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Koreans,
like other Asian peoples, are descendants of Mongolian Tungus stock. They
are different from their neighbours, Japan and China, because they are a
homogenous ethnic group with their own language, culture and customs.
Forty-four
million live in South Korea, which has been cut off from North Korea since
1945. A warm, generous people, they speak Korean, a Ural-Atlantic language
and are renowned for their hard work and booming ecomony in recent times.
Their
national flower is the Mugunghwa or Rose of Sharon which blooms across the
country. The two most dominant religions are Buddhism and Confucianism.
Population
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| About
25 per cent of all South Koreans live in the capital, Seoul,
one of the most populous cities in the world. Except for a small Chinese
minority, the people are all ethnic Korean, making South Korea one of the
world’s most ethnically homogeneous
countries. |
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| Population
growth is projected at 1.02 per cent (1997), one of the lowest
rates in Asia. Population
density is 463 persons per square kilometre (1997) (1,199 persons
per square mile), the 11th highest level in the world.
Language |
| The
Korean language plays an important role in the identity of the Korean
people. Korean is spoken in both North and
South Korea and is written in Hangul, a
phonetic alphabet created in the mid-15th century because classical
Chinese (the only written language available) was difficult to master.
Hangul made it possible for ordinary Koreans to read and write. The
language uses numerous Chinese words; Chinese characters are often mixed
with the Hangul script in newspapers and government documents. English is
taught in the schools, and many people have a good understanding of it.
Older people—those who were educated during the period of
occupation—are more likely to have Japanese as a second language.
Religion |
| Most
South Koreans adhere to at least some aspects of Confucianism,
a moral belief system that stresses filial
piety, reverence for ancestors, and ceremony. Shamanism,
in which geomancy, divination,
the avoidance of bad luck or omens, the deflection of evil spirits, and
honour for the dead are important, is also practised. Many South Koreans
are Buddhist, and others are Christian,
mostly Protestant. Christianity has been growing rapidly, attracting many
young people and government officials. Reverend Sun Myung Moon, the
evangelist founder of the Unification Church, is a well-known and
controversial international figure.
Education |
| Education,
rooted in Confucianism, is the most valued aspect of South Korean culture.
It is considered the key to success, respect, and power. Students consider
it their duty to campaign against social injustice, and there is a long
tradition of student political protest. Demonstrations have usually
occurred every spring and have often been violent. They decreased
substantially after the 1992 elections, but still happen when an
appropriate cause arises. Schooling is compulsory
for six years between the ages of 6 and 12. Nearly every child completes
primary schooling, and most continue on to the secondary level. Secondary
schools demand long hours and high performance. University entrance exams
are rigorous, and competition to pass them is intense. Vocational training
is also available. The government has invested a great deal in the
educational system; it finances more than 75 per cent of Korea’s
education expenditure.
Health and Welfare |
| All
segments of the population have access to adequate health care. The best
facilities are in Seoul.
Most women receive prenatal care and medical attention during delivery. |
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