ORIENT: Korea

Korea
Land of the Morning Calm

During the past several decades, the world has witnessed the meteoric rise of the Republic of Korea as a major player on the international stage. A feat all the more impressive considering the utter devastation wrought by the Korean War (1950-1953). Many are aware of the "Miracle of the Han," Korea's remarkable economic development from a subsistence-level economy into an advanced industrializing nation, one of the four "Asian Dragons." Korea also left a shining impression on the world with its successful staging of the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics. Few, though, are truly aware of some of its finer aspects: the breathtaking scenery and diverse climate, its rich cultural heritage and appreciation of the arts, the peaceloving yet passionate populace, and its still-strong devotion to the Confucian tradition that reveres family, social harmony, education, and self-enrichment. The Koreans are a proud people who have weathered many hardships with a strong sense of unity and stoicism, never losing their identity or pride as Koreans.
Geography
The Korean Peninsula is bordered by China and Russia to the north and juts toward Japan to the southeast. Since 1948, the Peninsula has been divided roughly along the 38th Parallel with the Republic of Korea to the south and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the north.
The Republic of Korea is composed of nine provinces, with Seoul as the capital city. Other major cities include: Pusan, Taegu, Inch'on, Kwangju, and Taejon. The landscape of the country is spectacular in its variations; about seventy percent is mountainous, with more than 3,000 islands dotting the coastline.
Culture and the Arts
Korean Art possesses several distinguishing characteristics that create a unique style quite distinct from other Asian art. It respects nature, and the extensive use of quiet and subdued colors is manifested in Korean painting and ceramics. Humor and a sense of quiet harmony are other characteristics of Korean art, which have imbued it with a unique aesthetic sense which depicts beauty with honesty and simplicity that is free of artifice.
Music and Dance
Korean traditional music can be divided into two major groups: chong-ak for the noble class and sog-ak for the common people. Chong-ak consists of music performed at court and tended to be slow and solemn, with elaborate melodic lines. Sog-ak included shaman and Buddhist ritual music, folk songs, dramatic songs, and was usually more colorful and vibrant, appealing to the emotions.
Traditional dance in Korea can be divided into six categories: shaman, Buddhist, Confucian, court, folk, and mask. Many of the traditional dances were lost or forgotten during the colonial period and the chaotic early years of the Republic. In the early 1980s, though, interest in these long-forgotten dances revived and several were designated "intangible cultural properties" by the Government, with their performers being designated "human cultural assets."
Ceramics
Ceramics are by far the most famous Korean art objects among the world's art historians and connoisseurs. Neolithic ceramic pots had narrow rounded bases and were decorated with parallel lines and dots. Early Shilla ceramics, free and original in style, varied in color from gray to black and sometimes brown tones resulting from the degree of oxidation in the kiln. The art of pottery-making in Korea reached its apex during the 12th and 13th Centuries with the attainment of a mysterious bluish-green celadon glaze and the inlaying method. The Sung Chinese influences were shrugged off and unique creativity and refinement was achieved.

The Drum Dancers in Korea, with up to nine drums per performer.

Economy
In the last three decades, Korea's economic growth has been among the fastest in the world. The country has overcome a series of obstacles and challenges, transforming itself from a subsistence agrarian economy into one of the world's leading newly industrializing countries, an achievement all the more impressive considering the extent of devastation of the Korean War. Today, however, the Korean economy faces new challenges. Internally, it must deal with the inevitable turbulence accompanying political democratization and externally, it is confronted by an increasingly complex and tough international trading environment.
Since Korea launched its first Five-Year Economic Development Plan in 1962, the country's real GNP has grown by an average of more than eight percent per year. As a result, the nation's annual GNP has grown to almost US$350 billion from US$2.3 billion, since 1962.
Several factors are usually cited to explain Korea's remarkable economic development. One is the government's role in directing the economy. In its five-year economic development plans, the government would direct businesses to focus on specifics, low interest loans, and manpower training as well as others. Another inter-related factor was the export-oriented economic strategy, deemed appropriate since Korea lacked natural resources. A third important factor was the abundance of inexpensive, yet highly educated and disciplined labor force. The traditional respect for learning combined with the rapid modernization of the Korean education system led to Korea having one of the highest literacy rates in the world. These factors, combined with a favorable international climate, created what is commonly called the "Miracle on the Han." Currently, the nation welcomes international trade, as evidenced by the numerous groups created to help international businessmen to work with this burgeoning nation.
Shopping Korea
Seoul offers the globe-trotting shopper a wide variety of merchandise at large department stores, duty-free shops, open markets, and arcades. Interestingly, Seoul has certain districts that specialize in handling certain items, and some have developed their businesses around a certain clientele. Seoul's markets not only provide an exciting shopping experience and bargains galore, but they are also full of delight and adventure. Myong-dong is the fashion center of Korea with many exclusive fashion salons and boutiques offering styles and creations equal to those of Rome and Paris in quality, but much more palatable in price. At night, Myong-dong becomes more than a shopping district; the shopping mecca becomes a vibrant nightclub scene with endless pubs, fashionable discotheques, and amusing theater-restaurants. It's more than most can handle!
Insadong is Seoul's artist's district. Numerous antique shops, old book stores, and art galleries are concentrated in that area. Often, it is called a "Street Museum" for purchasing Korean art and handicrafts. Changan-dong, on the eastern outskirts of Seoul, recently opened one of the largest antique markets in Asia---a sure delight to many. The market includes several buildings with over 150 stores. Items ranging from Neolithic artifacts to more recent finds can be had for very reasonable prices. Great finds include: paintings, calligraphy, old chests, stone articles, ceramics, and lacquerware.
Other areas outside of Seoul offer many exciting and unusual shopping experiences. Most famous is probably Pusan's Chagalch'i Fish Market The Kyongju Folkcraft Village at Kyongju is also easily accessible to foreign tourists. The most enchanting markets are those in rural areas, with most specializing in a single product. Most markets are held every five days.
The Chagalch'i Fish Market is located in downtown Pusan on the dockside. It is at its liveliest in the early morning hours when the fish boats come in with their full loads. There is such a passion for fresh fish that sashimi restaurants do a thriving business right on the market hall's second floor!
The Kyonju Folkcraft Village, in Kyong-ju (northwest of the Pulguksa Temple), is a working community of master craftsmen where visitors can buy beautiful craft pieces direct from the artisan.
Kumsan Market is located in Ch'ungch'ongnam-do and is the nation's largest ginseng market. The mountains of ginseng are a sight and the aroma alone wakes all of one's senses.
Kanghwa Market, on Kanghwado Island northwest of Seoul, is famous for its highly-prized rush mats woven in floral designs.
The Tamyang Bamboo Market, in Cholloanam-do, is Korea's only bamboo market, but what fascinating finds are to be had! Buyers gather from throughout the country to purchase the wonderful handmade bamboo products.

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