South Korea

Geography
Area: 98,480 kilo square meter. (38,023 square miles.)

Cities (2009): Capital Seoul (10.5 million).

Other major cities: Busan (3.6 million), Daegu (2.5 million), Incheon (2.7 million), Gwangju (1.4
million), Daejeon (1.4 million), Ulsan (1.1 million).

Terrain: Forest-covered mountain stretches partially separated by deep, narrow valleys, cultivated
plains along the coasts, especially in the west and south.

Climate: Temperate, with heavier rains in summer than in winter.

Government
Type of government

 Republic shared between the president and Congress, and the courts.

Independence

 August 15, 1945.

Constitution

 July 17, 1948, last revised 1987.

Powers

 Executive - president (head of state) elected for a single 5-year term prime minister (head
of government).
 Legislative - Unicameral National Assembly elected every 4 years.
 Judicial - Supreme Court of Justice and appeal courts, the Constitutional Court.

Subdivisions

 nine provinces
 Seven administratively independent cities (Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Gwangju,
Daejeon, Ulsan).

Political parties
  New Frontier Party (PFN), formerly Grand National Party (GNP), Democratic United Party
(DUP), formerly Democratic Party (DP), Freedom Forward Party (LFP), United Progressive
Party (UPP), Korean Renewal Party (RKP); K Party (PK).

Suffrage

 Universal at 19 years old.

Government Budget (2010 est):

 Expenses - $267.3 billion.

 Defense (2008): 2.5% of GDP.

Government and Conditions Policy Conditions

The Republic of Korea (commonly known as "South Korea") is a republic with powers nominally
shared between the executive, legislative and judicial branches, but traditionally dominated by the
president. The president is head of state and is elected for a single 5-year period. The 299
members of the unicameral National Assembly are elected for 4-year terms; elections for the
assembly will be held on April 11, 2012. South Korea's judicial system has a Supreme Court,
appeals courts and a Constitutional Court. The judiciary is independent according to the
Constitution.

Legal
South Korea's legal system effectively dates back to the introduction of the original Constitution of
the Republic of Korea and the organization of South Korea as an independent state. During the
existence of the Republic of Korea, the Constitution has been revised or rewritten several times,
the last of which was in 1987 at the beginning of the Sixth Republic. The Organic Law of the Court,
which became law on September 26, 1949, officially created a three-tier, independent judicial
system in the Republic of Korea. The amended 1987 Constitution guarantees that judges would
not be removed from office for any reason other than impeachment, criminal acts, or incapacity.
Additionally, the 1987 Constitution officially codified judicial independence in Article 103, which
states that "Judges shall decide independently according to their conscience and in accordance
with the Constitution and the law." In addition to new guarantees of judicial independence, the
1987 rewrite of the Constitution established the Constitutional Court, marking the first time that
South Korea had an active constitutional review body.

Judicial system

Korea was a feudal society and had official supreme powers from the King until after the Korean
War, when the elements of a legal system were introduced by the United States, as they did in
Japan, by influencing the drafting of the Constitution.

The judicial system of South Korea consists of the Supreme Court of South Korea, the
Constitutional Court of South Korea, six High Courts, 13 District Courts, and several courts of
specialized jurisdiction, such as the Family Court and the Administrative Court. In addition,
branches of District Courts may be established, as well as municipal courts. South Korean courts
are organized and trained in chapters V and VI of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea.

There is a jury system in the South Korean judicial system, although since February 2, 2008 a
limited jury system has been adopted for crime cases and environmental cases, and all questions
of fact and law are decided by the judges.

Municipal Courts

The Municipal Courts only exercise original jurisdiction over minor cases, such as cases of smaller
amounts and the amount in controversy does not exceed 20 million, minor crimes in which the
maximum possible sentence is 30 days in jail or a fine. not exceeding 200,000 won. There are
currently 103 municipal courts in South Korea. In the Justice System in South Korea,

District Courts

The 18 district courts have original jurisdiction over more civil and criminal cases. Additionally, the
District Court of Appeal panel may exercise appellate jurisdiction over cases in which a single
district court or Court judge may have ruled. In most cases, a single judge hears the case and
makes a verdict, although in particularly important or serious cases, a three-judge trial panel may
hear the case and make a decision. An appeals panel also consists of three District Court judges.

Power Courts

Power Courts are organized under a part of the District Courts. Power Courts function much like
District Courts, but lack any appellate function. There are currently 40 Power Courts in South
Korea.

High Courts

The six high courts have appellate jurisdiction over cases decided by a three-judge trial panel of a
District Court or Family Court, administrative court decisions, and civil cases before the District
Court in which a judge decides and where the amount in dispute exceeds ₩50,000,000. They
appeal to the Supreme Court and are decided by a panel of three Supreme Court judges.

High Courts are located in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon and Gwangju. Additionally, a special
panel of the Gwangju High Court has been established in the Jeju District Court.

Judges

Judges in South Korea are appointed to office by the Chief Justice of the Republic of Korea and
subsequently confirmed by the Supreme Court Judges Council (a council composed of Supreme
Court judges). Judges will serve a 10-year term and may be reappointed to their positions. The
Constitution establishes that judges may not be removed from office except by impeachment,
conviction of a crime and conviction of prison sentences, or if they are unable to fulfill their duties
due to mental or physical deterioration. . The nomination process and conditions of service above
do not apply to judges of the Supreme Court or judges of the Constitutional Court, each of them
has their appointment process and length of service.

Civil rights

Citizens of the Republic of Korea are guaranteed various rights by Chapter II of the Constitution.
These rights include (but are not limited to): freedom of expression, religion, assembly and of the
press; the rights to vote, hold public office, and petition the government; protection against
double jeopardy, involuntary labor, ex post facto laws, and residential searches, and the rights to
education, work, marriage, and health In addition to the rights recognized in this section of the
Constitution, two Rights are imposed on citizens of the Republic of Korea: the duty to pay taxes
and the duty to enter military service. Furthermore, Article 37(2) states that "the rights and
freedoms of citizens may be restricted by law only when necessary for national security, the
maintenance of public order, or for the public welfare." One limitation on civil rights in South
Korea is the National Security Law, which limits "anti-government activities." In particular, the
National Security Law criminalizes activities such as promoting anti-government ideologies
(especially communism) or joining anti-government organizations.

Import Processing

All goods can be imported freely, except in the case of items that may conflict with national
security, public health and the environment. For example, the importation of waste requires
approval from the Ministry of the Environment. Some categories, such as pharmaceutical products
or medical equipment, are subject to special import registration or approval. The license request is
studied on a case-by-case basis by the corresponding agency or administration depending on the
nature of the merchandise, being extremely strict with farm products. Similarly, the MKE, and the
Korean Customs Service, publishes the so-called Negative List annually. Also known as Export &
Import Notice, it is an official note where The Customs Trade lists the goods subject to some
restriction or prohibition of entry into the country.

Sixty categories of agricultural and daily consumption products imported by South Korea under
WTO customs procedures are distributed in the country through one of the following means:
· Importation by designated state trading companies such as the Ministry for Food, Agriculture,
Forestry & Fisheries (MIFAFF) in the case of rice and barley. This section includes items such as
rice, potatoes and fourteen other essential items.

· Import by tender.

· Case-by-case distribution of import duties to the end user.

South Korea has signed a multilateral agreement with the nine largest rice exporters in the world,
including the United States, through which it will continue to receive until 2014, a provision called
special treatment for rice imports based on Minimum Market Access ( MMA) or minimum market
access for foreign suppliers, which in practice has translated into the conversion of non-tariff
barriers into high tariffs.
The import of beef has been completely liberalized since the Ministry for Food, Agriculture,
Forestry & Fisheries (MIFAFF) ended the state import and distribution monopoly. Despite this and
due to the health alarm generated by the cases detected abroad of bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE), only some countries can export beef to South Korea. Since the beginning of
2006, the United States recovered the authorization for the export of beef to the country, as long
as it complies with current regulations by which boneless and deboned beef, as well as meat
preparations such as sausages or hamburgers, will always be imported. and when they are less
than thirty months old.

Under the legal framework of the Foreign Trade Act, to carry out commercial exchanges with
South Korea, an import declaration is sufficient (except in the case of special items.) In addition,
the electronic data exchange system (EDI) present throughout the country allows the declaration
of imports through the Internet.
For products that require licensing, this is approved in accordance with the government agency, or
by the affected manufacturers association. This usually happens with pharmaceutical products,
medical devices, and food products, which must often undergo expensive tests and inspections.
For meat and plant products, and their processed products, a health or phytosanitary certificate is
required.
Starting next July 1, and as regards the Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement, exporters from both
countries must register with the national customs authorities to benefit from the tariffs indicated
in the agreement.

Tariffs and Economic and Customs Regimes

The Customs Act regulates the customs regime in South Korea under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Strategy & Finance (MOSF) and the Korea Customs Service (KCS). The country uses the
Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS).

Almost all tariffs are ad valorem. There are also specific rates applicable to some products, while in
others the ad valorem calculation is combined with specific rates.

· Tariffs on most industrial products are 8%, although many capital goods and components used in
the manufacture of products for export benefit from a zero tariff.

· Tariffs on agricultural products are higher and range between 30% and 50%, with very high tariffs
on some products such as garlic 360%, chestnuts 219% or onions 135%.

· Tax-exempt or with a reduced regime:

- Materials for educational use and software.
- Certain machinery, materials and components for industries such as high technology or
aerospace. Furthermore, as long as there is no local supply of a certain type of machinery, it can
be imported duty-free.
· Consumer items with a high tax rate: Beer and whiskey 30%, cigarettes 40%, imported vehicles
10%.

· Personal items imported from abroad between 25-65%

Imports are calculated at their CIF value. The main method used is the transaction value, based on
the price actually paid or payable by the buyer . When this cannot be applied, the valuation is
determined using, in the following order:
- The value of identical or similar merchandise.
- The sales price in the domestic market.
- The reconstructed value.

The general rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) is 10%, while certain consumer products incorporate a
tax of 5 to 20% as special taxes, and others are exempt, such as first-class goods. need.

Currently, the import declaration can be made prior to the arrival of the goods, once they have
been shipped to the exporting country. Today, import clearance, including declaration procedures,
and cargo management systems are fully computerized, leaving the Korea Customs Service (KCS)
connected to the 15 agencies in charge of approving certain imports so that each prescription
regarding imports can be verified instantly.

Goods used in the production of exported goods are exempt from taxes and VAT under the
concept of drawback. This system allows companies to reimburse customs duties and other taxes
required. The “Korea Customs Service”, through its regional offices, is responsible for verifying the
necessary documentation to obtain a refund of import taxes, in accordance with the current
regulations established by the Ministry of Economy and Knowledge. The validity period of import
authorizations issued by the competent authorities under the inward processing regime will be six
months.

Customs authorities enjoy a high degree of discretion, being able to reduce or increase (up to
40%), on a case-by-case basis, the tariffs applied to an operation based on their assessment of its
“opportunity”. Tariffs are higher on consumer products and agricultural products, especially those
for which there is local production. This measure is reviewed annually and the Korea Customs
Service (KCS) is in charge of editing a list of items that may undergo some adjustment, aimed at
protecting certain industrial sectors from imports. Even so, the arbitrary application of import
tariffs has commonly been a cause of protest by foreign operators in Korea, which is why the
customs service is considering standardizing this quota system. A total of 120 articles were
susceptible to these adjustments in 2008.

Including the reduction to zero of tariffs on raw material products such as polyethylene (thermal
plastic used in consumer goods), flour, cotton yarn, etc.
This adjustment policy allows imposing a maximum rate of 100% on certain products if imports
grow in a way that could harm businesses or local markets. The MOSF intends to gradually
withdraw these adjustments to avoid international trade frictions and defend consumer decisions.

Discounts and exemptions are present for certain imports and it is the MOSF that frequently
updates the list of eligible items, which include industrial automation equipment, high-tech goods
and research equipment). The tariff reduction of up to 50% is applicable to the import of certain
equipment for pollution control or reduction. The Foreign Investment Promotion Act allows duty-
free imports of capital goods to foreign investors who qualify for general tax reductions and
exemptions.

Under the International Telecommunications Agreement (ITA) relating to trade in computers,

semiconductors and telecommunications equipment, South Korea will gradually reduce tariff
duties on these products. It should be noted that the components, parts and other materials used
in the manufacture of these products were already exempt from paying tariffs since May 2001.
Additionally, an agreement to eliminate tariffs on MCP chips with the United States, the European
Union, Japan and Taiwan came into force in April 2006.
Other initiatives under the auspices of the WTO have allowed South Korea to be in the process of
reducing tariffs on almost or all products in the paper, toys, steel, furniture or agricultural
machinery sectors.

Customs duties can be paid within 15 days of submitting the import declaration. Late payments
result in a surcharge of 3 % of the amount due for the first month and 1.2% for each subsequent
month.

Fraudulent declaration of the taxable value or incorrect tariff classifications are punishable by
criminal penalties of up to three years or an administrative penalty equivalent to five times the
amount evaded. If the KCS detects that an underpayment has been made, a 10% surcharge will be
applied.

Foreign investors have at least six months to import everything necessary to start a factory or
facility. If the final product is destined for export, practically no limits are placed on imports as long
as they contribute directly to exports. Thus, obtaining approval for a company, such as in the
petrochemical sector, is sometimes subject to the investor's ability to guarantee the supply of raw
materials. On the other hand, the company may import the goods under the inward processing
regime, with suspension of payment of import taxes and other surcharges.

On the other hand, numerous non-tariff barriers remain that make imports difficult. Among these
they stand out: the slowness in certification and approval procedures, phytosanitary barriers,
unjustifiably strict requirements for certification and approval, complicated regulations of origin,
high taxes and, on some occasions, tax discrimination against certain foreign products, lack of
transparency in laws and regulations and arbitrariness in their application.

Labelled

South Korea maintains mandatory labeling indicating the country of origin (supranational
organizations are not allowed) for all goods and in the smallest unit of product. The MKE requires
that these indications are not removable and have a permanent printing character.

The Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) is responsible for food labeling and packaging
standards according to the guidelines of the Food Sanitation Act. False or misleading labeling is
prohibited and origin labeling requirements are mandatory for both imported and domestic goods.
The ingredients must be listed on food packaging and in terms of language, labels with Chinese
characters are accepted, which also include information in the Korean language, and in principle
no restrictions are imposed on the use of labels in foreign languages.
On the other hand, there are mandatory requirements regarding the labeling of domestic or
imported genetically modified products, specifically for corn, soy and fresh potatoes, as well as for
other foods containing these products, and for organic and functional products.

Economy

GDP (2011)

 $1,549 billion

Real GDP growth

2007 2008 2009 2010

5.1% 2.3% 0.2% 6.1%

GDP per capita:

2009 2010 2011

$ 17,110 $ 20 757 $ 31,700

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2008 2009 2010

4.7% 2.8% 2.9%

Labor force (2011 est)

 25.1 million

Labor force - by occupation (2011 est)

Agriculture Industry Services

6.4% 24.2% 69.4%

Unemployment rate

2010 2011
3.7% 3.4%

Budget:

 Revenue: $267.9 billion

  Expenses: $242 billion (2011 est)

Fees and other income (2011 est)

 23% of GDP

The budget surplus (+) or deficit (-) (2011 est)

 2.2% of GDP

Public debt

2010 2011
35.1% of GDP 33.3% of GDP

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2010 2011
3% 4%

Agriculture

Products: rice, tubers, barley, vegetables, fruits, livestock, pigs, chickens, milk, eggs, fish Industries:
electronics, telecommunications, automobile production, chemicals , shipbuilding, steel.

Products: rice, tubers, barley, vegetables, fruits, livestock, pigs, chickens, milk, eggs, fish

Industry

Electronics, telecommunications, automobile production, chemicals, shipbuilding, steel

Industrial production growth (2011 est)

 3.8%

Energy consumption

Electricity – production (2011 est)

 459.5 billion kWh

Electricity – consumption (2011 est)

 455.1 billion kWh

Natural resources
Coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydroelectric potential.

Exports (2011 est)

 $556.5 billion

Comparison between countries in the world: 8

$466.4 billion (2010 est)

Export products

Semiconductors, wireless telecommunications equipment, automobiles, computers, steel, ships,

petrochemicals

Export partners (2011 est)

China USA Japan

24.4% 10.1% 7.1%

Imports (2011 est)

 $524.4 billion

Comparison between countries in the world: 9

$425.2 billion

Import products

Machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, petroleum, steel, transportation equipment,

organic chemicals, plastics

Import partners (2011 est)

China Japan USA Saudi Arabia Australia

16.5% 13% 8.5% 7.1% 5%

Product 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

bananas 253974 280245 308252 258363 257024
Pumpkins, pumpkins and calab. confit. x 13785 35010 31132 24201
Chiles and peppers, dried 10377 9175 8982 9407 9015
Frozen Vegetables 113971 148867 192464 194372 200956
Asparagus 200 208 227 216 179
Yucca Starch 11256 18110 34992 20467 35030
Ginger 11772 5739 11804 5298 9281
Papayas 184 214 184 175 105
Pears 44 33 38 82 78
Carrots and turnips 70665 79211 86545 75408 72252
Grape juice 16625 14643 14172 17090 15194
Fruit Juice 10053 12489 12068 10606 8012
Tomato Juice 217 311 213 177 161
Orange Juice 679 33516 841 415 305
Cauliflower and broccoli 5325 9327 11336 5475 3469

Currency and gold reserves

 $306.4 billion (December 31, 2011 est)

 $291.6 billion (December 31, 2010 est)

Over the past few decades, the Republic of Korea has achieved a very high level of economic
growth, which has allowed the country to rise from the rubble of the Korean War into the ranks of
the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). . Today, South Korea is a
major trading partner of the United States. In the 1960s, Park Chung Hee's government instituted
radical economic policy changes emphasizing exports and light labor-intensive industries, leading
to a rapid expansion of industry-financed debt. The government carried out monetary reform,
strengthened financial institutions, and introduced flexible economic planning. In the 1970s, Korea
began directing fiscal and financial policies to promote heavy and chemical industries, consumer
electronics, and automobiles. Manufacturing continued to grow rapidly in the 1980s and early
1990s.

The slowdown in the global economy and falling exports slowed growth to 3.3% in 2001,
prompting consumer stimulus measures that led to growth of 7.0% in 2002. Consumer
overspending and increased household indebtedness, along with external factors, slowed growth
to about 3% again in 2003. Economic performance improved in 2004 to 4.6% due to increased
exports, and remained at or above 4% in 2005, 2006 and 2007. With the onset of the global
financial and economic crisis in the third quarter of 2008, annual GDP growth slowed to 2.3% in
2008 and only 0.2% in 2009. Growth was 6.1% in 2010. South Korea's economic growth potential
has been affected by a rapidly aging population and structural problems such as the rigidity of
South Korea's labor laws, the need for more constructive relations between management and
workers, and the country's underdeveloped , financial markets, and a general lack of regulatory
transparency. Korean policymakers have worried about the diversion of business investment to
China and other lower-wage countries, and about Korea's fluctuating rates of foreign direct
investment (FDI).

People and Society

Nationality

 Koreans

Population (July 2011 est)

  48,754,657.

Annual growth rate (2011 est)

 0.23%

Ethnic groups: Koreans, Chinese small minority (about 20,000).

Religions

 Christianity, Buddhism, Shamanism, Confucianism, Chondogyo.

Language

 Korean, English is taught in middle school and high school.

Education

 Mandatory years - 9. Registration - 11.5 million dollars.

 Attendance - 99% middle school, 95% high school. Literacy - 98%.

Health (2010)

Infant mortality rate

 4.24 / 1.000.

Life expectancy

 78.81 years in men

 75.56 years, women 82.28 years

Population
Korea's population is one of the most ethnically and linguistically homogeneous in the entire
world. Virtually all Koreans share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. There is a small
Chinese community (about 20,000), and there are increasing rates of interracial marriages. With
48.7 million people inhabiting an area roughly the size of Indiana, South Korea has one of the
world's highest population densities.

The main population centers are located in the northwest, southeast, and on the plains south of
the Seoul-Incheon area. Korea has experienced one of the highest rates of emigration, with ethnic
Koreans residing primarily in China (2.4 million), the United States (2.1 million), Japan (600,000),
and the countries of the former Soviet Union ( 532,000).

Language
The Korean language is related to Japan and Mongolia. Although grammatical is different from
Chinese and does not use tones, a large number of Chinese cognates exist in Korea. Chinese
ideograms are believed to have been brought to Korea sometime before the 2nd century BC. The
classes spoke Korean, but I read and wrote Chinese. A vernacular writing system ("hangul") was
invented in the 15th century by King Sejong to provide a writing system for commoners who could
not read classical Chinese. Modern Korean Hangul uses almost exclusively Chinese characters in
limited use to clarify the word. About 1,300 Chinese characters are used in modern Korea. English
is taught as a second language in most primary and secondary schools. China is also widely taught
in secondary schools.

Religion
Freedom of religion is protected by the Constitution of South Korea. About half of South Korea's
population actively practices some form of religion. The majority of religious believers in South
Korea follow Christianity (29.2% of the population) and Buddhism (22.8%). Although only 0.2% of
South Koreans identify as Confucian, Korean society remains heavily imbued with Confucian values
and beliefs. A small minority of South Koreans practice Islam, shamanism (worship of traditional
spirits), and Chondogyo ("Heavenly Way"), 46.5% of South Koreans do not practice any religion.

History and Food

Since the country was divided into North and South Korea, the North Korean government has not
welcomed outsiders. Because of this, information about its diet and the cooking style of its people
is not easily available. Most of the descriptions and recipes included here come from South Korea,
although the same foods are likely enjoyed by North Koreans and people of Korean descent living
anywhere in the world. The seas surrounding the Korean peninsula. Yellow and East China Seas
and the Sea of Japan not only provide the many types of seafood, such as tuna, king crab and
squid, but the fertile soil moisture necessary for growing rice and grains. .

For centuries, Koreans have eaten the products of the land and sea. They began growing grains
thousands of years ago, and rice cultivation was introduced in some parts of the country around
2000 BC.

During this time also grew millet (a type of grass grown for its edible seed), soybeans, kidney
beans, and other grains. They cured and pickled fish, were skilled at making wine and bean paste,
and frequently used honey and oil in cooking.

Invasions from China and Japan during the 14th century through the 20th centuries gave rise to a
Korean culinary influence, which remains today. Like the Chinese and Japanese, Koreans eat rice
with flour and use chopsticks. Eating with chopsticks means that food is usually cut into small
pieces that are easy to pick up. Cut food as fast as cooks size, reducing fuel use. Unlike China and
Japan, however, Korea was not a tea-consuming nation. Historically, China and Japan had to boil
water to make it safe to drink. Korea's water was pure, which led them to discover other drinks,
such as drinks based on ginseng and ginger (herbal of the same name), wines and spirits.

Korean foods
Korean food has many similarities with other Asian cuisines, such as the importance of rice and
vegetables and cooking methods such as frying, steaming, and stewing (the food is first browned
in oil, then slowly cooked in a liquid). As is the case with the rest of Asia. Red meat is scarce and
very expensive, usually saved for special occasions. Chicken or seafood is more common in meals.
They are characterized because their food is usually very spicy. Red pepper paste, onion, soy
sauce, soybean paste, garlic and ginger are just a few of the many condiments Koreans use to
flavor their dishes. The food is served with a soft grain, such as rice, that is cooled by the heat of
the spices. The Korean way of preparing and eating their dishes makes for healthy eating.
Generally speaking, Koreans are thin people. Being overweight is considered a sign of wealth and
dignity and is seen especially among the wealthy and high officials.

Customs at mealtime
There is a little difference in what Koreans eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Breakfast, the most
important meal of the day, may include cold soup, such as oi naeng guk (cucumber soup), steamed
peppers, and saeng son jon (fish dumplings). Pulgogi (pool-goh-gee, grilled meat) is one of the
best-known Korean meat dishes.

Lifestyle
Marriage and Family
The family is united by a strong sense of duty and obligation among its members. The father is the
head of the family, he and the eldest son receive the greatest respect. The eldest child is given the
best opportunities for education and success. Women have lower status than men and fewer
opportunities for promotion; This is changing, but slowly. Women keep their birth names when
they marry. A Korean name consists of a single-syllable family name followed by one or two
syllables, a given name. Kim and Park (Pak) are the most common surnames.

In the extended family, the oldest members are shown special respect. The nuclear family is
currently the largest unit, especially in cities, but children are still expected to care for their elderly
parents. Due to the Confucian emphasis on family hierarchies, detailed genealogies are
maintained. It includes a person's birth, relationships, achievements, and burial place. At clan
meetings, the eldest of a family is placed in the genealogy, and more respect is shown toward that
person. Some marriages are arranged by parents, but most can choose their partner.

Diet and feeding

Rice often combined with red beans or vegetables, and kimch'i, which is a spicy pickled cabbage,
are served with most meals. Korean cuisine uses a lot of spices. Soup is often part of a meal,
chicken, meat and fish are common. A favorite delicacy is bulgogi, strips of marinated and grilled
beef. Barley tea, served with most meals. Soju and makoli are common alcoholic beverages to
drink in company before meals. The fruit is popular as a dessert. Metal chopsticks and spoons are
the most used utensils. At a dinner party, food usually precedes socializing. Passing products and
drinks are poured with the right hand, with the left hand supporting the forearm or wrist. When
holding a glass to receive a drink, it is good manners to use both hands. Eating while walking down
the street is not appropriate for adults.
Greetings
A soft wink is the traditional greeting. A slight bow of the head is a sign of respect, but should not
be overdone. Among urban South Korean men, a nod is often accompanied by a handshake. There
is usually a nod of the head, it is usually accompanied by a handshake. The left hand may rest or
rest under the right forearm during the handshake as a sign of respect. Women shake hands less
frequently than men. Among professionals meeting for the first time, business cards are
exchanged (face presented and accepted with both hands after a handshake). Special deference is
shown to the elderly. Using someone else's title shows respect. Foreign visitors should always
address people unless formally asked to do otherwise. A common greeting is Annyong haseyo?,
which means "Are you at peace?" Young children usually greet each other with a simple Annyong?
To show special respect, an honorary title is added to the greeting: Annyong hashimnikka? The
children of the young bow or a greeting gesture when the adults.

It is not uncommon to see South Korean men (usually younger) place their hand on a friend's
shoulder. When touching older people or members of the opposite sex, it is usually not
appropriate. Personal space is limited in South Korea, so people generally do not queue, nor do
they tend to push and forming crowds is considered normal, for example, everyone can have a
crowd around them and push to get on a bus .

Guests in a house take off their shoes when entering. While European-style furniture is common,
in traditional Korean homes guests sit on cushions on “ondol” floors that are heated from below.
The men sit cross-legged and the women tuck their legs to the side behind them. The guest
receives the hottest or best position. Guests at a dinner or party usually bring a small gift as a
thank you. Wrapped gifts are not opened in front of the donor. Soft drinks are generally served,
and it is rude to refuse them.

Parties and celebrations

The New Year is celebrated for three days, from January 1 to 3. Families gather to exchange gifts,
honor the dead, and enjoy great meals. In general, everyone dresses in traditional clothing. Family
members bow to each elderly person, as a sign of respect. Matches are played and fortunes are
read. The family's other important holiday is Ch'usok (Korean Thanksgiving), when family members
visit the ancestral grave to offer food in honor of the dead. Other holidays are Independence Day
Movement (March 1), Children's Day (May 5), Buddha's birthday (in May, observed according to
the lunar calendar), Memorial Day (June 6) , Constitution Day (July 17), Liberation Day (August 15),
National Foundation Day (October 3), and Christmas Day (December 25). Tree Planting Day (April
5), Armed Forces Day (October 1), and Korean Language Day (October 9) are marked by various
celebrations, but are not holidays.

On a person's 60th birthday, family members gather for a big celebration, called Hwan'gap, for
which they have saved for years. The new family members also celebrate. One hundred days after
the birth of a child, a small festival is held in honor of the child's survival because many children in
recent days died in infancy. A much larger party, calledTol, is held on the first birthday. Of the gifts
offered, what the first son takes is thought to be a sign of his fortune in life.
History
Legendary founding of Korea by the mythical King Tangun in BC 2333 embodies the homogeneity
and self-sufficiency valued by the Korean people. Korea experienced many invasions from its larger
neighbors in its 2,000 years of recorded history. The country repelled numerous foreign invasions
despite infighting, partly due to its protective status, but in the model focused on regional politics
during Korea's Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Historical antipathies to foreign influence earned
Korea the title of "Hermit Kingdom" in the 19th century.

With Chinese power declining and a weakened internal posture in the late 19th century, Korea
was open to Japanese and Western invasion. In 1910, Japan began a 35-year period of colonial
rule over Korea. As a result of Japan's efforts to supplant the Korean language and aspects of
Korean culture, memories of the Japanese annexation still recall fierce animosity and resentment,
especially among older Koreans. However, since import restrictions on Japanese films, popular
music, fashion, and the like were lifted in the 1990s, many Koreans, especially the younger
generations, have enthusiastically followed Japanese pop culture. Aspects of Korean culture,
including television shows and movies, have also become popular in Japan.

Japan's surrender to the Allied powers in 1945 marked the end of World War II, only becoming
more involved in Korean rivalries from abroad. Division of the peninsula at the 38th parallel
marked the beginning of Soviet and US tutelage in the North and South, respectively. On August
15, 1948, the Republic of Korea (ROK) was established, with Syngman Rhee as its first President.
On September 9, 1948, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was established under
Kim Il Sung.

On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces invaded South Korea. Led by the US, a 16-member coalition
undertook the first collective action under the United Nations Command (UNC). Following China's
entry on behalf of North Korea that same year, a stalemate ensued for the final 2 years of the
conflict. Armistice negotiations, begun in July 1951, were ultimately concluded on July 27, 1953 at
Panmunjom, in what is now the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The Armistice Agreement was signed
by representatives of the Korean People's Army, the Chinese People's Volunteers, and the US-led
UNC. Although the ROK supported the UNC, refused to sign the Armistice Agreement. A peace
treaty has never been signed. The war left nearly three million Koreans dead or wounded and
millions homeless and separated from their families.

In 1987, Roh Tae-woo, a former general, was elected president, but further democratic advances
during his term resulted in the 1992 election of long-time pro-democracy activist, Kim Young-sam.
Kim became Korea's first elected civilian president in 32 years. The 1997 presidential election and
peaceful transition of power marked another step forward in Korea's democratization, when Kim
Dae-jung, a lifelong democrat and human rights activist, was elected from an opposition party. The
transition to an open, democratic system was further cemented in 2002, when self-taught human
rights lawyer, Roh Moo-hyun, won the presidential election on a "participatory government"
platform. In December 2007, South Korea elected Lee Myung-bak, a former business executive and
the mayor of Seoul, as president.
Technology
Communications
Telephones - land lines in use

 28,543 million (2010)

Telephones - cellular mobile lines

 50,767 million (2010)

Telephone system

Overall evaluation: excellent national and international services that offer rapid incorporation of
new technologies

National

Widely available landline and mobile cellular telephone services with a combined number of
telephone subscribers of approximately 160 per 100 people; rapid assimilation of a full range of
telecommunications technologies leading to a boom in international e-commerce: country code -
82; Numerous submarine cables provide links across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe and
the USA, satellite earth stations - 66

Broadcast Media (2010)

Multiple national television networks with 2 of the 3 largest publicly run networks, the largest
privately owned network, Seoul Broadcasting Service (SBS), having ties to other commercial
television networks, cable and satellite subscription services television available, public operated
radio broadcast networks and many private broadcast networks, each with multiple affiliates and
independent local stations.

Internet Servers (2011)

 293,862

Internet Users (2009)

 39.4 million

Airport Transportation (2010)

 116

Airports with paved runways

 Total 72
 Dimensions

o More than 3,047 m: total 4

o 2,438 to 3,047 m: total 21
o 1,524 to 2,437 m: total 13
o 914 to 1,523 m: total 12
o below 914 m: total 22

Airports with unpaved runways

 Total 44

Dimensions (2010)

o 914 to 1,523 m: total 2

o below 914 m: total 42

Heliports (2010)

 510

Gas Pipes (2010)

 2,139 km; refined products 864 km

Railways (2008)

 Total: 3,381 km
Standard gauge: 3,381 km gauge 1,435 m (1,843 km electrified)

The access roads

 Total: 103,029
o paved km: 80,642 kilometers (includes 3,367 kilometers of highways)
o unpaved: 22,387 kilometers (2008)

Canals (most navigable only by small boats) (2010)

 1,608 km

merchant navy

 Total: 786
By type: 191 bulk carriers, cargo 235, carrier 8, chemical tanker 130, container 72, liquefied gas 44,
5 passengers, passenger/cargo 15, oil tanker 55, refrigerated cargo 15, roll on/ roll off 10, foreign-
owned transport vehicle 6: 31 (China 6, France 2, Japan 14, Taiwan 1, USA 8)

Registered in other countries: 457 (Bahamas 1, Cambodia 10, Ghana 1, Honduras 6, Hong Kong 3,
Indonesia 2, Kiribati 1, Liberia 2, Malta 2, Marshall Islands 41, North Korea 1, Panama 373,
Philippines 1, Russia 1, Singapore 3, Tuvalu 1, 8 unknown)

Ports and terminals:

 Incheon (Inch'on)
 Pohang (P'ohang)
 Busan (Pusan)
 Ulsan
 Yeosu (Yosu).

Competence
South Korea Trade NCE 08 Edible fruits and nuts, citrus peels, melons or fruit watermelons

Chart - South Korea - Imports - NCE Evolution: 08 Edible fruits and nuts, citrus peels, melons or
watermelons - Total USD FOB per year.
Table - South Korea - Imports - NCE Evolution: 08 Edible fruits and nuts, citrus peels, melons or
watermelons - Total USD FOB per year.

By main origin 2009 2010 2011

South Korea Imports
USA 257.707.970 340.166.074 260.061.718
Chili 42.329.143 64.166.209 82.824.016
China 26.803.454 32.959.357 29.178.171
Ecuador 27.360 10.910.655 2.039.214
Brazil 411.842 1.526.604 726.334
France 621.628 310.972 471.916
Spain 421.610 506.749 109.506
Poland 334.578 507.185 109.103
Romania 85.696 663.285
Peru 182.058 66.559 425.412
Others 518.752 570.830 1.416.032
Subtotal 329.444.091 452.354.479 377.361.421
Total 329.444.091 452.354.479 377.361.421

Trade of South Korea NCE 07 vegetables, plants, roots and tubers Chart - South Korea - Imports -
NCE Evolution: 07 vegetables, plants, roots and tubers - Total USD FOB per year
Table - South Korea - Imports - NCE Evolution: 07 vegetables, plants, roots and tubers - Total USD
FOB per year

By main origin 2009 2010 2011

South Korea Imports
China 287.983.358 546.504.689 442.148.136
USA 11.700.695 13.457.702 5.245.373
France 749.260 744.045 725.646
Netherlands 553.117 696.812 400.791
United Kingdom 106.404 170.291 185.853
Italy 139.418 184.276 122.387
Belgium 123.869 158.196 104.473
Japan 121.220 169.802 51.612
Peru 77.888 162.646 12.157
Germany 100.363 46.280 8.428
Others 60.293 175.892 74.076
Subtotal 301.715.885 562.470.630 449.078.931
Total 301.715.885 562.470.630 449.078.931