Korea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Korea
한국 (South Korean)
조선 (North Korean) |
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Anthem:
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Korea shown in dark green
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| Capital | |
| Largest city | Seoul |
| Official languages | Korean |
| Official script |
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| Demonym(s) | Korean |
| Government | In dispute between South Korea and North Korea |
| Yoon Suk Yeol | |
| Kim Jong Un | |
| Han Duck-soo | |
| Legislature |
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| Establishment | |
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• Gojoseon
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2333 BCE (mythological) |
| 194 BCE | |
| 57 BCE | |
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• Balhae and Silla Kingdoms
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668 |
| 918 | |
| 17 July 1392 | |
| 12 October 1897 | |
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• Japanese annexation of Korea
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29 August 1910 |
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• Korean Declaration of Independence
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1 March 1919 |
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• Establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea
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11 April 1919 |
| 2 September 1945 | |
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• Establishment of the Republic of Korea
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15 August 1948 |
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• Establishment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
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9 September 1948 |
| 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953 | |
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• Both Koreas admitted to the UN
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17 September 1991 |
| Area | |
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• Total
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223,172 km2 (86,167 sq mi) |
| Population | |
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• 2017 estimate
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77,000,000 |
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• Density
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349.06/km2 (904.1/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+09 (Korea Standard Time and Pyongyang Time) |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code |
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| Internet TLD |
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Korea is a region in East Asia. Since 1948, it has been split into two separate countries: North Korea and South Korea. Korea includes the Korean Peninsula, Jeju Island, and many smaller islands nearby. It shares borders with Russia to the northeast and China to the northwest. To the east, Korea is close to Japan across the Korea Strait and the Sea of Japan (also called the East Sea).
During the first half of the 1st millennium, Korea was divided into three competing kingdoms: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. These were known as the "Three Kingdoms of Korea". Later, Silla defeated Baekje and Goguryeo, creating the "Unified Silla" period.
At the same time, the kingdom of Balhae formed in the north. Unified Silla eventually broke into three states due to civil war, leading to the Later Three Kingdoms. By the end of the 1st millennium, Goguryeo was reborn as Goryeo. Goryeo defeated the other two states and united the Korean Peninsula into one country. Around this time, Balhae fell, and its last prince fled to Goryeo.
Goryeo (also spelled Koryŏ) gave its name to the modern "Korea". It was a very advanced state that created the world's first metal movable type for printing in 1234. However, many invasions by the Mongol Empire in the 13th century weakened the nation. After decades of fighting, Goryeo became a vassal state (meaning it was controlled by the Mongols). After King Gongmin fought back and ended Mongol influence, there was a lot of political trouble. Goryeo was eventually overthrown by a coup led by General Yi Seong-gye, who started the Joseon dynasty on July 17, 1392.
The first 200 years of the Joseon era were mostly peaceful. During this time, Hangul, the Korean alphabet, was created by Sejong the Great in the 15th century. The ideas of Confucianism also became more important. Later in the dynasty, Korea's policy of staying isolated earned it the nickname "Hermit Kingdom" from Westerners.
By the late 1800s, Japan became interested in controlling Korea. After the First Sino-Japanese War, even though the Korean Empire tried to modernize, Japan took over Korea in 1910. Japan ruled Korea until World War II ended in August 1945.
In 1945, after World War II, the Soviet Union and the United States agreed on how Japanese forces in Korea would surrender. This led to Korea being divided along the 38th parallel. The North was occupied by the Soviets, and the South by the U.S. This situation soon caused Korea to split into two countries. The two superpowers could not agree on how Korea should become independent.
The Communist government in the North was supported by the Soviet Union. The pro-Western government in the South was supported by the U.S. This led to Korea being divided into two political parts: North Korea (officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea) and South Korea (officially the Republic of Korea).
Tensions between the two led to the Korean War in 1950. Foreign troops got involved, and the war ended in a stalemate in 1953. There was no official peace treaty, which is why tensions remain high today. Both governments claim to be the only rightful government of the entire Korean region.
Contents
Korean Culture and Arts
In old Chinese writings, Korea was called "Rivers and Mountains Embroidered on Silk" and "Eastern Nation of Decorum." In Korea, people are considered one year old at birth. This is because Koreans count the time spent in pregnancy as one year of life. Their age then increases on New Year's Day, not on their birthday. So, if someone is born just before New Year's Day, they would be only a few days old in Western countries, but two years old in Korea!
This means a Korean person's age (especially among other Koreans) will be one or two years more than their age in Western countries. However, for things like the legal age for buying alcohol or cigarettes, South Korea uses Western rules. For example, the legal age is 19.
Korean Literature
Korean scholars wrote poetry in the classical Korean style as early as the 2nd century. These writings showed Korean thoughts and experiences from that time. Traditional Korean literature comes from folk beliefs and tales. It was also greatly shaped by Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.
Modern Korean literature is often linked to the development of Hangul. Hangul helped more people, not just the aristocracy, learn to read and write. However, Hangul only became widely used in Korean literature in the late 1800s. This led to a big growth in Korean writing.
The Korean War caused literature to focus on the pain and confusion of war. Much of the post-war writing in South Korea talks about the daily lives of ordinary people. It also explores their struggles with national hardship. The breakdown of traditional Korean values was another common topic during this time.
Religion in Korea
Confucianism has greatly influenced Korean thought. Buddhism, Taoism, and Korean Shamanism have also played a part. Since the mid-1900s, Christianity has become popular in South Korea, competing with Buddhism. In North Korea, however, religious practice has been limited.
Throughout Korean history, traditional beliefs have stayed strong among the Korean people. These traditions have lived together peacefully for hundreds of years. This is true even with strong Western influences from Christian missionaries in the South. It is also true despite pressure from the Juche government in the North.
Korean Cuisine
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Koreans traditionally believe that the taste of food depends on its spices and sauces. These are key ingredients for a delicious meal. So, soybean paste, soy sauce, gochujang (red pepper paste), and kimchi are very important in Korean homes. Korean food was greatly influenced by the peninsula's geography and climate. Korea has cold autumns and winters, so there are many fermented dishes and hot soups and stews.
Korean food is probably best known for kimchi. This side dish uses a special fermentation process to preserve vegetables, usually cabbage. Kimchi is said to help the skin by reducing wrinkles and providing natural nutrients. It is also healthy, offering important vitamins and nutrients. Gochujang, a traditional Korean sauce made from red pepper, is also widely used. It is often used as a chili paste, giving Korean food a reputation for being spicy.
Bulgogi (roasted marinated meat, usually beef), galbi (marinated grilled short ribs), and samgyeopsal (pork belly) are popular meat dishes. Fish is also very popular, as it is a traditional meat for Koreans. Meals usually come with a soup or stew, like galbitang (stewed ribs) or doenjang jjigae (fermented bean paste soup). The center of the table is filled with shared side dishes called banchan.
Other popular dishes include bibimbap, which means "mixed rice." It is rice mixed with meat, vegetables, and red pepper paste. Naengmyeon (cold noodles) is also a favorite.
Instant noodles, or ramyeon, are a popular snack food. Koreans also enjoy food from pojangmachas (street vendors).
Some other common snacks include "Choco pie", shrimp crackers, "bbeongtwigi" (puffed rice grains), and "nurungji" (slightly burnt rice). Nurungji can be eaten as is or boiled with water to make a soup. It can also be a snack or a dessert.
Korea is unique among Asian countries for using metal chopsticks. Metal chopsticks have been found at old Korean kingdom sites like Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla.
Education Systems in Korea
The modern South Korean school system has six years of elementary school. Then, there are three years of middle school and three years of high school. Students must attend elementary and middle school. They do not have to pay for this education, except for a small "School Operation Support Fee." This fee varies from school to school. The South Korean education system is known for being very strict and structured compared to most Western countries.
The North Korean education system mainly offers universal and state-funded schooling by the government. Children go through one year of kindergarten. Then, they have four years of primary education and six years of secondary education. After that, they can go on to universities. The most famous university in North Korea is Kim Il-sung University.
Beyond formal schools, "social education" is very important in North Korea. This includes after-school activities. It also covers family life and all kinds of human relationships in society. There is a strong belief that the social environment affects a child's growth and character.
The goal of social education is to create a controlled environment. Children are only exposed to pro-Juche (North Korean ideology) and anti-South Korean influences. A North Korean official said in 1990 that "School education is not enough to turn the rising generation into men of knowledge, virtue, and physical fitness. After school, our children have many spare hours. So it's important to efficiently organise their after school education."
Sports in Korea
North Korea and South Korea usually compete as separate nations in international sports events. However, there are a few times when they have competed as one team, under the name Korea.
While association football (soccer) is very popular in South Korea, the martial art of taekwondo is considered the national sport. Baseball and golf are also well-liked.
Taekwon-Do: Korea's National Martial Art
Taekwon-Do is Korea's most famous martial art and sport. It combines fighting techniques, self-defense, sport, and exercise. Taekwon-Do became an official Olympic sport. It was a demonstration event in the 1988 Summer Olympics (when South Korea hosted the Games in Seoul). It became an official medal event in the 2000 Summer Olympics. The two main Taekwon-Do groups were founded in Korea: the International Taekwon-Do Federation and the World Taekwondo Federation.
Hapkido: A Korean Martial Art
Hapkido is a modern Korean martial art. It focuses on grappling and uses joint locks, throws, kicks, punches, and other striking attacks. It also targets pressure points. Hapkido emphasizes circular motion, not resisting movements, and controlling the opponent. People who practice Hapkido try to gain an advantage through footwork and body position. They use leverage, avoiding pure strength against strength.
Ssireum: Traditional Korean Wrestling
Ssireum is a traditional form of wrestling. It has been practiced in Korea for thousands of years. Evidence of it has been found from Goguryeo, one of Korea's Three Kingdoms (57 BCE to 688 CE). Ssireum is the traditional national sport of Korea. During a match, opponents hold onto sash belts wrapped around each other's waist and thigh. They try to throw their opponent to the sandy ground of the ring. The first person to touch the ground with any body part above the knee, or to let go of their opponent, loses the round.
Ssireum competitions are traditionally held twice a year. These are during the Dano Festival (the 5th day of the fifth lunar month) and Chuseok (the 15th day of the 8th lunar month). Competitions also happen throughout the year as part of festivals and other events.
Taekkyeon: An Ancient Korean Fighting Style
Taekkyeon is a traditional martial art. It is considered the oldest fighting technique in Korea. It was practiced for centuries and was very popular during the Joseon dynasty. Two forms existed: one for practical use and one for sport. This sport form was usually practiced alongside Ssireum during festivals and competitions between villages. However, Taekkyeon almost disappeared during the Japanese Occupation and the Korean War.
Even though it was lost in North Korea, Taekkyeon has made a big comeback in South Korea since the 1980s. It is the only martial art in the world (along with Ssireum) recognized as a National Treasure of South Korea. It is also a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Important Public Holidays in South Korea
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Independence Movement Day: March 1st
Samiljeol, or Independence Movement Day, celebrates Korea's declaration of independence from Japanese rule. This happened on March 1, 1919. On that day, Koreans showed their resistance to Japan's occupation with a declaration of independence. After World War II ended, Korea was freed from Japan and became independent again. The new Korean government made March 1 a national holiday. It honors the sacrifices made during the long fight for Korean independence.
Memorial Day: June 6th
Hyunchoongil is a national holiday in Korea. It honors those who fought and died for the country. In August 1948, just a few years after Korea gained independence from Japan, the Korean War began between North and South Korea. During this war, about 400,000 soldiers and one million citizens were killed or injured. In 1953, North and South Korea agreed to a cease-fire. Three years later, the Korean government created Hyungchoogil to remember the soldiers who fought in the Korean War. After its creation, Hyungchoogil became a day to remember all those who died defending Korea in any conflict, not just the Korean War.
National Liberation Day: August 15th
Gwangbokjeol is a day to celebrate Korea's liberation from Japan in 1945. It also celebrates the establishment of the Korean government in 1948. It was first declared a national holiday on October 1, 1949. Every year on this date, the president of Korea visits Independence Hall. They also invite diplomats from many countries and people from all parts of society to Cheongwadae (the Blue House, the Korean presidential residence).
Hangul Day: October 9th
Hangul Day celebrates the creation of the Hunminjeongeum (Hangul, the Korean alphabet). This alphabet was added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 1997. Hangul was created by Sejong the Great in 1443 and announced in 1446. Before Hangul, people in Korea (then called Joseon) mostly wrote using Classical Chinese. King Sejong created the unique Hangul alphabet to help common people learn to read and write.
Hangul Day was started in 1926 during the Japanese occupation. Members of the Korean Language Society created it to protect the Korean language. This was a time when Japan was trying to force Koreans to adopt Japanese culture. Today, both South Korea and North Korea celebrate Hangul Day as a national holiday.
Images for kids
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7th century Tang dynasty painting of envoys from the Three Kingdoms of Korea: Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla
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Seokguram Grotto from the Silla era, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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The Three Kingdoms of Korea, at the end of the 5th century
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Unified Silla and Balhae in the 8th century CE
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Goryeo in 1374
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Gyeongbokgung Palace
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Donggwoldo
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Satellite image of the Korean peninsula taken at night showing the extent of the division between the Koreas today; note the difference in light emitted between the two countries
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Moon and Kim shaking hands over the demarcation line on 27 April 2018
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Satellite image of Korea
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A neighbourhood in North Gyeongsang Province
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A view of Mount Seorak
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Daedongyeojido – this 1861 map of Korea represents the peak of pre-modern mapmaking in the region.
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Jeju Island seashore
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Jikji, Selected Teachings of Buddhist Sages and Seon Masters, the earliest known book printed with movable metal type, 1377. Bibliothèque Nationale de Paris.
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Korean Buddhist architecture
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Traditional Korean dance (Jinju geommu)
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Amitabha and Eight Great Bodhisattvas, Goryeo scroll from the 1300s
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Tteokbokki, rice cakes with spicy gochujang sauce.
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See also
In Spanish: Corea para niños
