| Korea has a 5,000 year history, with the first capital city (named Joseon, meaning Land of the Morning Calm) created in 2333 b.c. 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 in a country so green and mountainous, many Koreans enjoy spending time in 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 of China, Manchuria, and Japan. 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, led by Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group.
Why Study Abroad in South Korea? -
Korean information and communication technology is one of the best in the world while Korea is also at the forefront of many other important global industries. -
Natural beauty, four distinct seasons, and diverse scenery in a small country allows for some great weekend exploring. -
Korea’s rich historical tapestry will fascinate you, and many elements of the past have been preserved in modern culture. -
As the only divided country in the world, Korea has become important economically, diplomatically, and strategically among China, Russia, Japan, and America. 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. |