1.
Hangul
–
The Korean alphabet, known as Hangul in South Korea and as Chosŏngŭl/Chosŏn Muntcha in North Korea is the alphabet that has been used to write the Korean language since the 15th century. It was created during the Joseon Dynasty in 1443 by King Sejong the Great, in South Korea, Hangul is used primarily to write the Korean language as using Hanja in typical Korean writing had fallen out of common usage during the late 1990s. In its classical and modern forms, the alphabet has 19 consonant and 21 vowel letters, however, instead of being written sequentially like the letters of the Latin alphabet, Hangul letters are grouped into blocks, such as 한 han, each of which transcribes a syllable. That is, although the syllable 한 han may look like a single character, each syllabic block consists of two to six letters, including at least one consonant and one vowel. These blocks are arranged horizontally from left to right or vertically from top to bottom. Each Korean word consists of one or more syllables, hence one or more blocks, of the 11,172 possible Hangul syllables, the most frequent 256 have a cumulative frequency of 88. 2%, with the top 512, it reaches 99. 9%. The modern name Hangul was coined by Ju Sigyeong in 1912, han meant great in archaic Korean, and geul is the native Korean word for script. Taken together, then, the meaning is great script, as the word han had also become one way of indicating Korea as a whole the name could also potentially be interpreted as Korean script. Korean 한글 is pronounced, and in English as /ˈhɑːn. ɡʊl/ or /ˈhɑːŋɡʊl/, when used as an English word, it is often rendered without the diacritics, hangul, and it is often capitalized as Hangul, as it appears in many English dictionaries. Hankul in the Yale romanization, a system recommended for technical linguistic studies, North Koreans call it Chosŏngŭl, after Chosŏn, the North Korean name for Korea. Because of objections to the names Hangeul, Chosŏngŭl, and urigeul by Koreans in China, until the early 20th century, Hangul was denigrated as vulgar by the literate elite, who preferred the traditional hanja writing system. They gave it such names as these, Achimgeul, in the original Hanja, it is rendered as 故智者不終朝而會，愚者可浹旬而學。 Gugmun Eonmun Amgeul. Am is a prefix that signifies a noun is feminine Ahaetgeul or Ahaegeul Hangul was promulgated by Sejong the Great, the Hall of Worthies, a group of scholars who worked with Sejong to develop and refine the new alphabet, is often credited for the work. The project was completed in late December 1443 or January 1444, the publication date of the Hunmin Jeong-eum, October 9, became Hangul Day in South Korea. Its North Korean equivalent, Chosongul Day, is on January 15, various speculations about the creation process were put to rest by the discovery in 1940 of the 1446 Hunmin Jeong-eum Haerye. This document explains the design of the consonant letters according to articulatory phonetics, to assuage this problem, King Sejong created the unique alphabet known as Hangul to promote literacy among the common people. However, it entered popular culture as Sejong had intended, being used especially by women, the late 16th century, however, saw a revival of Hangul, with gasa literature and later sijo flourishing. In the 17th century, Hangul novels became a major genre, by this point spelling had become quite irregular
2.
Hanja
–
Hanja is the Korean name for Chinese characters. Borrowed from Chinese and incorporated into the Korean language with Korean pronunciation, hanja-mal or hanja-eo refers to words that can be written with hanja, and hanmun refers to Classical Chinese writing, although hanja is sometimes used loosely to encompass these other concepts. Because hanja never underwent major reform, they are almost entirely identical to traditional Chinese, only a small number of hanja characters are modified or unique to Korean. By contrast, many of the Chinese characters currently in use in Japan and Mainland China have been simplified, and contain fewer strokes than the corresponding hanja characters. Today, a working knowledge of Chinese characters is still important for anyone who wishes to study older texts. Learning a certain number of hanja is very helpful for understanding the etymology of Sino-Korean words, hanja are not used to write native Korean words, which are always rendered in hangul, and even words of Chinese origin—hanja-eo —are written with the hangul alphabet most of the time. A major motivation for the introduction of Chinese characters into Korea was the spread of Buddhism, the major Chinese text that introduced hanja to Koreans, however, was not a religious text but the Chinese text, Cheonjamun. One way of adapting hanja to write Korean in such systems was to represent native Korean grammatical particles, for example, Gugyeol uses the characters 爲尼 to transcribe the Korean word hăni, in modern Korean, that means does, and so. However, in Chinese, the characters are read as the expression wéi ní. This is an example of Gugyeol words where the radical is read in Korean for its meaning. Hanja was the means of writing Korean until King Sejong the Great promoted the invention of hangul in the 15th century. However, even after the invention of hangul, most Korean scholars continued to write in hanmun and it was not until the 20th century that hangul truly replaced hanja. Officially, hanja has not been used in North Korea since June 1949, additionally, many words borrowed from Chinese have been replaced in the North with native Korean words. However, there are a number of Chinese-borrowed words in widespread usage in the North. The replacement has been less total in South Korea where, although usage has declined over time, some remains in common usage in some contexts. Each hanja is composed of one of 214 radicals plus in most cases one or more additional elements, the vast majority of hanja use the additional elements to indicate the sound of the character, but a few hanja are purely pictographic, and some were formed in other ways. This dual meaning-sound reading of a character is called eumhun, the word or words used to denote the meaning are often—though hardly always—words of native Korean origin, and are sometimes archaic words no longer commonly used. South Korean primary schools abandoned the teaching of hanja in 1971 and it is taught in separate courses in South Korean high schools, separately from the normal Korean-language curriculum
3.
Korean painting
–
Korean painting includes paintings made in Korea or by overseas Koreans on all surfaces. It includes art as old as the petroglyphs through post-modern conceptual art using transient forms of light, calligraphy rarely occurs in oil paintings and is dealt with in the brushwork entry, Korean calligraphy. Like arts of East Asia, beauty of space is important for Korean painting, generally the history of Korean painting is dated to approximately 108 AD, when it first appears as an independent form. Between that time and the paintings and frescoes that appear on the Goguryeo tombs, Korean painters in the post-1945 period have assimilated some of the approaches of the west. Certain European artists with thick impasto technique and foregrounded brushstrokes captured the Korean interest first, and from these have been drawn the tonal palettes of modern Korean artists, yellow ochre, cadmium yellow, Naples yellow, red earth, and sienna. All thickly painted, roughly stroked, and often showing heavily textured canvases or thick pebbled handmade papers, colour theory has been used over formal perspective, and there has yet to be an overlap between painterly art and pop-graphics, since the primary influence on painters is ceramics art. Nimbus colours are not necessarily gold, and may be suggested by lighter colours, faces tend to realism and show humanity and age. Drapery is done with some to great care, the face is generally two-dimensional, the drapery three-dimensional. As in medieval and renaissance art, drapery and faces are done often by two or three artists who specialize in one particular painterly skill. Scholars tend to have the traditional stove-pipe hats, or other rank hats, typically they are at rest in teahouses near mountains or at mountain lodges, or will be pictured with their teachers or mentors. Hunting scenes, familiar throughout the world, are often seen in Korean courtly art. Wild boar, deer, and stags, and Siberian tigers as well were hunted, particularly lethal spears and spear-handled maces were used by horsemen within hunting grounds after archers on the ground led the initial provocation of the animals as beaters. Buddhas tend to have Korean facial features, and are in resting positions. Longevity symbols, Pictures of the ten longevity symbol figure most prominently among folk paintings of this category. The ten longevity symbols, including the sun, clouds, mountains water, bamboo, pine, crane, deer, turtle, tiger, The tiger was among the most popular motifs in Korea folk painting. The mountain spirit and dragon king, The popular mountain spirit, Dangun is the legendary progenitor of the Korean people who is said to have turned into a mountain spirit. The dragon king is depicted as a mighty animal flying amidst the clouds over a sea of high waves. These temple painting are noted for simple compositions and bright colors, the vast majority of ancient folk painting were used for decorative purposes
4.
Changdeokgung
–
Changdeokgung, also known as Changdeokgung Palace or Changdeok Palace, is set within a large park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the Five Grand Palaces built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty, as it is located east of Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeokgung—along with Changgyeonggung—is also referred to as the East Palace. One such element is the fact that the buildings of Changdeokgung blend with the topography of the site instead of imposing themselves upon it. It, like the other Five Grand Palaces in Seoul, was damaged during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Currently, only about 30% of the structures survive. Changdeokgung was the palace after Gyeongbokgung which had been established in 1395 as a primary palace. In the midst of strife for the throne between princes and vassals, authority of Gyeongbokgung was deteriorated, construction of Changdeok Palace began in 1405, and was completed in 1412. King Seonjo expanded the grounds by about 500,000 square meters. The Palace was burnt to the ground during the Japanese invasion in 1592 and reconstructed in 1609 by King Seonjo, the palace burnt back down in 1623 because of King Injo a political Revolt against Gwanghaegun. The palace was attacked by the Manchu Qing but throughout its history of reconstruction. Changdeokgung was the site of the court and the seat of government until 1868. Koreas last Emperor, Sunjong lived here until his death in 1926, today there are 13 buildings remaining on the palace grounds and 28 pavilions in the gardens, occupying 110 acres in all and the area is designated as Historical Site No.122. Buildings of note include Donhwamun, Injeongjeon, Seongjeongjeon, Huijeongdang, Daejojeon, the Palace chosen to worldwide travel expert evaluation and reader preferences is registered the worlds 500 attractions in research. The palace was built between Peak Maebong of Mt. Bugaksan in the back and River Geumcheon having flowing in the front influenced by the principle baesanimsu in Feng Shui theory. Contrary to Gyeongbokgung whose main buildings are arranged in accurate architectural principle, however, though its structure seems chaotic at a glance, all buildings are in harmony with the environment surrounding them. Changdeokgung consists of governmental area centering on Injeongjeon and Seonjeongjeon, royal private area, Nakseonjae area in the east, kings houses like Seonjeongjeon, Huijeongdang, and Nakseonjae are surrounded in many folds of buildings and courts in case any outsider break through. The architectural style of Changdeokgung overall features simplicity and frugality because of Confucian ideology, structures of particular interest include, Donhwamun Gate – The main palace gate. Built in 1412, Donhwamun has a two-story pavilion-type wooden structure, Donhwamun was burned down during the Japanese invasion of 1592 and was restored in 1608
5.
Changgyeonggung
–
Changgyeong Palace is a palace located in Seoul, South Korea. The palace was built in the century by King Sejong for his father. It was originally named Suganggung, but it was renovated and enlarged in 1483 by King Seongjong, many structures were destroyed during Japans multiple late 16th century attempts to conquer Korea and invade China. During the Japanese colonial period, the Japanese built a zoo, botanical garden, after independence in 1945 and the turmoil and destruction of the 1950-53 Korean War, the zoo was restocked through donations of wealthy Korean and gifts from foreign zoos. In 1983 the zoo and botanical garden were relocated to what is known as Seoul Land. Today its main points of interest are as follows, Honghwamun - The palaces main gate faces eastward like the part of the palace. First built in 1484, it burned down during the Japanese invasion of 1592 and was rebuilt in 1616, a ball pavilion was built on either side of this two-tiered wooden gate. As you pass through the gate, Okcheongjo Bridge comes into view, between the arches under the bridges parapet are carved goblins that are intended to ward off evil spirits. Okcheongjo Bridge was built approximately 500 years ago and serves as an entry to the courtyard. Honghwamun is designated as National Treasure 384, okcheongyo - The bridge was built in 1483. It is 9.9 meters long by 6.6 meters wide, between the arches under the bridges parapet are carved goblins that are intended to ward off evil spirits. Okcheongjo Bridge serves as an entry to the courtyard. Okcheongyo Bridge is designated as National Treasure 386, Myeongjeongjeon - Myeongjeongjeon is the main hall of the palace, where state affairs such as meetings with officials and royal banquets were held. First built in 1484, it was burned down during the Japanese invasion of 1592, rebuilt in 1616, it is the oldest main hall of all the palaces in Seoul. It is smaller than the main halls of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung because it was originally built as living quarters, especially for dowager queens. Although it is a simple, one-story structure, Myeongjeongjeon was built on a stone yard that imbued it with the dignity of a main hall. Running through the courtyard in front is a three-level walkway whose center path was for the kings use only, surrounding the entire area is a wall-like structure of single-room units which were used by the royal guards or for royal funerals. Myeongjeongjeon is designated as National Treasure 226, Munjeongjeon - Munjeongjeon is a council hall where the king dealt with routine state affairs
6.
Joseon
–
The Kingdom of Joseon was a Korean kingdom founded by Yi Seonggye that lasted for approximately five centuries, from July 1392 to October 1897. It was officially renamed the Korean Empire in October 1897 and it was founded following the aftermath of the overthrow of Goryeo in what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul, the kingdoms northernmost borders were expanded to the natural boundaries at the Yalu and Tumen Rivers through the subjugation of the Jurchens. Joseon was the last dynasty of Korea and its longest-ruling Confucian dynasty, during its reign, Joseon encouraged the entrenchment of Chinese Confucian ideals and doctrines in Korean society. Neo-Confucianism was installed as the new state ideology. Buddhism was accordingly discouraged and occasionally faced persecutions by the dynasty, Joseon consolidated its effective rule over the territory of current Korea and saw the height of classical Korean culture, trade, science, literature, and technology. After the end of invasions from Manchuria, Joseon experienced a nearly 200-year period of peace, by the late 14th century, the nearly 500-year-old Goryeo established in 918 was tottering, its foundations collapsing from years of war and de facto occupation from the disintegrating Mongol Empire. Following the emergence of the Ming dynasty, the court in Goryeo split into two conflicting factions, the group led by General Yi and the camp led by General Choe. Goryeo claimed to be the successor of the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo, as such, Yi was chosen to lead the attack, however, he revolted and swept back to Gaegyeong and initiated a coup détat, overthrowing King U in favor of his son, Chang of Goryeo. He later killed King U and his son after a failed restoration, in 1392, Yi eliminated Jeong Mong-ju, highly respected leader of a group loyal to Goryeo dynasty, and dethroned King Gongyang, exiling him to Wonju, and before he ascended the throne. The Goryeo Dynasty had come to an end after almost 500 years of rule. After much deliberation, the Taejo Emperor declared the name of the new dynasty to be Joseon, after the ancient Korean state of Gojoseon and he also moved the capital to Hanyang from Kaesong. When the new dynasty was promulgated and officially brought into existence, with Taejos support, Jeong Dojeon kept limiting the royal familys power by prohibiting political involvement of princes and attempting to abolish their private armies. Both sides were aware of each others great animosity and were getting ready to strike first. This incident became known as the First Strife of Princes, one of King Jeongjongs first acts as monarch was to revert the capital to Kaesong, where he is believed to have been considerably more comfortable, away from the toxic power strife. Yet Yi Bangwon retained real power and was soon in conflict with his older brother. Yi Banggan, who yearned for power. In 1400, the tensions between Yi Bangwons faction and Yi Banggans camp escalated into a conflict that came to be known as the Second Strife of Princes
7.
Gyeongbokgung
–
Gyeongbokgung, also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace, was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395, it is located in northern Seoul, South Korea, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung served as the home of Kings of the Joseon dynasty, the Kings households, as well as the government of Joseon. Gyeongbokgung continued to serve as the palace of the Joseon dynasty until the premises were destroyed by fire during the Imjin War. However, in the 19th century, all of the palaces 7,700 rooms were restored under the leadership of Prince Regent Heungseon during the reign of King Gojong. Some 500 buildings were restored on a site of over 40 hectares, the architectural principles of ancient Korea were incorporated into the tradition and appearance of the Joseon royal court. In the early 20th century, much of the palace was destroyed by Imperial Japan. Since then, the palace complex is gradually being reconstructed to its original form. Today, the palace is arguably regarded as being the most beautiful and it also houses the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum within the premises of the complex. Gyeongbokgung was built three years after the Joseon dynasty was founded and it served as its main palace. With Mount Bugak as a backdrop and the Street of Six Ministries outside Gwanghwamun Gate and it was steadily expanded before being reduced to ashes during the Japanese invasion of 1592. For the next 273 years the grounds were left derelict until being rebuilt in 1867 under the leadership of Regent Heungseon Daewongun. The restoration was completed on a scale, with 330 buildings crowded together in a labyrinthine configuration. Within the palace walls were the Outer Court, offices for the king and state officials, and the Inner Court, within its extensive precincts were other palaces, large and small, including Junggung and Donggung. Owing to its status as the symbol of sovereignty, Gyeongbokgung was demolished during the Japanese occupation of the early 20th century. In 1911, ownership of land at the palace was transferred to the Japanese Governor-General, in 1915, on the pretext of holding an exhibition, more than 90% of the buildings were torn down. Following the exhibition the Japanese leveled whatever still remained and built their colonial headquarters, restoration efforts have been ongoing since 1990. The Government-General Building was removed in 1996 and Heungnyemun Gate and Gwanghwamun Gate were reconstructed in their original locations, reconstructions of the Inner Court and Crown Prince’s residence have also been complex. Afterwards, the palace was expanded during the reign of King Taejong and King Sejong the Great
8.
Bird's-eye view
–
A birds-eye view is an elevated view of an object from above, with a perspective as though the observer were a bird, often used in the making of blueprints, floor plans and maps. It can be a photograph, but also a drawing. Before manned flight was common, the birds eye was used to distinguish views drawn from direct observation at high locations. Birds eye views as a genre have existed since classical times, the last great flourishing of them was in the mid-to-late 19th century, when birds eye view prints were popular in the United States and Europe. The terms aerial view and aerial viewpoint are also sometimes used synonymous with birds-eye view, the term aerial view can refer to any view from a great height, even at a wide angle, as for example when looking sideways from an airplane window or from a mountain top. Overhead view is fairly synonymous with birds-eye view but tends to imply a less lofty vantage point than the latter term, for example, in computer and video games, an overhead view of a character or situation often places the vantage point only a few feet above human height. Recent technological and networking developments have made satellite images more accessible, microsoft Bing Maps offers direct overhead satellite photos of the entire planet but also offers a feature named Birds eye view in some locations. The Birds Eye photos are angled at 40 degrees rather than being straight down, satellite imaging programs and photos have been described as offering a viewer the opportunity to fly over and observe the world from this specific angle. In filmmaking and video production, a birds-eye shot refers to a shot looking directly down on the subject, the perspective is very foreshortened, making the subject appear short and squat. This shot can be used to give an overall establishing shot of a scene and these shots are normally used for battle scenes or establishing where the character is. It is shot by lifting the camera up by hands or by hanging it off something strong enough to support it, when a scene needs a large area shot, it is a crane shot. A distinction is drawn between a birds-eye view and a birds-flight view, or view-plan in isometrical projection. The technique was popular among local surveyors and cartographers of the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries
