KOREA Impossible to Possible 2008.pdf

KOREA

Impossible to Possible

2008 Edition

Published by

Korean Culture and Information Service

Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

15, Hyojaro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Telephone: 82-2-398-1910-9

Fax: 82-2-398-1882

Printed in Seoul

ISBN 978-89-7375-043-6 03340

Korean Government Publication Number

11-1371030-000015-01

For further information about Korea,

please visit: www.korea.net

KOREA

Impossible to Possible

FOREWORD

The history of human beings has been based on different people's

encounters and conversations. Exchanges between different people enriched

cultures and developed civilization worldwide. Korea has long cultivated rich and

peaceful relations with other countries, awarding itself the nickname the Land of

the Morning Calm.

The early 20th century, however, shattered the peaceful culture of Korea.

Japan's imperialist occupation of the Korean peninsula tortured our people and

left wounds on our history. Even after Korea s liberation in 1945, the country s

recovery process from the destruction of its culture and institutions was long

and painful. Still worse, only five years after liberation from Japan, the country

suffered the heartbreak of the Korean War, which left the peninsula divided into

north and south. The state of war persists even through today.

In the ashes of the war, Korea completely recreated itself to overcome its

tortured history. The nation ran forward, through political whirlwinds and

economic slumps. The unprecedented miracle of the Han River led to economic

development and industrialization. Many Korean people sacrificed their lives to

usher in an era of democracy.

In the 21st century, Korean people have been charged with the mission to

continue to move ahead. Our neighbors ask us to contribute to world peace and

prosperity through dialogue and exchange. Korea's development is largely