Culture

Population

The population of South Korea is 50,219,669 people, relatively small compared to the US population of 316,676,000.  This number is deceiving while the US has a population over six times larger the population density is much higher.  Compared to the US, South Korea is only 1.01% the size; Colorado is over twice as large making up being 2.74% of the USs land area.  South Koreas total area is 100,219 km^2 and with a population of 50 million it gives them a population density of 501.14 people per km^2.  If the US had that kind of population density, its population would be 4,924,539,909.5 people (4.9 BILLION people, thats 68.9% of the worlds current population.)

In recent years the Korean people have made a move from rural to urban living; much like the US.  83.2% of the population live in vast cities fitted into the valleys between mountains. The major cities are Seoul (10.58 million), Busan (3.62 million), Deagu (2.46 million) Daejeon (1.44 million), & Gwangju (1.41 million) 

The grey in this photo is dense urban population while the dark green is mountain peaks to steep to build on.
Photo stolen from Google earth.

Agriculture

While Korean may be know for its BBQ its main diet consists of rice vegetables and if there is any meat it is usually fish.  Koreans grow all of their own vegetables, carrots, garlic, onions, radishes, mushrooms, and many more. Due to the climate they are grown in large greenhouses that cover vast areas.

Rows and Rows of greenhouses, each one about 300ft long.
Picture Stolen from Google Earth

One of the main dishes made in Korea is Bibimbop (Be-Bim-Bop), It is a medley of fresh vegetables over a bed of steamed rice topped with some spicy bean paste (nom) and a raw egg (that is cooked by the heat of the rice and vegetables.

Bibimbop; funny name, tasty meal.
Picture stolen form http://isys100group7.wikispaces.com/Korea+-+Bibimbap 

Korea does raise its own meats, chicken, pigs, a few cows... dog (really, dog, wtf).  Meats are considered a delicacy and a beef or pork dinner is an event.  The food is cooked by you at the table and there are so many plates of sides and seasonings its hard to eat.

Dinner at Weekend Farm!!!

Industry

   South Korea has a very large industrial center for its size.  Its main forms of industry are shipbuilding and electronics.  STX is the main shipbuilder in South Korea, shipbuilding is possible due to the proximity to major shipping lines and the ample amount of coastal areas.  STX builds not only container ships but also oil platforms, LNG (liquid natural gas) tankers, oil tankers and vehicle carriers.  Unlike in the U.S., industry is not separated from residential areas. 

A ship being built in the shadow of an apartment building.
Yeongdo Island, Busan, South Korea

   South Korea is also known for its Electronic production, Samsung (a manufacturer of  absolutely everything) but most commonly associated with cell phones, tablets and computers. LG a electronics company is based in South Korea and is also know for manufacturing cell phones, televisions and solar panels.  Production is possible in Korea because of its large labor force and proximity to materials necessary for manufacturing.  Electrical devices require many rare metals and materials and production of these is historically a messy process.  Both Samsung and LG have taken steps and implemented policies to reduce the amount of pollution production produces.

Samsungs Display City, a facility built only for the production of LCD displays, from cell phone screens to televisions.
 Picture stolen from http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4139/4762006983_f625cb2466_o.jpg 

Tourism and Cultural Activities

South Korea is not known as a tourist destination even though it has many festivals that showcase it agriculture and geographic histories.  

Wonju Hanji Festival

The Wonju Hanji Festival is a gathering to celebrate the history of a traditional paper making process.  The material used to make this paper is the stem of a Mulberry tree.  The area around Wonju is known for it high quality paper primarily because the soil and the climate produce a very strong bark on the Mulberry that is best for long lasting Hanji.

Busan Jagalchi Festival

The Busan Jagalchi festival celebrates the abundant fishing offered by unique Korean coast.  The coastal waters between Japan and Korea are heavily fished and if flown over during the night the amount of fishing vessels makes it look like a city in the sea.  

One of the many isles in Jagalchi Fish Market.
Photo stolen from http://www.panoramio.com/photo/3308429