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People
The Korean nation is a homogenous nation developed in the Korean
Peninsula from the emergence of human beings. Koreans established
states about 5,000 years ago and developed as a dignified nation.
Koreans are courteous, gentle, honest and strong-willed. They value
honours with firm and lofty spirit.
Language
Koreans use the only spoken and written language. From the 15th
century Koreans have used this language. At that time the Korean
Script was set down by the name of Hunminjongum with 28 letters
of 17 consonants and 11 vowels.
The present script has 40 letters with 19 consonants and 21 vowels.
The Korean language is easy to learn. It has distinct modulation
and beautiful sounds. It affords a wide choice of words and scope
of elegant expressions.
Religion
Korea's traditional religions are Buddhism and Shamanism. Christian
missionaries arrived as early as the 16th century but it was not
until the 19th century that they founded schools, hospitals, and
other modern institutions throughout Korea.
Major centers of 19th century missionary activity included Seoul
and Pyongyang, and there was a relatively large Christian population
in the north before 1945. Although religious groups exist in North
Korea, most available evidence suggests that the government severely
restricts religious activity.
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