Korea: Geographical Division
The Korean Peninsula, located in East Asia, is divided into two countries: North Korea and South Korea. The division occurred post-WWII, resulting in distinct political systems: a communist North and a capitalist South.
Language: Hangeul's Innovation
Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, was created by King Sejong the Great in the 15th century. Its unique design is scientifically based on phonetic principles, making it one of the easiest alphabets to learn.
Cuisine Beyond Kimchi
Korean cuisine is more than kimchi; it includes delicacies like bibimbap, a mixed rice dish, and hangover soup, haejangguk. Korea also has a thriving street food culture, with popular items like tteokbokki and hotteok.
Jeju Island's Volcanic Beauty
Jeju Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to Hallasan, South Korea's highest mountain and a dormant volcano. Its unique volcanic landscape includes lava tubes and the picturesque Jeongbang Waterfall.
South Korea's Technology Hub
South Korea is renowned for its rapid technological advancements, housing giants like Samsung and LG. It's a leader in internet connectivity, with the world's highest percentage of broadband users.
North Korea's Arirang Mass Games
North Korea's Mass Games, Arirang, is a spectacular propaganda tool. It features up to 100,000 performers in synchronized gymnastics and dance routines, making it one of the most grandiose performances worldwide.
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The DMZ is a 250 km long and 4 km wide buffer between North and South Korea. Despite its name, it's one of the most heavily militarized borders in the world, yet paradoxically a haven for wildlife.
Korean DMZ's Wildlife Boom
Despite being a conflict zone, the DMZ has become an accidental sanctuary for endangered species like the Amur leopard and Siberian tiger.