Asia Overview
China
Hong Kong
Japan
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
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South Korea
Why study in South Korea?
- The unique culture of a homogeneous society
- A rich historical tapestry where elements of the past have been preserved
- World Heritage sites, five of which date as far back as the 8th Century
- DMZ and other historical sites highlighting Korean history
- Koreans respect tradition, focus on the future, and have a love for nature
- Tantalizing Korean cuisine and beneficial ginseng and green tea
- Performances in the Arts from traditional to ultra-modern
- Abundant English signage makes getting around easy
- Beaches, cliffs, waterfalls, and caves of Jeju Island
 
History, Culture and National Heritage
Korea has a 5000 year history and Korean mythology describes the birth of the nation when a god came from heaven, transformed a bear into a woman and marries her. She gives birth to a son named Tangun who establishes the first capital of the Korean nation in 2333 B.C. The capital is named Joseon, meaning Land of the Morning Calm. For five millennia, Korea has withstood the influences and invasions of neighboring countries and preserved its heritage, language and ethnic homogeneity. Throughout its history, Korea has excelled in science and technological advances developing the world’s most scientific alphabet, the world’s first ironclad warship, the first metal typeset book, and the first udometer. The people of Korea are also great lovers of nature and with a country so green and mountainous you will find their passion is spending time enjoying the great outdoors.
 Due to Korea’s location between the great imperial powers of the Orient, it has been subjected to invasions throughout its history by warring nations from China, Manchuria and Japan. In 1910, Korea was forcibly annexed by Japan and remained occupied until the end of WWII. Traditional Korean culture suffered greatly during this time and many cultural artifacts were destroyed or taken out of the country. At the end of WWII, the United Nations developed a plan to disarm the Japanese military in Korea and charged the Soviet Union with administering the plan north of the 38th parallel and the south was placed under administration by the USA. Cold War politics led to the creation of a republic government in the South and a communist-style government in the north. In 1950, the Korean War broke out and lasted three years before ending in a ceasefire and the creation of a 4 kilometer wide Demilitarization Zone (DMZ) separating north and south Korea.
Despite conflicts and differences with their northern counterparts, South Korea has experienced one of the fastest rates of economic development in the world. In just 40 years the nation has rebuilt itself from the devastation of war and has become one of the leading economies in Asia, behind Japan and China. South Korea is one of the world’s most technologically and scientifically advanced countries with companies like Samsung and LG serving as global leaders in electronics, digital displays, semiconductor devices, mobile phones and high-tech gadgets. South Korea has the world’s third largest steel producer, POSCO and is a global leader in automobile manufacturing, headed by Hyundai Kia Automotive Group.
Climate and location 
The climate in Korea is temperate with four very distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 16 C (61 F) to 31 C (88 F), while in winter temperatures drop below freezing. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons with temperatures ranging from 7 C (44 F) to 27 C (80 F). Most of the rain falls in summer during a monsoon season known as jangma, which last approximately three weeks.
Quick facts
South Korean Population: 49 million
Capital: Seoul
Currency: The unit of currency is South Korea is the South Korean Won indicated as KRW. USD $1 is roughly equivalent to KRW $900.00
Distance to Seoul:
New York to Seoul: 6870 miles (11100 km)
Los Angeles to Seoul: 5960 miles (9590 km)
Language: Korean. English is widely taught in schools and universities
Economic profile:
South Korea has shifted its economic focus from heavy industrialization in the 1970s and 80s to service industries in the 1990s and is now focused on becoming the leader in IT and Robotic. There are other ambitious plans to expand or create other sectors of the economy, including the financial, biotechnology, aerospace and entertainment industries.
City of Seoul
Seoul is one of Asia’s largest and most culturally rich cities. Seoul is both the capital and the heart of Korea. As the financial, political, commercial, recreational, educational and cultural center of Korea, Seoul is home to major domestic and international corporations, banks, government offices, arts and entertainment facilities. Seoul offers many activities for everyone, including museums and palaces, parks and mountains, and amusement parks and night clubs. As the hub of the nations transportation network, Seoul makes travel and exploration convenient and easy.
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