South Korea

South Korea is an East Asian nation on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula and is one of the most heavily militarized borders. It’s known for its hilly countrysides with cherry trees and old Buddhist temples plus its fishing villages, tropical islands and high tech cities.

The South Korean Flag

Flag Significance

The Korean flag, Taegeukgi’s white background symbolizes peace and purity, while the Um (blue) and Yang (red) circle represents the universe’s origin and the dynamic of complementary forces, like light and dark, in perfect harmony. The four trigrams on the flag represent different elements. Geon: Heaven Heaven, Spring, East, Justice, Gon: Earth, Summer, West, Vitality. Gam: Water, Winter, North, Wisdom, and lastly (Ri): Fire, Autumn, South, Fruition/Brightness.

Flag Diagram

Korean Foods

• Kimchi: Fermented vegetables with chili powder, garlic, and seafood

• Bulgogi: Thinly sliced, marinated beef which is often grilled

• Bibimbap: A bowl of rice topped with seasoned vegetables, meat, a fried egg, and gochujang (chili pepper paste)

• Japchae: Stir-fried glass noodles, seasoned soy sauce and sesame oil 

• Ttekbokki: Chewy rice cakes and fish cakes simmered in spicy gochujang sauce.

Gimbap: Rice with various fillings (veggies, egg, and meat) rolled in seaweed

Historical Landmarks

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: A large palace of the Joseon Dynasty and it is known for its changing of the guard ceremony

Bulguksa Temple: It is located in Gyeongju and is a masterpiece of Buddhist art and a UNESCO World Heritage site

Korean Traditional Events

• Seollal: It’s the biggest holiday, lasting up to three days, featuring family gatherings, sebae (bowing to elderlies) and serving out tteokguk (rice cake soup)

• Chuseok: It is usually called the Korean Thanksgiving and also lasts up to three days. This holiday involves seeing ancestral graves , performing charye (memorial services) and eating songpyeon (rice cakes)