Everything you need to know about South Korea: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
South Korea: Land of the Morning Calm and Asian Economic Tiger
In 1905 after the Russo-Japanese War, Korea became a part of Japanese empire and gained independence after Japan’s surrender to the United States in 1945. After World War II, the Republic of Korea was set up in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula while a Communist-style government was installed in the northern part. During the Korean War (1950-53), US troops and UN forces fought to defend South Korea from North Korea attacks which was supported by China and the Soviet Union. This war was concluded after signing the peace agreement between two countries in 1953. After this South Korea achieved rapid economic growth with per capita income rising to roughly 14 times the level of North Korea. In 1993, KIM Young-Sam became South Korea's first civilian president after 32 years of military rule. Today South Korea has a well functioning modern democracy and is seeking peaceful re-unification with North Korea.
South Korea Profile: Overview of Facts and Figures
Geographical Information on South Korea:
South Korea lies below the 38th parallel on the Korean peninsula. It is bordered by China from the west, Japan from the east and North Korea to the north.
South Korea has humid continental climate and humid subtropical climate. The climatic condition is affected by the East Asian monsoon. Precipitation of South Korea is heavier in summer during a short rainy season and winters are bitterly cold.
Culture, Cuisine and Tradition of South Korea:
Rapid industrialization since decades has provided a multinational touch to South Korean culture. The Government South Korean has taken several initiatives in promoting and preservation of tradition old cultural values, followings, practices and beliefs. The fine blend of cultural assimilations of old and new can be seen from the life and practices of South Koreans.
The cuisine of South Korea is highly influenced by Chinese culture. The cuisine of Korea
is largely based on rice, noodles, tofu, vegetables, and meats. Every meal in South Korea is accompanied by numerous banchan, Kimchi, a fermented, spicy vegetable dish that is served at every meal and is one of the best-known Korean dishes. Korean cuisine usually involves heavy flavor with sesame oil, doenjang (fermented soybean paste), soy sauce, salt, garlic, ginger, and gochujang (red chili paste).
Tourist Attractions of South Korea:
South Korea offers wide varieties of tourist attraction that ranges from fascinating pre-historic sites to majestic forts and palaces, ancient shrines, to national parks teeming with wild species, verdant valleys and rippling waterfalls, golden beaches and islands to colorful cultural villages.
The city of Daejeon is truly fascinating with its numerous natural and artificial spots of sightseeing along with many historical sites embedded with cultural values.
Seoul is the capital of South Korea and considered as most beautiful modern city with many tourist attractions. Kyongbaok Palace, National Museum, Chogyesa Temple, Korean Folk Village at Suwon (south of Seoul) is some sightseeing of Seoul.
Major Sight-seeing Places in South Korea include:
The Press Briefing on Union Human Resource Development Minister Smt Smriti Irani attending the World Education Forum (WEF) organized by UNESCO in Incheon, South Korea was held here in New Delhi today.
India clinches Bronze in the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, beating Korea 4-1 (2-2)
Colombo, May 3 (IANS) Sri Lanka's largest business chamber has signed a deal with an organization representing Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) to increase trade ties, a statement said here Thursday.
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Seoul, May 3 (IANS) South Korea's foreign reserves grew to a record high of $316.84 billion last month due to an increase in investment profits and a growth in conversion value of non-dollar denominated assets, the central bank said Thursday.
Pyongyang, May 3 (ANI): North Korea has stockpiled enough uranium for six nuclear bombs, an expert has warned.
Washington, May 3 (IANS) Fifteen million babies are born too soon every year and 1.1 million die shortly after birth, making premature birth the second leading cause of death in children under age 5, according to the first ever national, regional and global estimates of preterm birth.
Seoul, May 3 (IANS) Hundreds of South Koreans held a candlelight rally in the capital Wednesday evening to protest the government's decision to continue beef imports from the US even after the detection of mad cow disease.
Johannesburg, May 2 (ANI): Nearly 15 percent of people worldwide believe the world will end during their lifetime and 10 percent think the Mayan calendar could signify it will happen in 2012.
New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) There is demand for Indian workers of various skill sets such as housemaids and home nurses abroad, including in the Gulf countries, Malaysia, Singapore and in some European nations, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vyalar Ravi said Wednesday.
Tehran, May 1 (IANS) Iran finished overall winners at the Asian Weightlifting Championships Tuesday.
Sydney, May 1 (IANS) Out of favour, Australian Test batsman Usman Khwaja is mulling a move to Queensland after telling Bulls players he wants to move north.
London, May 1 (IANS) Imagine wind turbines that conjure drinking water out of thin air and how they could help developing countries overcome their water scarcity.
Seoul, May 1 (IANS) South Korea's consumer price growth slowed to 2.5 percent in April, a report showed Tuesday.
Pyongyang, Apr 30 (ANI): The United States has reportedly warned its allies that North Korea is building up to carrying out a nuclear test this week.
Seoul, April 30 (IANS) South Korea's industrial output growth plunged last month due to weak demand at home and abroad caused by high oil prices and economic slowdown in China, a government report showed Monday.
Caracas, April 30 (IANS/EFE) Japan and South Korea plan to invest nearly $14 billion in various energy projects in Venezuela, Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez said.
Moscow, April 29 (IANS) About 25,000 metric tonnes - or 62 percent - of Russia's chemical weapons haf been destroyed till April 29, RIA Novosti reported Sunday.
Dubai, April 29 (IANS) West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul has regained the No.1 spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test batsmen rankings after hitting two half-centuries in the Dominica Test which Australia won by 75 runs to claim the series 2-0.
Seoul, April 29 (Xinhua) -- South Korea will send a group of government officials, scholars and civic activists to the United States to look into the latest outbreak of mad cow disease amid growing food safety concerns at home, the farm ministry here said Sunday.
New Delhi, April 27 (IANS) A new approach focusing on increasing the number of Indian business travellers to New Zealand has been adopted by the country's tourism board, which is all set to push into the business events and incentives market.
Beijing, April 29 (IANS) China has launched a tourist train connecting the country's northeastern Tumen county and the picturesque Chilbo mountain in neighbouring North Korea.
New Delhi, April 28 (IANS) India's Parupalli Kashyap, who had booked an Olympic berth Fiday, put up a valiant fight in his semi-final tie against South Korea's Wan Ho Shon but went down in three sets at the India Open Super Series badminton here Saturday.
Singapore, April 28 (IANS) India slipped down on the final day of the Queen Sirikit Cup golf here Saturday as all three players succumbed under pressure.
Islamabad, April 28 (IANS) Pakistan's inexperienced team will struggle and have slim chances to defend their title of Asian squash team championship scheduled to be held next month in Kuwait, said an analyst Friday.
Pyongyang, Apr 28 (Xinhua-ANI): Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un recently observed a combined military exercise marking the 80th anniversary of the Korean People's Army (KPA), the official news agency KCNA said Saturday.
As the Civil Aviation Ministry of India, has decided to include four Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft into it?s kitty to revamp the deteriorating situation of state run airliner Air India, the first aircraft in this series has rolled out from South Carolina, a state governed by Indian American Nikki Haley, with great fanfare..............
New Delhi, April 28 (IANS) India's Parupalli Kashyap Friday qualified for the London Olympics with third-seeded Chinese Chen Jin pulling out of the quarterfinal match, citing a wrist injury, in India Open Super Series badminton.
Chennai, April 27 (IANS) Expanding itse construction equipment product range with a technical tie-up with a Korean company and looking at different four-wheeler makers to power their vehicles with its diesel engines are some of the strategies that Greaves Cotton Ltd is now looking at, said a top company official Friday.
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), the Central University of Delhi on Friday conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters to United Nations Secretary-General Ban-ki-moon in convocation program here........
Accra (Ghana), April 27 (IANS) The South African Football Association (SAFA) has apologised to its Ghanaian counterpart over age-cheating allegations made against Ghana by the coach of its women's under-17 team.
Rio De Janeiro, April 27 (IANS) Santos striker Neymar has vowed to seek revenge after Bolivar's shock 2-1 victory over the defending Copa Libertadores champions in La Paz.
New Delhi, April 27 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said here Friday that despite the challenges involved he trusted India to build and strengthen partnerships with her neighbours and saw a "future of steadily warmer ties" in this region.
New Delhi, April 27 (IANS) Visiting UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was Friday conferred an honorary degree of doctor of letters at Jamia Millia Islamia here and told his audience that "when I am in India, I am at home".
Cape Town, Apr 27(ANI): South Africa's three-Tests against Australia are likely to be played at Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Beijing, Apr 27 (ANI): The Chinese military has vowed to "fulfill their duty" to safeguard the South China Sea.
Johannesburg, April 27 (IANS) South Africa wants to build up local businesses as it expands its nuclear power capacity, the country's Energy Minister Dipuo Peters said.
Johannesburg, Apr 27(ANI): Suspended Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gerald Majola and former CSA Chief Operations Officer (COO) Don McIntosh must repay millions of Rands in underhanded bonus payments, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula has confirmed.
Lhasa, Apr 26(ANI): Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama has said he will continue with the non-violent quest for greater Tibetan autonomy, even after Beijing blamed him for inciting a wave of unrest.
New York, Apr 26 (ANI): Josh Kelley and wife Katherine Heigl have reportedly added another child to their growing brood.
New York, April 26 (IANS) Actress Katherine Heigl and her husband Josh Kelley have adopted another baby girl, says her representative.
London, Apr 26 (ANI): For many women, the prospect of shopping for a swimming costume can often prove terrifying, a new study has revealed.
Jakarta, April 26 (Xinhua-ANI): An Indonesian senior official said on Thursday that Indonesia will suspend imports of U.S. beef from Thursday because of a confirmed U.S. case of mad cow disease, a local media reported here.
Seoul, April 26 (IANS) South Korea's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.9 percent in the first quarter from three months earlier, the central bank said Thursday.
Washington, April 26 (IANS) As the US Supreme Court began a hearing on Arizona State's tough immigration law, a South Asian umbrella organisation asked the apex court to reject the law that it said permits racial profiling."
Rio de Janeiro, April 26 (IANS/EFE) The US is ready to transfer military technology to Brazil to be able to count the South American country as a strategic ally, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said here Wednesday.
London, April 25 (IANS) In a brazen attack carried out by helicopter-borne poachers, a herd of 22 elephants were killed and their tusks and genitals hacked off at a national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a media report said Wednesday.
New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) India's top men's badminton player Ajay Jayaram and Kashyap Parupalli advanced to the second round of the Yonex India Open 2012 at the Siri Fort Sports Complex here Wednesday.
Pyongyang, April 25 (IANS) North Korea Wednesday marked the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army (KPA), Xinhua reported.
Beijing, April 25 (Xinhua-ANI): Zhong Jianhua, special representative of the Chinese government on African affairs, will soon visit Sudan and South Sudan to promote dialogue and negotiations between the two countries.
Pyongyang, April 25 (Xinhua-ANI): The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) held a national meeting on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army (KPA).
Beijing, April 25 (Xinhua-ANI): The Chinese government announced Wednesday that it has approved the establishment of an international cooperative demonstration zone in northeast Jilin province to boost cross-border cooperation in the region.
London, April 25 (IANS) The British men's football team has been handed out a tough draw in the 2012 London Games.
Pyongyang, Apr 25 (ANI): North Korea has almost completed preparations for a third nuclear test after it failed to launch long-range missile last month, according to a report.
Melbourne, Apr 25 (ANI): The lifestyle risks including obesity and boozing faced by teenagers in the high-income world are rapidly spreading to counterparts in poorer countries, a new study has revealed.
Seoul, April 25 (IANS) South Korea's consumer confidence rose for three straight months in April, the central bank said Wednesday.
Melbourne, April 25 (ANI): Cricket Australia (CA) has revealed it is set to overhaul its financial model and take control of venue arrangements for international matches.
Moscow, April 24 (IANS) Russia's military leadership has for the first time acknowledged a nuclear threat from Iran and North Korea.
Singapore, April 24 (IANS) Aditi Ashok, Gurbani Singh and Raksha Phadke will represent India at the 34th Queen Sirikit Cup at the Tanah Merah Country Club here April 25-27.
Melbourne, April 24 (IANS) Cricket Australia (CA) said Tuesday it would seek the approval of the state associations for a smaller board.
Washington, April 24 (ANI): Lady Gaga, who flew to Korea on Thursday to perform in Seoul later this week, has compared jet lag to "bad shrooms".
London, April 24 (IANS) Former British Open winner Ben Curtis ended a six-year wait for a PGA Tour victory by winning the Valero Texas Open at San Antonio, US. By winning the title, Curtis vaulted from 285th position to 156th in the latest edition of the Official World Golf Ranking.
Manila, April 24 (ANI): The Philippines has warned that aggressive Chinese claims on the South China Sea pose a threat to its neighbours, and has called on other countries to take a stand on this issue.
New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) The Dhaka Art Summit with 249 artists is being seen as a new beginning of cultural bonds between Bangladesh, India and the rest of the world. And cutting edge and contemporary art are becoming its talking heads, says a leading Bangladeshi art honcho.
Washington, April 24 (IANS) The White House has accused China of supplying North Korea with technology for a missile launcher that was showcased in a military parade in Pyongyang last week.
Colombo, Apr 24(ANI): Sri Lankan pace bowler Lasith Malinga has rejected claims that he had declined to sign this year's contract with Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) and stressed he will be available for all national commitments.
Agartala, April 24 (IANS) State-owned ONGC-Videsh will go ahead with the exploration of oil in the South China Sea despite China's objections, a top company official said here Tuesday.
London, Apr 24 (ANI): India has become the top 'spam-spewing nation' on the planet, overtaking the United States, according to a report.
Moscow, April 23 (IANS) A man in Russia, proclaiming to be "God", set himself ablaze and landed in hospital in a critical condition with 70 percent burns, RIA Novosti reported.
Seoul, April 23 (Xinhua-ANI): South Korea and the United States are scheduled to hold defense talks involving discussions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s failed rocket launch earlier this month, the defense ministry here said Monday.
London, Apr 23 (ANI): A pub cat named Rosie is thought to be one of the oldest in Britain after she clocked up the equivalent of 112 in human years.
London, Apr 23 (ANI): A new report by the International Crisis Group (ICG) says China needs a "consistent policy" on the South China Sea if it is to resolve disputes.
Beijing, April 23 (IANS) Deaths from gastric cancer are expected to steadily rise over the next two decades in China as the disease proliferates, said a Chinese cancer expert.
Pyongyang, April 23 (IANS) North Korea has threatened to launch 'special operations' against South Korea's president, the official KCNA news agency said Monday.
Colombo, Apr 23 (Xinhua-ANI): Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa left for South Korea on Monday for a four-day official visit that will focus on increasing trade ties between the two countries.
Pyongyang, Apr 23 (Xinhua-ANI): The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) threatened to launch "special operations" against South Korea's conservative president, the official KCNA news agency said Monday.
Pretoria, Apr 23 (ANI): South Africa's Deputy Minister of Police has compared former president Nelson Mandela to deceased North Korean leader Kim Il Sung.
Seoul, April 23 (IANS) South Korean firms' profitability weakened last year due to an increase in production costs caused by a rise in global raw material prices, the country's central bank said Monday.
Johannesburg, April 23 (IANS) The South African government is speeding up its plan to redistribute land to rightful owners, the official Bua news agency reported Sunday.
Colombo, April 23 (IANS) Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa left for South Korea Monday on a four-day official visit that will focus on increasing trade ties between the two countries.
London, April 23 (ANI): It's believed that men are more attracted to women wearing red than other colours.
Sydney, Apr 23 (ANI): Australia captain Michael Clarke has asked his team to make one last effort to win the last Test against the West Indies in Dominica this week.
Perusing the front pages of Delhi newspapers, one gets the impression that the launch of the Agni-V intercontinental missile with a striking range of 5,000 km by India was a prominent but by no means sensational event even for Indians. There have been no overly emotional responses to it outside India either. One can't help drawing a parallel between this calm reaction and the media frenzy surrounding the failed launch of a ballistic missile by North Korea just a week ago. And when something of the kind happens in Iran, the reaction is even stronger.
New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) Achanta Sharath Kamal failed to seal the fifth qualifying spot at the ongoing Asian Olympic Qualification Table Tennis Tournament in Hong Kong, when he lost to Kim Song Nam of North Korea, 2-4 (12-10, 9-11, 9-11, 11-6, 8-11, 8-1) Saturday.
Mumbai, April 21 (IANS) Bollywood beauty Sameera Reddy had no clash with Kangna Ranaut on the sets of their forthcoming film "Tezz", but she says no two actresses can be best friends.
Khartoum, April 21 (IANS) Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has vowed neither to hold any talks with South Sudan over the oil issue nor allow the latter to transport oil through Sudanese territory, media reported Saturday.
Mumbai, April 21 (IANS) Ranvir Shorey-starrer "Fatso", will hit the screens worldwide May 4.
London, April 21 (ANI): A weekend lie-in may help reduce risk of obesity in youngsters, say researchers.
Washington, April 21 (IANS) The International Monetary Fund has almost doubled its "fire power" to protect the world economy against deepening debt turmoil in Europe with the Group of 20 nations, including India, pledging $430 billion in new funding.
Moscow, April 21 (IANS/RIA Novosti) North Korea will continue satellite launches for peaceful purposes, an official said a week after a failed launch.
New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) The World Health Organisation (WHO), which is observing the year of intensification of routine immunisation in Southeast Asia, has said the region will adopt a more aggressive strategy to address the issue of low immunisation.
Tonga, April 20 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, currently on a visit to Tonga, has launched an India-assisted solar project run by two women engineers in the Pacific island nation.
Beijing, April 20 (IANS) A total of 136 Chinese firms have found place in this year's Forbes Global 2000 list which also mentions 61 Indian firms, among others.
New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature Friday announced the induction of five new members to its advisory committee for the 2013 and 2014 editions of the $50,000 prize.
India has suggested to form a working group consists of finance ministry and central bank officials of the BRIC countries.
Washington, April 20 (IANS) India has suggested setting up a working group comprising officials from finance ministries and central banks of the five BRICS countries for the formation of a development bank to increase trade within the grouping.
New York, April 20 (ANI): Spirit Airlines is now capitalizing on the Secret Security prostitution scandal with a new Internet advertisement offering cheap flights to Colombia that promises 'more bang for your buck.'
Phnom Penh (Cambodia), April 20 (Xinhua-ANI): Cambodia will host regional security meetings next week among the 10-member the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and eight dialogue partners.
Phnom Penh, April 20 (Xinhua-ANI): The number of foreign tourists to Cambodia's Angkor Wat temples, one of the world heritage sites, had increased by 45 percent to 639,800 in the first quarter of this year, statistics of the Siem Reap provincial tourism department revealed on Friday.
Seoul, April 20 (IANS) South Korea's top steelmaker Posco said Friday that its operating profit dropped in the first quarter due to weak demand and high feedstock costs.
Warsaw, April 20 (IANS) The organisers of the Euro 2012 football tournament will on Saturday inaugurate a training facility here for volunteers who will be working for the June 8-July 1 event jointly hosted by Poland and Ukraine.
