Korea

Geographic Characteristics of Korea

Korea is located between China and Japan, has 70% mountainous terrain, 25% of the population living in mountainous areas, with arable land at 60% in the South and 20% in the North.

Dangun

The legendary founder of Korea, representing the mythological origins of the nation.

Gaecheonjeol

Korean foundation day, known as 'the opening of the heavens.'

Chuseok

A holiday in Korea celebrating a good harvest.

Hansik

A holiday in Korea that honors ancestors and marks the beginning of the planting season.

Baekje

One of the three kingdoms located in the southwestern part of the Korean peninsula.

Goguryeo

One of the three kingdoms located in the northern part of the Korean peninsula extending into Manchuria.

Silla

One of the three kingdoms located in the eastern part of the Korean peninsula.

Queen Sondok

An important figure in Silla known for her influence in leadership during the Silla dynasty.

King Se Jong

An important figure from the Choson dynasty, known for introducing the Hangul phonetic alphabet.

Isolationist Policy

A policy developed by Korea to protect cultural identity by not aligning with Ming China.

Tributary State

Korea's status under China, agreeing to pay tribute for autonomy without direct conquest.

DMZ

Demilitarized Zone established between North and South Korea at the 38th parallel.

Sino-Japanese War

A conflict between China and Japan over Korea that ended the tributary relationship.

Russo-Japanese War

A war between Russia and Japan over Korea and Manchuria that resulted in Japanese victory.

Japanese Occupation

A period when Korea was subjected to harsh treatment under Japanese rule, losing cultural rights.

The Korean War

A conflict (1950-1953) between North and South Korea following election tensions.

Kim Il Sung

The leader of North Korea during the Korean War.

Syngman Rhee

The leader of South Korea during the Korean War.

NATO

An intergovernmental military alliance that was not involved in the Korean War; the US led the UN response.

UN Intervention

The action taken by the United Nations to assist South Korea against the North in the Korean War.

Korean Peninsula

The geographical region where both North and South Korea are located.

Cultural Influence

The impact of foreign cultures on Korean society historically, especially by China.

Juche

North Korea's ideology of 'self-reliance,' emphasizing independence from external help.

Next Eleven

A group of countries identified as the next potential economic powerhouses, which includes South Korea.

Gyeongju

The capital of Silla, known for its historical significance and cultural heritage.

Golden Age

A period of great cultural achievement and prosperity, particularly associated with the Silla dynasty.

Bone-rank system

A system used in Silla society to rank individuals based on their lineage and social class.

Chinese Involvement

China's entry into the Korean War to support North Korea against UN forces.

Armistice Agreement

The ceasefire agreement that ended active fighting in the Korean War on July 27, 1953.

DMZ Significance

A buffer zone established between North and South Korea to prevent direct military confrontation.

Population Control

The measures taken by North Korea to manage and restrict the flow of information among its people.

Communist Policies

The governing principles in North Korea that shape its economy and government, influenced by Soviet ideologies.

Propaganda

Information promoted by the North Korean government to influence public opinion and portray the state positively.

Seoul

The capital of South Korea, serving as a major cultural and economic center.

Hangul

The phonetic alphabet developed during the Choson dynasty under King Se Jong.

Cultural Identity

The shared characteristics and heritage of a group, emphasized by the isolationist policies of Korea.

Harvest Festivals

Celebrations, such as Chuseok, that reflect agricultural traditions and gratitude in Korean culture.

Economic Policies

The strategies employed by South Korea to bolster its industrial development and economic growth.

Kim Jong-un

Current leader of North Korea, continuing the legacy of strict regime policies.

Isolationism Reaffirmation

The commitment by North Korea to maintain distance from external influences or allies.

Conflict Resolution

The efforts to settle disagreements through dialogue and negotiation, particularly highlighted in Korean diplomacy.