FACTS ABOUT KOREA
Society South Korea – Summary, Education, Research and Industry, Labor and Social Welfare System, Transformation into a Multicultural Society
Russia
China Baekdusan
Myohyangsan
Pyeongyang Geumgangsan
East Sea
Seoraksan
Gaeseong Baengnyeongdo Ganghwado Seoul Incheon
Ulleungdo Taebaeksan
West Sea Daejeon
Gwangju
Busan
Ko re a
Ulsan Jirisan
St ra it
Daegu
Geojedo Scale
Legend
Jindo
Demarcation line Capital City Mountain
Jeju Strait Hallasan Jejudo
36
Japan
Dokdo
2 Society 사회
South Korea – Summary Geographical and Topographical Features The Korean Peninsula (lat. 33˚ - 43˚; long. 124˚ - 132˚) lies in the middle of Northeast Asia, flanked by China to its west and Japan to its east. The peninsula is 950km long longitudinally and 540km wide latitudinally, and has a total area of 223,405km2, of which South Korea occupies about 100,283.9km2 (2014). The northern end of the peninsula is joined to the Asian Continent. The peninsula is predominantly mountainous, with flat land accounting for only 30% of the entire territory. Mountains over 1,000m above sea level make up only 15% of the mountainous areas, while mountains lower than 500m account for 65%.
South Korea Overview Country Name: Republic of Korea
Population: 51.33millon (2014)
Capital City: Seoul (since 1394)
Political System: Free democracy; Presidential system
National Anthem: Aegukga
President: Park Geun-hye (since 2013)
National Flag: Taegeukgi
Economic Indicator (2014)
National Flower: Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon)
- GDP: US$1,449.5 billion
Language: Korean; Hangeul
- Per Capital GNI: US$28,180
Land Size: 223,405km2 (including North Korea) South Korea only: 100,283.9km2 (2014) Geographical Location: The Korean Peninsula (lat. 33˚ - 43˚; long. 124˚ - 132˚) Standard Time: 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
- GDP growth rate: 3.3% - Currency: won (US$1 = 1,099.3 won; floating exchange rate)
37
The Taebaeksan Mountain Range forms the backbone of the peninsula, with the eastern part of the range rising higher than the western part. Rivers, both small and large, originate from the high mountainous areas in the east and flow toward the West and South Seas, forming plains suitable for grain cultivation. The climate created by the mountainous areas in the east has an impact on people’s lives. The easterly wind’s passage across the mountainous areas is subject to the Foehn effect, creating a warm and dry wind in the western downwind side of the mountain range. People living in the areas to the east of the high mountains experience considerable inconveniences with regard to transportation, as these areas have undergone very little development compared to the area to the west of the high mountains. However, the slow pace of development has brought at least one advantage to local residents: the natural sceneries have remained unspoilt and many people now choose these areas as travel destinations. The East Sea has a relatively straight, featureless coastline, and the difference between high and low tide is only 30 cm. However, the sea along the coast is generally deeper than 1,000m. According to the result of a sonar measurement carried out by the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Administration, the deepest part of the East Sea lies in the area north of Ulleungdo Island (2,985m deep). In contrast, the sea along the West Sea is shallow, which has led to the formation of wide tidal flats. The deepest part of the West Sea is in the waters surrounding Gageodo Island, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do (124m deep). The rise and fall of the tide shows a considerable difference, i.e. by as much as 7 - 8 m. The South coast has a heavily indented rias coastline. About 3,000 mainly small islands lie off 38
the western and southern coasts of South Korea. Many beaches around the peninsula boast beautiful scenery and world-class facilities. Changes in Weather around the Year The Korean Peninsula belongs to a temperate zone. There are marked changes in climate between the four distinct seasons. Under the influence of the continental climate, there is a considerable difference in temperature between summer and winter. It is hot and humid in summer, and cold and dry in winter. Over the past thirty years, the summer temperature range has averaged 20.5 - 26.1˚C, while the winter temperature range has averaged -2.5 - 5.7˚C. Many Koreans take their summer holidays during this period. During the peak season, the number of visitors to wellknown beaches, including Haeundae in Busan, Gyeongpodae in Gangneung, and Daecheon on the West Sea, exceeds 1 million. In winter, people enjoy skating and skiing across the country. There are many ski slopes in Gangwon-do. Winter snowfall in the mountainous areas of Gangwon-do sometimes reaches 50 - 60 cm in a day or two. The average daytime temperature in spring and fall is maintained at 15 - 18˚C. In these seasons, the sky is clear and the weather is pleasant and agreeable, encouraging many people to engage in outdoor activities or go on a trip. Recently, the Korean Peninsula has shown signs of transition to a subtropical climate amid the phenomenon of global warming. In summer, the temperature rises above 35˚C. In spring, azaleas and forsythias bloom earlier than in the past. Over the past 4 - 5 years, many new and extraordinary climate-related records have 39
40
been reported. In December 2010, a cold wave hit the peninsula for 39 days, lasting well into January of the following year. Heavy snowfall hit Donghae and Pohang, breaking a 79-year-old record. In July 2011, the heavy rain concentrated on Seoul and its vicinity was recorded as the heaviest daily rainfall in the meteorological history of the country. According to climate observation records, the average temperature in the Korean Peninsula has risen by 1.5˚C over the past century. Only ten years ago, it was usual for cold and warm
1 2 3 4
Four Seasons of Korea 1. Spring of Baraebong in Jirisan Mountain 2. Summer of Garibong Valley in Seoraksan Mountain 3. Autumn of Gayasan Mountain 4. Winner of Jeseokbong Peak in Jirisan Mountain (Source: Korea National Park)
weather to succeed each other on the peninsula every three or four days, but that pattern has disappeared. The northern limit line for the growth of tree and plant species such as apple trees and green tea plants is moving gradually northward. The presence of more subtropical fish along the coast of the Korean Peninsula constitutes further proof of global warming. Researchers started observing coral reefs in the sea near Busan. The number of subtropical marine plants is increasing in the sea near Jejudo Island. Population Archaeologists think that people started settling in the Korean Peninsula around B.C.700,000, during the Paleolithic Age. The population of South Korea stands at 51.33 million (2014), with 49.4% of the population concentrated in Seoul and its vicinity. The government views the current low birthrate as a serious problem. The country’s birthrate fell to 1.08 per married couple (2005), a record low. The figure rose slightly to 1.19 by 2013 through the government’s efforts. Still, the figure falls short of the global average (1.71 in 2012). As for life expectancy, South 41
Koreans’ life expectancy was approximately 81.3 years (2010) compared with an OECD average of 80.2 years. Towards the end of the 19th century and throughout the early 20th century, a large number of Koreans left the country. Initially, China, Russia, and the United States were their chief destinations, but by the mid-20th century the destinations had become far more diverse. The number of South Koreans living in foreign countries amounts to 7.01 million(2013), i.e. 2.57 million in China, 2.09 million in the United States, 0.89 million in Japan, and 0.61 million in EU countries. Since 2011, the net inflow of population has outnumbered the net outflow. The number of foreign nationals residing or working in the country has increased dramatically, particularly since 2000. According to Statistics Korea, 407,000 foreign nationals arrived in the country in 2014. Regarding the purpose of their arrival in the country, employment (41.4%) topped the list, followed by short-term stay (19.8%), long-term or permanent stay (6.4%), sightseeing (6.0%), and study (5.2%). Recently, many foreigners have come to the country for such diverse purpose as marriage to South Koreans, work, and study, etc. Language and Letters Most linguists place Korean in the Altaic language family, though some consider it to be a language isolate, meaning that it cannot be simply related with any other language. The written form of Korean uses Hangeul, a writing system commissioned by King Sejong (1397-1450) during the Joseon Dynasty. Koreans are very proud of this remarkable achievement, and Hangeul is a very efficient and easy script to learn and use. 42
Hangeul is composed of fourteen consonants and ten vowels. It can express virtually all the sounds produced by nature and humans. Every year, UNESCO presents the King Sejong Literacy Prize to people who have made a distinguished contribution to the elimination of illiteracy. The inclusion of ‘King Sejong’ in the name of the prize may be said to be tacit recognition of his greatest accomplishment, the creation of Hangeul, which is easy to learn and use. National Flag (Taegeukgi) The national flag of South Korea is composed of a red and blue taegeuk pattern in the center and four black trigrams at each corner, against a white background. The white background symbolizes brightness, purity, and peaceloving ethnic characteristics. The taegeuk pattern symbolizes yin and yang (i.e. the idea that all things in the universe are created and evolve through the interaction of yin and yang). The four trigrams indicate the changes in and development of yin and yang by means of their combination (“ ” represents yin while “ ” represents yang;
[geongwae] heaven;
water; and
[gongwae] earth;
King Sejong the Great Sejong was the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty. He made many great accomplishments in the spheres of science, economy, defense, art and culture. One of his greatest accomplishments was the creation of Hangeul in 1444, an easyto-learn, efficient, and scientific writing system. He is respected as one of the country’s greatest kings among Koreans.
[gamgwae]
[igwae] fire. The four trigrams surrounding
the taegeuk represent unity. The national flag, including the taegeuk pattern, which our ancestors liked to use in their lives, expresses the ideal of the Korean nation’s pursuit of creativity and prosperity. National Anthem (Aegukga) The country’s national anthem was composed in 43
Shanghai Expo 2010 The South Korean Pavilion decorated with Hangeul consonants and vowels
44
45
National Symbol
Geon (Sky)
Gam (Water) Red:Yang
Blue:Eum
Ri (Fire)
National flower: Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon)
Gon (Earth)
National flag: Taegeukgi
Aegukga: “Patriotic Song” (National Anthem) Ahn Eak-tai
Moderato
Until that day when the waters of the East Sea run dry and Baekdusan Mountain is worn away,
God protect and preserve our nation; Hurry to Korea
Three thousand ri of splendid rivers and mountains covered with mugunghwa blossoms.
Great Korean people, stay true to the Great Korean way!
46
1935 by Mr. Ahn Eak-tai, who added a melody to lyrics written in the early 1900s. It was officially adopted with the establishment of the government of the Republic of Korea in August 1948. Prior to that, the country sang the same lyrics to the melody of Auld Lang Syne as the national anthem. National Flower (Mugunghwa) The Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) is thought to be deeply associated with what are regarded as the most typical Korean characteristics: a sincere heart, inwardness, and tenacity. Around the late 9th century, the Chinese referred to Korea as “the country of mugunghwa.” The Korean word mugunghwa literally means a “never-withering flower.” The country’s national anthem includes the line: “Three thousand ri of splendid rivers and mountains covered with mugunghwa blossoms.” The emblem of the government and the National Assembly contains the shape of a mugunghwa. Political System The country has adopted a Presidential system in which the President is elected by the direct vote of the people for a fiveyear term. The current President Park Geun-hye was elected in December 2012 for one term, which started on February 25, 2013. The government is composed of three independent branches: the Executive branch; the Legislative branch composed of 300 four-year term members of the National Assembly; and the Judiciary branch, which includes fourteen six-year term Supreme Court justices. There are seventeen regional local governments and 227 basic local governments. The heads of the local governments and the members 47
of local councils are each elected for a four-year term. Division In 1948, the two Koreas established their respective governments. Defined as two different countries under international law, they joined the United Nations simultaneously in September 1991. The Constitution of South Korea, however, regards North Korea as part of the Republic of Korea.
Education, Research, and Industry Education System Koreans regard education as very important. In the process of industrialization, human resources emerged as an important factor in connection with the need to cope with scarce capital and resources more efficiently. Parents’ fervor regarding their children’s education has resulted in the production of a large
Number of Schools in Korea (2014) 8,826
5,934
3,186 2,326 1,209 166 Kindergarten
Middle School
Elementary School
139
Special School
High School
201 University
Junior College
Graduate School
Unit: schools / Source: Ministry of Education
48
number of well-educated people, which in turn has helped the country achieve rapid economic growth. The basic school system is composed of kindergarten (1 to 3 years), elementary school (6 years), middle school (3 years), high school (3 years), and university. There are also junior colleges (2 or 3 years) and graduate schools (for masters and PhD degrees). Since 2004, all South Koreans are required to finish middle school under compulsory education. The government started paying childcare allowances for all infants aged up to 5 in 2013.
“Korean style education will create a whirlwind of popularity as K-Pop does.” U.S. President Barack Obama often refers to Korean parents’ fervent eagerness about their children's education to urge American parents to make more strenuous efforts. It is reported that the innovation campaign initiated by President Obama in 2009 for the invigoration of education in science, skills, engineering, and math for American middle and high school students was modelled on the South Korean experience. The most successful case of introducing Koreanstyle education into the United States is the Democracy Prep Charter School in New York. About 80% of the students of this school in Harlem, New York, which is notorious for its high rate of narcotics and crimes, originate from low-income households. Principal Seth Andrew (34) of this school taught English for one year in South Korea and saw that Koreans believed that the only way out of poverty is education. He decided to make sure that students of his school hold a similar belief and show respect for both teachers and education just as Koreans do. Such efforts on his part have brought about noticeable results in six years. In 2010, his school was selected as the best among the 125 charter schools in New York in 2010 -2011 in a school performance appraisal. Seth Andrews said, “I am sure that Korean-style education will create a whirlwind of popularity as K-Pop does.”
49
High Educational Competitiveness Thanks to a good system and the high regard for education, the country has many skilled people in virtually all sectors. Korea’s universities produce talented young people specializing in International Science Olympiad In this international middle and high school students' competition encompassing math, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and information, South Koreans record a good score every year.
basic science, including physics, and other major sectors, such as electronics, mechanical engineering, business management, economics, and accounting. Many educated adults can make themselves understood in English, with some of them speaking another foreign language. At present, the widespread availability of vocational education sessions at high schools helps students obtain qualifications in specialty areas. According to the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), South Korean students display a high level of academic achievement in reading, math, and science. R&D Investment South Korea has a large number of talented people engaged in cutting-edge research. At government institutes, in universities, and also within Korea’s many world-leading corporations, a vast range of projects are undertaken: from basic research to the development of advanced technologies and innovative new commercial products. The government R&D budget supports programs in a wide variety of sectors, including high-end convergence, green resources, bioscience, welfare, and machine parts. A remarkable 12.4 out of ever 1,000 economically active people were employed as researchers in 2012, a total of more than 401,724; and their activities result in numerous patent
50
applications, both at home and abroad.
A Digital Reading Room at the National Library of Korea This is a space where people can access and use a vast corpus of digital materials, and engage in media editing, documentation, and research.
Sophisticated Information Society South Korea is a leading powerhouse in information and communication technology. It is a country full of dynamism. It became the first country in the world to commercialize the CDMA and WiBro technologies and established a nationwide network based on the use of these technologies in 2011. The country has also made Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) part of people’s daily lives, while establishing a nationwide 4G communication long-term evolution (LTE) network.
Social Network Service This service, which is represented by Twitter, Cyworld, and Facebook, is designed to help people build a solid network of collaboration between friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.
These sophisticated information and communication technologies have led to changes in diverse social sectors, including the innovation of government administration. With the help of such advanced technologies, the procedures for reporting a baby’s birth, moving home or registering a person’s death are handled more efficiently. Under the Social Networking Service (SNS), people now use an interactive communication system 51
in which the government provides useful information to people while members of the public can report cases of inconvenience to the government. The country exported e-government-related technologies worth US$873.18 million between 2002 and 2012. In the biennial e-government evaluation conducted by the UN, South Korea ranked No. 1 in terms of comprehensive scores in 2010 and 2012 among the 193 countries evaluated. The country took first place in development indices associated with information/communication infrastructure and human resources as well as in people’s online participation. With the improvement of sophisticated communication infrastructures and the increase in the number of mobile communication devices, people can engage in real-time communication and exchange of information with others worldwide. Social Networking Services such as Twitter and Facebook are bringing about revolutionary changes in society. Especially, the SNS Kakao Talk (global mobile instant messenger) developed in South Korea in 2010 has been attracting considerable attention. The number of Kakao Talk subscribers stands at 100 million worldwide. It is used by most South Korean smart phone users. Pop Cast, another form of SNS, is establishing a new area in the communication (broadcasting) sector. Now, SNS even exerts an influence in politics through the formation of public opinion, in addition to its inherent functions such as the delivery of information or entertainment. Changes and Vision South Korea is rapidly changing into a knowledge-based society. Human resources are regarded as the most important element of 52
United Nations E-Government Survey 2005
2008
2010
2012
2014
5th
6th
1st
1st
1st
Online services
0.97(4th)
0.82(6th)
1.00(1st)
1.00(1st)
0.97(3rd)
Information/communication infrastructure
0.67(9th)
0.69(10th)
0.64(13th)
0.83(7th)
0.93(2nd)
Relevant capital
0.98(10th)
0.98(7th)
0.99(7th)
0.94(6th)
0.92(6th)
4th
2nd
1st
1st
1st
E-government development index
Online participation index
(Source: UN DESA)
society and as a primary source of national competitiveness.
Administrative Agencies’ Information System Information/ communication technologies help administrative agencies carry out their assignments more efficiently by providing information services relating to individual sectors such as customs clearance, patents, budget accounting, disaster management, immigration control, mail classification, response to public complaints, employment, transportation, residents’ registration, etc.
In South Korea, the development of creative good-quality cultural products, in which human resources are combined with cultural resources, is viewed as an industrial sector that will play a leading role in the 21st century. Current examples of the country’s promising cultural products include K-Pop, TV dramas (e.g. Dae Jang Geum), and TV animations for infants (e.g. Pororo). According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the country’s Human Development Index (HDI) is rising, apparently as a result of the growing emphasis on investment and the development of human resources as key actors of creative industrial sectors. The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic of the life expectancy, education, and income indices used to rank countries into four tiers of human development.)
Labor and Social Welfare System Social Security System South Korea operates a labor and welfare system that meets 53
Pororo, the country’s representative character for infants, plays a leading role in the progress of the country’s future cultural industry by introducing a variety of products using educational animations and characters.
international norms. Workers’ three basic rights are guaranteed. Public officials also have their basic rights guaranteed as workers despite some restrictions on their right of collective action. In the 1980s, the country adopted the minimum wage system in an effort to enhance workers’ rights. The country has also enacted the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and a system that assists the disabled. The country operates the social insurance system against contingencies relating to disaster, disease, unemployment, and death. Workers subscribe to Industrial Accident Insurance against work-related accident, disease or death. It is obligatory for all The Four Social Insurances Relevant individuals, businesses, and the government share the burden of insurance premiums for the four social insurances.
54
people to subscribe to the Health Insurance. As of 2014, end of June, 50.14 million people (including foreigners), i.e. 98.5% of the entire population, enjoyed the benefits provided under the staterun health insurance system. The country’s medical insurance system, which provides a high-quality medical service for
reasonable service fees, has been appraised as an exemplary case by other countries. Workers subscribe to Employment Insurance. When a subscribed worker is dismissed, he/she is entitled to half of his/ her wage for a given period of time and to job transfer training. Workers also subscribe to retirement pension and national pension plans. All people are required to subscribe to the four social insurances (i.e. industrial accident, health, employment, and pension insurances). As regards the payment of insurance premiums, employers and the government bear part of the fees. People pay insurance fees according to their income, which leads to income redistribution. The aim of the country’s public welfare system is “from the cradle to the grave.” A pregnant worker is eligible for 90 days’ maternity leave, 60 days of which are paid leave, she is also entitled to take a year of temporary leave for childcare, receiving part of her wage. In 2013, the government also started paying childcare allowances to parents with an infant aged 5 or less. With the increase in the number of senior citizens, welfare for the elderly has emerged as an important social issue. The country adopted long-term care insurance for the elderly and the basic old age pension system. Role of Women Samguk yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) compiled by the Buddhist Monk Iryeon in 1281 contains a very interesting myth about the birth of the first Korean woman. It says that a bear morphed into the first Korean woman after fulfilling a 55
difficult task given by a god, of which the bear endured twentyone days of feeding only on mugwort and garlic without any exposure to sunshine. The woman eventually married Hwanung, the son of god, and gave birth to a son named Dangun, who is the forefather of the Korean people. This founding myth of Korea illustrates the main characteristics of Korean women, which are said to be patience and tenacity. In the 1st century BC, a heroine named Soseono played a critical role in the foundation of Goguryeo and Baekje Kingdoms. In the early 7th century, Queen Seondeok of Silla accomplished many notable deeds, including the stabilization of ordinary people’s lives, the provision of relief to the poor, and the construction of Cheomseongdae Observatory and the ninetier pagoda at Hwangnyongsa Temple. In the early 10th century, Queen Sinhye, the wife of King Taejo of Goryeo, distinguished herself by assisting the King with the establishment important national policies. Sin Saimdang of Joseon, who lived in the early 16th century, is respected as an exemplar of the wise mother and good wife. Her portrait features on 50,000won banknotes. Yu Gwan-sun lost her life at the age of 18 after being tortured by the Japanese police following her arrest for involvement in the independence movement in March 1919. She is regarded as one of Korea’s leading patriots. Foreigners who visited Korea towards the end of the 19th century and in the early 20th century wrote that Korean women enjoyed a considerably higher social status than their counterparts in nearby countries. In 2001, South Korea became the first country to launch a Ministry of Gender Equality; its name was later changed to the 56
Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. In 2013, Park Geun-hye became the first woman President in South Korea’s 65-year history.
Transformation into a Multicultural Society South Korea has long been a culturally homogeneous society, but the number of migrant workers and foreign students has increased rapidly since the end of the 20th century. As of 2014, the number of foreign-born people in the country stands at 1.57 million, with the number of foreign-born people married to South Koreans amounting to 240,000. The number of migrant workers in the country stands at 850,000. The country is turning into a multicultural society. Ethnic Koreans with Chinese citizenship account for the greatest proportion of foreign nationals living in the country. Recently, the number of multicultural households has increased dramatically to 230,000, largely as a result of the high number of marriages between Koreans and foreigners. The government launched an office dedicated to providing support for foreign citizens’ social activities within the country and enacted the Multicultural Families Support Act. Under the said Act, multicultural family support centers (www.liveinkorea.kr) have been opened in 200 places around the country to provide the following services: Korean language education sessions designed to help foreigners adapt to life in Korea; psychological counseling; events intended to celebrate the festivities of other countries; and job seeking opportunities. The government is taking diverse measures in recognition of foreign cultures and making efforts to avoid social problems that may result due to the inflow of foreign cultures. One 57
Nationality of foreign residents in South Korea
Others (21.1%) Filipinos (4.1%)
2014 Americans (4.5%) South Asians (4.8%) Vietnamese (11.8%)
Chinese (including ethnic Koreans) (53.7%)
(Source: Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs)
such measure consists in the provision of support to transform multicultural villages into tourist destinations. Chinatown in Seollin-dong in Incheon is perhaps the most representative example of a unique foreign culture in Korea. The history of the place began when ethnic Chinese settled there, taking advantage of its geographical proximity to China, in the late 19th century. Nowadays, the area serves as a forward base for the country’s exchanges with China, and has emerged as a new tourist destination for enthusiasts of history and culture. There is a Special Multicultural Zone in Wongok-dong, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do. People from China, India and Pakistan living here can purchase specialties of their home countries in the zone. There is a Japanese village in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul; a Muslim village near the mosque in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul; a French village (Seorae Village) in Banpo-dong, Gangnamgu, Seoul; a Vietnamese town is in Wangsimni, Seoul; and a Nepalese town in Changsin-dong, Seoul. 58
Foreigners are also starting to take a more prominent role in their adopted country. For example, Jasmine Lee is a FilipinaKorean who is currently serving as a member of the Gender Equality and Family Committee of the 19th National Assembly (May 2012 – May 2016). She is known for her efforts to protect the welfare and advance the rights of people in multicultural households. As of November 2013, a total of fifty-six foreign-born Koreans from thirteen countries are serving as public officials with the central or local governments. Chinese-Korean Kim Mi-hwa, an official of Changwon City, is one of them. The foreign-born celebrities we frequently see in local TV programs include Robert Holley (American-Korean) and Sam Hammington (an Australian). All things considered, the recent foreign arrivals are integrating well into South Korean society, and multiculturalism is bringing many benefits: there is every indication that this harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures will continue to flourish.
59