Ever since ancient times, this country has acted as a cultural bridge between countries. This country is Korea, where the 21st century hub of Asia is located. Korea is becoming famous for its music, food, and traditional culture. However, there is more to Korea such as a King who created an alphabet for his people and an admiral who conquered numerous battles for his country.
Have you heard of this country?
For 5000 years of history Korea has created many remarkable cultural assets and heroes. However, such legacies are not well known outside of the Korean peninsula. Before watching this video here is an introduction of some of the legacies you can find in Korea.
1. Changdeokgung Palace
The palace is inherent majesty in harmony with nature. The palace was built close to the residences of the common people to reduce the distance between the king and the people. It was also designated as a World Cultural Heritage by the World Heritage Committee on December of 1997. This country pursued social unity and harmony between architecture and nature.
2. Admiral Yi Sun-sin (1545-1598)
Admiral Yi Sun-sin was a naval commander who is considered one of the greatest leaders in world naval history. Yi Sun-sin was never defeated in all his battles during the war. During the Hansando battle, Yi used an innovative tactic called Hakikjin (crane wing formation). He also used the Geobukseon (turtle ship), the world’s first ironclad vessel. Admiral Yi Sun-sin was a brilliant strategist, who used innovative tactics and technologies. After his heroic death, he gained fame of Korea’s greatest national hero. To this day people still admire Yi Sun-sin for his accomplishments.
3. King Sejong (1397-1450)
Over 500 years after his death, one king is still greatly respected by his descendants. One of the greatest legacies was the invention of the Korean alphabet, Hangeul. King Sejong sympathized with the illiterate common people so he invented an alphabet specifically for the common people. King Sejong was a leader who truly cared about the people, regardless of their status. He not only created an alphabet for the common people, during the time he was king Korea’s science developed increasingly. King Sejong’s legacy is still deeply ingrained in the life of Koreans.
4. Queen Seondeok
Queen Seondeok, was the first queen in this country’s 5000 years of history. When she took the throne in 632, Silla was the weakest of the three kingdoms. Despite challenges she faced, Queen Seondeok took care of the people and assigned talented people to proper positions. Queen Seondeok laid the foundation for the unification of the three kingdoms.
5. Goryeo Celadon
Goryeo Celadon has received much praise for being the best for its creativity and color. Goryeo applied Egypt’s inlay technique to decorate porcelain for the first time in the world. It created an innovative decorative technique for porcelain. Fusion of Egypt’s inlay technique and China’s ceramic forming technique. Korea’s Goryeo Celadon is estimated to be a major Korean relic of the blended cultures of the East and the West because it accepted Chinese ceramics’ culture to develop it into a unique product.
6. Jikji
Inscription of Jikji on the UNESCO Memory of the World registers in 2001. Jikji was printed 78 years earlier than the 42-line Bible. The metal type printing technology of this country largely influenced Japan and other Asian countries. This country has become a leading country in information technology by following the spirit of their ancestors, who created the best invention of all time, moveable metal type printing.
7. Korean diet
The Korean diet is as healthy as the Mediterranean. In Korea, food is the same as medicine. Food and medicine come from the same sources. Korean diet prioritizes health benefits. Generally, Korean cooking keeps the original flavors of each ingredient. Korean food is also receiving increasing attention as diet food in Australia, America, and many other countries.
Bibimbap is the harmony of five colors, indicated in the philosophy of yin, yang, and the five elements – white, yellow, red, blue, and black. Bibimbap reflects the philosophy of this country.
Kimchi, selected as one of the world’s top five healthiest foods by US Health Magazine.