The Land of Morning Calm
Republic of Korea, located on East corner of continental Asia, is connected with mainland China to North and the peninsula surrounded by the sea in other three sides. The country has temperate climate of four seasons, with scenery changing beautifully according to each season. Korea is known as "Land of Oriental Courtesy" of " Land of Morning Calm".

Treasury in Orient
Koreans have long been known as people who have maintained love for the arts throughout their country's 5000 years of history. The characteristic has helped Korea to continue to be treasury of highly sophisticated arts in various fields.

In particular, Buddhist sculptures and golden artifacts of Unified Silla Dynasty (668-936), celadon of Koryo Dynasty (918-1392) and "intangible treasures" of dance and music are acknowledged as the most unique among Korean arts, loved for their simple, but elegant and exquisite beauty.

East and West Breathe Together
The impact of Western culture and the effects of industrialization have brought Korea steadily through transition from the best-kept secret in Orient to one of the busiest centers in the world.

Skyscrapers, huge apartment complexes, modern transportation facilities, wide range of household appliances and variety of Western-style entertainment, all these can make one think at times that he is in another industrialized nation in West.

Behind this appearance of Westernization, however, Koreans' traditional consciousness and way of life remain deeply rooted. Koreans still attach the highest value in human relationships to Confucian virtues of loyalty to the nation, filial piety, respect for one's elders and trust between friends.

They retain strong affection for traditional food, dress and tiled roofs with graceful, upswept lines. Koreans thus remain exclusively Korean even in this fast changing modern society.

Education
As a result of the influence of Confucianism, education is regarded as supremely important pursuit among Korean People.

Through this tradition, Korea maintains abundant reservoir of human resources, considered one of the major contributors to its economic success.

While in the past education has aimed purely at scholarship, it is desired today at more practical and productive learning. This trend is adding to the ever-increasing numbers of technical and professional institutions.

Religion
People in Korea are free to pursue any religious faith or belief they choose. Nearly all the world's great religions are practiced, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, "Chondo-gyo", Islam and even Shamanism.

Buddhism, once the state religion, has the largest number of followers. Christianity is second in popularity (Catholic and Protestant), followed by Chondo-gyo, nation alistic religion founded in 1891, and then Islam.

Sports
Among Korea's traditional sports, "Taekwondo", marital art, was practiced early as 37 BC.

The Beauty of the Four Seasons
Korea, with its mysterious beauties, abundant and unique historical and cultural heritage, and four distinct seasons, is well on its way to becoming one of the most popular places to visit in Far East.

Inexhaustible panorama unfolds before the visitors, ranging from snow-covered valleys to island bedecked with orange blossoms; from subtly scented azaleas to blazing maple trees; and from deserted palace courtyards to teeming market-places.