Korea is often referred to as the "Land of Morning Calm," but it is also a vibrant country with a rich history spanning over five thousand years. Despite the ideological division of the Korean Peninsula into two nations—South Korea and North Korea, representing democracy and communism, respectively—South Korea has thrived and become prosperous through hard work.
There are several remarkable cities worth visiting in South Korea. Seoul, the nation's capital, is home to 10 million people, making up about one-fifth of the entire population. Busan, the second-largest city, is a major port renowned for its abundant seafood. Gyeongju, a historic city, served as the capital of the Silla dynasty (57 BCE – 935 CE) for nearly a thousand years and continues to preserve its rich cultural heritage.
This book should help uncover some hidden historical and cultural elements beneath the surface. While the country has an ancient history, its mindset is progressively shifting towards a global perspective beyond national boundaries.
As part of the older generation, I witnessed poverty, heard many discouraging and condescending remarks about the country, but also encountered encouraging words from kind-hearted individuals. Above all, Korea is a nation that has overcome hardships through hard work. Though Korea may not be large in size, it has a significant population, a long history, and a rich cultural heritage.
Drawing from my memories, I will briefly summarize my impressions of Korea, particularly its historical and cultural aspects.