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About Korea
The Korean peninsula extends southward from the eastern end of the Asian continent. The peninsula is roughly 1,030 km (612 miles) long and 175 km (105 miles) wide at its narrowest point. Mountains cover 70% of Korea's land mass, making it one of the most mountainous regions in the world. The lifting and folding of Korea's granite and limestone base has created breathtaking landscapes of scenic hills and valleys. The mountain range that stretches the length of the east coast plunges steeply into the East Sea, while along the southern and western coasts, the mountains descend gradually to the coastal plains that produce the bulk of Korea's agricultural crops, especially rice. The Korean peninsula is divided just slightly north of the 38th parallel. The democratic Republic of Korea in the south and communist North Korea are separated by a demilitarized zone. South Korea's 99,500sq.km is populated by 47.9 million people (2003).
Administratively, the Republic of Korea consists of nine provinces ; the capital Seoul; and the six metropolitan cities of Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon and Ulsan. In total, there are 77 cities and 88 counties.
| Geographic position - |
Between 33˚ and 43˚ north latitude, and 124˚ and 131˚ east longitude
(including North Korea) |
About Seoul
Seoul is the capital of Korea with over 600 years of history. It is the heart of Korea’s culture and education as well as politics and economics. Seoul is unique in that historical sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and modern cultural facilities coexist in harmony. Seoul is a world-class city with numerous amenities and shopping districts such as Myeong-dong and Apgujeong.
Language
The Korean Alphabet : Hangeul
Hangeul was invented in 1443, during the reign of King Sejong. It is composed of 10 vowels and 14 consonants. Hangeul has 11 compound vowels, 5 glottal sounds. The chart below represents the 24 Hangeul letters and their romanized equivalents. The Hunminjeongeum,' a historical document which provides instructions to educate people on the use of Hangeul, is registered with UNESCO.
UNESCO awards a 'King Sejong Literacy Prize,' every year in memory of the inventor of Hangeul.
Useful Expression
네.(예.) = [Ne.(ye.)] Yes.
아니오.= [Anio.] No.
여보세요.= [Yeoboseyo.] Hello (when picking up the phone).
안녕하세요.= [Annyeong-haseyo.] Hello.
안녕히 계세요.= [Annyong-hi gyeseyo.] Good bye (when you, the guest, are leaving)
어서 오세요.= [Eoseo oseyo.] Welcome.
고맙습니다.(감사합니다.)= [Gomapseumnida. (Gamsahamnida.)] Thank you.
천만에요.=[Cheonmaneyo.] You're welcome.
미안합니다.(죄송합니다.) = [Mianhamnida. (Joesong-hamnida.)] Sorry.
괜찮습니다.(괜찮아요.) =[Gwaenchansseumnida.] It's all right.
실례합니다.= [Sillyehamnida.] Excuse me.
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Climate
Four Distinct Seasons
Korea's climate is regarded as a continental climate from a temperate standpoint and a monsoonal climate from a precipitation standpoint. The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.
| Spring |
Spring lasts from late March to May |
| Summer |
Summer lasts from June to early September. It is a hot and humid time of the year. Average Temperature in August is 24.5C~30.5C 77.8F ~100.0F |
| Autumn |
Autumn lasts from September to November |
| Winter |
Winter lasts from December to mid-March. It can be bitterly cold during this time due to the influx of cold Siberian air. Heavy snow in the northern and eastern parts of Korea makes favorable skiing conditions. |
Currency
Korea`s official monetary unit is the won.
The Korean currency consists of a ten thousand, five thousand, and one thousand won note, and five hundred, one hundred, fifty and ten won coin.
Currency Exchange Rate : Recently, a dollar exchanges for about 1,050 won. Exchange rates may change at any time according to the market conditions.
Exchanging Money
When you need to exchange your foreign currency into Korean won, visit Sinhan(Chohung)bank(supervisor : Mr. Chang Hoon Jung)near Hoam Faculty House(Takes 5 minutes walk), exchange service center, or an authorized exchange.
< Business hours >
- Bank : 9:30 am - 4:30 pm except Saturday, Sunday and Holidays
- Exchange service center : 9:30 am -10 pm, everyday
- Authorized exchange: 24 hours in hotel, and 9:00 am - 5:00 pm at other places.
Traveler's Checks : Traveler's checks are economical because they will receive higher exchange rates and can be purchased at a cheaper rate. Travelers should not have to worry about damages if checks are lost or stolen. Traveler's are used like cash at hotels, department stores, restaurants and shops, but it is better to exchange them for cash for more comfort. Visa, American Express, and Thomas Cook are used in Korea, and these checks can be exchanged into cash at banks or exchange booths.
Credit Card : Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and others are used at hotels, department stores, large restaurants, and stores.
INFORMATION ABOUT KOREAN FOOD
Four Distinct Seasons
There is a diverse array of Korean food, some kinds of which will be described below. This food is considered very healthy. While Korean food is famous for its spicy taste, there are many good healthy dishes which are not spicy.
Remember that in Korea it is not customary to tip. You will be given stainless steel chopsticks and a spoon, which can be used for almost anything you wish. It is said that the reason Koreans use metal chopsticks goes back to the Chosun Dynasty when the rulers insisted that silver be used because it tarnished in the presence of toxins. This guaranteed safe food.
Here are some typical Korean dishes:
Kimchi: This is a staple food which , along with rice, will be served with almost every meal, often along with other relishes and small varied dishes of food. Kimchi, a fermented food, is an acquired taste, but I hope you will try it. There are many different kinds of kimchi, but you will commonly see it made with cabbage.
Bap: This is steamed rice, sticky rice, which sometimes has beans, chestnuts or other cereals added. It may be served with vegetables and/or meat.
Bulgogi: Korea is very famous for its traditional barbeque. Bulgogi consists of thin slices of beef marinated with spices, sometimes cooked at your table, and often put in lettuce leaves. Most westerners are very fond of bulgtogi.
Mandu: This dish is dumplings stuffed with beef, mushrooms, zucchini and mung bean sprouts. Pork, chicken or fish is sometimes used. Mandu may be served alone or in a delicious soup.
Guk: Guk is soup and is served with many meals. There are many varieties which may include vegetables, meat, fish, shellfish, seaweed and beef broth.
Juk: Juk is porridge and often contains pine nuts, red beans, pumpkin, abalone, ginseng, chicken, vegetables, mushrooms and bean sprouts.
Jjigae: This is a stew, similar to guk, but thicker and more hardy. It is usually spicy and served very hot in a heated stone bowl.
Chapche: Chapche is made with seasoned beef, vegetables and noodles. The taste is sweet and very special.
Sokalligui: This is a dish made with beef ribs marinated and broiled.
Bindaetuk: This is a favorite street food. These are “pancakes” made from mung beans. They provide a great source of nutrition for vegetarians. They may consist of seafood or vegetables, depending upon your taste.
Namul: These are vegetables or wild greens. There are hundreds of these. If you visit a market, you will see many greens. They are usually parboiled or stirfried with salt, soy sauce, sesame seeds, sesame oil, garlic and green onions.
Jeon: Jeon is a kind of pancake made from mushrooms, pumpkin, fish, peppers, meat or other ingredients mixed with salt and black pepper, dipped in flour and egg and fried in oil.
Drinks: Often with meals water or porich, a barley tea, is served. Many beverages are available, however, with or without alcohol. Soju is widely available and the most popular Korean alcoholic drink. Makgeolli and dong dong ju are both whitish colored drinks made from rice or potatoes. Beer is available.
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