The Republic of Korea by Xiaoping Zhao and Luke Walcheski
Geography-
South Korea, or officially known as the Republic of Korea is located on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula which borders the East Sea (also known as the Sea of Japan) and the Yellow Sea in Eastern Asia. After Korea regained its independence following World War II it was divided into two independent countries along the 38th parallel which separates South from North Korea.
Government-
South Korea’s first civilian presidency was given to KIM Young-sam in 1993 after 32 years of military rule. Today South Korea is defined as a fully functioning republic whose powers are shared between the President, the legislature and the courts. Taking office in February of 2008, LEE Myung-bak is South Korea’s current President.
Education-
Education in South Korea is viewed crucial for success and competition is consequently very heated and fierce. A centralized administration oversees the process for the education of children from kindergarten to the third and final year of high school. Mathematics, science, Korean, social studies, and English are generally considered to be the most important subjects.
Food-
One of South Korean most famous tradtional foods is Bibimbap.
Kimchi is a fermented Korean dish, made of vegetables with varied seasonings.
Religion-
South Korea’s is divided into four different religious groups with no-religion being the highest at 49.3%, following with Christianity at 26.3% (Protestant 19.7%, Roman Catholic 6.6%), Buddhism at 23.2% and finally with other or unknown religions at 1.3%.
Interesting Facts-
· South Koreans tend not to move out of their house until they get married.
· South Koreans tend to get married at an older age (late 20s early 30s).
· While at college South Koreans tend to live at home with their family.
· South Koreans dorms are never coed.
· There is dispute over if the sea located between South Korea and Japan is called “The East Sea” or the “Sea of Japan”
· Women tend to be housewives rather than pursuing their own careers.
References:
1. Background Note: South Korea http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2800.htm#profile Accessed 29 March 2011
2. The World Factbook: South Korea https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html Accessed 29 March 2011
3. South Korea http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Korea#Education Accessed 29 March 2011
4. Flag of South Korea http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_South_Korea Accessed 29 March 2011
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