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staci fink

South Korea - The Economy - 0 views

shared by staci fink on 29 Apr 08 - Cached
  • IN THE FIRST THREE decades after the Park Chung Hee government launched the First Five-Year Economic Development Plan in 1962, the South Korean economy grew enormously and the economic structure was radically transformed. South Korea's real gross national product (GNP) expanded by an average of more than 8 percent per year, from US$2.3 billion in 1962 to US$204 billion in 1989. Per capita annual income grew from US$87 in 1962 to US$4,830 in 1989. The manufacturing sector grew from 14.3 percent of the GNP in 1962 to 30.3 percent in 1987. Commodity trade volume rose from US$480 million in 1962 to a projected US$127.9 billion in 1990. The ratio of domestic savings to GNP grew from 3.3 percent in 1962 to 35.8 percent in 1989.
Sam Gladnick

South Korea - 0 views

  • North and South Koreans speak and write the same language.  It is derived from the Ural-Altaic family, which also includes Turkish, Hungarian, Finnish, Mongolian, Tibetan and Japanese.  The written Korean language is called Hangeul, consisting of 10 vowels and 14 consonants.  King Sejong invented it in the 15th century.  Hangeul is considered easy to learn and write, contributing to Korea’s high literacy rates (98% over age 15).
  • Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution in Korea.  50.7 percent of Koreans follow a specific religious faith.  Followers of Buddhism and Protestants are in the highest numbers, followed by Catholics.  Other practicing faiths are Shamanism, Taoism, and Islam. Confucian tenets or Confucian doctrine is deeply embedded in many Koreans' lives, regardless of religion.
  • Seoul’s subway system is the eight-largest in the world.  The railway system includes over 4,000 passenger trains and 13,000 freight trains.  In 1998, the nation’s highways exceeded 2,000 km.  International airports serve 74 cities throughout the world.  Ocean liners, cruise ships, cargo ships and container ships are a frequent site at Korean ports.
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  • Korea, like other countries in the temperate, has four distinct seasons.  Spring begins in late March, with occasional drizzle.  Summer is hot and humid with monsoon rains beginning in June and heaviest in July.  Autumn is rather short, lasting from the end of September to November.  Winter is cold and dry from December to February.  Spells of cold weather normally alternate with days of warmer weather.
William Chang

Korea, Republic of - 0 views

  • MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:  Hospitals in Korea are generally well-equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.  High quality general and specialty dental care is available in Seoul.  Western-style medical facilities are available in major urban areas of Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and a few other large cities.  However, not all doctors and staff in these major urban areas are proficient in English.  Most clinics in rural areas do not have an English-speaking doctor.  A list of hospitals and medical specialists who speak English is available at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul or on the Embassy's web site at http://korea.usembassy.gov/health.html.
  • Pharmacies are first-rate and most prescribed medications, except psychotropic medications, can be obtained with a prescription.  Travelers taking any psychotropic or controlled medications should bring a sufficient supply as well as a copy of the prescription for Korean customs clearance at the airport. Korean ambulances do not carry sophisticated medical equipment and the ambulance personnel do not have the same level of emergency medical training as in the United States.  However, ambulances operated by the fire department (dial 119) will respond very quickly and take patients to the nearest hospital.  For medical evacuation to points outside Korea, SOS International is located in Seoul (tel: 02- 3140-1902, web site: www.internationalsos.com
  • Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
John Pedersen

South Korea (03/08) - 0 views

    • dekker28
       
      many invasions by larger neighbors in 2000 years of existence/// Repelled numerous foreign invasions
    • dekker28
       
      1910- Japan began 35 year period of colonial rule over Korea/// Many older Koreans stil hold a grudge against Japan
  • Japan's surrender to the Allied Powers in 1945, signaling the end of World War II, only further embroiled Korea in foreign rivalries.
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  • On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces invaded South Korea
  • The war left almost three million Koreans dead or wounded and millions of others homeless and separated from their families.
  • The Second Republic under the leadership of Chang Myon ended after only one year, when Major General Park Chung-hee led a military coup. Park's rule, which resulted in tremendous economic growth and development but increasingly restricted political freedoms, ended with his assassination in 1979
  • . Subsequently, a powerful group of military officers, led by Lieutenant General Chun Doo Hwan, declared martial law and took power.
    • dekker28
       
      throughout the Park and Chun eras, there were many strong protests against the authorities, led by students and labor union activists
  • movements reached a climax after Chun's 1979 coup and declaration of martial law.
  • Former business executive and Mayor of Seoul Lee Myung-bak's 5-year term begins with his inauguration on February 25, 2008.
  • In 1987, Roh Tae-woo, a former general, was elected president
  • 1992 election of a long-time pro-democracy activist, Kim Young-sam. Kim became Korea's first civilian elected president in 32 years.
  • Thereafter, pro-democracy activities intensified even more, ultimately forcing political concessions by the government in 1987, including the restoration of direct presidential elections.
    • Mike Acker
       
      Look under People, Government, and Economy
  • Natural resources: Limited coal, iron ore, limestone, kaolinite, and graphite.Agriculture, including forestry and fisheries: Products--rice, vegetables, fruit, root crops, barley; cattle, pigs, chickens, milk, eggs, fish. Arable land--17% of land area
  • PeopleNationality: Noun and adjective--Korean(s).Population (2006): 48,846,823.Population annual growth rate (2006): 0.42%.Ethnic groups: Korean; small Chinese minority.Religions: Christianity, Buddhism, Shamanism, Confucianism, Chondogyo.Language: Korean.Education: Years compulsory--9. Enrollment--11.5 million. Attendance--middle school 99%, high school 95%. Literacy--98%.Health (2006): Infant mortality rate--6.16/1,000. Life expectancy--77.0 yrs (men 73.6 yrs.; women 80.8 yrs).Work force (2005): 23.53 million. Services--67.2%; mining and manufacturing--26.4%; agriculture--6.4%.
    • Meg! Vetter
       
      economy and natural resources
    • Meg! Vetter
       
      Economy and resources
    • Meg! Vetter
       
      Econmy and resources
    • Meg! Vetter
       
      SouthKorea and other countries
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    good info
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    economy facts
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    general information (economy)
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    info on economy, government, etc
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    This tells everything!!!!
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    everything but the kitchen sink!
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    etc
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    overview general information
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    Mostly a history of modern South Korea
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    very good site.
Alex Thompson

Health Care in S. K. - 0 views

  • Some physicians and hospitals will not accept overseas health insurance and therefore may require you to pay up front; however, if you or your employer pay taxes then you are entitled to health insurance through your employer
  • no vaccinations are required to enter South Korea, but you should be sure your rabies and tetanus/diptheria shots are up-to-date, and vaccination for hepatitis
  • if you will be living in or spending significant time traveling in rural areas, a vaccination for Japanese encephalitis is recommended
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  • traveling around Asia
  • get cholera and yellow fever inoculations
  • Korean-made drugs are generally safe, sanitary, and inexpensive—even without insurance. They are available in pharmacies like those in the United States or Canada.
  • problems as minor as a cold or rash you may be given a shot or series of shots.
  • Some treatments require that you go to a clinic for a shot and medicine every day for a week or more. Should you need to visit a doctor, bring a Korean friend with you to ask questions.
  • English is spoken at some hospitals in South Korea, especially in international clinics and hospitals in larger cities
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    gives some hospitals that you can go to that speak english and it tells you what kind of shots yous should take before coming to korea.
Jessica Weckhorst

YONHAP NEWS - 0 views

  • Seoul recently agreed to reopen its market to most U.S. beef cuts, lifting a five-year ban placed after the outbreak of the first mad cow case in the United States. The decision reached on April 18 is expected to permit U.S. beef shipments to arrive here around in mid May.
  • "We are very pleased that Korea has taken the decision," Vershbow said, "And this agreement is based on international scientific standards, which I think is the only policy for trading nations that they want to observe, that they want to have healthy economic relations with other nations."The Lee Myung-bak administration, however, faced mounting domestic criticism for rushing to the beef agreement despite lingering concerns over mad cow disease and feared impact on the local cattle industry
  • Resuming U.S. beef imports has been considered a key condition for Seoul gaining U.S. ratification of the free trade agreement
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  • The U.S. ambassador to Seoul said Wednesday that Korea's decision to resume U.S. beef imports will strengthen their bilateral alliance and that he was confident Seoul's free trade pact with Washington will get ratified in the U.S. within this year.
  • The U.S. envoy noted opposition in the U.S. Congress in the presidential election year but said he was "confident" that it will get ratified within U.S. President George W. Bush's term.
  • Nonetheless, President Bush explained to President Lee in Camp David less than two weeks ago that it is a priority for him to get Congress to ratify KORUS-FTA in 2008 and I'm confident he can meet that goal
  • We often refer to FTA as a 'win-win' agreement because both Korea and the United States will benefit, but it might be more appropriate to call it a 'win-win-win-win' because not
  • only the countries benefit but because businesses and consumers will benefit as well," he said.
Max Dyal

Customs of S. Korea - 0 views

  • It is customary to bring a small gift when visiting a South Korean home. It's better to bring a small token and not an ostentatious object that calls attention to you. Fruit, flowers, and chocolates are popular gifts for these occasions.
  • South Koreans generally sit, eat, and sleep on the floor, so you will be expected to remove your shoes upon entering a South Korean home and some schools and restaurants. Bare feet may be offensive to people of the older generations, so it's best to wear socks when visiting (be sure they're clean and free of holes! 
  • In addition to chopsticks, South Koreans regularly use soup spoons at meals. The chopsticks are used primarily for side dishes, while the spoon is used for soup and rice. Unlike in Japan, it's not appropriate to pick up your rice bowl while eating. All plates and bowls should stay on the table. Drinking customs in South Korea are also different than in Japan. Use both hands when pouring a drink for someone, because it shows respect. Though filling a companion's glass with beer or soju (similar to vodka) is appropriate, it's essential that the glass is completely empty before pouring. This may seem like a trivial concern, but will count for a lot in the eyes of your South Korean friends.
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  • Among young people, the person who issued the invitation usually pays. If you're out with a group, the bill is split and everyone pitches in. Among older Koreans, one person will take care of the bill, and roles will switch the next time.
  • Tipping is not a traditional Korean custom; however, a 10 percent service charge is added to bills at all tourist hotels and tipping is not expected. It's never necessary to tip a taxi driver unless he assists you with your luggage or takes you to or from the airport.
  • South Koreans are averse to overt physical contact between members of the opposite sex. They generally limit interpersonal contact to a courteous handshake; however, very good friends are often physical with each other, so don't be surprised to see men and women walking hand-in-hand with a member of the same sex. Public displays of affection between couples, like hugging and kissing, are considered very improper.
  • South Korean public baths, moyoktang, are wonderful. After a long, stressful day, there's nothing like a steamy sauna and bath to wash away your troubles. Moyoktang are found throughout the city and cost about W2,352 (US$2.85). There are usually showers to use before entering the hot tub. Many places also have a cold water tank, which is amazingly refreshing after a piping hot sauna. A special feature of the baths is the underwear-clad massage. For about W6,000–W8,000 ($7.30–$9.70 plus tip) the masseuses will scrub you down with hot water and towels, removing all traces of grime. You've never known the true meaning of "squeaky-clean" until you've experienced the wonderful traditions at the public bath.
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    here leg hann
Kayla

At Korean Restaurant - Korean Table Manner, Etiquette - 0 views

  • Table Reminders1. The eldest person present begins eating first.2. Chopsticks should not be left in the rice or soup bowl during or after the meal.3. The rice or soup bowl should not be held in one's hands while eating.4. The hand and arms should not be placed on the table while eating.5. One should not tear food into pieces using fingers.6. One must remain at the table until the last person has finished eating.
    • Kayla
       
      this area givs a really good idea of what to do in a South Korean Resturant!
  • The main dish is almost always accompanied by rice, soup, kimchi and several side dishes. Koreans eat their rice and soup with a spoon (which was reportedly first invented by the Koreans),
    • Kayla
       
      This tells you what the food is usally
  • Use the spoon for rice and the chopsticks for side dishes, but you can ask for forks or knives at restaurants. Do not stir your rice or your soup. Do not leave the spoon or chopsticks in the rice as it symbolizes their use by the dead. Knives are used only in the preparation of food, not as eating utensils because Korean food is either pre-cut into bite-sized pieces or is soft enough to be pulled apart using chopsticks.
    • Kayla
       
      This is telling us what to use as you are eating
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  • Dessert nearly always consists of fresh fruit. Foods of any kind should not be picked up with your fingers. Fruit is eaten in slices with forks
    • Kayla
       
      this is tellinghow to eat our desert
  • Also, do not blow your nose when anyone is present, especially if eating.
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    this shows how to eat in a korean resturant
Jenna Griffis

About Korea - 0 views

  • Korea recently pulled through an economic storm that began in late 1997. This crisis, which roiled markets all across Asia, had threatened Korea's remarkable economic achievements
  • Korea, once known to be one of the world's poorest agrarian societies, has undertaken economic development in earnest since 1962. In less than four decades, it achieved what has become known as the "Miracle on the Hangang River" - an incredible process that dramatically transformed the Korean economy while marking a turning point in Korea's history.
  • With a history as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Korea is working to become the focal point of a powerful Asian economic bloc during the 21st century
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  • The goal of the nation is to overcome problems rooted in the past by creating an economic structure suitable for an advanced economy.
  • Korea, once known to be one of the world's poorest agrarian societies, has undertaken economic development in earnest since 1962
  • many successful development programs were implemented. As a result, from 1962 to 2006, Korea's Gross National Income (GNI) increased from US$2.3 billion to US$887.3 billion, with its per capita GNI soaring from $87 to about $18,372.
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    good stuff abut everything
Emily Sobieski

South Korea: Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette - 0 views

  • Family welfare is much more important than the needs of the individual.
  • Meeting Etiquette
  • Wait to be introduced at a social gathering.
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  •  Bring fruit or good quality chocolates or flowers if invited to a Korean's home.
  • The number 4 is considered unlucky, so gifts should not be given in multiples of 4.
  • Wrap gifts in red or yellow paper, since these are royal colours. Alternatively, use yellow or pink paper since they denote happiness.
  • Do not wrap gifts in green, white, or black paper.
  • Gift Giving Etiquette
    • Sarah Snow
       
      All things listed below are important
  • Remove your shoes before entering the house.
  • Send a thank you note the following day after being invited to dinner.
  • Chopsticks should be returned to the table after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak.
  • Do not pick up food with your hands. Fruit should be speared with a toothpick.
  • Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something is.
  • Dress Etiquette
  • Under no circumstances insult or to criticize in front of others.
  • This is a culture where "less is more" when communicating. Respond to questions directly and concisely.
  • Appointments are required and should be made 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
  • It is a good idea to send both an agenda and back-up material including information about your company and client testimonials prior to the meeting.
  • Have all written materials available in both English and Korean.
  •  Have one side of your business card translated into Korean.
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    good info about culture
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    ·Bow and say good bye to each person when you are leaving a party ·Wait to be introduced at a social gathering ·Person of lower status bows to those of higher status ·Use both hands when you are giving a gift ·Arrive up to 30 minutes late for a dinner ·Take off your shoes before you enter a persons house ·Eldest person is served dinner first ·Wait to be seated don't sit until you are told so
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    South Korea customs and stuff like that...
kate edwards

Rock Climbing in South Korea, Adventure & Recreation in South Korea, South Korea's Adve... - 0 views

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    rock climbing in South Korea
Alayna Auerbach

Getting to Korea|Travel Advice - 0 views

  • Korea is connected by air to every major capital in the world
  • 37 international airlines
  • over 1,500 flights into and out of Korea every week
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  • Gimpo for Seoul,
    • Alayna Auerbach
       
      Use this!
  • has opened new routes between Seoul and destinations in Europe, America and the Middle East
  • Korea City Air Terminal (KCAT) is in Seoul's Gangnam business district next to the Korea World Trade Center in Samseong-dong
  • Special airport buses and city buses leave from various points in Seoul every 15 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m
  • 19 major hotels in Seoul
  • This enables any passenger on a round-the-world ticket to visit Korea at no additional charge.
  • Temporary entry for private cars is allowed for passengers arriving by ferry, providing that drivers obtain the proper documentation.
Alex Thompson

South Korea - Health Care and Social Welfare - 0 views

  • he number of physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other health personnel and the number of hospitals and clinics have increased dramatically since the Korean War
  • In 1974 the population per physician was 2,207; by 1983 this number had declined to 1,509. During the same period, the number of general hospitals grew from 36 to 156 and the number of hospital beds tripled from 19,062 to 59,099
  • Rural areas had limited medical facilities, because in the past there was little incentive for physicians to work in areas outside the cities,
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    Korea over the centuries has used acupuncture and herbal treatments to cure illnesses. Ginseng was a popular herb sold in stores and was used through the 1980s. The South Korean government committed itself to making medical security (medical insurance and medical aid) available to virtually the entire population by 1991.
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    Health Care in South Korea
staci fink

Soc 202 - Current Events: North Korea vs. South Korea - 0 views

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    According to analysts, the attitude taken by the North Korean government is a direct response to South Korea's recently-toughened attitude, which has urged de-nuclearization and sided with the U.S. government on a number of political issues. <!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--> <!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->Their rocky relationship is nothing new; they have been, at least, in a state of semi-war since the Korean War ended in 1953. <!--[endif]--> <!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->The South Korean Defense Ministry said North Korea "was intentionally interpreting Seoul's objectives and remarks by its officials in a malicious manner." <!--[endif]--> To an uninvolved citizen of a relatively separatist state, this news, although new to me, isn't personally provocative. While I hope that their issues are resolved peaceably (which seems unlikely), I remain, for the moment, relatively ignorant and thus uninvolved.
staci fink

South Korea breaking news - South Korean newspapers - South Korean tabloids - 0 views

  • The NewsWealth.com South Korea News Media Guide spotlights South Korean current events via major daily South Korean newspapers, South Korea news blogs, magazines, South Korean tabloids, and other South Korea news sources for multimedia coverage of South Korean breaking news plus top stories on showbiz celebrities, South Korea politics, sports events, the South Korea travel industry, South Korean newspaper advertising, medical tours, eco tourism, luxury camping, retirement in South Korea, investing in South Korea, business opportunities, accommodations, telecom services, immigration guidelines, expat employment, import &amp; export, forex trading, money transfer rates, and more.
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    South Korea News Media Guide spotlights South Korean current events via major daily South Korean newspapers, South Korea news blogs, magazines, South Korean tabloids, and other South Korea news sources for multimedia coverage of South Korean breaking news plus top stories on showbiz celebrities, South Korea politics, sports events, the South Korea travel industry, South Korean newspaper advertising, medical tours, eco tourism, luxury camping, retirement in South Korea, investing in South Korea, business opportunities, accommodations, telecom services, immigration guidelines, expat employment, import & export, forex trading, money transfer rates, and more.
Sam Gladnick

South Korean Liberation Day - Page 1 - 0 views

  • Korea has many National Holidays. Korea has four National Celebration Days; October 3rd to commemorate the founding of ancient Korea in 2333 BC, March 1st to commemorate an independence movement in 1919, August 15th to commemorate the liberation form the Japanese rule in 1945 at the Japanese surrender to the USA, and July 17th for the declaration of our constitution in 1948.
  • The Yi Dynasty started in 1392
Jessica Weckhorst

North Korea rejects liaison office proposal from South Korea - Boston.com - 0 views

  • North Korea rejected a proposal from South Korea's new conservative president to establish liaison offices in both countries
  • SEOUL, South Korea—North Korea rejected a proposal from South Korea's new conservative president to establish liaison offices in both countries calling it a public relations exercise aimed at covering up deteriorating ties on the divided peninsula.
  • The proposal was Lee's first overture to the communist nation.
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  • Lee made the offer in an interview with the Washington Post last week during a visit to the United States for talks with President Bush, saying the countries need a better channel of communication.
  • Relations between the divided Koreas have chilled since Lee took office in February with a pledge to get tough on Pyongyang. Lee says he opposes unconditional assistance to the North and calls for its nuclear disarmament as a precondition for economic cooperation.
  • North Korea has bristled at the hard-line stance, and since late last month has expelled South Korean officials from a shared industrial complex, test-fired missiles, and threatened to reduce the South to "ashes." The Korean War ended in 1953 with a truce, not a peace treaty, which means the two sides technically remain at war. Relations improved significantly under Lee's two liberal predecessors -- Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun -- who pursued detente with North Korea with massive aid and concessions
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