Korean people have lived in the Korean Peninsula for 5,000 years. They created their own culture: Hanbok (clothes), ceramics, Kimchi(food), Samulnori(play), Hanok (house), etc. throughout the Gojoseon, the Three Kingdoms(Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje), Unified Silla, Balhae, Goryeo, and the Joseon dynasty. Moreover, Koreans are a cultural and scientific people who created the first metal typewriter, an ironclad ship and Taekwondo(traditional military martial art) as well as one of the most scientific letter system, Hangul. Korea went through a pre-modern age and Japanese occupation and finally became independent in 1945 but suffered a fratricidal war by the North Korean invasion in 1950.
After the Korean War, all citizens strived to rebuild their country which had been destroyed during the war. In the process of making a new country, people made an effort to keep liberty and civil rights and establish a democratic government. As a result, the Republic of Korea could settle down and move on a country with separation of the three powers.
2010 will mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.
Korea has developed economically and culturally in the past 60 years while overcoming the tragedy of the fratricidal war. After the war, the country was in ruins but they made an amazing development which is called the 'miracle of Han river' with their strong will, diligence and ingenuity. With a lack of natural resources, Korea has developed economically based on export. Korea is recognized as a center of heavy chemical industries like steel and shipbuilding and high technology industries such as semiconductors, mobile phones and cars all available in the foreign market. With the number of Internet users reaching 80%, the highest percentage in the world, Korea is establishing themselves as a strong IT country by making infrastructure for high-tech industries based on IT, e-government, e-learning, e-cities, etc. Moreover, Korea still receives most orders for shipbuilding. Among the world top 10 shipyards, 7 of them are Korean. Shipbuilding is one of the main export industries which enables excellent foreign trade links and creates employment.
Korea's own history was reborn as a result of the 'Korean Wave', which has had a great influence all over the world. At the moment Korean dramas and movies are showing all around the world. Asia and Africa are avid followers of Korean culture and Korean entertainment products are in demand. Central Asia(Uzbekistan), South East Asia(Indonesia), Africa(Egypt) have a popular Korean following. Korean departments in universities and institutes for studying Korean culture are being created.
Furthermore, Korea held the Summer Olympic games in 1988 and World Cup in 2002 and showed a dynamic strong prowess in sport. In the 2002 World Cup, national cohesion and passion became the subject of legend as Korea surprised the world by reaching the semi finals. Recently, a woman figure skater, Kim Yuna received a record 200+points for the first time ever, and was rewarded with attention from all over the globe.
In addition to these achievements and contributions, Koreans work for the people of the global village and promote world peace around the world. They are actively making an effort for world peace and to give a dream for children to live by. With the UN secretary-general, Ban Ki Mun, who contributes to world harmony, lots of Korean people travel around the world to do volunteer work and act as a giver rather than a receiver.
Now, Korea hopes to make the effort and sacrifice of the people who fought and gave their lives during the war 60 years ago meaningful, in a continued bid for liberty and peace. Korea is moving forward to become hub in Asia.
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