Korea

Korea Study Guide

A. Geography

1. What are the 10 Geographic Characteristics of Korea?  

• Korea is between China and Japan

• 70% of korea is mountainous and 25% of people living in them

  • The north has more mountains 

• Mountains and plains

• Split into two territories, South: 60% arable land, North: 20% arable land

• Yellow sea, Korean strait, Sea of Japan

• Positives:

  • Large lands

  • Arable land

• Negatives

  • Not consistent weather

  • Densely populated       

B. Ancient Period:

a. Gojoseon Period 

Legendary kingdom founded by Dangun

Most well known and accepted myth about the creation of Korea

Not proven by archaeological evidence, but not disproven.

Founded as National Foundation Day

b. Important Holidays & Traditions 

• Dangun: The mythological founder of Korea 

• Gaecheonjeol: The “opening of the heavens” or korean foundation day

• Chuseok: A holiday celebrating a good harvest

• Hansik: Honoring of the ancestors and the beginning of planting season 

c. 3 kingdoms period (What are the kingdoms/ where are they located)

• Baekje (Paekche) located: In the south  western part of the Korean peninsula

• Goguryeo (Koguryo/Koryo) located:  in the northern part of Korean Peninsula extending into Manchuria

•  Silla located:  in the eastern part of the Korean peninsula

d . invasions

                 Silla/Koryo/ Choson Dynasties. ( Important figures/ideas: Queen Sondok/ Se Jong)

2. Why does Korea develop an Isolationist Policy?

They no longer wanted to be allied with Ming China, since it was ruled by the Mongols who had invaded Korea

They wished to protect their cultural identity and sovereignty from external influences and threats. This policy was initially implemented after the Manchurians took over China, and was reinforced during the later 19th century time period.

3. Explain the younger brother/older brother relationship between Korea and China

For a significant amount of time and history, China had great influence over Korea. Korea, instead of being invaded and conquered by the Chinese, agreed to become a tributary state, where they would pay the Chinese to leave them alone. Because of this relationship, they adopted many parts of traditional Chinese culture such as Buddhism and Confucianism, as well as a similar writing system.

C. Korean War (1950-1953)

4. Explain the events leading up to the Korean War, the progression of the war and the outcome of the war. 

• Sino-Japanese War/ Russo-Japanese War

War between Qing Dynasty of China and Japan over Korea, ended the tributary relationship with China and Korea because China loses/ War between Russia and Japan over Manchuria and Korea, Japanese victory.

• Japanese Occupation 

Harsh; Civilians forced to change to Japanese names, no longer allowed to speak Korean, flag was banned

• Korean War (1950-1953)

  1. Beginning of  War 

     1. 1948: two Different parties emerge

     2.  North Korea:  People's Republic of Korea; Pyongyang is the capital . (Soviet Union Withdraws )

        1. Kim ll- Sung 

     3. South Korea:  Republic of Korea; Seoul  is the capital ( America  withdrawals)

        1. Syngman Rhee

  2. The Election 

     1.   determined an election would be held

     2. Kim ll- Sung does not allow the vote 

        1.  believes the system was rigged 

     3. Syngman Rhee allows the South to vote 

        1. Democracy Win 

     4. June 5th, 1950- Kim ll- Sung crosses the 38th parallel

  3. The Armies 

     1. Kim ll- Sung’s army is backed by Soviet Tanks 

        1. Stalin did not want to get involved 

     2. Rhee’s army is backed by defensive weapons by the US

        1. US did not want Rhee to invade 

  4. Early Victories 

     1. Sung’s troops quickly advance and control several key cities 

     2. By June 28 Sungs troops control Seoul

     3. Goal is a quick Surrender

  5. UN intervenes 

     1. Rhees asks the Un to intervene

     2. Resolution Passes

        1. England, France and US= Yes

        2.  China Abstains (Mao isolationist)

        3. Soviet Union does not show 

           1. Boycotting over Security Consul 

  6. Us involvement

     1.  despite the other countries involvement the US provided the both of the military assistance:

        1. 50% of the ground forces 

           1.  Rhee provided the rest of the reminder 

        2. 86% of Naval power

        3.  93% of the Air Force 

  7. Pushing back

     1.  US troops are met with fierce resistance

     2.  Massive casualties

     3. By October US troops push passed the 38th parallel 

     4. China fears complete Us control in Korea

        1.  China enters the war in October of 1950s with Kim Ill Sung

  8.  Chinese involvement

     1.  Roughly 180,000  Chinese troops shattered the right flank of the UN Army 

     2. 120,000 others threatened to destroy the X corps near the Chosin Reservoir

     3. On November 28th MacArthur informed The Joint Chiefs, “ We Face an entirely new war.”

     4.  UN Retreat ended about 70 miles below Seoul (Capital of South)

  9. Negotiations Resume 

     1. Stalin dies, leave the Soviet Union with an internal power struggle 

     2. US internal Politics lead to renewed  pressure for peace talks 

     3. increase civilian casualties on both sides

  10. Armistice 

      1.  on March 28th 1953 in agreement was reached for both sides to exchange sick and wounded prisoners

      2.  July 27th 1953- armistice was signed, however an official treaty still has not been signed

         1. A Demilitarized Zone was set up between the two countries

            1.  over 5 million casualties 

D. Modern Korea 

5. How do South Korea and North Korea develop into the countries they are today?

North Korea:

Influenced by Soviet and Communist policies, enforces strict isolationist policies on the population. Relies heavily on propaganda and nuclear deterrents. Population is lied to and punished severely.

South Korea:

Democratic system influenced by the US. Everyone in the nation is happy.

6. What is Juche and what role does it play in North Korea?

Juche is “self reliance”. It is a point of “pride” for the North Korean population, as they do not need any external assistance to govern themselves.'

7. How does South Korea develop industrially? What group are they a part of?

Government reliance in the economy as well as family owned businesses. Part of the Next Eleven group.