issues. The
Lee Myung-bak government has sought to attain these
policy goals by implementing its North Korean policy in a
manner in which, while adhering to the basic principles, has
nevertheless been flexible.
Making Efforts Toward a Peaceful Resolution
of the North Korean Nuclear Issue
The North Korean nuclear issue is a matter which concerns
not only the Korean Peninsula but also the international
community as a whole, because it poses a serious threat to
peace and stability in Northeast Asia and undermines the
international non-proliferation regime. The Korean
government is pursuing to resolve the North Korean nuclear
issue through the Six-Party Talks involving the two Koreas,
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the United States, Japan, China and Russia.
In 2005, the Six Parties agreed on the Joint Statement
of September 19 , the first concrete agreement reached by
the Six Parties on the denuclearization of North Korea. In
this Statement, North Korea committed to abandoning all
nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs, while the
other parties agreed to take steps to normalize relations
and promote economic cooperation in the fields of energy,
trade and investment. The Statement provided the basic
framework for the resolution of the North Korean nuclear
issue. Despite North Koreas missile launches and its first
nuclear test in 2006, the continued efforts of the
participants of the Six-Party Talks led to outcomes such as
the Initial Actions for the Implementation of the Joint
Statement of February 13, 2007 and the Second-Phase
Actions for the Implementation of the Joint Statement of
October 3, 2007.
However, the Six-Party Talks has fallen into a stalemate
since December 2008 following a failure to reach an
agreement on how to verify the completeness and correctness
of the declaration submitted by North Korea in June 2008.In early 2009, North Korea undertook a series of
provocative acts: they launched a long-range rocket and
Heads of delegations fromsix nations pose for agroup photo during thesecond session of the sixthround of the Six-PartyTalks in Beijing, China, 30September 2007.
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started reversing disablement measures at the Yongbyon
facilities in April, while refusing to participate in the Six-
Party Talks. They even conducted a second nuclear test in
May. These acts are clear violations of relevant UN Security
Council resolutions as well as the agreements reached at
the Six-Party Talks. To this date, North Korea is continuing
its nuclear activities, heightening the international
communitys concern.
The international community has been united in
responding to North Koreas provocations in a resolute
manner, particularly, by adopting and fully implementing
Security Council resolution 1874.
The Korean government is closely cooperating with
relevant countries to bring North Korea back to the Six-Party
Talks and to fully implement Security Council resolutions.
In the meantime, President Lee Myung-bak proposed the
Grand Bargain in September 2009, which demonstrates
our willingness to pursue a fundamental resolution to the
North Korean nuclear issue. Departing from the incremental
and partial agreements of the past, the Grand Bargain
aims at capturing in a single agreement all steps related toNorth Koreas irreversible denuclearization and the Five
Parties corresponding measures to realize the ultimate goal
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An inter-Korean mensfriendly soccer game
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of North Koreas denuclearization. Based on the Five Parties
common understanding of this comprehensive approach, theKorean government will continue consultations with relevant
parties to elaborate the Grand Bargain.
In addition, given that it is difficult to substantially improve
inter-Korean relations without genuine progress in the nuclear
issue, the ROK government places high priority on the nuclear
issue as part of the agenda in inter-Korean dialogue.
The peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear
issue requires concerted efforts by the internationalcommunity. The Korean government will spare no efforts to
make progress in the complete and verifiable
denuclearization of North Korea through inter-Korean
dialogue as well as the Six-Party Talks.
Inter-Korean Exchanges and Cooperation
The announcement of the Presidential Declaration for National
Self-Esteem, Unification, and Prosperity on July 7, 1988
marked the official onset of inter-Korean exchanges and
cooperation. During the inter-Korean Summit held in 2000, the
two sides agreed to establish regular inter-Korean ministerial
meetings and to form the inter-Korean Economic Cooperation
Committee. In addition, three economic cooperation projects,
namely the construction of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex,inter-Korean railways and roads, and the Geumgangsan
Tourism Project, were implemented in a full-scale manner.
Inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation have contributed
not only to the creation of economic benefits, but also to
easing military tensions on the Korean Peninsula, heightening
the dependency of the North Korean economy on South
Korea, and inducing gradual change in the North. The
government seeks to further develop inter-Korean exchanges
and cooperation as part of its efforts to facilitate opening and
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number of economic cooperation projects approved increased
from two in 2000 to sixty-two in 2008. The fields in which suchcooperation has occurred have also become more diversified,
moving from the manufacturing sector to the service industry-
related fields such as logistics.
The connection of railways and roads and the
Geumgangsan and Gaeseong Tourism Projects
While roads linking together the two Koreas, such as the
Gyeongui and Donghae Highways, have been in use sinceDecember 2004, freight trains have run on a regular basis
since December 17, 2007. However, North Koreas unilateral
decision to cease rail travel has resulted in such travel being
suspended since December 1, 2008.
In excess of 1.93 million people have travelled to
Geumgangsan as part of the tourism project initiated in
November 1998; however, the venture was provisionally
suspended after an incident on July 11, 2008 in which a tourist
was shot and killed while at the mountain resort. Meanwhile,
some 110,000 tourists travelled to Gaeseong during the period
spanning from December 2007 to November 28, 2008, or until
North Korea unilaterally decided to put an end to the tour.
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In 2007, the two Koreasbegan daily cargo railservice between Munsan,South Korea, andBongdong, North Korea.
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Gaeseong Industrial Complex
The Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC) is an economiccooperation project which has been jointly developed and
pursued by the two Koreas near the border city of Gaeseong in
North Koreas Hwanghaebuk-do Province. After official inter-
Korean consultations and an agreement between Hyundai
Asan and North Korea, construction on the site was
commenced on Aug. 22, 2000. The complex began operations
in earnest in late December 2007 when the first phase of
development and the lottery for lots were completed.
The Gaeseong Industrial Complex primarily brings the
Souths capital and technology together with the Norths labor
and land for mutual gain. The complex is gradually
transforming an area of confrontation and tension into one of
reconciliation and peace. Every day, the Gyeongui Highway is
used to transport some 700 vehicles and 1,200 South Korean
staff members and supplies across the Demilitarized Zone as
part of efforts to meet the needs of existing enterprises and to
help prepare the industrial zone for newly arriving businesses.
As of the end of December 2008, 93 companies were operating
in the complex. In 2008, some US$251.42 million dollars worth
of goods was produced within the complex, nearly US$36
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North Korean workers atthe Gaeseong Industrial
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million of which came from exports. As evidenced by the
fact that the GICs cumulative production value since 2005
has been estimated at US$524.8 million dollars, 2008 saw a
marked increase in output within the complex.
In accordance with agreements reached by the two Koreas,
the government will consistently strive to consult closely withthe North Korean authorities and related firms, as well as
monitor developments, so that companies can invest and
continue to do business in the complex.
The current state of inter-Korean social and cultural
exchanges
Inter-Korean social and cultural exchanges have been carried
out in order to bridge the gap that has emerged between the
two Koreas in terms of such aspects as language, education,
and life culture, thereby paving the way for the formation of a
national community. Exchanges and cooperation in the social
and cultural fields have been continuously expanded and
developed since 2000. The number of inter-Korean social and
cultural exchange and cooperation projects approved had risen
to 143 by 2008, and some 47,611 people had visited the other
half of the nation as part of these ventures. The effort to restore
national homogeneity has resulted in cooperation projects
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Kim Soon-kwon (Dr. Corn)
As head of the InternationalCorn Foundation (ICF),Dr. Kim oversaw thedevelopment of supercorn, a cereal engineeredto provide bigger yields.In 1998, the ICFtransferred super cornseeds to North Korea andbegan working with theirresearchers to find newways to help alleviate
chronic food shortagesthere.
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being implemented in fields such as history, education and
academics, as well as art & culture, sports, and religion. In
particular, unified teams were dispatched to the 1991 World
Table Tennis Championship and to the 1991 FIFA World Youth
Championship. The two Koreas also marched together during
the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
Divided family reunions
Thanks to the 16 rounds of divided family reunions and seven
rounds of video reunions held since 2000, a grand total of
19,960 people have been able for the first time in 50 years to
meet with members of their families from whom they were
separated. Unfortunately, the recent frost in inter-Korean
relations has resulted in divided family reunions being nixed
at the governmental level since 2008. However, such reunions
continue to be carried out at the private level. The government
fully intends to make the issue of divided family reunions a
priority when inter-Korean talks resume. The government will
strive to bring about regular reunions by pushing for the
establishment of a permanent center for divided family
reunions at Geumgansan, the granting of permission for
divided family members to visit their hometowns, as well as
free visits between the members of divided families.
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Once-divided relativesfrom the South and North
meet at an official familyreunion.
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Inter-Korean Relations at a glance
70
1950, June 25
The Korean Warbegins
1953, July 27
Signing of theceasefire agreement
1972, July 4
Announcement of the July 4thSouth-North JointCommuniqu
1972, November 30
South-North CoordinatingCommittee
1985, September 20 - 23
First reunion of separatedKorean families
1998,
November 18
Package trips to
the NorthsGeumgansanMountain startfor South Koreantourists
Major Accomplishments in
Inter- Korean RelationsThe Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when
North Korea invaded the South. An armistice
agreement was signed in 1953. South Koreas
astonishing economic growth since 1960 has
affected relations between the two Koreas. With its
strong economy as a platform, South
Korea was able to propose dialogue and
exchanges with the North.
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2000, June 13 - 15
The first inter-KoreanSummit
2000, September 15
The Koreas make a joint entry into theopening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics
2003, June 30
Groundbreaking for Gaeseong IndustrialComplex
2005, September 19
4th round of the Six-Party Talksproduces the Joint Statement calling fordenuclearization of the KoreanPeninsula
2007, October 2 - 4
Second inter-KoreanSummit
2007, December 5
South Korean packagetours to the Northshistoric city Gaeseongbegin
2007, December 11
Inter-Korean Gyeongeui and
Donghae railway lines open (Freightservice between Munsan andBongdong begins)
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KO
REAINTHE
WOR
LD
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International Relations
Economic Exchanges
International Peace and Cooperation
Korean's Development Cooperation
Future Policy Directions
6Korea in the World
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International Relations
Since its founding