South Korea – Land of Unbelievable Wonders - Mytour

South Korea has effectively portrayed its image through popular films such as 'Glass Shoes,' 'Autumn in My Heart,' and 'Boys Over Flowers,' along with various cinema productions and entertainment programs.

Nature

South Korea, being a small country with a dense population, faces a significant demand for land area, resulting in a considerable shrinkage of its natural environment. The natural terrain of this nation now primarily consists of hills and mountains, which are unsuitable for human habitation. Wild animals, especially wild tigers once common in South Korea during the previous century, are now scarce.

History

Humans are believed to have inhabited the Korean Peninsula 10,000 years ago. Archaeologists suggest that the ancestors of Koreans and Koreans migrated from Mongolia and Siberia. Western traders arrived in Korea in the 17th century aboard a Dutch trading ship that ran aground on Jeju Island.

They were held captive for 13 years; some managed to escape and return home. Their story inspired European traders to seek out Korea, although their ships were banned until the 19th century due to the 'Closed Port Policy' commonly enforced by Asian feudal dynasties.

Following that, Japan acquired control of the Korean Peninsula in 1910. After Japan's defeat in World War II, the Korean Peninsula was occupied by Allied forces, with the Soviet Union occupying the North and the United States occupying the South.

National Flag

The flag of South Korea (Taegukgi) is easily recognizable with its rectangular shape, white background, and a red upper half and blue lower half yin-yang symbol in the center, surrounded by four trigrams. The red symbolizes 'yang,' representing the dignity of the universe. The blue symbolizes 'yin,' representing hope and strength. The four trigrams represent 'heaven, earth, fire, water,' symbolizing the continuous development and no stopping point.

Population

Nearly half of South Korea's population bears the surnames Lee, Park, or Kim. This is related to some prominent family lines, the 'Yangban' in the 18th century. Particularly, the Kim family holds a special position, with nearly 1/5 of Koreans bearing this surname.

Economy

South Korea ranks among the world's largest economies, following China, Japan, and India, making it the fourth largest economy in Asia. It is also among the top exporters of electronics and automobiles.

South Korea and North Korea are still technically at war.

In 1953, both sides agreed to a ceasefire, temporarily halting hostilities, meaning that the war is still ongoing to this day.

The DMZ wildlife reserve

It serves as a demilitarized zone between the two countries. While much of South Korea's territory is uninhabitable for plants and animals, the DMZ is a sanctuary for them.

Samsung is everywhere

Samsung, a global technology conglomerate headquartered in Seoul, contributes 20% to the overall GDP.

The film industry

South Korea boasts a highly developed film industry that has achieved international acclaim in recent years. Many critically acclaimed works include Parasite, Train to Busan, 200 Pounds Beauty, Miracle in Cell No. 7, and more.

The education industry

Even education in South Korea is considered an industry. South Korea has a high percentage of college-educated individuals aged 25-34, with 68% having attained a college education or equivalent. High school students spend an average of 16 hours per day studying.

Blink-and-you-miss-it Internet

In both Vietnam and Europe, internet connectivity often leads to a subpar experience due to unreliable networks. However, when it comes to South Korea, it's a whole different story. The internet speed in Korea surpasses even the most developed countries.

The Mecca of E-Sports

Thanks to lightning-fast internet connections, South Korea is indeed the Mecca of electronic sports. Continuous and world-renowned electronic sports events are held here with great scale.

Gangnam Style Shatters Youtube Records

Upon its release, Gangnam Style shattered numerous records on Youtube, prompting the Western world to reassess the music scene in this country. It was also the first video to reach 1 billion views on the Youtube platform, a remarkable feat that propelled South Korea into the spotlight.

Medical Tourism

South Korea is widely renowned for its expertise in cosmetic surgery and is also a popular destination for medical tourism. It leads the world in the number of surgeries per capita, attracting people from all over the globe seeking to enhance their appearance.

Obsessed with Makeup

Even Korean men are obsessed with makeup, whereas for the rest of the world, male makeup remains a novelty.

Busiest Air Route

The route from Seoul to Jeju is the busiest air route in the world, with over 26 million passengers utilizing it annually.

Culinary Delights

There are over 250 different types of kimchi in this country. Kimchi holds a symbolic traditional value in South Korea. It accompanies every meal, whether at home or in a restaurant.

The Culture of Drinking

South Korea has a drinking culture more prevalent than any neighboring country. This might stem from their traditions, where every celebration involves alcohol. However, South Korean Soju compared to Vietnamese alcohol is quite mild and light, hence many still find it surprising how much Koreans can drink.

The achievements of South Korea rightfully stand as an example for any nation. The influence of the 'Land of Kimchi' culture on the world leaves a positive impression on travelers. Contact Mytour to get the best deals for your South Korea tour today!

By Mytour

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