Discover Korea
Say Hello to Dae Han Min Kuk!
By A-Rim Song - EurAupair South Korea
South Korea, or “Dae Han Min Kuk” as it is known in Korean, is a country with a history of over 5,000 years, yet you might be surprised by how modern it is also, full of every convenience known in the world. Indeed, South Korea is a beautiful mix of the past, present and the future, with pastoral landscapes giving way to slick city streets. Luckily, Koreans know the value of preserving the past for future generations and protect many of their ancient stone pagodas, lanterns and sculptures. Some historical sites are even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: Bulguksa Temple and nearby Seokguram Grotto; Haeinsa Temple's Changgyongp'ango (depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks); Jongmyo Shrine; Changdeokkung Palace Complex; Hwaseong Fortress; Kochang, Hwasun and Kanghwa Dolmen Sites; and Gyeongju Historic Areas.
To arrive as the thriving and modern country it is today, however, South Korea definitely had to go through its share of ups and downs over the course of its history. Exposed to frequent foreign attacks due to its strategically useful location and landscape, it's no wonder the country has played unwilling host to centuries of war games. But, no matter how many times neighbors have tried to take over Korea, patriotism, devotion and loyalty helped the Koreans to survive with their country and culture intact.
In 1945, with the end of World War II, Korea was divided into two zones of influence, followed in 1948 by two matching governments: a communist North Korean and a United States-influenced South Korean. In June 1950, the Korean War started, splitting the Korean Peninsula along the demilitarized zone at about the 38th parallel, the original demarcation line. As many Koreans recall, it was a very difficult and sad time in their history. In the aftermath of World Was II and the Korean War, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita was comparable with levels in the some of the poorest countries in the world.
Now, fast forward to South Korean in 2005, considered one of the four “East Asian Tigers,” it has achieved an impressive record of economic and social growth and integration into the global economy. Today, just a short 50 years after the end of the Korean War, South Korea’s GDP per capita is roughly 20 times that of North Korea's and equal to the medium economies of the European Union.
South Koreans attribute their much of their success to their patriotic culture and pride that are influenced by the binding agents of Confucianism. South Korean culture is still based on certain 600 year-old Confucian principles, including willingness to work hard at any task and, especially, devotion to the family. The country's national flower, the Rose of Sharon (Mu-Kung Hwa in Korean), is said to symbolize the strong and simple spirit of the Korean people under the influence of Confucianism.
Because South Koreans consider themselves one ethic family and speak one language, they see themselves really as one big extended family. The name of the country, “Dae han min kuk”, literally translated as “the nation of Han people,” reflects this mentality. In fact, during the World Cup in 2002, soccer-crazed Koreans could be heard chanting "Dae han min kuk" and cheering on the South Korean soccer team with passion!
While South Koreans are still very tied to traditionally Asian philosophies, they are quick to try a conversation in English, if they get the chance. Many Koreans take every opportunity to learn and practice English, believing that their future depends upon being able to speak this international language. This openness on the part of South Koreans to Western culture and the English language helps to explain the recent, large influx of Westerners who come looking for job opportunities in South Korea.
With nearly 50 million people, and 10 million in Seoul alone, the population of this lively country is very dense and every major city is always packed with people and buildings. At the same time, however, you will find many places in the countryside still remain untouched, retaining their beautiful sceneries, with people unaccustomed to the hub-bub of modern life. Though South Korea has become a modern country overall, the people done well to have preserved much of their culture and traditions. So, don’t be surprised to see traditionally dressed Koreans next to dark-suited businessmen in the cities.
Many foreigners find it very impressive that South Korea manages to preserve a wonderful combination of the modern and the traditional. The sleek buildings of the big cities such as Seoul, rival those of any other modern country, yet scenes from the past co-exist with the new. South Korea is a beautiful, mountainous country swathed in green. Indeed, South Koreans are obsessed with the nature and mountains in particular. Wherever you travel, you’ll see them out in the open air, luxuriating in nature, yet clad in the latest adventure fashions and packing the trendiest camping gear!
If you are tired of everyday life, then why not try hosting a EurAupair Au Pair from South Korea! They are warm-hearted and hard-working and looking forward to meeting your family this year!
FACTS
Country: Republic of Korea
Area: 99,373 sq km
Population: 48 million
Capital City: Seoul (population 10.3 million)
People: Korean
Language: Korean
Religion: Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, Shamanism
Government: Republic
Head of State: President Roh Moo-hyun