Index : K : Korea

Structure Sub-topic of: Asia Interesting Questions, Facts and Information There are a total of 85 general entries. We are selecting 30 for display. Frequently Asked Questions & Answers There are 21 user-asked question matches ( goto )

Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information

Korea

Who was the mythical founder of Korea?

Korea (Mulligata)


Tangun. Tangun is said to have been born at Mount Taebaek in what is now North Korea. According to legend, his mother was a bear who had assumed human form after being instructed to fast in a cave for 100 days. Queen Min was the "last empress" of Korea, assassinated by Japanese agents in 1895 and now the subject of a successful musical. Yi Sun-shin is one of Korea's greatest heroes, a naval admiral famed for his defeats of the Japanese. Chosun is the name of an ancient dynasty of Korea; it is also the name used by North Korea for "Korea" (the South uses "Hanguk").



Who scored the 'Golden Goal' header in the Round of 16 of the 2002 World Cup to send the Italians home in tears?

South Korea (markorea2000)


Ahn Jung Hwan. Hong Myung Bo scored the winning shootout goal to move Korea past Spain and into the semi-finals.



Which station should you get off at if you want to visit the World Trade Centre?

Seoul Subway, South Korea (so_it_goes)


Samseong. Although Jamsil is on the same line (number 2), it is several stops after the World Trade Centre. Incidentally, getting off at this station also allows you to visit the Co-Ex Mall, a wonderful collection of shops!



Which south Gyoungsang(Kyoungsangnam) city has many UNESCO world cultural heritage sites (one of three Korean cities) and used to be the capital of the nation of Shilla in the three-kingdoms period/era?

Korean Geography (jooonkim)


Gyoungju (Kyoungju). Gyoungju(Kyoungju) also called Seorabul and Geumsung in ancient times, was the capital of Shilla for a thousand years. It is famous for its UNESCO sites such as Bulguksa and Sukgul-am on Mt.Toham. Gongju(Kongju) used to be Baekje's capital, Seoul has been Chosun's capital and it's now the capital of South Korea, Pyoungyang used to be one of Goguryo (Kokuryo)'s capitals, also used to be the capital of Kochosun (old Chosun) and is now the capital of North Korea.



Which scholar of Korean history of the 16th century coded Confucian principles for official use by all Korean families?

Traditional and Modern Korea (thejazzkickazz)


Cho Kwang-jo. Cho lived from 1482-1519 and created a Confucian 'village code' which became the basis for law in the many small villages throughout Korea.



Which province's capital is not its biggest city?

Korean Geography (jooonkim)


Gangwon (Kangwon). Gangwon (Kangwon) province's capital is Chuncheon and its biggest city is Wonju on the southwest corner of the province.



Which Korean city hosted the Asian Games in 2002?

Korea (Mulligata)


Busan. Busan was formerly known as Pusan before the Latinisation changes introduced by the South Korean government. Busan is currently recovering from the effect of Typhoon Rusa which wrecked several facilities for the Games.



Which is the most correct population of Busan(Pusan)?

Korean Geography (jooonkim)


3.75 million. Busan(Pusan) is the second largest metropolis by population in Korea and it is one of the busiest seaports in the world. It is also a popular domestic tourist spot with one of the world's largest fish markets and a popular beach called Haeundae.



Which is the longest of the four major subway lines?

Seoul Subway, South Korea (so_it_goes)


Line 2. This line is circular and over 60 km long: it resembles the Circle Line on the London Underground.



Which is larger by area, North Korea or South Korea?

Korean Geography (thejazzkickazz)


North Korea . North Korea has a total land area of 47,300 square miles (122,370 square km) vs. South Korea's 38,000 square miles (98,477 square miles. Hence, North Korea makes up 55% of the total land area on the peninsula. Thank you for playing!



Which country, outside of the two Koreas, contains the largest population of ethnic Koreans?

Traditional and Modern Korea (thejazzkickazz)


China. This may come as a surprise to many. There are approximately 1.8 million Koreans in China, 1 million in the United States and 700,000 in Japan. The Koreans claim that the ancient Koguryo kingdom extended well into territory now claimed by China.



Which city was not a host city for the 2002 worldcup?

Korean Geography (jooonkim)


Jeju (Cheju). Jeju was not a host city in June 2002 but its neighbouring southern city of Seoguipo did. Jeju is the capital and the biggest city on Jeju island and province.



Which city is found near the spot where General MacArthur led the landing of allied troops behind enemy lines, which changed the course of the Korean war?

Korea (Mulligata)


Incheon. The Allied Forces had been driven back by the North Korean and Chinese troops to a tiny enclave around Busan when MacArthur led his famous landing at Icheon. Eventually the front settled around the 38th parallel - where Korea had originally been divided and more or less where the border is today. The war dragged on for another two years with neither side able to progress.



Which city in North Korea can be seen from the demilitarised zone that separates the two Koreas?

Korea (Mulligata)


Kaesong. Unlike the North Korean "settlement" nearest to the DMZ, Kaesong is a real, populated city, which you can see on a clear day from the observation deck in the South Korean side of the DMZ. Dandong is in China.



Which city in Korea is nicknamed 'Korea's Silicon Valley' because of its scientific research centres and the 1992 Expo science park?

Korean Geography (jooonkim)


Daejeon (Taejon). Daejeon (Taejon) hosted the 1992 Expo and is home to many governmental scientific research centres. It is the fifth largest metropolis in South Korea by population.



Where in Korea can you find the longest lava tubes in the world?

Korea (Mulligata)


Jeju-do. Jeju is a fascinating litle island with beautiful beaches and scenery and a unique culture. Historically it has been one of the poorest parts of Korea but nowadays it thrives on tourism. Korea is rarely visited as a tourist destination but it is a culturally intriguing and beautiful place.



When do Koreans celebrate their birthdays?

Korean Kulture (exit10)


Lunar New Year's Day. Sol-nal is New Year's Day for Koreans. Family ties are renewed and on New Year's Eve, people place straw scoopers, rakes or sieves on their doors and walls for protection from evil spirits in the New Year. Next day, everyone dresses in new clothes, symbolizing a fresh beginning, and gathers at the home of the eldest male family member. Ancestral rites are held, and the younger generation bows deeply to their elders, wishing them good health and prosperity. The elders often give gifts of newly minted money after the bows are performed. Rice cake soup (ttokkuk) is served in the belief that it will add one year of age. In fact, Korean age is calculated at the New Year, however most people now celebrate their birthdays on the actual date they were born. Ch'usok - The Harvest Moon Festival on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month honours ancestors and there are offerings of newly harvested food. Songp'yon, crescent-shaped rice cakes stuffed with sesame seeds, chestnut paste or beans are a favourite. Families visit the graves of their ancestors to bow and clean the area for the coming winter. Community activities include masked dancing, an ancient circle dance, tug-of-wars and the tortoise game, in which two men dress as a tortoise and tour the village dancing and performing for food and drink. Mostly it is a time to give thanks for the autumn harvest and reaffirm familial and community ties. Ch'ilsok - The 7th day of the 7th month One night each year the constellations Altair and Vega cross a bridge made of magpies to meet in the summer sky. Rain in the evening means the two lovers have met and are shedding tears of happiness. Rains the next morning are the lovers' tears as they are forced to separate again. Rural villagers make offerings of newly harvested rice at the local shrine. Women and children clean the area around the communal well and light candles in a well rite and pray for the well being of children. Taeborum The first full moon is on the 15th day of the first lunar month. And is the beginning of the agricultural cycle. Koreans rise early, eat nuts and drink a cup of cold wine. It is believed that the nuts will strengthen the teeth and the wine will sharpen the ears, which is thought to clear the ears for good news. A special 'five-grain rice' of millet, glutinous rice, beans and sorghum and dried vegetables is also eaten to ward off heat in the summer. Rural communities honour local spirits, hoping for a good harvest, and kites emblazoned with the word song-aek, 'good riddance to evil,' are flown, then released in hopes of good fortune through the year.



When did construction start on the Seoul Subway network?

Seoul Subway, South Korea (so_it_goes)


1970. In 1950, the Korean War had just started-redevelopment was a long way off.



What year did the so-called "Kwangju Massacre" take place in which hundreds of street protesters were gunned down by the military in the southern city of Kwangju?

South Korea (markorea2000)


1980. The people were protesting the assumption of power by General Chun Doo Hwan.



What was the U.S. military name given to the task of chopping down a tree at Panmunjom, in the DMZ, in August 1976?

Trivia Potpourri (South Korea) (robmeister)


Operation Paul Bunyan. At one time, Panmunjom was non-jurisdictional. In other words, US/UN troops could move about anywhere in the complex, and North Korean troops were able to do the same. There is too much to share here, but I will try to explain it as quickly as I can: A tree had obstructed the line-of-sight between a UN guard post and others in the area. But an initial attempt to trim the tree resulted in North Korean troops intervening; two US Army officers were killed, bludgeoned with axes. Tensions mounted, and a few days later, with several helicopters and B-52s in the air, and ground troops on the alert, the tree was chopped down.



What term is given to South Korean soldiers who work closely with American troops?

Trivia Potpourri (South Korea) (robmeister)


KATUSA. According to http://ncoa.korea.army.mil, KATUSA stands for "Korean Augmentation Troops to the United States Army". Primarily consisting of English-speaking volunteers with college degrees, KATUSAs act in many capacities, including as interpreters, as well as cultural and support personnel.



What percentage of Koreans are under the age of 25?

South Korea (markorea2000)


50 %. Only five percent of the population is over 65!



What percentage of Korea is mountainous?

South Korea (markorea2000)


70 percent. Not many high ones though.



What is the tallest peak in the Korean peninsula? (both north and south)

Korean Geography (jooonkim)


Mt. Baekdu (Paekdu). Mt. Baekdu(Paekdu) is located in North Korea's Yanggang province and it is 2744m above sea level. The peak and the surrounding territory is shared with China.



What is the proper way to say "Hello" in Korean?

Trivia Potpourri (South Korea) (robmeister)


Anyang-Haseyo. Both "Anyang-Keseyo" and "Anyangi-Keseyo" are ways of saying "Goodbye" (one is for as you are leaving, the other for someone who is leaving). The word "Anyang" is a familiar way to say either "Hello" or "Goodbye."



What is the only other metropolis (gwangyokshi) physically touching metropolitan Seoul?

Korean Geography (jooonkim)


Incheon. Incheon is the correct answer here, Bucheon and Suwon are not considered "gwangyokshi" because they have a population less than 1 million people, and Daejeon is a metropolis but it's about a hundred kilometres south of Seoul.



What is the name of the traditional Korean costume?

Korean Kulture (exit10)


hanbok. The man's basic outfit consists of a chogori (jacket), paji (trousers) and turumaji (overcoat). The jacket has loose sleeves and the trousers are roomy and tied with straps at the ankles. Women also have a chogori with two long ribbons tied to form the otkorum (bow) and has long full sleeves and a full lenth, high waisted wraparound skirt called the chima. White cotton socks with boat shaped shoes of silk, straw or rubber are worn as well.



What is the name of the residence of the President of South Korea, in Seoul?

Trivia Potpourri (South Korea) (robmeister)


The Blue House. Known locally as Cheong Wa Dae, the Blue House sites on a site known to have been affiliated with the leadership of South Korea since 1104 AD (courtesy of www.president.go.kr).



What is the name of the mountain range that runs along the eastern coast of South Korea, and runs on into North Korea for a bit?

Korean Geography (thejazzkickazz)


Taebaek. The Taebaek range makes up the backbone of the rabbit. It may be surprising for some to learn that Korea is a very mountainous country, and that there are a number of very popular ski resorts throughout the country (south, of course).



What is the most southern point in Korea?

Korean Geography (jooonkim)


Marado (island). Marado is the most southern point in Korea (33N 06' 40"). Jeju is near but not the southern most, Uleung is east and Ddangkkeut Maeul is the most southern point on the mainland



What is the most popular sport in Korea?

Korean Kulture (exit10)


T'aekwondo. T'aekwondo has a national membership of over 3.5 million and the World Federation is located in Seoul. It became a fully recognised sport at the 2000 Olympic Games. Ssirum is a form of wrestling that has been popular in Korea since the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC - 668 AD). In most contests the winner receives a large bull.

• What is the capital of North Korea? ( goto )



• In Korea, what is known as the Hangul? ( goto )



• Who is the new president of South Korea? ( goto )



• Where will South Korea's capital be relocated to in 2007? ( goto )



• What is the name of South Korea's news agency? ( goto )



• Providing the relevant dates for each, which country was declared a Republic first - North Korea or South Korea? ( goto )



• What does it mean when we read in the newspapers that 'Technically, South Korea is at war with North Korea'? ( goto )



• What is the international licence plate code for North Korea? ( goto )



• In which year was the first ever football match held in korea (1882, 1892,1884,1984) ? ( goto )



• Who was the only actor in M*A*S*H to have actually served in Korea? ( goto )



• Palau, as well as South Korea, are planning to move their capital. Where to, though? ( goto )



• Is it true that Korea has the nickname called "Land of the Morning Calm" and if so then why? ( goto )



• Kim Ung-Yong of Seoul, South Korea has the highest I.Q., how high is it? ( goto )



• Which parallel divides Canada from the US, and which parallel divides North from South Korea? ( goto )



• A former US soldier who Washington says deserted to North Korea has been reunited with the Japanese woman he met and married after she was abducted to the reclusive Stalinist state. In what year did the soldier desert North Korea? ( goto )



• If you were lucky enough to go to that wonderful country North Korea, what would be the first place that you would visit? ( goto )



• A couple of months ago I saw on Wikipedia that the capital of South Korea is no longer Seoul and that they are relocating the capital to another city. Is it true? ( goto )



• In South Korea’s opening game in the 2006 World Cup, there were five players, almost 50% of the team, with the same surname Lee. Is this a record for any sport? ( goto )



• How did India become capable of developing its nuclear warhead named 'Agni' despite the fact that it is a poor country? Likewise with North Korea? ( goto )



• Which famous "capitalistic" board game, first released in the 1930s, was considered illegal by the Russian and Chinese communists during the Cold War era and is still outlawed by North Korea and Cuba? ( goto )



• May I know why the west coast of Korea has large tidal ranges, above 10 meters, while the east coast is significantly different with only small tidal ranges of 0.3m at most? ( goto )