Country Fair

South Korea
History
1. The Japanese Occupation and the Division of Korea (1910-1948) Korea was
under Japanese occupation from 1910 to 1945, a period of repression and
economic exploitation. Japan imposed its language, culture, and control over the
Korean economy, which led to resistance and independence movements. After
Japan's surrender in World War II, the peninsula was divided into two zones of
influence: the United States administered the south and the Soviet Union the north,
with the intention of reunifying the country. However, ideological differences led to
the creation of two separate states in 1948: South Korea (Republic of Korea) and
North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea).
2. The Korean War (1950-1953) On June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded South
Korea, initiating the Korean War. With the support of the U.S. and the UN, South
Korea resisted the North Korean offensive. China intervened in favor of the North,
and after years of fighting, the conflict ended in 1953 with an armistice, establishing
the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which still divides the peninsula.
3. Authoritarianism and Economic Growth (1953-1987) After the war, South Korea
faced political instability. Syngman Rhee ruled authoritarianly until he was ousted in
1960. In 1961, Park Chung-hee's coup established a military regime that boosted
industrialization. Under his leadership, South Korea transformed from an
agricultural country to a manufacturing powerhouse, experiencing accelerated
economic growth. However, his government was repressive, and after his
assassination in 1979, the country endured more years of dictatorship under Chun
Doo-hwan, who faced massive protests.
4. Democratization and Global Expansion (1987-present) In 1987, protests led to
the establishment of a democratic system. Since then, South Korea has
strengthened its institutions and become a global reference in technology, culture,
and economy. Companies like Samsung, Hyundai and LG have driven its
development, while K-pop, cinema, and fashion have carried its cultural influence
to the world.

Education
South Korean education is renowned for its high standards and emphasis on
academic achievement. The education system is highly structured and competitive,
starting from a young age. Education is divided into elementary school (6 years),
middle school (3 years), high school (3 years), and higher education (university).
South Korean students spend many hours studying, often attending private
academies (known as hagwons) after regular school. The CSAT, or Suneung, is a
crucial exam that largely determines students' university opportunities. The
pressure to succeed academically is high, which can lead to stress and mental
health issues among students. South Korea has integrated technology into
education, using online platforms and digital resources to enhance learning.

The official currency of South Korea is the Won (KRW). It is represented by the
symbol W. The Bank of Korea is responsible for issuing and regulating the
currency. The banknotes in circulation are 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 50,000 won.
Each banknote features historical figures and important cultural elements of Korea.
The coins are 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 won, although the 1 and 5 won coins are
not commonly used today. The Won is fundamental to the South Korean economy,
facilitating trade and financial transactions both nationally and internationally. The
Won has had several versions throughout the history of Korea, adapting to the
political and economic changes of the country.

Religion
South Korea has a rich diversity of religions. Most people follow one of these three
main beliefs:
1. Christianity (Protestant and Catholic):
About 30% of the population is Christian. Many modern and large churches are
located in Seoul. Christianity has an influence on education and politics.
2. Buddhism:
Around 20% of South Koreans are Buddhists. There are many ancient temples and
spiritual retreats in the mountains. Buddhism promotes meditation and respect for
nature.
3. No Religion:
Almost 50% of the population do not follow any religion, although many still
observe traditional Korean rituals during festivals or family events.

🕊️Coexistence and Spiritual Life

South Korea protects freedom of religion. Different beliefs live together in peace.
The country also promotes spiritual tourism, where visitors can stay in temples and
experience meditation or ceremonies.
📈 Statistics (for Math)
50% No religion
30% Christians
20% Buddhists

✈️Reflection (Religion and Ethics)

Religion influences values, lifestyle, and identity. In South Korea, spirituality is
respected. This shows Colombians who want to live there that they can find a
balance between faith, tradition, and modern life.

Art
Korean art has a strong connection to nature and harmony. Some of its most
representative forms include:
Minhwa: Traditional folk painting with vibrant colors and symbolic motifs, such as
tigers and lotus flowers.
Korean Calligraphy: Influenced by Chinese writing, but with a style of its own that
emphasizes fluidity and simplicity.
Goryeo and Joseon Pottery: Celadon pottery from the Goryeo Dynasty is famous
for its jade-green color, while white Joseon porcelain reflects minimalist elegance.
Contemporary Art South Korea has emerged as a hub for contemporary art with
innovative artists and international exhibitions:
Lee Bul: Sculptor and conceptual artist who explores themes of identity and
technology.
Park Seo-bo: A pioneer of Korean abstract art, known for his "Ecriture" series.
Kim Tschang-yeul: Famous for his paintings of water droplets, which combine
realism and symbolism.
Global Influence: Korean art has gained worldwide recognition, with exhibitions in
prestigious museums and an increasing presence in the art market. Additionally, K-
pop and Korean cinema have fueled interest in the aesthetics and creativity of the
country.
Sports
1. How is sport developed in South Korea?
Sport in South Korea is deeply integrated into culture and education. Children start
practicing sports in school, and the government invests in high-performance
programs, modern facilities, and talent development. There are sports-specialized
universities, and private companies also sponsor athletes. The country encourages
community sports to promote health and social unity.
2. Main sports figures of South Korea:
Son Heung-min (Football): Plays for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier
League, one of the best Asian footballers ever.
Kim Yuna (Figure Skating): Olympic gold medalist in Vancouver 2010 and a world-
renowned skater.
Park Tae-hwan (Swimming): Olympic and world champion, first South Korean to
win Olympic gold in swimming.
Lee Dae-hoon (Taekwondo): Multiple world champion and Olympic medalist.
3. Most successful sports disciplines:
Taekwondo (national sport, South Korea is a world leader).
Archery (dominates Olympic competitions).
Speed skating (multiple Olympic medals).
Baseball and football (strong national leagues and international achievements).
4. Paralympic sports development:
South Korea has been actively participating in the Paralympic Games since 1968.
It has achieved great results in sports like archery, table tennis, wheelchair fencing,
and curling. The country supports adaptive sports through institutions, inclusion
programs, and specialized training centers. Seoul hosts a national Paralympic
training center.
5. Sports programs from South Korea that could be implemented in Colombia:
Integration of sports into early education as part of the school curriculum.
Regional high-performance centers to develop local talent with government
support.
Partnerships between government and private companies to finance sports.
Promotion of Paralympic sports with greater inclusion and access to specialized
facilities.
Use of technology to analyze and improve athletic performance.

Tourist Places
Gyeongju
Gyeongju is a city over 2,000 years old and previously served as the capital of
what was once the Kingdom of Silla. This city is an incredible destination that
features several temples and cultural festivals. It is recommended to start the tour
at Bulguksa Temple, a true masterpiece of Buddhist religion and art dating back to
the 8th century.
Seoul
Seoul is the largest city in South Korea as well as the capital of this country,
making it an important destination in East Asia. The city's attractions are endless,
but many visitors start with some of the many palaces located in Seoul. Commonly,
sightseeing tours include Gyeongbok-gung and Changdeok-gung, which date back
to the 15th century. You will also enjoy ancient temples and shrines, beautiful
public parks, cutting-edge design, shopping centers, and some of the best
restaurants in all of Asia.
Andong
Andong is known as the Capital City of Korean Spiritual Culture. Perhaps the main
attraction in the city is the Andong Hahoe Folk Village, where the local cultural
heritage has been preserved. Food lovers will enjoy their visit to Andong even
more as this city offers all kinds of local specialties, such as the famous chicken
and noodle dish called jjimdak. You can also taste soju, a native distilled beverage.
Busan
Busan is the second largest city in South Korea. It is also an important port and is
famous for its beautiful beaches and hot springs. The Gamcheon Culture Village in
Busan is known as the Santorini of Korea and is an incredibly colorful hillside
community with amazing views. While you are in Busan, take time to visit
Beomeosa Temple, the most popular in the area. Additionally, this city features
shopping plazas and museums.

Gastronomy
1. Kimchi (김치) Kimchi is the most iconic dish of Korea. It is fermented cabbage with
spices, garlic, ginger, and red chili. Its flavor is strong and spicy, and it is served as
a side dish with almost every meal.
2. Bibimbap (비빔밥) This dish consists of rice mixed with vegetables, meat, egg, and
spicy sauce. It is served in a bowl and stirred before eating to combine all the
flavors.
3. Bulgogi (불고기) Bulgogi is marinated beef in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic,
and sesame oil, then grilled or stir-fried. It is one of the most popular dishes and
has a sweet and savory flavor.
4. Tteokbokki (떡볶이) These are rice cakes in spicy sauce, generally accompanied
by fish and egg. It is a very common street food in Korea.
5. Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) This dish consists of grilled pork belly, which is cooked at
the table and eaten wrapped in lettuce leaves with garlic, sauce, and other
accompaniments. as fast food.
6. Japchae ( 잡 채 ) is sweet potato noodles stir-fried with vegetables and meat,
seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. It is a festive and highly appreciated
dish.
7. Mandu (만두) are Korean dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, or tofu. They can
be fried, boiled, or steamed.
8. Naengmyeon ( 냉 면 ) consists of cold noodles served in an icy broth, perfect for
summer. It is accompanied by egg and meat.
9. Samgyetang ( 삼 계 탕 ) is a soup of chicken stuffed with rice, garlic, ginger, and
ginseng, considered a revitalizing dish.
10. Kimbap (김밥) is similar to sushi; it is rice wrapped in seaweed with fillings such
as vegetables, egg, and meat. It is served in slices and is very popular as fast food.

Currency

The South Korean won (KRW) is the official currency of South Korea, symbolized
by ₩. It has a rich history and plays a crucial role in the country's economy.

History of the South Korean Won

 Pre-1945: Korea used the Korean yen, which was equivalent to the
Japanese yen during Japanese rule.
 1945-1953: After World War II, Korea was divided, and South Korea
introduced the first South Korean won, pegged to the U.S. dollar.
 1953-1962: Due to inflation, the won was replaced by the hwan at a rate of
100 won = 1 hwan.
  1962-Present: The second South Korean won was introduced, replacing
the hwan at a rate of 10 hwan = 1 won. Initially pegged to the U.S. dollar, it
became a floating currency in 1997.

Current Denominations

 Coins: ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, ₩500 (₩1 and ₩5 are rarely used).
 Banknotes: ₩1,000, ₩5,000, ₩10,000, ₩50,000.

Economic Role

The won is managed by the Bank of Korea, which regulates inflation and
monetary policy. South Korea's economy is heavily reliant on exports, and the
won's value fluctuates based on global trade and market conditions.

Exchange Rate & Global Influence

The won's exchange rate varies, with USD/KRW being one of the most monitored
currency pairs. South Korea's economic strength, driven by industries like
technology, automobiles, and entertainment, impacts the won's stability.

Traditional Customs

1. Bowing (인사)

Bowing is the traditional way to greet and show respect. The depth of the bow
depends on the relationship and situation—casual bows are slight, while formal
bows are deeper.

2. Gift-Giving

Giving gifts is an important custom, especially when visiting someone's home or

during holidays. Gifts are presented with both hands as a sign of respect, and it is
considered impolite to open them immediately.

3. Ancestral Rites (제사)

Koreans honor their ancestors through Jesas, ceremonies performed on death

anniversaries or major holidays like Chuseok (harvest festival) and Seollal (Lunar
New Year). Families prepare food offerings and bow to ancestral spirits.

4. Hanbok (한복)
The hanbok is Korea’s traditional attire, worn on special occasions such as
weddings, holidays, and celebrations. It features vibrant colors and elegant designs
that reflect social status and cultural heritage.

5. Confucian Etiquette

Confucian principles influence social interactions, emphasizing respect for elders,

hierarchy, and proper speech. Younger individuals must use polite language and
gestures when addressing elders.

6. Traditional Holidays

 Seollal (설날): Lunar New Year, celebrated with family gatherings, ancestral
rites, and traditional games.
 Chuseok (추석): Korean Thanksgiving, marked by feasts, ancestral offerings,
and folk performances.

7. Dining Etiquette

Korean meals follow strict etiquette:

 Elders begin eating first.

 Chopsticks and spoons should not be placed upright in rice (as it resembles
funeral rituals).
 Sharing food and pouring drinks for others is a sign of respect.

8. Korean Shamanism (무당)

Despite modernization, shamanistic rituals are still practiced, especially for

blessings, healing, and spiritual guidance. Shamans, known as mudang, perform
ceremonies to communicate with spirits.

Politics

South Korea operates under a presidential constitutional republic, where the

President serves as both the head of state and government. The country has a
multi-party system, with power divided among the executive, legislative, and
judicial branches.

Recent Political Developments

South Korea has recently undergone significant political changes. Lee Jae-myung,
a liberal politician, won the presidential election after months of political turmoil
following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Yoon was
removed from office after attempting to declare martial law, which led to
widespread protests and his eventual impeachment. Lee's victory is seen as a
rejection of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), which was associated with
Yoon's controversial policies.

Key Political Issues

 Democratic Stability: South Korea has faced challenges in maintaining

democratic governance, with recent events highlighting political divisions.
 Economic Policies: Lee Jae-myung's administration is expected to focus
on trade negotiations, particularly with the United States, to address tariffs
and economic concerns.
 Judicial Investigations: Special investigations have been launched into
Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife, focusing on allegations of corruption and
abuse of power.
 Public Sentiment: The political climate remains polarized, with ongoing
debates about justice, governance, and economic reforms