Culture Focus
Korea in the World
Korea in the World Community
Korea was known as the “Hermit Kingdom” during the 19th century. Nevertheless, trade and immigration have always taken place. Cultural artifacts and ancient records reveal that a great deal of intercultural exchange occurred, including the mass migration of tribes from China, settlement of Arab merchants, and the arrival of Southeast Asians.
The Silla capital of Gyeongju in the southeastern corner of the peninsula was the easternmost mainland terminal of the Silk Road, a trading route that passed from Europe through the Asian continent. Previous research considered Xi’an in China to be the eastern terminal of the trade route, but recently discovered artifacts show that the link extended to Gyeongju, the southeastern end of the Eurasian Continent, possibly even to the Japanese cities of Nara and Kyoto across the Korea Strait.
The Silla capital of Gyeongju in the southeastern corner of the peninsula was the easternmost mainland terminal of the Silk Road, a trading route that passed from Europe through the Asian continent. Previous research considered Xi’an in China to be the eastern terminal of the trade route, but recently discovered artifacts show that the link extended to Gyeongju, the southeastern end of the Eurasian Continent, possibly even to the Japanese cities of Nara and Kyoto across the Korea Strait.
In more recent times, South Korea has emerged as a leader in global electronic communications, which is the modern-day equivalent of the Silk Road. South Korea is one of the most advanced nations in the world when it comes to Internet access. Its infrastructure is broad and far-reaching. Koreans share their thoughts, experiences, and knowledge with citizens of the world via such communication channels, adding a new layer of richness to the Korean culture that has been passed down through the generations. Throughout history, cultural exchange has always been a key element in international contact. This continues to be true in today’s increasingly interconnected world. South Korean pop music (K-pop), movies, and television dramas have garnered a dedicated international following as Hallyu (the Korean Wave) sweeps the world. In turn, South Korea continues to absorb cultural elements from the rest of the globe.
With changes in the global economic and ecological environment, South Korea faces new challenges—an aging population, a low birth rate, income redistribution, pursuit of new growth engine industries, and a shortage of energy and water resources. Most daunting of all is the unpredictable leadership and policies of North Korea, which even now is developing nuclear weapons. The overall outlook for the global economy also is not bright. But history has shown that the Korean people can overcome all sorts of challenges.
With changes in the global economic and ecological environment, South Korea faces new challenges—an aging population, a low birth rate, income redistribution, pursuit of new growth engine industries, and a shortage of energy and water resources. Most daunting of all is the unpredictable leadership and policies of North Korea, which even now is developing nuclear weapons. The overall outlook for the global economy also is not bright. But history has shown that the Korean people can overcome all sorts of challenges.
Korea in the World
It is not easy to understand a foreign country in a short time. is a brief introduction of Korea for educators unfamiliar to Korea. The booklet collects and summarizes significant historical, cultural, and politico-economical traces of Korea. An essential material for educators who want to bring Korea in the textbook and to classroom.
It is not easy to understand a foreign country in a short time.
