General Information about Korea

Practical information about Korea for delegates travelling to PACIS 2013.

Republic of Korea

The Republic of Korea is located in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula and is bounded by ocean to the east, west and south, and by North Korea to the north. It neighbours China to the west and Japan to the east. The total area of the country is about 100,000 square kilometres, roughly the same as the state of Ohio in the United States. Lowlands make up only 30 percent of the land, because the country is mostly mountainous. Jeju island, located about 100 kilometres off the southern coast of Korea, is the largest island and a notable tourist destination.

National flag: Taegeukgi

The Korean flag is called Taegeukgi. Its design symbolises the principles of yin and yang in oriental philosophy. The circle in the centre of the flag is divided into two equal parts. The upper red section represents the proactive forces of yang. The lower blue section represents the responsive cosmic forces of yin. The circle is surrounded by four trigrams, one in each corner, each symbolising one of the four universal elements: heaven, earth, fire and water.

National flower: Mugunghwa

The national flower of Korea is Mugunghwa, the rose of Sharon. Every year from July to October, a variety of Mugunghwa blossoms graces the country. Mugung, in the name of the flower, means immortality, reflecting the determination and perseverance of the Korean people.

Language: Korean

Hangeul, the official alphabet of Korea, was first invented by King Sejong during the Joseon Dynasty. It was originally called Hunminjeongeum. The language consists of 17 consonants and 11 vowels. Over time, three of the original consonants and one vowel fell into disuse, leaving 24 letters. Syllables are formed by the selective combination of vowels and consonants to create words. The official name for the Korean language was changed to Hangeul in 1910.

Climate: four distinct seasons

Korea has four distinct seasons. Spring is warm and windy, summer is hot and humid, autumn is cool and clear, and winter is cold and dry. Seoul, the capital, is located at 37 degrees north latitude and 127 degrees east longitude. Its yearly average temperature is 12.7 degrees centigrade, with average temperatures of 22 degrees centigrade in June and minus 3.4 degrees centigrade in January.

Currency and banks

The currency is the won (KRW). Foreign currencies could be exchanged at airports and government designated banks. Most stores in Korea accept only Korean currency, so visitors are advised to exchange to Korean currency at the airport. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Banks open from 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday, and are closed on weekends and public holidays.

Culture

Korea has a long and proud cultural heritage. Like most cultures, Korea has its own body of etiquette and taboos, and a number of major traditional holidays, each with its own customs and traditions. Korea also has a vibrant contemporary culture. Korean filmmakers win accolades at international film festivals, Korean dramas reach audiences across the Asia Pacific region, and Korean popular music combines western genres with a distinctive Asian identity.

Folk customs and festivals

Every country has its own folk customs and festivals. Korea has a wealth of annual celebrations, some celebrated for thousands of years. Two of these, Chuseok and the Lunar New Year, are marked by extended holidays and visits to ancestral hometowns. Many Korean folk festivals reflect the agricultural roots of the country.

Helpful numbers

For more information see the official Korea tourism website.