Are you interested in learning Korean language? If so, you might be interested in the country as well. The Republic of Korea is the official name of the country and is commonly known as "Korea" or "South Korea". Let's learn basic information about the Republic of Korea before learning the Korean language.
Location
The Republic of Korea is located in East Asia on the Korean Peninsula, which means the total area of the Peninsula includes both South and North Korea. The size of the Korean Peninsula is larger than Cambodia but smaller than Japan. The Korean Peninsula is bordered by the Yellow Sea in the west (close to China), the East Sea in the east, and the South Sea in the south (close to Japan).
National Flag
The national flag of the Republic of Korea is called "Taegeukgi (태극기)". It is interesting to know the symbols of the national flag. As you see the national flag below, the black bars, background, and patterns at the center have a unique meaning.
Patterns at the center: a harmony between Yin (blue) and Yang (red)
*It embodies the truth that all things in the universe are created and exist through interaction between Yin and Yang.
4 black bars: a harmony with the Yin & Yang
Geon(건): Heaven
Gon(곤): Earth
Gam(감): Water
Li(리): Fire
White background: brightness and pureness
*It represents the Korean ethnicity that loves peace traditionally.
National Flower
The national flower of the Republic of Korea is called "Mugunghwa (무궁화)." The meaning of the flower is "a flower that blooms forever and never falls for eternity." The Mugunghwa has been a meaningful flower for Korean people throughout Korean history. The love of the Mugunghwa continued even during Japanese colonization, so it became the national flower after emancipation.
Academic Name: Hibiscus syriacus L./Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althaea
Characteristics: The Mugunghwa blooms from July to October. It grows well even when it is transplanted or cut. It is also resistant to pollution. This shows Korean people's diligence and perseverance well.
Local Administrative Districts
The Republic of Korea is divided into 17 local administrative districts as below.
Special City (특별시)
1. Seoul Special City (서울특별시)
Metropolitan Cities (광역시)
2. Incheon Metropolitan City (인천광역시)
3. Daejeon Metropolitan City (대전광역시)
4. Daegu Metropolitan City (대구광역시)
5. Ulsan Metropolitan City (울산광역시)
6. Busan Metropolitan City (부산광역시)
7. Gwangju Metropolitan City (광주광역시)
Special Self-Governing City (특별자치시)
8. Sejong Special Self-Governing City (세종특별자치시)
Provinces (도)
1. Gyeonggi-do (경기도)
2. Gangwon-do (강원도)
3. Chungcheongbuk-do (충청북도)
4. Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도)
5. Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도)
6. Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도)
7. Jeollabuk-do (전라북도)
8. Jeollanam-do (전라남도)
Special Self-Governing District (특별자치도)
1. Jeju Special Self-Governing District (제주특별자치도)
