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South Korea
The name of South Korea in the country itself is simply known as the Republic of Korea; south is only used by foreigners in comparison to North Korea, although both nations claim the entire peninsula. The name Korea is derived from the name "Goryeo," which was a kingdom on the peninsula that ruled beginning in 37 BC, but only came to control most of the peninsula in the early 900s.
대한민국
Introduction:
The earliest remnants of today's Korean culture begin with the mountainous landscape as well as the long coastlines. These mountains isolated the people for thousands of years with their only true influences coming from nearby China, which was the only place with true access to the Korean Peninsula. Due to this state of near isolation, Korean culture developed in a unique way and even today these cultural roots are visible.
Although for much of history the Korean Peninsula was isolated, allowing a unique culture to flourish, later in history the peninsula found itself under the rule of foreigners who made lasting impacts while shifting the culture to be more similar to these foreign rulers. Among the most important and lasting impacts that arrived via China were Buddhism and Confucianism. These philosophies ingrained a sense of honor, pride, respect, and a willingness and obligation to do what is right to others. This is even recognized on their flag as the yin and yang are shown on their flag as the people have a strong sense of karma and balance between right and wrong.
Later in history the Korean Peninsula was taken over by the Japanese. This foreign rule led to a strong independence movement and a growing and more narrowly defined culture and identity while gaining an incredible sense of ethnic, and later, national pride. Even today the South Koreans are extremely proud people as they have turned that pride to competition with both themselves and others. It becomes clear rather quickly that they seek to compete while striving for perfection.
This drive towards perfection allows the people to adapt quickly and willingly as they seek any new path to gain a step ahead of their competition and progress beyond others, both on an individual level as well as on a national level. This is always apparent today as the country is extremely modern and technological advancements are a regular and accepted part of daily life in the country.
With the competitiveness also comes hard and constant work, which can at times alter priorities to work first. The people regularly sacrifice relaxation and leisure time at the expense of work and a constant social pressure to succeed in business and sports, which always seems to hang over the heads of the people.
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Information for South Korea was last updated: August, 2012 ● View our: Sources & Special Thanks