AVAR2002

The Korean Peninsula extends southward from the northeast part of the Asian continent between 33 degrees and 43 degrees North Latitude and 124 degrees and 132 degrees East Longitude. The standard meridian of the peninsula is 135 degrees. Local time is nine hours ahead of GMT. The Amnokgang and Dumangang Rivers border both China and Russia to the north, and Japan is just across the East Sea.
Since 1945, as a result of the Cold War tension, the peninsula has been divided at the 38th parallel degrees North Latitude into the Republic of Korea, or South Korea, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, more commonly known as North Korea.

The total area of the peninsula is 222,154 km², which is similar in size to that of the U.K., New Zealand, or Romania. South Korea possesses 99,373 km² or 45% of the total land mass, and North Korea 122,762 km², the remaining 55%. About 70% of the land is

mountainous, with the main concentrations to the north and east. Along the southern and western coasts the mountains descend gradually toward broad coastal plains. Most of the rivers have their tributaries on the north and east sides more than 3,000 and flow into the Yellow and South Seas. Clustered for the most part on the southern coast, islands are of various sizes provide scenery unparalleled throughout the world.

Koreans, like many other Asian peoples, are descendants of the Mongolian Tungus stock. They differ from the neighboring Japanese and Chinese, however, in that Koreans are a homogeneous ethnic group with their own language, culture, and customs.
Korean people are characterized by their generosity, warmth, and kindness, and are renowned as some of the hardest working people in the world.

	The capital city is Seoul, which is the political, cultural, commercial, financial, and educational center of Korea. It is a fascinating city blending the modern story as can be seen in the historic relics of gung Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun). The changes in the seasons can also be experienced in the capital city thanks to the
breathtaking landscape provided by the mountains which surrounded it, most notably Namsan, and the Hangang which can be seen from almost any point in the city.

Recently, Korea has hosted numerous international events including the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988, and the ASEM last year. Today, Seoul has grown into a true cosmopolitan city replete with a variety of modern facilities and world renowned shopping areas such as Namdaemun Market, Dongdaemun Market, Itaewon and Insa-dong. The Seoul City Tour Bus was recently established to allow tourists to visit every nook and cranny of the city. As befitting the Internet age, those who want a jumpstart on their visit can also visit the website www.visitseoul.net and discover all the famous sites, cultural festivals and tour and shopping information.

In Seoul, there are over 300 theaters, art galleries and museums. For those who have never experienced Korean culture the re-enactments of traditional cultural rites such as Changing of the Royal Guard, at royal palaces Reenactment of Joseon Dynasty Civil Servants Exam and Royal Marriage of Emperor King Gojon and Empress Myeongseong are held regularly will be of particular interest. Moreover, traditional cultural performances such as pansori (singing), talchum and madangnori (singing and dancing) can be seen regularly. In addition to the traditional events, the Hangang Fireworks Festival, Seoul Drum Festival and other international cultural events all be held along with sports events such as professional football, baseball and basketball in order to commemorate the 2002 FIFA World Cup™

The infrastructure needed to ensure successful international conferences such as international convention centers, the Korea City Air Terminal, and deluxe is well-established. As a result, the ASEM was held successfully last year and the Metropolis Congress (in 2002) and other international events all be held in Seoul fully establishing it as a city of international conventions.

reference : welcome.seoul.go.kr