| Government |
|
 |
|
|
| Korea and the World |
|
|
|
|
The Korean government is comprised of three branches: executive, legislative, and judiciary. The President performs executive functions. Cabinet members act on policy matters and are accountable to the President. The Prime Minister, appointed by the President upon approval of the National Assembly, oversees administrative functions of the ministries. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
South Korea maintains its alliance with the U.S. to ensure sustained peace, security, and economic development. It pursues diplomacy through dialogue in dealing with nuclear issues posed by North Korea in coordination with the U.S., Japan, China, Russia, the European Unions, and other countries. |
|
|
|
|
| Biz & Economy |
|
|
|
|
| Society |
|
|
|
|
Korea aims to become a financial and business hub of Northeast Asia in the 21st century. The region, with a population of 1.5 billion, has the essential resources necessary for economic development including abundant natural resources and large-scale consumer markets. Korea's major industries include electronics, automobiles, semi-conductors, steel products, shipbuilding, and textiles. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Over the past few decades, Korea has transformed itself from an agrarian society to an industrialized nation. The government has been making efforts to upgrade living standards through vigorous reforms in education, housing, social welfare, and environment. It also continues to invest in science and technology. |
|
|
|
|
| Culture |
|
|
|
|
| Arts |
|
|
|
|
Korea's 5,000-year-old history boasts a rich and distinct culture. Steeped in Confucianism and Buddhism, culture is manifested in the style of housing, architecture, costumes, and beliefs. Koreans, however, are open to change and dynamism and are catching up with global trends. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Korea is proud of its artistic achievements in music, dance, handcrafts, paintings, and other art genres. Today, public interest in films has been increasing as Korean movies are earning recognition at various international festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, and Venice. Credits are given to talented young directors who boldly discarded old stereotypes in movie making.
|
|
|
|
|
|
