Korea
- • Location • weather • Han style
Location
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The Republic of Korea, once known as the “Land of the Morning Calm,” is now the world’s 11th largest economy and the gateway to Northeast Asia. Its natural beauty, combined with unique cultural heritage preserved for thousands of years and amiable people, attracts visitors from all over the world.
weather
Korea has four seasons with a wet monsoon/summer season in the middle of the year, and a cold winter from November to March. The island of Jeju off the southern coast is the warmest and wettest place in the country. The ideal time to visit Korea is during the autumn months (September-November). During this time, the country experiences warm, sunny weather, skies that are cobalt blue and spectacular foliage that is perhaps the biggest draw. Winter months are cold and dry and are the best time to visit if you are interested in winter sports as there are numerous ski resorts. Spring (April-May) is also beautiful with all the cherry blossoms in bloom. However, it is very busy and one needs to book in advance to ensure accommodation is available. The summer months are muggy and hot, and rather crowded. It is also when the monsoon season begins so many activities are subject to the fluctuations of heavy rain.
Han Style
- Asian countries have been doing exchanges through culture and trade throughout history. Trends spread throughout the region at an incredibly fast rate. The 80's were a time for “Hong Kong Noir” while the 90's were more an age of Japanese animation. The 2000s have sharply risen in the popularity of Korean culture, with music and dramas hitting all the right notes.
Interest in Korea, triggered by the success of leading Korean dramas and popular music, continues to escalated to include a host of other aspects of Korean culture,
- such as hangeul (Korean alphabet), hansik (Korean food), hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), hanok (traditional Korean houses), hanji (traditional Korean paper), as well as Korean music. In Korea, the aforementioned six cultural symbols are collectively referred to as “Han Style”.
- The Korean Wave that swept its way through Asia starting with dramas and popular music is now achieving even far greater appeal in the international market. As it continues to evolve it enriches the image of Han Style.
Hangeul : The Korean alphabet, a very scientific writing system that has been designated by UNESCO as an important part of the Memory of the World Heritage. As a result of the Korean Wave and Korean economic prosperity, the desire to learn hangeul and the Korean language is exploding.
Hansik : Korean food continues to gain popularity throughout the world for its incredible health benefits.
Hanbok : The focus of attention when Daejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace), a TV drama on royal court cuisine, became popular in Asia. Modifications of the exquisite colors and designs of the hanbok are also used as motifs in all Korean-style designs.
Hanok : Many international visitors are showing interest in the traditional Korean home, hanok as they want to experience ondol, the Korean floor heating system very effective in the cold winter. Ondol is an important aspect of unique architectural style in Korea and brought floor heating into vogue globally.
Hanji : A traditional form of paper that can last for over one thousand years and is known for its outstanding quality and elegant designs. The paper is drawing attention not only for record-keeping purposes but also for interior decoration and for it’s uses in paper wrapping.
Hanguk Eumak : Traditional Korean music that has slow-rhythm and sentimental lyrics that epitomize the sad history of Korea. Such unique Korean sentiments had significant influence on Korean popular music and drama and are an important driver of the Korean Wave.
