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Location |
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The
Korean Peninsula extends southward from the northeast
part of the Asian continent between 33 degrees and
43 degrees North Latitude and 124 degrees and 132
degrees East Longitude. The standard meridian of
the peninsula is 135 degrees. Local time is nine
hours ahead of GMT. The Amnokgang and Dumangang
Rivers border both China and Russia to the north,
and Japan is just to the east. Since 1945, as a
result of the Cold War tension, the peninsula has
been divided at the 38th parallel degrees North
Latitude into the Republic of Korea, or South Korea,
and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, more
commonly known as North Korea. |
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Area
and Topography |
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The
total area of the peninsula is 222,154 km2, which is similar
in size to that of the U.K., New Zealand, or Romania.
South Korea possesses 99,373 km2 or 45% of the total land
mass, and North Korea 122,762 km2, the remaining 55%.
About 70% of the land is mountainous, with the main concentrations
to the north and east. Along the southern and western
coasts the mountains descend gradually toward broad coastal
plains. Most of the rivers have their tributaries more
than 3,000 on the north and east sides and they flow into
the Yellow and South Seas. Clustered for the most part
on the southern coast, islands of various sizes provide
scenery unparalleled throughout the world.
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People
and Population |
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Koreans,
like many other Asian peoples, are descendants of the
Mongolian Tungus stock. They are a of homogeneous ethnic
group with their own language, culture, and customs.
Korean
people are characterized by their generosity, warmth,
and kindness, and are renowned as some of the hardest
working people in the world. |
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Population
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46.1
million (2000) |
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Annual
growth rate :
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0.89%
(2000) |
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Urbanization
rate :
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86.2%
(2000) |
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Average
family size :
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3.1
persons (2000) |
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Number
of foreign residents :
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149,368
(2000) |
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The
National Flag and Flower |
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Korean flag is called Taegeukgi. Its design symbolizes
the principles of yin and yang in Oriental philosophy.
Note that the circle in the center of the flag is
divided into two equal parts. The upper red section
represents the positive cosmic forces of yang. Conversely,
the lower blue section represents the negative cosmic
forces of yin. |
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two forces together embody the concepts of continual
movement and balance and harmony that characterize
the sphere of infinity. |
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circle is surrounded by four trigrams in each corner.
Each trigram symbolizes one of the four universal
elements : heaven( ), earth( ), fire( ), and water(
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national flower of Korea is the mugunghwa or Rose
of Sharon. Every year from June to October a profusion
of mugunghwa blossoms graces the entire country. |
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Unlike most flowers, the mugunghwa is remarkably
tenacious and is able to withstand both blight and
insects. The flower's symbolic significance stems
from mugunghwa's root word, "mugung, "
meaning immortality. This word accurately reflects
the perseverance and determination of the Korean
people that has been demonstrated throughout their
long history. |
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Capital
and Major Cities |
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Capital
and Major Cities |
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The
capital city is Seoul, which is the political, cultural,
commercial, financial, and educational center of Korea.
Seoul also offers many tourist attractions.
(Populations : 9.89 million as of 2000) |
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*Korea
consists of 7 metropolitan cities and 9 provinces. |
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(As
of 2000)
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