My friends.

Traditional Sports

Ancient Koreans are recorded to have engaged in numerous traditional sports and games, such as kite flying, tug-of-war, geune, jegichagi, neolttwigi as well as taekwondo and ssireum.

Among the traditional sports that have been revived in modern times, the martial art of taekwondo is the best known and the only officially acknowledged sport to have originated in Korea and be practiced widely around the world.

Taekwondo uses the entire body, particularly the hands and feet. It not only strengthens one's physical wellbeing, but also cultivates character via physical and mental training, coupled with techniques for discipline. This self-defense martial art has become a popular international sport in the last quarter century with some 3,000 Korean instructors now teaching taekwondo in more than 150 countries.

Evidence of taekwondo's existence as a systematic defense method using the body's instinctive reflexes can be traced back to ceremonial games that were performed during religious events in the era of the ancient tribal states.

During religious ceremonies such as Yeonggo, Dongmaeng (a sort of Thanksgiving ceremony), or Mucheon (Dance to Heaven), ancient Koreans performed a unique exercise for physical training and this exercise led to the development of taekwondo.



In Korea, the Taekwondo Association has a membership of about 3.8 million, constituting the largest affiliate of the Korea Sports Council. The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), with its headquarters in Seoul, was officially approved as the governing body of the sport by the International Olympic Committee in 1980.

Taekwondo was a demonstration sport in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, reflecting its worldwide popularity. It became an official Olympic medal event beginning in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.



Ssireum, a Korean traditional form of wrestling, is a type of folk competition in which two players, holding on to a satba (a cloth-sash tied around the waist and thigh), use their strength and various techniques to wrestle each other to the ground.

The history of ssireum began at the same time that communities began to form. In primitive societies, people inevitably had to fight against wild beasts, not only for self-defense, but also for securing food. In addition, it was impossible for these communities to avoid getting into conflicts with other tribes. As a result, people ended up practicing different forms of martial arts to protect themselves.




The ultimate winner of a ssireum tournament was customarily awarded a bull, which was not only a symbol of strength, but also a valuable asset in an agricultural society.

In Korea today, ssireum has emerged as a sport with a large following, rather than a mere traditional folk competition conducted only on holidays. The Korean Ssireum Association has succeeded in generating a nationwide boom in this traditional sport by sponsoring highly competitive matches.

Its popularity has grown to the point that matches are regularly broadcast on TV. With the development of consistent rules and guidelines, ssireum has continued to progress from a traditional sport and self-defense method into a well-loved folk competition and popular modern sport that is a part of the lives of Koreans today.

The 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan ended its one-month epic run on June 30, 2002. The first FIFA World Cup of the 21st century consisted of a total of 64 matches and was safely completed without any hooliganism or terrorist acts.

The national teams of Korea and Japan both cleared the first round of competition, and played admirably, the Japanese team advancing to the final 16, and the Korean team astounding the world by advancing through to the semi-finals. These successes were ones that until this tournament had never been achieved by an Asian country in the World Cup.

The amazing performance of the Korean team improved Korea's national image dramatically, etching the brand “Korea” among people around the world.

The soccer event provided a good opportunity to shed Korea's negative images, associated with war, demonstrations and authoritarianism, as well as allowing the country to join the ranks of advanced countries.




The performance of the indefatigable Korean players was more than enough to impress the global audience, and the throngs of “Red Devils” coming out across the country to support their team illustrated the potent cohesiveness of the Korean people as a wholeThere were multiple sources of Korea's dynamic performance on and off the soccer field. Having struggled through the 1997 financial crisis, it was an uplifting accomplishment that still symbolizes the nation's resiliency. The Government as well as the private sector have benefited from this hard-earned momentum.

Foreign media praised Korea as the biggest winner of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Korean fans impressed onlookers with their enthusiastic and orderly “street cheering.” Combined, nearly 22 million took to the streets nationwide to cheer for the Korean national soccer team.

The numbers swelled to 4.2 million people for the final-16 match against Italy, 5 million for the quarterfinal against Spain and 6.5 million for the semifinal against Germany. Even for the third-place match against Turkey on June 29, 2.17 million people showed up on the streets. In Seoul, over 10 million people gathered in the streets during the seven games, which accounts for 88 percent of the capital's population.

Since 1971, the Republic of Korea has annually sponsored an international soccer tournament, originally known as the President's Cup Football. The tournament, which has since been renamed the Korea Cup, has greatly contributed to the improvement of soccer skills in Asia and has promoted understanding and friendship among the participants. The tournament has drawn teams from Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa. In 1983, Korea became the first country in Asia to field a professional soccer league. In 1994, the professional league changed its name to the K-League. Today, 14 teams compete in this league, which allowed foreign players' participation beginning in the 1996 season.

Korean food

Of the three basic elements of life ― house, clothing and food ― the change in dietary habits has most significantly affected Koreans.

Rice still remains the staple of most Koreans, but among the younger generations, many prefer Western-style food.

Rice has been usually accompanied by various side dishes, mostly seasoned vegetables, soup, pot stew, and meat.



A traditional Korean meal is not complete without kimchi, a mixture of various pickled vegetables such as Chinese cabbage, radish, green onion and cucumber. Certain types of kimchi are made spicy with the addition of red chili pepper powder, while others are prepared without red chili peppers or are soaked in a tasty liquid. However, garlic is always used in kimchi to add to its flavor.

In late November or early December, Korean families used to prepare enough kimchi to last the long winter. The kimchi was stored in large clay jars partially buried to maintain temperature and retain flavor.



In modern Korea, housewives often don't have time to make kimchi or the outdoor space needed to store large amounts. But kimchi is still a vital part of the Korean lifestyle: companies making the fermented dish and others selling special kimchi refrigerators enjoy brisk sales.

World Heritage

UNESCO has recognized the unique value and the distinct character of Korean culture by placing a number of Korean treasures on the World Heritage List.

In 1995, UNESCO added to its list Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province; Haeinsa Temple Janggyeongpanjeon, the depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks in Gyeongsangnam-do Province; and Jongmyo, the Royal Ancestral Shrine in Seoul.

Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul and Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon were entered on the list in 1997. In 2000, two additional Korean treasures were added to the list: the dolmen sites of Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwado; and the Gyeongju Historic Area, the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. - A.D. 935), where innumerable cultural treasures and historic sites are carefully preserved. In 2007, UNESCO named Korea's volcanic island Jejudo and its lava tubes a natural property of outstanding beauty which bears testimony to the history of our planet.



Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto were constructed over a 23-year period beginning in 751 during the Silla Kingdom by Chief Minister Kim Dae-seong (701-774). It is recorded that Kim was reincarnated as the son of a chief minister because he had been the virtuous son of a poor widow in a previous life.

He himself became chief minister and resigned in 750 to supervise the construction of Bulguksa to honor the parents of his present life and Seokguram to honor the parents of his previous life. Bulguksa was for public worship and Seokguram for the private worship of the king.

Built on a series of stone terraces, Bulguksa blends into what appears as an organic whole with the rocky terrain of the wooded foothills of Tohamsan. The temple houses the Seokgatap (Pagoda of the Historic Buddha) and Dabotap (Pagoda of Many Treasures) as well as Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), Baegungyo (White Cloud Bridge) and Chilbogyo (Bridge of Seven Treasures) ― the three staircases are called bridges because symbolically they lead from the secular world to the spiritual one of Buddha. There are many other outstanding treasures within and outside the temple grounds, including gilt bronze Buddha statues.

Dominating the courtyard of the Daeungjeon (Main Hall) are two of Korea's most beautiful pagodas. The 8.3-meter-high Seokgatap and the 10.5-meter-high Dabotap were both built around 756.

Seokgatap is characterized by masculine simplicity and princely dignity and represents spiritual ascent via the teachings of Sakyamuni whereas the highly decorative Dabotap is more feminine and symbolizes the complexity of the world.



Seokguram Grotto has undergone renovation several times over the years. It is an artificially created stone cavern featuring a large seated Buddha surrounded by 38 Bodhisattvas. The grotto, like the structures in the vicinity of Bulguksa, is made from granite.Seokguram comprises a rectangular antechamber and a round interior chamber with a domed ceiling connected by a passageway. Chiseled out of a single block of granite, the 3.5-meter-high main Buddha is seated cross-legged on a lotus throne facing the east, with eyes closed in quiet meditation, and a serene, all-knowing expression on its face. Seokguram represents a combination of Silla's knowledge of architecture, math, geometry, physics, religion and art into an organic whole and is one of Korea's greatest Buddhist masterpieces.



Changdeokgung Palace was first built in 1405 and was reconstructed after being burnt down in 1592 during the Japanese invasion. The palace itself is a masterful work but particularly noteworthy is the back garden (Huwon), also called the Secret garden (Biwon), which is widely acclaimed for its beautifully landscaped and creative gardens. The garden comprises almost three-fourths of the 405,636-square-meter palace grounds and is tastefully laid out with all the essential elements of a traditional Korean garden: picturesque pavilions and halls, lotus ponds, uniquely shaped rocks, stone bridges, stairways, water troughs and springs scattered among dense woods.



Hwaseong Fortress was constructed over 34 months in Suwon, south of Seoul, in 1796. The fortress incorporated the very latest construction technology, theories of military defense and aesthetic principles to create the most advanced military stronghold Korea had ever known. It stretched over mountainous terrain, around an urban center and through flatland and included four major and several minor gates, command posts, observation towers, battlements, guard posts and bunkers. Most of the 5,743 meter exterior fortress wall still remains.



Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes together comprise three sites that make up 18,846 ha. They are Geomunoreum, regarded as the finest lava tube cave system anywhere, with its multicolored carbonate ceilings and floors and dark-colored lava walls; the dramatic fortress-like Seongsan Ilchulbong crater rising out of the ocean; and Hallasan, South Korea's highest mountain, with its waterfalls, multi-shaped rock formations and small crater lake. These sites of outstanding aesthetic beauty also bear testimony to the history of the planet, its features and the processes which formed our world.

Let's look around in Korea!

seoul

Located along the Hangang River, Seoul has grown into a teeming metropolis with a population of more than 10 million. Over the years, the capital city of Korea has greatly expanded in the process of urbanization and industrialization and continues to grow as the thriving center of the country's political, economic, cultural and educational activities.

Seoul is the world's 10th-largest city. Its past and present coexist in a fascinating way: centuries-old palaces, city gates, shrines, gardens and priceless art collections attest to the city's illustrious past, while the glistening facades of soaring skyscrapers and the bustling traffic represent its vibrant present.

The old city was encircled by four inner mountains and four outer mountains. Bugaksan in the north, Naksan in the east, Inwangsan in the west, and Namsan in the south are "the inner mountains" as all were originally inside the old city walls of the Joseon capital. The four outer mountains are Bukhansan in the north, Yongmasan in the east, Deogyangsan in the west, and Gwanaksan in the south. Each mountain has a unique beauty of its own while boasting natural scenic landscapes and spectacular views overlooking the city of Seoul. There are also numerous mountain springs that freely provide clean, clear water to refresh weary hikers.

In Seoul, the must-see attractions are the ancient royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty: Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung. Jongmyo, the royal ancestral shrine of the Joseon Dynasty and Changdeokgung's adjacent Huwon (Rear Garden also known as the Secret Garden) are noted for their beautifully landscaped gardens and classical structures.



One of the most popular areas for tourists in the old center of Seoul is Insa-dong. A place that beckons both casual shoppers and serious collectors, it is lined with antique shops, art galleries, traditional teahouses, and restaurants as well as bookstores.

Other attractions highly recommended for visitors include the National Museum, the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, the Ho-Am Art Hall and Korea House. The National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, a southern satellite town, also deserves a visit.

At Namsan Park, in the heart of Seoul, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city from Seoul Tower and look around a reconstructed Hanok village below.

Visitors can relax, walk, or rent bicycles in numerous Seoul parks, such as Olympic Park, Seoul Grand Park, Seoul Forest, and the Hangang River Trail. These parks are among the hidden treasures of Seoul, enjoyed by residents but often missed by tourists.

Of course, Korean cuisine is also a must during a trip to the peninsula, either at a modern or traditional restaurant. Excellent Chinese and Japanese food is also available, as well as French, Italian, Thai, Pakistani and many other ethnic cuisines.

Seoul has an active nightlife with clubs, cafes, and roof-top lounges. A fantastic view of the city at night can be seen from the Seoul City Tour Bus or from along the Hangang River as a cruise boat slowly meanders through a valley flanked by high-rises.

Seoul Vicinity & Gyeonggi-do Province



Gyeonggido Province is located in the western central region of the Korean Peninsula, with the Hangang running through its center. The river divides the province into a mountainous northern area and open fields to the south. While Seoul keeps its visitors busy with so many intriguing and enticing things to see and do, this area outside of Seoul can provide a refreshing and invigorating break.

The shoreline of coastal regions juts in and out along the beaches and includes countless bays and coves, capes and islands. Namyangman and Asanman Bays, Gimpo and Hwaseong Peninsula as well as Ganghwado and Yeongjongdo islands are all attractions worth a trip outside of Seoul. The golden bell, the provincial flower, symbolizes prosperity and flourishes widely throughout the region.

Within a 30-minute drive to the south of Seoul is the Korean Folk Village. In this traditional village everyday Korean life of days gone by is reenacted. The Korean Folk Village opened in 1973 and now includes aspects of almost everything traditionally Korean.

Homes typical of the various provinces are on display, and there are regular performances of tightrope walking, wedding and funeral processions, kite-flying contests and folk dancing in the village square. Blacksmith, carpenters, potters and craftsmen can also be seen at work in their shops. In Suwon, adjacent to this traditional village is Hwaseong Fortress, a walled city of the Joseon Dynasty that was recently included in UNESCO's World Heritage List.



Yongin Everland, a comprehensive leisure complex, consists of state-of-the-art amusement park facilities, including a water park and spas, ideal for summer recreation for all age groups.

The distinguished Ho-Am Art Museum displays over 5,000 pieces of art. About 80 kilns are concentrated in the area of the Icheon Ceramic Festival which is held in September each year. Bigger still, the World Ceramic Biennale spreads out over Incheon, Gwangju and Yeoju on odd-numbered years, Here you can savor the mysterious color of Goryeo celadon and the white purity of Korean porcelain.

Ganghwado is situated in the estuary of the Hangang River north of Incheon Port. This island, Korea's fifth-largest, is rich in history and natural beauty. Major historic monuments here include an altar said to have been erected by Dangun, the legendary founder of Korea, along with fortresses, ancient walls, a celadon kiln dating back to the 13th century Goryeo Kingdom, and Jeondeungsa Temple.



Just a 56-km bus trip north of Seoul is Panmunjeom, the truce village where the Korean Armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, ending the fierce fighting of the Korean War. It is now a joint security area managed by the UN Command and North Korean guards. Visitors are escorted and briefed by military guides.

Eastern Region

Gangwon-do Province is located in the central eastern region of the Korean Peninsula. Most of the land is covered with thick forests, providing an abundance of scenic vistas with fewer residential areas than in other provinces. Both its remote wooded mountains and ravines as well as small coastal towns are rich in scenic splendor.



With these natural conditions, Gangwon-do served as an ideal site for the 4th Asian Winter Games in January 1999. The International Trave
The International Travel Exposition (ITE) ‘99 was also held here from September 11 through October 30, 1999. Over 2 million visitors from overseas and around the country participated in these events. Under the theme, “Man, Nature and Life of the Future,” the ITE offered an array of performances and events in addition to a number of fascinating exhibitions and useful information to visitors.

The eastern coastline, stretching 390 kilometers (234 miles) from Hwajinpo to Busan, is rugged and mountainous with some of the most breathtaking scenery in Korea. Skiing and other winter sports help make the area a year-round resort destination. To meet the needs of the more than one million skiers per year, several resorts are now equipped with snow-making machines, which have extended the season from December to March. Other popular recreational activities in the region include swimming in summer and mountain climbing in autumn. The beaches here are perhaps the finest in Korea, gently sloping into shallow water and mild currents.




Seoraksan Mountain, part of the Geumgangsan Mountain Range, draws visitors with its magnificent splendor. It is impressive and colorful all year round and is home to the Asiatic black bear, the symbol of Gangwon-do Province and one of the most endangered species in the world.

Other popular sites include the Cheoksan, Osaek and Sorak Waterpia hot springs in and around Seoraksan National Park and the unification observatories abutting the DMZ that offer excellent views of North Korean territory. And every August, puppet theater groups from around the world converge on the capital of Gangwon-do for the Chuncheon Puppet Festival.

Ulleungdo, lying 217 kilometers (134.8 miles) northeast of Pohang, is an extinct volcano rising prominently from the East Sea. Dokdo, the easternmost point of Korea, lies 87.4 kilometers (54.3miles) to the southeast of Ulleungdo.

Geumgangsan is considered one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. It is located in North Korea near the eastern end of the Demilitarized Zone. Tourists can travel overland to Geumgangsan by signing up with an authorized South Korean travel agency for a guided tour.

Central Region
Chungcheongbuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do provinces lie in the western center of the peninsula. Chungcheongbuk-do is the country's only landlocked province, but with the completion of the Government Complex in its capital Daejeon and the newly opened international airport in Chungcheongnam-do's capital Cheongju, the two provinces are being turned into a strategic heartland for the domestic economy.



Daejeon is about two hours south of Seoul by car and is a major train junction for the Seoul-Busan and Seoul-Gwangju-Mokpo lines. It is rapidly developing into one of Korea's major science and technology centers. Expo Park, the site of the International Daejeon Expo ‘93, has been renovated and converted into a public science park.

Buyeo, the last capital of the Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C.- A.D. 660), features the Buyeo National Museum which houses a comprehensive collection of about 7,000 relics from the Baekje period.

The Geumgang River flows alongside Gyeryongsan, one of the region's most popular mountains. As the original center of Baekje culture, the area abounds with unique cultural artifacts and historic relics.

Dotted between the many peaks and saddlebacks along the ridgeline of the Sobaeksan Mountains are a wealth of national treasures and historical places. These include the seven-story stone pagoda of Yongdusa, the Palsangjeon wooden pagoda, Sangdangsanseong Fortress, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin's Chungnyeolsa Shrine.

Many other celebrated temples, hot springs, national parks and natural wonders are also waiting to be discovered here. Chungjuho Lake offers a variety of delightful water sports in central Korea. Cruise boats ply its waters between Chungju and Danyang, giving passengers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Gosudonggul Cave captivates visitors with its glistening stalactites in all shapes and sizes. Chungju orchards are one of the country's main sources of delicious apples. Yellow tobacco is also a specialty of this region, and the area's ginseng has gained a worldwide reputation.

Southwestern Region

Korea's southwestern region encompasses Jeollabuk-do and Jeollanam-do provinces. The region is relatively flat, containing broad stretches of rice paddies, and its jagged coastline creates many small harbors. It is a fertile and warm region sheltered by high mountains on the east and north and calm seas and many islands on the west and south. Because of the influence of both continental and ocean climates, the provinces exhibit a wide variety of weather conditions.



Jeonju is famous for its traditional mixed vegetable rice dish, bibimbap, and for Hanji, traditional mulberry paper. The provincial bird is the magpie, which is related to a poignant legend. According to this legend, on the night of the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, magpies build a bridge above the Milky Way by carrying twigs and pebbles in their beaks, allowing two lovers, Gyeonu and Jingnyeo, who are destined to meet only once a year to see each other again.

Namwon is the gateway to Jirisan National Park, as well as the famed home of Chunhyang, one of Korea's legendary heroines. Chunhyangga, a narrative epic song (pansori) about the faithfulness of her love, is one of the most favored performances in Korea. Mt. Jirisan contains the second highest mountain peak in South Korea. The sub-range is vast and stretches across three provinces, Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do.

Deogyusan National Park commands superb views of the 30 kilometer-long Mujugucheondong Valley. The valley encompasses Muju Ski Resort, the largest skiing area in Korea.

The Gwangju National Museum is home to a collection of Chinese ceramics recovered from a 600-year-old Chinese merchant ship that was wrecked in the seas off Sinan.

Damyang, 22 kilometers north of Gwangju, is the center of bamboo cultivation and craftsmanship. The Damyang Bamboo Museum is the world's first museum devoted exclusively to bamboo.
Other tourists sites and museums such as Hwangtohyeon Victory Field, Gochang-eupseong

Fortress, the dolmen sites in Gochang and Hwasun counties and the Gangam Calligraphy Museum add historic and literary character to the province.



On Jindo Island, which is some 350 kilometers south of Seoul, visitors can see the Korean version of the Moses Miracle. The sea between the coastal village of Hoedong-ri on Jindo and nearby Modo Islet actually parts for about an hour twice a year in early May, and again in the middle of July, leaving a walkable path, 2.8 kilometers long and 40 meters wide. Jindo is also renowned for the indigenous Korean dog breed, Jindogae, which is designated as Natural Monument No. 53.

Southeastern Region

Korea's southeastern region, encompassing Gyeong-sangbuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do provinces, is an area rich in tourist attractions, cultural assets and historical places. The Hallyeosudo Waterway and the mountains of Jirisan and Gayasan are among this region's most outstanding natural resources. In addition, the entire city of Gyeongju, ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 935), is now an exceptional open-air museum. Royal tombs, temple sites with weathered stone pagodas and fortress ruins are scattered all around the city and have yielded many ancient treasures.



Gyeongju's main architectural sites are Bulguksa Temple and the nearby Seokguram Grotto. Both were completed in the eighth century and are representative of highly refined Buddhist art. They were included on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1995. Other important historic sites include Dumuli Park, Oreung (Five Tombs), Cheomseongdae Observatory, General Kim Yu-sin's Tomb, and Mt. Namsan, which is dotted with numerous Buddhist images, pagodas and temple remains. The Gyeongju National Museum houses antique treasures recovered from Gyeongju and its vicinity.

Bomun Lake Resort, six kilometers from downtown on the eastern outskirts of the city, is an integrated tourist destination with several first-class hotels and various recreational facilities. Haeinsa Temple is famous for housing the 80,000 wooden printing blocks used to print the Tripitaka Koreana, which were carved in the 13th century. The Tripitaka Koreana is acknowledged as the most complete compilation of Buddhist scripture in East Asia.

Not far from historic Gyeongju are the growing industrial cities of Pohang and Ulsan. Pohang is home to the POSCO steel mills, while Ulsan is the industrial base for Hyundai, one of Korea's leading conglomerates.
Further to the south is Busan, Korea's principal port and second-largest city. The Jagalchi Fish Market, one of Korea's most famous markets, is right next to the piers where fishing boats unload their daily hauls. The market offers tourists a great early morning attraction as buyers and sellers haggle over the catch of the day.



Andong is one of the last living vestiges of old Korea, a treasure-trove of Confucian tradition. Hahoe, a small village near Andong, is famous for its unique traditional masks and the mask dance-drama, Hahoe-talchum. Dosanseowon, a Confucian academy founded in the 16th century by one of Korea's most well-known scholars, Yi Hwang, is also nearby. Massive international tour and resort complexes were opened in 2006 in the western and northern areas, featuring ultramodern recreation and leisure facilities.

Jejudo Island and Southern Coastal Regions


Within an hour's flight from Seoul, Busan or Daegu, travelers in Korea can reach a land of a completely different character. Recognized as the best-preserved area in the nation, Jejudo is Korea's only island province.

The island is Korea's most popular honeymoon destination. Known as “Little Hawaii” for its volcanic landscape, picturesque subtropical scenery, sandy beaches, waterfalls and hiking trails, it is one of the world's top ten tourist attractions with over four million visitors a year.
Jejudo enjoys a semitropical climate, with its plants and landscape being remarkably different from those of the mainland. It is also the natural habitat of over 2,000 species. Its principal mountain is the 1,950-meter Hallasan, a dormant volcano crowned with a large crater. Many centuries ago, lava flows from this volcano created tunnels, pillars and other unusual features formed by the quickly-cooled basalt. Favorite destinations include the Jeju Folkcraft and Natural History Museum, Jungmun Resort, Cheonjiyeon Falls, and Jeju Fantasy Gardens.

Jejudo's old thatched cottages with walls made from lava rock offer visitors a great chance to glimpse the island's unique folk culture. They reflect both the island's natural environment, characterized by strong winds, and the hearty lifestyle of its people.



Closer to the mainland, more than 3,000 islands line the winding southern and western coastlines. The completion of the Honam and Namhae expressways in 1973 made these picturesque coasts more accessible. The areas around Jinhae, Tongyeong, Jinju and Namhae are recommended highlights. The southern boundary of the Korean Peninsula is a jagged coastline which has created an irregular pattern of bays and inlets dotted with large and small islands. For those preferring waterways to expressways, a hydrofoil skims over the water between Busan and Yeosu. The boat stops at Seongpo, Tongyeong, Samcheonpo and Namhae.

History

Koreans rejoiced at Japan's 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 carried out on May 10, 1948, in the areas south of the 38th parallel. This parallel came to divide the Korean Peninsula into 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. The entire peninsula was devastated by the conflict. A cease-fire was signed in July 1953.

Korea's 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 common prosperity for South and North Korea through peace, reconciliation and cooperation.