Korean national flag - Taegeukgi

Korea first felt the need for a national flag as it was preparing to conclude the Korean-American Treaty of Commerce, which was concluded on May 22 and signed on June 6, 1882. This was during the 19th year of the reign of King Gojong of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Though China had been pressing Korea to use a dragon design on its national flag, Korea rejected this in favor of a blue and red yin-yang on a white field, a favorite Korean design since ancient times. Thus, the taegeuk d...

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Korea Map

Korea is situated on the Korean Peninsula, which spans 1,100 kilometers north to south. The Korean Peninsula lies on the northeastern section of the Asian continent, where Korean waters are joined by the western-most parts of the Pacific. The peninsula shares its northern border with China and Russia. To its east is the East Sea, beyond which neighboring Japan lies. In addition to the mainland peninsula, Korea includes some 3,000 islands. Korea encompasses a total of 222,154 square kilomet...

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Korea's national Flower - "Mugunghwa" (Rose of Sharon)

Koreans have loved the rose of Sharon for centuries. As such it was a logical choice for Korea's national flower. According to records, Koreans have treasured the rose of Sharon as a heavenly flower since ancient times. In fact, the Silla Kingdom called itself Mugunghwa Country. Even the ancient Chinese referred to Korea as "The land of gentlemen where Mugunghwa blooms." Love for the flower was further heightened when Mugunghwa samcheolli hwaryeo gangsan" ("Rose of Sharon, thousand miles of b...

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New address system to map out a new way of life(From April 05, 2007)

Anybody who has tried to look for an address in Korea knows that it is difficult. Even reading and speaking Korean is not necessarily an aid, as most people couldn't find Somae-dong 411-2 even if you offered them money. Koreans, when offering directions to their house or office, never do so using street names. They use landmarks, like subway stations, convenience stores, phone boxes, post offices, and so on. Here's a tip: if ever you are looking for a particular address and you have no...

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