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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.

movements reached a climax after Chun's 1979 coup and declaration of martial law.

Thereafter, pro-democracy activities intensified even more, ultimately forcing political concessions by the government in 1987, including the restoration of direct presidential elections.

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.

Former business executive and Mayor of Seoul Lee Myung-bak's 5-year term begins with his inauguration on February 25, 2008.

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%.

 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

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.