About South Korea
- Capital: Seoul
- Population: 51.7 million
- Official language: Korean
- Land area: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania
- Location: bordering countries include North Korea
Korea is the 28th most populous country in the world. It was declared independent from Japan on Aug. 15, 1945. After the end of the Korean War in 1953, the peninsula was divided into North and South and the countries have experienced a tense relationship since then. After the war, South Korea experienced great economic growth and has an advanced economy on par with other developed countries. Education is highly valued in South Korea and the country attracts students from around the world because of the quality of its higher education institutions.
Read more in the CIA World Factbook and Diversity Abroad destination guide.
Korean culture
Food
Korean food is largely based on rice, vegetables and meat. In most settings, you will get your own bowl of rice and share everything else with the table. Typically, there will be many side dishes to add to your rice, often including kimchi. Kimchi is the national dish and consists of fermented cabbage and red pepper. Koreans will often say that kimchi is “good for the health.”
When eating with Koreans at their home on in a restaurant, following proper etiquette is important. The eldest person should be served first and should also be the first to eat. Never point with your chopsticks or pierce food with them. Do not touch food with your hands unless you see a Korean person do so. Always finish everything on your plate, but do not be afraid to say no to second helpings. When you finish eating, place your chopsticks on the table, not across your bowl.
For beverages — never pour your own drink and always offer to pour for the eldest person at the table. If you are with a teach or someone older than you, always accept a drink offer; it is considered rude to refuse and elder. Use two hands to pour drinks as well as receive them. In most settings, small cups are used and are refilled often by the people at the table.
Festivals
Festivals are a large part of the culture in South Korea. The Gimje Horizon Festival and Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival, both of which highlight the value of agriculture and Korea’s natural environment, are featured as the two premier festivals. Learn more about these and other festivals on the Visit Korea website.