1.
Geographic coordinate system
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A geographic coordinate system is a coordinate system used in geography that enables every location on Earth to be specified by a set of numbers, letters or symbols. The coordinates are chosen such that one of the numbers represents a vertical position. A common choice of coordinates is latitude, longitude and elevation, to specify a location on a two-dimensional map requires a map projection. The invention of a coordinate system is generally credited to Eratosthenes of Cyrene. Ptolemy credited him with the adoption of longitude and latitude. Ptolemys 2nd-century Geography used the prime meridian but measured latitude from the equator instead. Mathematical cartography resumed in Europe following Maximus Planudes recovery of Ptolemys text a little before 1300, in 1884, the United States hosted the International Meridian Conference, attended by representatives from twenty-five nations. Twenty-two of them agreed to adopt the longitude of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, the Dominican Republic voted against the motion, while France and Brazil abstained. France adopted Greenwich Mean Time in place of local determinations by the Paris Observatory in 1911, the latitude of a point on Earths surface is the angle between the equatorial plane and the straight line that passes through that point and through the center of the Earth. Lines joining points of the same latitude trace circles on the surface of Earth called parallels, as they are parallel to the equator, the north pole is 90° N, the south pole is 90° S. The 0° parallel of latitude is designated the equator, the plane of all geographic coordinate systems. The equator divides the globe into Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the longitude of a point on Earths surface is the angle east or west of a reference meridian to another meridian that passes through that point. All meridians are halves of great ellipses, which converge at the north and south poles, the prime meridian determines the proper Eastern and Western Hemispheres, although maps often divide these hemispheres further west in order to keep the Old World on a single side. The antipodal meridian of Greenwich is both 180°W and 180°E, the combination of these two components specifies the position of any location on the surface of Earth, without consideration of altitude or depth. The grid formed by lines of latitude and longitude is known as a graticule, the origin/zero point of this system is located in the Gulf of Guinea about 625 km south of Tema, Ghana. To completely specify a location of a feature on, in, or above Earth. Earth is not a sphere, but a shape approximating a biaxial ellipsoid. It is nearly spherical, but has an equatorial bulge making the radius at the equator about 0. 3% larger than the radius measured through the poles, the shorter axis approximately coincides with the axis of rotation
2.
Hangul
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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
3.
Hanja
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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
4.
The Eight Gates of Seoul
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The Eight Gates of Seoul are eight historical gates that were located in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea, which surrounded the city in the Joseon Dynasty. Six of these gates exist today, all eight gates were originally built between 1396 and 1398. The Eight Gates were based roughly in the four cardinal and four intermediate directions of the compass. Of the eight gates, the North, South, East, and West were known as the “Four Great Gates”, while the Northwest, Northeast, Southeast, of the eight gates, two no longer exist. Memorials are currently placed roughly where the West and Southwest gates once stood, there has been discussion and announcements about rebuilding the West Gate, but no construction has yet been undertaken for this gate. On February 10,2008, the South Gate was severely damaged in a set by an arsonist. The gate was rebuilt five years, and reopened to the public on May 4,2013. This gate has the designation of National Treasure No.1 of South Korea, of the eight gates, the South and East gates are the largest, and both are located in busy market areas. The eight gates have had various names over the centuries, the charts below give the most common names for the gates. Official names and spellings are taken from signage currently found at, note that Hanja is read right-to-left at times, and left-to right at other times. Thus, the character for gate may appear either on the left or right side of actual signboards, list of gates in Korea Heunginjimun, http, //www. exploringkorea. com/heunginjimun-gate/ Retrieved 2012. 06-16
5.
Fortress Wall of Seoul
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The Hanyangdoseong, or literally the Seoul City Wall is a series of walls made of stone, wood and other materials, built to protect the city of Seoul against invaders. The wall was first built in 1396 to defend and show the boundaries of the city, at that time, it was called Hansung. The wall stretches 18.6 km along the ridge of Seouls four inner mountains, Baegaksan, Naksan, Namsan, and Inwangsan. At present, a 12-km section of the wall is designated as Historic Site No.10 and is protected accordingly, along with the gates, water gates, and signal fire mounds. Certain sections of the walls have undergone restoration work, having sustained damage or been entirely destroyed in the city’s past. In 1395, just five years after King Taejo founded the Joseon Dynasty and he ordered Jeong Do-jeon to search for and measure a site. On January 1,1396, Taejo of Joseon held the groundbreaking ceremony,197,400 young men were placed under requisition over two years and completed building the castle 98 days after the war along the mountains Bugaksan, Naksan, Namsan, and Inwangsan. The wall contained eight gates, all of which were constructed between 1396 and 1398. The original walls, built in the late 14th century were constructed of medium-sized round stones held together by mud, a major restoration in 1704 by King Sukjong rebuilt sections of the wall using large, uniform stone slabs which mark the final and last unique characteristic of Hanyangdoseong. The eastern section of Seoul was on lower ground than the sections and was more susceptible to external attack. Thus, a lookout was added to the outside of the gate to reinforce its defense, a part of the walls in the section between Heunginjimun and Gwanghuimun was extended outside in a rectangular shape for such a purpose. Signal fire mounds, another component of the system, were first established in 1394. Signals sent across the country from one mound to another, using smoke by day and fire at night, were received by the beacon at the top of Namsan, four main gates and four auxiliary gates were built around Seoul in the late 14th century. The four main gates were Heunginjimun, Donuimun, Sungnyemun, the four auxiliary gates were placed in areas between the four main gates, with Souimun, Changuimun, Hyehwamun, and Gwanghuimun. At present, the gates are either preserved in their original form or have undergone restoration work, Sungnyemun and Heunginjimun are designated as National Treasure No.1. Hanyangdoseong, completed in 30 years, was torn down in parts due to city planning initiatives. However, significant sections of the wall remain, the best-preserved and well-known course is the Wall of Mt. Bukaksan, the 2. 3-kilometer trail which cuts through Sukjeongmun to Changuimun. Previously off-limits to the public after having been designated as a Military Reserve area due to its proximity to Cheongwadae
6.
Seoul
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The Seoul Capital Area houses up to half of the countrys population of 50.22 million people with 678,102 international residents. Situated on the Han River, Seouls history stretches back more than two years when it was founded in 18 BCE by Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. It continued as the capital of Korea under the Joseon Dynasty, the Seoul Capital Area contains five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. Seoul is surrounded by mountains, the tallest being Mt. Bukhan, in 2015, it was rated Asias most livable city with the second highest quality of life globally by Arcadis. In 2014, the citys GDP per capita of $39,786 was comparable to that of France and Finland. Ranked sixth in the Global Power City Index and Global Financial Centres Index, Seoul is the worlds most wired city and ranked first in technology readiness by PwCs Cities of Opportunity report. It is served by the KTX high-speed rail and the Seoul Subway, providing 4G LTE, WiFi, Seoul is connected via AREX to Incheon International Airport, rated the worlds best airport nine years in a row by Airports Council International. Lotte World Tower, a 556-metre supertall skyscraper with 123 floors, has built in Seoul and become the OECDs tallest in 2016. Its Lotte Cinema houses the worlds largest cinema screen, Seouls COEX Mall is the worlds largest underground shopping mall. Seoul hosted the 1986 Asian Games,1988 Summer Olympics,2002 FIFA World Cup, the Miss Universe 1980 pageant, a UNESCO City of Design, Seoul was named the 2010 World Design Capital. The city has known in the past by the names Wirye-seong, Hanju. During Japans annexation in Korea, Hanseong was renamed to Keijō by the Imperial authorities to prevent confusion with the hanja 漢, in reality, the ancient name of Seoul, Hanseong, originally had the meaning of big or vast. Its current name originated from the Korean word meaning city, which is believed to be derived from the word Seorabeol, which originally referred to Gyeongju. Unlike most place names in Korea, Seoul has no corresponding hanja, on January 18,2005, Seoul government officially changed its official Chinese language name to Shouer from the historic Hancheng, of which use is becoming less common. Settlement of the Han River area, where present-day Seoul is located, Seoul is first recorded as Wiryeseong, the capital of Baekje in the northeastern Seoul area. There are several city walls remaining in the area date from this time. Pungnaptoseong, a wall just outside Seoul, is widely believed to have been at the main Wiryeseong site. As the Three Kingdoms competed for this region, control passed from Baekje to Goguryeo in the 5th century
7.
South Korea
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South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a sovereign state in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. The earliest Korean pottery dates to 8000 BC, with three kingdoms flourishing in the 1st century BC and its rich and vibrant culture left 19 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity, the third largest in the world, along with 12 World Heritage Sites. Annexed into Imperial Japan in 1910, Korea was divided after its surrender in 1945, peace has since mostly continued with the two agreeing to work peacefully for reunification and the South solidifying peace as a regional power with the worlds 10th largest defence budget. South Koreas tiger economy soared at an average of 10% for over 30 years in a period of rapid transformation called the Miracle on the Han River. A long legacy of openness and focus on innovation made it successful, today, it is the worlds fifth largest exporter with the G20s largest budget surplus and highest credit rating of any country in East Asia. It has free trade agreements with 75% of the economy and is the only G20 nation trading freely with China, the US. Since 1988, its constitution guarantees a liberal democracy with high government transparency, high personal freedoms led to the rise of a globally influential pop culture such as K-pop and K-drama, a phenomenon called the Korean Wave, known for its distinctive fashionable and trendy style. Home of the UN Green Climate Fund and GGGI, South Korea is a leader in low carbon growth, committed to helping developing countries as a major DAC. It is the third least ignorant country in the Index of Ignorance, ranking eighth highest for peaceful tolerance. It is the worlds largest spender on R&D per GDP, leading the OECD in graduates in science, the name Korea derives from the name Goryeo. The name Goryeo itself was first used by the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo in the 5th century as a form of its name. The 10th-century kingdom of Goryeo succeeded Goguryeo, and thus inherited its name, the modern spelling of Korea first appeared in the late 17th century in the travel writings of the Dutch East India Companys Hendrick Hamel. After Goryeo was replaced by Joseon in 1392, Joseon became the name for the entire territory. The new official name has its origin in the ancient country of Gojoseon, in 1897, the Joseon dynasty changed the official name of the country from Joseon to Daehan Jeguk. The name Daehan, which means great Han literally, derives from Samhan, however, the name Joseon was still widely used by Koreans to refer to their country, though it was no longer the official name. Under Japanese rule, the two names Han and Joseon coexisted, there were several groups who fought for independence, the most notable being the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. Following the surrender of Japan, in 1945, the Republic of Korea was adopted as the name for the new country. Since the government only controlled the part of the Korean Peninsula
8.
Joseon
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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
9.
Jung District, Seoul
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Jung District, literally meaning Central District, is one of the 25 gu which make up the city of Seoul, South Korea. It is located on the side of the Han River. Located in the heart of Seoul, Jung District is an area with a variety of old, located here is the Gwangtonggwan, the oldest continuously-operating bank building in Korea. It was registered as one of protected monuments on March 5,2001. In addition, together with sites as Myeongdong Cathedral and the Bank of Korea Museum. And Myeongdong is one of the most famous shopping areas in South Korea, Jung District is one of the most significant business cores of Seoul. Major newspapers such as The Chosun Ilbo and JoongAng Ilbo, The Dong-a Ilbo are also based in Jung District, the headquarters of South Korean food company CJ Cheil Jedang is in the CJ Cheiljedang Building in Ssangnim-dong, near the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station. Air France operates an office on the 11th floor of the Korean Air Building in Jung District. Air China has an office on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Hansuang Building in Seosomun-dong in Jung District, all Nippon Airways operates the Seoul Office in Room 1501 on the 15th floor of the Center Building in Sogong-dong, Jung District. Hainan Airlines operates its South Korea office in Suite 1501 of the Samyoung Building in Sogong-dong, MIAT Mongolian Airlines has its Seoul Branch Office in the Soonhwa Building in Sunhwa-dong. In the 1980s Korean Air had its headquarters in Jung District, color, Green Tree, Pine tree Flower, Rose Bird, Korean magpie Jung District is the center of Seoul. Because this, historically it was a place for many scholars who stayed in Seoul to discuss. Han Myeong Hoe, scholar and tactician in the early Joseon Dynasty Park Ji won, namgung Uk, activist for the Korean independence movement The National Human Rights Commission of Korea has its headquarters in the Gumsegi Building in Jung District. The Korean Maritime Safety Tribunal formerly had its headquarters in the S1 Building in Sunhwa-dong, Jung District, the offices of the KMST are now in Sejong City. Jung District, Seoul travel guide from Wikivoyage Jung-gu Official site in English Resident offices and maps of Jung-gu
10.
Seoul Station
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Seoul Station is a major railway station in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The station is served by the Gyeongbu Line, its counterpart and the Gyeongui Line, with frequent high-speed, express. The station is the terminus for the KTX and express services to Busan. The station is served by about a dozen trains per day on the Honam Line and its express Gwangju Station. AREX express trains provide service to Gimpo Airport and Incheon International Airport, Seoul Subway serves the station with Line 1 and Line 4, and an hourly train on the Gyeongui Line. Around 2015, a bus transfer center was built in front of the stations main entrance. It has about nine platforms that services different bus routes in Seoul and it is separated from the main roads with a barrier around the platforms. Yet having a complicated structure with many bus platforms, the transfer center is built in a simple manner as it is not a separate terminal building. The Gyeongbu Line opened in 1905, and the Gyeongui Line opened in 1921 – both lines connecting to the station, the construction of the current Old Seoul Station began on June 1,1922, and was finished on September 30,1925. In 1923, the station reverted to the name Gyeongseong Station, the station was renamed Seoul Station on November 1,1947. The station was expanded throughout the post-Korean War era, the Southern Annex of Seoul station was completed on December 30,1957, in 1975, the Korea National Railroads office moved from Seoul Station to the new West Annex Office. A raised walkway connecting the Seoul Station and the West Annex was completed on 1977, in 2004, a new terminal adjacent to the existing one was completed to coincide with the introduction of KTX high-speed rail service. The Old Seoul Station, originally named Keijo Station and designed by Tsukamoto Yasushi of Tokyo Imperial University, was finished on November 1925 and this red brick building, designed in an eclectic style, features a Byzantine-style central dome and a centralized and symmetrical layout. The floor of the Central Hall on the floor was covered with granite. The wooden floor inside the buildings VIP Lounge was covered with birch wood, on September 25,1981, the old station was designated as Historic Site 284. On the same year, the management was transferred from the Cultural Heritage Administration to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, after the design for former Seoul Stations remodeling was developed in 2009, the remodeling construction began. On April 2,2012, Culture Seoul Station 284 was officially launched as a space for artistic and cultural creation. The official name, which combines the historic, spatial
11.
Seoul Plaza
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Seoul Plaza is a central plaza located in front of Seoul City Hall at Taepyeongno, Jung-gu in Seoul, South Korea. It was reopened on 1 May 2004, by Seoul Metropolitan Government and it is part of the Citys plans for environmentally friendly renovation projects such as the Cheonggye Stream and Gwanghwamun Plaza. The site was originally a square with a 40-year-old fountain that was demolished. Seoul Plaza is elliptical in shape, covering a 3,995 pyeong in total, an underground water tank was installed along with 48 lighting around the grass square. The underground tank stores rain water for use in the sprinklers on the lawn, the plaza has been the site of protests against US beef imports in South Korea. As of 1 June 2011, the Plaza along with Gwanghwamun Plaza are designated as smoke-free zones by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, smokers are fined ₩100,000 in violation. Every winter since 2004, the Plaza has hosted an open air ice-rink from mid-December to February the following year, following which are replaced with green lawn, list of parks in Seoul Seoul City Hall
12.
Namdaemun Market
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Namdaemun Market is a large traditional market in Seoul, South Korea. The market is located next to Namdaemun, the Great South Gate and it is the oldest and largest market in Korea. Namdaemun market dates back to 1414, during the reign of King Taejong, in 1608, King Seonjo set up the office of seonhyecheong in the district to manage the tributes of rice, cloth and money. A trading marketplace took its form around that time and commercial activities flourished as traders set up various shops, trade was active in grains, fish, fruit, and miscellaneous goods. The management of the market went over to the Japanese in 1922, the market, however, turned to ruins during the Korean War and succumbed to fire in 1953. The Seoul Namdaemun Market Co. Ltd. was found in 1954 to rebuild the market, endeavors for reconstruction continued in the following years, but fires swept the market again in 1968 and 1975. The city of Seoul announced plans to renovate the market in 2007, Namdaemun Market is one of the oldest continually running markets in South Korea, and one of the largest retail markets in Seoul. The streets in which the market is located were built in a time when cars were not prevalent, the main methods of transporting goods into and out of the market are by motorcycle and hand-drawn carts. It occupies many city blocks, which are blocked off from most car traffic due to the prevalence of parking congestion in the area. The market can be accessed by subway or bus, the location is within a 10-minute walk from Seoul metropolitan station and is closer to the subway Hoehyeon Station. Much of the market is outside, but there are many stores which line the streets. Many retailers buy their items, particularly clothing, at wholesale prices at Namdaemun, Namdaemun is a popular tourist attraction. The Market is on the Seoul list of Asias 10 greatest street food cities for the hotteok
13.
Pagoda
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Some pagodas are used as Taoist houses of worship. Most pagodas were built to have a function, most commonly Buddhist. In some countries, the term may refer to other religious structures, the modern pagoda is an evolution of the Stupa which originated in Ancient India. Stupas are a structure where sacred relics could be kept safe. The architectural structure of the stupa has spread across Asia, taking on diverse forms as details specific to different regions are incorporated into the overall design. Another proposed etymology is Persian butkada, from but, idol and kada, temple, another etymology, found in many English language dictionaries, is modern English pagoda from Portuguese, from Sanskrit bhavati, feminine of bhagavatt, blessed from bhag, good fortune. The origin of the pagoda can be traced to the stupa, the stupa, a dome shaped monument, was used as a commemorative monument associated with storing sacred relics. In East Asia, the architecture of Chinese towers and Chinese pavilions blended into pagoda architecture, the pagodas original purpose was to house relics and sacred writings. This purpose was popularized due to the efforts of Buddhist missionaries, pilgrims, rulers, and ordinary devotees to seek out, distribute, on the other side, the stupa emerged as a distinctive style of Newari architecture of Nepal and was adopted in Southeast and East Asia. Nepali architect Araniko visited China and shared his skills to build stupa buildings in China and these buildings became prominent as Buddhist monuments used for enshrining sacred relics. Chinese iconography is noticeable in Chinese pagoda as well as other East Asian pagoda architectures, the image of the Shakyamuni Buddha in the abhaya mudra is also noticeable in some Pagodas. Buddhist iconography can be observed throughout the pagoda symbolism, Pagodas attract lightning strikes because of their height. Many pagodas have a decorated finial at the top of the structure, and when made of metal, also Pagodas come in many different sizes, as some may be small and others may be large. Pagodas traditionally have an odd number of levels, an exception being the eighteenth century pagoda folly designed by Sir William Chambers at Kew Gardens in London. The pagodas in Burma, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia are very different from Chinese and Japanese pagodas, Pagodas in those countries are derived from South Indian Dravidian architecture. Tiered towers with eaves, Songyue Pagoda on Mount Song, Henan, China. Miruksa Temple Pagoda at Iksan, Korea, built in the early 7th century, bunhwangsa at Gyeongju, Korea, built in 634. Xumi Pagoda at Zhengding, Hebei, China, built in 636, daqin Pagoda in China, built in 640
14.
National Treasure (South Korea)
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A National Treasure is a tangible treasure, artifact, site, or building which is recognized by the South Korean government as having exceptional artistic, cultural and historical value to the country. Many of the treasures are popular tourist destinations such as Jongmyo royal ancestral shrine, Bulguksa, Seokguram. As of January 2017, there are 320 distinct entries on the list, the treasures are numbered according to the order in which they were designated not according to their individual value. The National Treasures are designated within the heritage preservation system of the country, the first list of Korean cultural treasures was designated by Governor-General of Korea in 1938 during the Japanese occupation with The Act of Treasures of the Joseon dynasty. In 1955, the South Korean government declared as National Treasures the items previously on the Korean Treasures Preservation Order issued during Japans occupation of Korea, the current list dates to December 20,1962, when the Cultural Protection Act was enacted by the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction. There were 116 items on the National Treasures list at that time, numerous amendments have been made to the list since that time, most recently in 2004. Living National Treasure are holders, or keepers of Intangible Cultural Property, Namdaemun, also known as Sungnyemun, Jung District, Seoul. Severely damaged in the 2008 Namdaemun fire on February 10,2008, found in Pubuchong Tomb, Pomun-dong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. A stoneware vessel in the shape of a warrior on horseback, from the Old Silla period, seated iron vairocana Buddha statue of Borimsa temple, Jangheung County 118. Gilt-bronze pensive maitreya bodhisattva, Samsung Museum of Art, Seoul 119, standing gilt-bronze Buddha with inscription of the seventh year of Yeonga era, National Museum of Korea, Seoul 120. Bell of Yongjusa, Yongjusa temple, Hwaseong 121, hahoetal and Byeongsantal masks, Andong 122. Three storied stone pagoda of Jinjeonsa temple site, Yangyang County 123, relics found from the five storied stone pagoda in Wanggung-ri, Iksan, Jeonju National Museum, Jeonju 124. Seated marble bodhisattva statue of Hansongsa temple, National Museum of Korea, green-glazed funeral urn with stone case, National Museum of Korea, Seoul 126. Relics found inside three storied Seokgatap pagoda of Bulguksa temple, Gyeongju 127, standing gilt-bronze avalokitesvara bodhisattva statue of Samyang-dong, National Museum of Korea, Seoul 128. Standing gilt-bronze avalokitesvara bodhisattva statue, Hoam Art Museum, Yongin 129, standing gilt-bronze bodhisattva statue, Leeum Art Museum, Yongin 130. Five storied stone pagoda of Jukjang-dong, Seonsan, Gumi 131, family register of King Taejo, founder of the Joseon Kingdom, National Museum of Korea, Seoul 132. Jingbirok, the war memoirs by Yu Seongryong, Andong 133, porcelain kettle in the shape of a lotus blossom, Hoam Art Museum, Yongin 134. Gilt bodhisattva triad, Hoam Art Museum, Yongin 135, hyewon pungsokdo, thirty-leaf album of genre paintings by Sin Yunbok, Gansong Art Museum, Seoul 136
15.
Taejo of Joseon
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He was posthumously raised to the rank of Emperor in 1899 by Gojong, the Gwangmu Emperor, who had proclaimed the Korean Empire in 1897. The Korean Empire would last merely 11 years until the entire dynastic system ended with the Japanese annexation in 1910, taejos father Yi Ja-chun was a minor Mongol official, but his ethnicity was Korean. Taejos mother Queen Uihye was originally Chinese, Taejo joined the Goryeo army and rose through the ranks, seizing the throne in 1392. He abdicated in 1398 during the strife between his sons and died in 1408, within the kingdom, influential aristocrats, generals, and even prime ministers struggled for royal favor and vied for domination of the court, resulting in deep divisions among various factions. With the rise of the Ming Dynasty under a monk, Zhu Yuanzhang. By the 1350s Goryeo regained its independence from the waning Mongol Empire. He was also credited with routing the Red Turbans when they made their move into the Korean Peninsula as part of their rebellion against the Yuan Dynasty. Instead, he placed on the throne King Us son, King Chang, General Yi, now the undisputed power behind the throne, soon forcibly had a Goryeo royal named Yo, now King Gongyang, crowned as king. After indirectly enforcing his grasp on the court through the puppet king, Yi then proceeded to ally himself with Sinjin aristocrats such as Jeong Do-jeon. In 1392, Yi dethroned King Gongyang, exiled him to Wonju, the Goryeo Dynasty had come to an end after 475 years of rule. Jeong was revered throughout Goryeo, even by Yi Bang-won himself, after the party, on his way home, Jeong was murdered by five men on the Seonjuk Bridge in Gaeseong. This bridge has now become a monument of North Korea. An early achievement of the new monarch was improved relations with China, shortly after his accession, the new monarch sent envoys to inform the Ming court at Nanjing that a dynastic change had taken place. Korean envoys were dispatched to Japan, seeking the re-establishment of amicable relations, the mission was successful, and Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was reported to have been favorably impressed by this initial embassy. Envoys from the Ryūkyū Kingdom were received in 1392,1394 and 1397, siam sent an envoy in 1393. In 1394, the capital was established at Hanseong, when the new dynasty was promulgated and officially brought into existence, Taejo brought up the issue of which son would be his successor. Both sides were aware of the mutual animosity that existed between each other and constantly felt threatened. In 1392, the son of King Taejo, Grand Prince Uian was appointed Prince Royal
16.
2008 Namdaemun fire
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The gate has since been restored, and it reopened to the public on May 5,2013. The fire reportedly broke out at approximately 8,50 p. m. on Sunday, firefighters soon arrived on the scene and started dousing the blaze with water in an attempt to extinguish the fire. According to reports, they had instructed by authorities not to be aggressive in fighting the fire out of fear that the structure would be damaged by the high-pressure water. After midnight, however, the fire suddenly reignited, quickly getting out of control. Despite the efforts of the more than 360 firefighters who were at the scene, the fire did not result in any injuries. Originally, the fire had been suspected to be accidental, however, many witnesses reported seeing someone enter the gate shortly before the fire, and two disposable lighters were found where the fire was believed to have started. Later investigations revealed that the fire was indeed an act of arson, a 69-year-old man, identified as Chae Jong-gi, was taken into police custody on February 12, on the suspicion that it was he who started the fire. Chae confessed to the crime 30 minutes after his arrest, according to police reports, Chae arrived at Namdaemun around 8,35 p. m. carrying an aluminum ladder, three 1. 5-liter bottles of paint thinner, and two cigarette lighters. With the ladder, he climbed the wall of the gate, entered the gate. There, he started the fire by sprinkling the floor with paint thinner, Chae stated that he had started the fire because he was upset about not having been paid in full for land he had sold to developers. Chae had also charged with setting fire to the Changgyeong Palace complex in Seoul in 2006. The reason he targeted Namdaemun was because it was accessible and was only secured by motion sensors. He also considered attacking trains or buses, but decided against it due to the number of casualties this would cause. South Korean newspapers blamed the government for failing to provide more security, the Cultural Heritage Administration of South Korea stated that it would take three years and $21 million to rebuild and restore the historic gate. In 2006,182 pages of blueprints of the gate had been made as a measure against possible damages. President Lee Myung-bak proposed starting a private campaign to finance the restoration of the gate. Many people felt that the government should pay for the restoration because it had failed to protect the structure. Lees transitional committee clarified the president-elects comments by stating that the government would pay for the majority of the restoration, the gate reopened on May 5,2013
17.
Arson
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Arson is a crime of intentionally, deliberately and maliciously setting fire to buildings, wildland areas, abandoned homes, vehicles or other property with the intent to cause damage. It may be distinguished from other such as spontaneous combustion, accidental fires. Arson often involves fires deliberately set to the property of another or to own property in order to collect insurance compensation. A person who commits this crime is called an arsonist, more often than not, arsonists use accelerants to ignite, propel and directionalize fires. It is not required that the defendant acted intentionally or willfully for the purpose of burning a dwelling, burning – at common law charring to any part of dwelling was sufficient to satisfy this element. No significant amount of damage to the dwelling was required, any injury or damage to the structure caused by exposure to heat or flame is sufficient. Of the dwelling – dwelling refers to a place of residence, the destruction of an unoccupied building was not considered arson, since arson protected habitation, the burning of an unoccupied house did not constitute arson. Dwelling includes structures and outbuildings within the curtilage, dwellings were not limited to houses. A barn could be the subject of arson if it was occupied as a dwelling, moreover, for purposes of common law arson, possession or occupancy rather than title determines whose dwelling the structure is. Thus a tenant who sets fire to his house would not be guilty of common law arson. In many states, arson is divided into degrees, depending sometimes on the value of the property but more commonly on its use, first-degree arson – The act in which the arsonist sets fire to an occupied domain or building such as a school. Second-degree arson – The act in which the arsonist sets fire to a building such as an empty barn. Third-degree arson – The act in which the arsonist sets fire to a building or an abandoned area of space such as a field. Many statutes vary the degree of the according to the criminal intent of the accused. In the United States, the common law elements of arson are often varied in different jurisdictions, for example, the element of dwelling is no longer required in most states, and arson occurs by the burning of any real property without consent or with unlawful intent. Arson is prosecuted with attention to degree of severity in the alleged offense, first degree arson generally occurs when persons are harmed or killed in the course of the fire, while second degree arson occurs when significant destruction of property occurs. While usually a felony, arson may also be prosecuted as a misdemeanor, criminal mischief, burglary also occurs, if the arson involved a breaking and entering. A person may be sentenced to death if arson occurred as a method of homicide, as was the case in California of Raymond Lee Oyler, in New York, arson is charged in five degrees
18.
Korea under Japanese rule
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Korea under Japanese rule began with the end of the Joseon dynastic monarchy in Korea in 1910 and ended at the conclusion of World War II in 1945. A major stepping-stone towards Japanese occupation of Korea was the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905, the annexation of Korea by Japan was set up in the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1910, which was never actually signed by the Korean regent, Gojong. Imperial Japanese rule over Korea ended in 1945, when American, Japanese administration of the Korean Peninsula was directed through the General Government. The industrialization of the Korean Peninsula began with the Joseon dynasty while Korea was still independent and it continues to be the subject of controversy between the two Koreas and Japan. In South Korea, the period is described as the Japanese forced occupation. Other terms include Japanese Imperial Period, period of the Japanese imperial colonial administration, in Japan, the term Chōsen of the Japanese-Governed Period has been used. The newly modernized government of Meiji Japan sought to join these colonizing efforts, the debate concerned Korea, then in the sphere of influence of Qing China, which certain elements in the Japanese government sought to separate from Chinese influence and establish as a puppet state. Further, the acquisition of Korea would provide both a foothold on the Asian continent for Japanese expansion and a source of raw materials for Japanese industry. Okubos views were supported by the faction, which mostly consisted of those returning from the Iwakura Mission in 1873. Iwakura Tomomi, the diplomat who had led the mission, persuaded the emperor to reconsider, of special note is the corruption of the local functionaries, who could purchase an appointment as an administrator and so cloak their predations on the farmers with an aura of officialdom. Yangban families, formerly well-respected for their status as a class, were increasingly seen as little more than commoners unwilling to meet their responsibilities to their communities. Despite the government abolishing slavery and burning the records in 1801, increasing numbers of peasants, at this time, Catholic and Protestant missions were well-tolerated among the yangban, most notably in and around the area of Seoul. Animus and persecution by more conservative elements, the Pungyang Jo clan, took the lives of priests and followers known as the Korean Martyrs, peasants continued to be drawn to Christian egalitarianism, though mainly in urban and suburban areas. Arguably of greater influence were the teachings of Choe Je-u, called Donghak. Themes of exclusionism, nationalism, salvation and social consciousness were set to music, allowing farmers to understand. Along with many other Koreans, Choe was alarmed by the intrusion of Christianity and he believed the best way to counter foreign influence in Korea was to introduce democratic and human rights reforms internally. Nationalism and social reform struck a chord among peasant guerrillas, Progressive revolutionaries organized the peasants into a cohesive structure. Arrested in 1863 following the Jinju uprising led by Yu Kye-chun, Choe was charged with misleading the people, Choe was executed in 1864, sending many of his followers into hiding in the mountains
19.
Gyeongbokgung
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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
20.
Taejong of Joseon
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Taejong of Joseon was the third king of the Joseon dynasty in Korea and the father of King Sejong the Great. He was born as Yi Bang-won in 1367 as the son of King Taejo. During his early days, he helped his father to extend his support with the citizens, Taejong helped his father found a new dynasty by assassinating powerful officials such as Jeong Mong-ju, who remained loyal to the Goryeo dynasty. He was called as Prince Jeong-an during the reign of King Taejo, in 1392 he helped his father to overthrow Goryeo and establish a new dynasty, Joseon. 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 Gaeseong, where he is believed to have been considerably more comfortable. Yet Yi Bangwon retained real power and was soon in conflict with his older brother Yi Bang-gan. Yi Bangwon successfully defeated his brothers forces, then executed Bak Po, King Jeongjong, who was afraid of his powerful brother, named Yi Bangwon as crown prince and abdicated in the same year. Yi Bangwon assumed the throne of Joseon at long last as King Taejong, in the beginning of Taejongs reign, the Grand King Former, Taejo, refused to relinquish the royal seal that signified the legitimacy of any kings rule. Taejong began to initiate policies he believed would prove his qualification to rule, one of his first acts as king was to abolish the privilege enjoyed by the upper echelons of government and the aristocracy to maintain private armies. His revoking of such rights to field independent forces effectively severed their ability to muster large-scale revolts, Taejongs next act as king was to revise the existing legislation concerning the taxation of land ownership and the recording of state of subjects. With the discovery of previously hidden land, national income increased twofold and he also initiated the system of hopae, an early form of identification recording the bearers name and residence, used to control the movement of people. He also set a big drum in front of his court, so that the common people, in addition, he created a strong central government and an absolute monarchy. This ended the custom of court ministers and advisors making decisions through debate and negotiations amongst themselves, however, Taejong kept Jeong Do-jeons reforms intact for the most part. He closed many temples that were established by Goryeo kings, and seized their large possessions, in foreign policy, he was a straight hardliner — he attacked the Jurchens on the northern border and Japanese pirates on the southern coast. Taejong is also known for being responsible for the Ōei Invasion of Tsushima Island in 1419 and he also promoted publications, commerce and education. He also founded and encouraged Uigeumbu, the guard and secret police at the same time. Taejong executed or exiled many of his supporters who helped him ascend to the throne in order to strengthen the royal authority, to limit influence of in-laws, he also killed all four brothers of his Queen Won-gyeong and his son Sejongs in-laws
21.
City gate
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A city gate is a gate which is, or was, set within a city wall. City gates were built to provide a point of controlled access to and departure from a walled city for people, vehicles, goods. The city gate was also used to display diverse kinds of public information such as announcements, tax and toll schedules, standards of local measures. City gates, in one form or another, can be found across the world in cities dating back to ancient times to around the 19th century. Many cities would close their gates after a certain curfew each night, for example a bigger one like Prague or a smaller one like Flensburg, in the north of Germany. With increased stability and freedom, many walled cities removed such fortifications as city gates, although many still survive, many surviving gates have been heavily restored, rebuilt or new ones created to add to the appearance of a city, such as Bab Bou Jalous in Fes. With increased levels of traffic, city gates have come under threat in the past for impeding the flow of traffic, ireland, St. Laurences Gate, 13th Century, in Drogheda, Co
22.
Siberian tiger
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The Siberian tiger, also called Amur tiger is a tiger subspecies inhabiting mainly the Sikhote Alin mountain region with a small population in southwest Primorye Province in the Russian Far East. The Siberian tiger once ranged throughout all of Korea, north-eastern China, Russian Far East, in 2005, there were 331–393 adult and subadult Siberian tigers in this region, with a breeding adult population of about 250 individuals. The population had been stable for more than a decade due to conservation efforts. By 2015, the Siberian tiger population had increased to 480–540 individuals in the Russian Far East, a more detailed census revealed a total population of 562 wild Siberian tigers in Russia. This tiger subspecies was also called Korean tiger, Manchurian tiger, the Siberian tiger and Bengal tiger subspecies rank among the biggest living cats. An average adult male Siberian outweighs an average adult male lion by around 45.5 kg, a comparison of data on body weights of Siberian tigers indicates that up to the first half of the 20th century both males and females were on average heavier than post-1970 ones. Todays wild Siberian tigers are smaller than Bengal tigers, the Siberian tiger is reddish-rusty, or rusty-yellow in color, with narrow black transverse stripes. The body length is not less than 150 cm, condylobasal length of skull 250 mm, zygomatic width 180 mm and it has an extended supple body standing on rather short legs with a fairly long tail. It is typically 5–10 cm taller than the Bengal tiger, which is about 107–110 cm tall, the largest male, with largely assured references, measured 350 cm over the curves, equivalent to 330 cm between the pegs. The tail length in fully grown males is about 1 m, weights of up to 318 kg have been recorded and exceptionally large males weighing up to 384 kg are mentioned, but no such cases are confirmed. Mazák indicates the weight range of Siberian tigers as 180–306 kg for males. Exceptionally large individuals were targeted and shot by hunters, an unconfirmed report tells of a male tiger shot in the Sikhote-Alin Mountains in 1950 weighing 384 kg with an estimated length of 3.48 m. In some cases, captive Siberian tigers reached a weight of up to 465 kg. The average tail measures 99 cm in males and 91 cm in females, the longest male measured 309 cm in total length and had a chest girth of 127 cm. The longest female measured 270 cm in length and had a chest girth of 108 cm. These measurements show that the present Amur tiger is generally longer than the Bengal tiger, the data used include weights of tigers that were older than 35 months of age and measured in the presence of authors. Historical Siberian tigers and Bengal tigers were the largest ones, whereas contemporary Siberian tigers are lighter than Bengal tigers, a male captured by members of the Siberian Tiger Project weighed 206 kg, and the largest male radiocollared weighed 212 kg. The skull of the Siberian tiger is characterized by its large size and it differs in the structural features of the lower jaw and relative length of nasals
23.
Sejong the Great
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Sejong the Great was the fourth king of Joseon-dynasty Korea. He was the son of King Taejong and Queen consort Min. He was designated as heir-apparent, Crown Prince, after his older brother Jae was stripped of his title and he ascended to the throne in 1418. During the first four years of his reign, Taejong governed as regent, after which his father-in-law, Sim On, Sejong reinforced Confucian policies and executed major legal amendments. He also created the Korean alphabet Hangul, encouraged advancements of scientific technology and he dispatched military campaigns to the north and instituted the Samin Policy to attract new settlers to the region. To the south, he subjugated Japanese raiders and captured Tsushima Island, during his reign from 1418 to 1450, he governed from 1422 to 1442 and governed as regent with his son Crown Prince Munjong until his death in either 1442 or 1450. Although the appellation the Great / was given posthumously to almost every ruler of Goryeo and Joseon, Sejong was born on May 15,1397, the third son of King Taejong. When he was twelve, he became Grand Prince Chungnyeong, as a young prince, Sejong excelled in various studies and was favored by King Taejong over his two older brothers. As the third son of Taejong, Sejongs ascension to the throne was unique, Taejongs eldest son, Yangnyeong, was named heir apparent in 1404. However, Yangnyeongs free spirited nature as well as his preference for hunting, though it is said that Yangnyeong abdicated in favor of his younger brother, there are no definitive records regarding Yangnyeongs removal. Taejongs second son Grand Prince Hyoryeong became a monk upon the elevation of his younger brother Sejong, following the removal of Yangnyeong as heir apparent, Taejong moved quickly to secure his youngest sons position as heir apparent. The government was purged of officials who disagreed with the removal of Yangnyeong, in August 1418, Taejong abdicated in favor of Sejong. However, even in retirement Taejong continued to influence government policy, Sejongs surprising political savvy and creativity did not become apparent until after Taejongs death in 1422. King Sejong revolutionized government by appointing people from different social classes as civil servants, furthermore, he performed official government events according to Confucianism, and he encouraged people to behave according to Confucianism. As a result, Confucianism became the social norm and he also published some books about Confucianism. The Huihui were forced to abandon their headgear, to close down their ceremonial hall, no further mention of Muslims exist during the era of the Joseon. In relationship with the Chinese Ming, he made some successful agreements that benefited Korea, in relationship with Jurchen people, he installed 10 military posts -4 counties and 6 garrisons - in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. He maintained good relations with Japan by opening three ports and allowing trade with them, but he also invaded Tsushima island with military forces in order to stop pirating in the South Sea since Tsushima island was a base for pirates
24.
Heunginjimun
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The Korean name Dongdaemun means Great East Gate, and it was so named because it was the major eastern gate in the wall that surrounded Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. The gate is located at Jongno 6-ga in Jongno-gu, the structure was first built by King Taejo during his fifth year of reign. It was renovated in 1453, and the current structure is the one rebuilt in 1869, in August 2011, the roof of the gate was partially damaged by record rainfall. The rain-inflicted damage includes chipped roofs ridge, an official of the Cultural Heritage Administration stated that The aged gate underwent repairs in 1998 and seems to have become soaked in heavy rains. Heunginjimun shows architectural style of the late Joseon period, the most unusual characteristic is its built outer wall, Ongseong. Ongseong was constructed to compensate the weakness of the target from multiple invaders and it protects the gate and is a beautiful addition. Today, in 2017, the area around Dongdaemun known as Dongdaemun Market has grown into the largest shopping center in South Korea, heunginjimun is located at the intersection of subway lines 1 and 4, at Dongdaemun Station. The gate is within reach of exit 1 or exits 6–10 of this station. Dongdaemun Station List of upscale shopping districts Dongdaemun street videoclip
25.
Seodaemun District
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Seodaemun District is a gu located in northwestern Seoul, South Korea. The name derives from Seodaemun, meaning literally Great West Gate, Seodaemun was one of the four great gates of the city wall surrounding the Joseon capital of Hanyang. Seodaemun District consists of 14 administrative dongs, seobu District Office of Education under the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education operates public schools in Seodaemun District. Seodaemun District also has a library called Lee Jin Ah Memorial Library. The construction of the library was made possible through a donation by the parents of the namesake Lee. Lees Parents, after losing Lee in a tragic lethal accident, since the opening on Lees anniversary in 2005, the main library now has approximately over 76,000 books. The district covers 17.6 square kilometers, approximately 2. 9% of the area of Seoul. Seodaemun District is populated by middle and upper-income families, Seodaemun District incorporates residential areas and historical areas including Bongwon Temple, Sinchon Railway Station and Seodaemun Prison History Hall. Also it has a historic culture site Seodaemun Independence Park and this place located at Dongnimmun station, allows people to learn about history through 3.1 independence memorial statue, Independence Gate and more. This educational park is a major tourist attraction of Seodaemun District that provides a place of culture and leisure. Seodaemun District is a Rest Place together with nature surrounded by Mt. Ansan, Mt. Baengnyeonsan and Hongjecheon stream in the city. Also known as Mt. Muaksan, Mt. Ansan has many steep slopes, there are about ten climbing courses where everyone can enjoy a walk in the forests filled with wild flowers, pine trees, cherry blossom trees, etc. At the summit, there is Ansan Beacon Mound, where you can view Mt. Bukhansan, Mt. Inwangsan, Haegjusanseong Fortress, Mt. Ansan is a highly popular tourist attraction of Seodaemun District. Also, on the Mt. Ansan path, the Seodaemun Museum of Natural History, built by the governing body, exhibits various geological and biological relics. The once dried stream was restored and today there is a fountain, a water mill. There are shopping streets for the young, Walking street in Sinchon and Fashion street near Ewha Womans University, here, People can enjoy shopping according to their own style from head to toe and still have money left for a cup of coffee. The area has a 66㎡ store of Korean cosmetics brand Skin Food, bongwonsa Buddhist temple Dongnimmun Dream Cinema Seodaemun Prison History Hall Sinchon-dong Seodaemun Museum of Natural History Haidian, China Mokpo, South Korea Seodaemun-gu Office
26.
Imperial House of Japan
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Under the present Constitution of Japan, the Emperor is the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people. Other members of the family perform ceremonial and social duties. The duties as an Emperor are passed down the line to their children, the Japanese monarchy is the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world. The imperial house recognizes 125 monarchs beginning with the legendary Emperor Jimmu and continuing up to the current emperor, Akihito, see its family tree. Historical evidence for the first 29 emperors is marginal by modern standards, in English, shinnō and ō are both translated as prince as well as shinnōhi, naishinnō, ōhi and joō as princess. There are currently 19 members of the Imperial Family, The Emperor was born at Tokyo Imperial Palace on 23 December 1933 and he was married on 10 April 1959 to Michiko Shōda. Emperor Akihito succeeded his father as emperor on 7 January 1989 and he became heir apparent upon his fathers accession to the throne. Crown Prince Naruhito was married on 9 June 1993 to Masako Owada, the Crown Princess was born on 9 December 1963, the daughter of Hisashi Owada, a former vice minister of foreign affairs and former permanent representative of Japan to the United Nations. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess have one daughter, The Princess Toshi The Prince Akishino, the Emperors second son and his childhood title was Prince Aya. He received the title Prince Akishino and permission to start a new branch of the family upon his marriage to Kiko Kawashima on 29 June 1990. The Princess Akishino was born on 11 September 1966, the daughter of Tatsuhiko Kawashima and his childhood title was Prince Yoshi. He received the title Prince Hitachi and permission to set up a new branch of the family on 1 October 1964. The Princess Hitachi was born on 19 July 1940, the daughter of former Count Yoshitaka Tsugaru, Prince and Princess Hitachi have no children. The Princess Mikasa is the widow of the Prince Mikasa, the son of Emperor Taishō and Empress Teimei. The Princess was born on 4 June 1923, the daughter of Viscount Masanori Takagi. Princess Mikasa has two daughters and three sons with the late Prince Mikasa, Princess Tomohito of Mikasa is the widow of Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, the eldest son of the Prince and Princess Mikasa and a first cousin of Emperor Akihito. The Princess was born on 9 April 1955, the daughter of Takakichi Asō, chairman of Asō Cement Co. and his wife, Kazuko, the Princess was born 10 July 1953, the eldest daughter of Shigejiro Tottori. She married the prince on 6 December 1984, originally known as Prince Norihito of Mikasa, he received the title Prince Takamado and permission to start a new branch of the imperial family on 1 December 1984
27.
Governor-General of Korea
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The post of Governor-General of Korea served as the chief administrator of Korea while it was held as Chōsen from 1910 to 1945. The seat of the government was the General Government Building. After the annexation of Korea to Japan in 1910, the office of Resident-General was replaced by that of Governor-General, as of 1944, the Governor-General did not command the Imperial Japanese Army or Imperial Japanese Navy units stationed in Korea. Given the powers and levels of responsibility, only ranking full generals in the Japanese Army were selected for the post, after the Japanese defeat in World War II, the Korean Peninsula was administrated by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea. The Governor-General building was demolished during administration of South Korean president Kim Yong-Sam on August 15,1995. Four individuals who held the position of the Governor-General of Korea also held the office of the Prime Minister of Japan, three, Terauchi Masatake, Saitō Makoto, and Koiso Kuniaki, were Governors-General before becoming Prime Ministers. One, Abe Nobuyuki, was Prime Minister before his appointment as Governor-General, ugaki Kazushige was named Prime Minister-designate, but he could not take office because he was unable to form a cabinet. In addition, Resident-General Itō Hirobumi served four terms as Prime Minister prior to his appointment to Korea, from 1906 to 1910, Korean Empire became a protectorate of Japan and Japan was represented by a Resident-General in the Korean Empire. Prince Itō Hirobumi Viscount Sone Arasuke General Viscount Terauchi Masatake After the annexation of Korea to Japan in 1910, the office of Resident General was replaced by that of Governor-General
28.
Korean War
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The Korean War began when North Korea invaded South Korea. The United Nations, with the United States as the principal force, China came to the aid of North Korea, and the Soviet Union gave some assistance. Korea was ruled by Japan from 1910 until the days of World War II. In August 1945, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan, as a result of an agreement with the United States, U. S. forces subsequently moved into the south. By 1948, as a product of the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States, Korea was split into two regions, with separate governments, both governments claimed to be the legitimate government of all of Korea, and neither side accepted the border as permanent. The conflict escalated into open warfare when North Korean forces—supported by the Soviet Union, on that day, the United Nations Security Council recognized this North Korean act as invasion and called for an immediate ceasefire. On 27 June, the Security Council adopted S/RES/83, Complaint of aggression upon the Republic of Korea and decided the formation, twenty-one countries of the United Nations eventually contributed to the UN force, with the United States providing 88% of the UNs military personnel. After the first two months of war, South Korean forces were on the point of defeat, forced back to the Pusan Perimeter, in September 1950, an amphibious UN counter-offensive was launched at Inchon, and cut off many North Korean troops. Those who escaped envelopment and capture were rapidly forced back north all the way to the border with China at the Yalu River, at this point, in October 1950, Chinese forces crossed the Yalu and entered the war. Chinese intervention triggered a retreat of UN forces which continued until mid-1951, after these reversals of fortune, which saw Seoul change hands four times, the last two years of fighting became a war of attrition, with the front line close to the 38th parallel. The war in the air, however, was never a stalemate, North Korea was subject to a massive bombing campaign. Jet fighters confronted each other in combat for the first time in history. The fighting ended on 27 July 1953, when an armistice was signed, the agreement created the Korean Demilitarized Zone to separate North and South Korea, and allowed the return of prisoners. However, no treaty has been signed, and the two Koreas are technically still at war. Periodic clashes, many of which are deadly, continue to the present, in the U. S. the war was initially described by President Harry S. Truman as a police action as it was an undeclared military action, conducted under the auspices of the United Nations. In South Korea, the war is referred to as 625 or the 6–2–5 Upheaval. In North Korea, the war is referred to as the Fatherland Liberation War or alternatively the Chosǒn War. In China, the war is called the War to Resist U. S
29.
Changgyeonggung
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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
30.
South Korean won
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The won or the Korean Republic Won is the currency of South Korea. A single won is divided into 100 jeon, the monetary subunit, the jeon is no longer used for everyday transactions, and appears only in foreign exchange rates. The won is issued by the Bank of Korea, based in the capital city, the old won was a cognate of the Chinese yuan and Japanese yen. It is derived from the hanja 圓, meaning currency or coin, the won was subdivided into 100 jeon, itself a cognate of the Chinese character 錢 which means money and also used as a unit of money in ancient times. The current won is written in hangul only. During the Colonial era, the won was replaced at par by the yen, in 1945 after World War II, Korea became divided, resulting in two separate currencies, both called won, for the South and the North. Both the Southern won and the Northern won replaced the yen at par, the first South Korean won was subdivided into 100 jeon. The South Korean won was pegged to the U. S. dollar at a rate of 15 won =1 dollar. A series of devaluations followed, the ones in part due to the Korean War. The pegs were, The first South Korean won was replaced by the hwan on February 15,1953 at a rate of 1 hwan =100 won, Republic of Korea Banknotes 5th Edition In 1946, the Bank of Joseon introduced 10- and 100-won notes. These were followed in 1949 by 5- and 1, 000-won notes, a new central bank, the Bank of Korea, was established on 12 June 1950, and assumed the duties of Bank of Joseon. Notes were introduced in denominations of 5,10 and 50 jeon, the 500-won notes were introduced in 1952. In 1953, a series of banknotes was issued which, although it gave the denominations in English in won, were, in fact, the won was reintroduced on June 10,1962, at a rate of 1 won =10 hwan. It became the legal tender on March 22,1975. Its ISO4217 code is KRW, at the reintroduction of the won in 1962, its value was pegged at 125 won = $US1. The following pegs operated between 1962 and 1980, On February 27,1980, efforts were initiated to lead to an exchange rate. The won was allowed to float on December 24,1997. Shortly after, the won was devalued to almost half of its value, until 1966, 10- and 50-hwan coins, revalued as 1 and 5 won, were the only coins in circulation
31.
United States dollar
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The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States and its insular territories per the United States Constitution. It is divided into 100 smaller cent units, the circulating paper money consists of Federal Reserve Notes that are denominated in United States dollars. The U. S. dollar was originally commodity money of silver as enacted by the Coinage Act of 1792 which determined the dollar to be 371 4/16 grain pure or 416 grain standard silver, the currency most used in international transactions, it is the worlds primary reserve currency. Several countries use it as their currency, and in many others it is the de facto currency. Besides the United States, it is used as the sole currency in two British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands. A few countries use the Federal Reserve Notes for paper money, while the country mints its own coins, or also accepts U. S. coins that can be used as payment in U. S. dollars. After Nixon shock of 1971, USD became fiat currency, Article I, Section 8 of the U. S. Constitution provides that the Congress has the power To coin money, laws implementing this power are currently codified at 31 U. S. C. Section 5112 prescribes the forms in which the United States dollars should be issued and these coins are both designated in Section 5112 as legal tender in payment of debts. The Sacagawea dollar is one example of the copper alloy dollar, the pure silver dollar is known as the American Silver Eagle. Section 5112 also provides for the minting and issuance of other coins and these other coins are more fully described in Coins of the United States dollar. The Constitution provides that a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and that provision of the Constitution is made specific by Section 331 of Title 31 of the United States Code. The sums of money reported in the Statements are currently being expressed in U. S. dollars, the U. S. dollar may therefore be described as the unit of account of the United States. The word dollar is one of the words in the first paragraph of Section 9 of Article I of the Constitution, there, dollars is a reference to the Spanish milled dollar, a coin that had a monetary value of 8 Spanish units of currency, or reales. In 1792 the U. S. Congress passed a Coinage Act, Section 20 of the act provided, That the money of account of the United States shall be expressed in dollars, or units. And that all accounts in the offices and all proceedings in the courts of the United States shall be kept and had in conformity to this regulation. In other words, this act designated the United States dollar as the unit of currency of the United States, unlike the Spanish milled dollar the U. S. dollar is based upon a decimal system of values. Both one-dollar coins and notes are produced today, although the form is significantly more common
32.
Lee Myung-bak
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Lee Myung-bak is a South Korean politician and businessman who served as the 17th President of South Korea from 25 February 2008 to 25 February 2013. Before his election as president, he was the CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction, as well as the mayor of Seoul from 1 July 2002 and he is married to Kim Yoon-ok and has three daughters and one son. His older brother, Lee Sang-deuk, is a South Korean politician and he attends the Somang Presbyterian Church. Lee is a graduate of Korea University and received a degree from Paris Diderot University on 13 May 2011. Under Lee, South Korea increased its visibility and influence in the global scene, the reformist faction within the Saenuri Party is at odds against Lee. He ended his term on 25 February 2013, and was succeeded by Park Geun-hye. Lee Myung-bak was born 19 December 1941, in Osaka, Japan and his parents had emigrated to Japan in 1929, nineteen years after the Japanese annexation of Korea. Lees father, Lee Chung-u, was employed as a farmhand on a ranch in Japan. He was the fifth of his parents four sons and three daughters, in 1945, after the end of World War II, his family returned to his fathers hometown of Pohang, in Gyeongsangbuk-do in the American-occupied portion of the Korean Peninsula. Lees sister, Lee Ki-sun, believed that they smuggled themselves into the country in order to avoid having the officials confiscate the property acquired in Japan. However, their ship was wrecked off the coast of Tsushima island and they lost all their belongings and barely survived. Lee attended night school at Dongji Commercial High School in Pohang, a year after graduation, Lee gained admission to Korea University. In 1964, during his year in college, Lee was elected president of the student council. That year, Lee participated in student demonstrations against President Park Chung-hees Seoul-Tokyo Talks and he was charged with plotting insurrection and was sentenced to five years probation and three years imprisonment by the Supreme Court of South Korea. He served a little under three months of his sentence at the Seodaemun Prison in Seoul, in his autobiography, Lee wrote that he was discharged from Koreas mandatory military service due to a diagnosis of acute bronchiectasis while at the Nonsan Training Facility. Shortly after he was hired by the company, Lee was sent to Thailand to participate in the project, Lee returned to Korea and was subsequently given charge of Hyundais heavy machinery plant in Seoul. It was during his three decades with the Hyundai Group that Lee earned the nickname Bulldozer, on one occasion, he completely dismantled a malfunctioning bulldozer to study its mechanics and figure out how to repair it. Lee became a director at the age of 29 – only five years after he joined the company – and CEO at age 35
33.
South Chungcheong Province
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South Chungcheong Province, officially Chungcheongnam-do, is a province in the west of South Korea. In 2012, the capital moved from Daejeon to Hongseong. Chungcheongnam-do is South Koreas richest province, with a 2012 GDP per capita of $56,133 and it is by far South Koreas fastest growing region, with an average GDP growth of 9. 7% in 2001-2007 that accelerated to 12. 4% in 2010. Such rapid growth transformed it from an agricultural to a highly industrialized economy in the 21st century. Along with Gangwon, Chungnam is the province outside the Seoul Capital Area to be served by the Seoul Metropolitan Subway. Its area is 8,204 km2 as of 2012, one third of the provinces area is under cultivation. Aside from agriculture, marine products are of importance, there are 220 square kilometres of exposed beach which is used to produce salt by solar evaporation. There is coal mining, but gold and silver mines are found in Chungcheongnam-do, as is Monazite. At 845 metres, Mount Gyeryong is the most notable elevation and it is located in a national park which is noted for its unique rock features. Apart from the formations there are a number of old temples. These include Gwanchok-sa, a temple which is home to the largest stone Buddha in Korea, in 1978 the Taean Marine National Park was opened. It includes some of the countrys best bathing beaches, in early 2007, the Republic of Korea government decided to create a special administrative district out of part of the present Chungcheongnam-do Province, near what is now Daejeon. The new district was named Sejong Special Self-Governing City, and was to replace Seoul as the capital of the Republic of Korea. However, in 2009, it was determined that replacing Seoul as new capital would violate the South Korean Constitution by Constitution Court. Chungcheongnam-do is divided into 8 cities and 7 counties, the city and county names below are given in English, Hangul, and Hanja. According to the census of 2005, of the people of Chungcheongnam-do 20. 5% follow Buddhism and 28. 7% follow Christianity,50. 8% of the population is mostly not religious or follow Muism and other indigenous religions
34.
Children's Day
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Childrens Day is recognized on various days in many places around the world. Dr. Leonard named the day Rose Day, though it was later named Flower Sunday, Childrens Day was first officially declared a national holiday by the Republic of Turkey in 1929 with the set date of 23 April. Childrens Day has been celebrated nationally since 1923 with the government, the International Day for Protection of Children is observed in many countries as Childrens Day on 1 June since 1950. It was established by the Womens International Democratic Federation on its congress in Moscow, major global variants include a Universal Childrens Holiday on 20 November, by United Nations recommendation. Universal Childrens Day takes place annually on 20 November and that is observed to promote the objectives outlined in the Charter and for the welfare of children. On 20 November 1959 the United Nations adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November 1989 and can be found on the Council of Europe website. In 2000, the Millennium Development Goals outlined by world leaders in order to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015, albeit this applies to all people, the main objective is with regard to children. UNICEF is dedicated to meeting the six of eight goals that apply to the needs of children so that they are all entitled to basic rights written in the 1989 international human rights treaty. UNICEF delivers vaccines, works with policymakers for good care and education and works exclusively to help children. In September 2012, the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations led the initiative for the education of children and he firstly wants every child to be able to attend school, a goal by 2015. Secondly, to improve the skillset acquired in these schools, finally, implementing policies regarding education to promote peace, respect and environmental concern. Children are used as labourers in some countries, immersed in armed conflict, living on the streets, suffering by differences be it religion, minority issues, Children feeling the effects of war can be displaced because of the armed conflict and/or suffer physical and psychological trauma. Currently there are about 153 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 who are forced into child labour, the International Labour Organization in 1999 adopted the Prohibition and Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour including slavery, child prostitution and child pornography. A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child can be found on the UNICEF website, canada co-chaired the World Summit for children in 1990 and in 2002 the United Nations reaffirmed the commitment to complete the agenda of the 1990 World Summit. This added to the UN Secretary-Generals report We the Children, End-of Decade review of the follow-up to the World Summit for Children, the United Nations childrens agency released a study referencing the population increase of children will make up 90 per cent of the next billion people. The officially recognized date of Childrens Day varies from country to country and this section lists some significant examples, in order of date of observance. In Albania, Childrens Day is celebrated on 1 June, in Argentina, Childrens Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of August. In Armenia, Childrens Day is celebrated on June 1, Childrens Week is an annual event celebrated in Australia during the fourth week in October, from the Saturday before Universal Childrens Day to the following Sunday
35.
President of South Korea
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The president is directly elected to a five-year term with no possibility of re-election. While in office, the chief executive lives in Cheong Wa Dae, on February 25,2013, Park Geun-hye became the 18th President of South Korea. She was also the first woman to assume this post and she has since been impeached on corruption charges, which was confirmed by the Constitutional Court of Korea on March 10,2017, removing her from office. Prime minister Hwang Kyo-ahn has been Acting President since 9 December 2016, chapter 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea states the duties and the powers of the president. The president may refer important policy matters to a referendum, declare war, conclude peace and other treaties, appoint senior public officials. Emergency measures may be taken only when the National Assembly is not in session, the measures are limited to the minimum necessary. The 1987 Constitution removed the 1980 Constitutions explicit provisions that empowered the government to suspend the freedoms. However, the president is permitted to take measures that could amend or abolish existing laws for the duration of a crisis. It is unclear whether such emergency measures could temporarily suspend portions of the Constitution itself, emergency measures must be referred to the National Assembly for concurrence. If not endorsed by the assembly, the measures can be revoked. In a change from the 1980 Constitution, the 1987 Constitution stated that the president is not permitted to dissolve the National Assembly, the official residence of the president is Cheong Wa Dae. It means the House of the Blue Roof Tiles, so it is called the Blue House in English. The president is assisted by the staff of the Presidential Secretariat, apart from the State Council, or cabinet, the chief executive relies on several constitutional organs. These constitutional organs included the National Security Council, which provided advice concerning the foreign, military, another important body is the National Unification Advisory Council, inaugurated in June 1981 under the chairpersonship of the president. The president also was assisted in 1990 by the Audit and Inspection Board, in addition to auditing the accounts of all public institutions, the board scrutinized the administrative performance of government agencies and public officials. Its findings were reported to the president and the National Assembly, Board members were appointed by the president. One controversial constitutional organ was the Advisory Council of Elder Statesmen, the government announced plans to reduce the size and functions of this body immediately after Rohs inauguration. Article 68 of the Constitution requires the president to hold new elections within 60 days
36.
Park Geun-hye
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Park Geun-hye is a South Korean politician who served as the 11th President of South Korea, from 2013 to 2017. Park — the first woman to be elected as President of South Korea — served the 18th presidential term and she was the first female president popularly elected as head of state in East Asia. Prior to her presidency, Park was the chairwoman of the conservative Grand National Party from 2004 to 2006 and she was also a member of the National Assembly, serving four complete consecutive parliamentary terms as a constituency representative between 1998 and 2012. She started her term as a proportional representative in June 2012. Her father, Park Chung-hee, was the third President of South Korea from 1963 to 1979 after he seized power in 1961. In 2013 and 2014, Park was ranked 11th on the Forbes list of the worlds 100 most powerful women and the most powerful woman in East Asia. In 2014, she was ranked 46th on the Forbes list of the worlds most powerful people, on 9 December 2016, Park was impeached by the National Assembly on charges related to influence peddling by a top aide. Her presidential powers and duties were suspended with the ratification of the impeachment proposal, the impeachment was upheld unanimously by the Constitutional Court on 10 March 2017, ending Parks presidency and forcing her out of office. Park was born on 2 February 1952, in Samdeok-dong of Jung District, Daegu, as the first child of Park Chung-hee and she has a younger brother, Park Ji-man, and a younger sister, Park Geun-ryeong. Pew Research Center described her as an atheist with connections to Buddhism and she briefly studied at Grenoble Alpes University, but left France following the assassination of her mother. Parks mother was assassinated in the National Theater of Korea, Seoul, by Mun Se-gwang, a Japanese-born Korean, a sympathizer of North Korea and a member of the Chongryon, on 15 August 1974. Park was regarded as First Lady until the assassination of her father by his own chief, Kim Jae-gyu. During this time, activists who were opponents of her father claimed to be subject to arbitrary detention. Further, human rights were considered subordinate to economic development, in 2007, Park expressed regret at the treatment of activists during this period. Park received honorary degrees from the Chinese Culture University in Taiwan in 1987, Pukyong National University and KAIST in 2008, Sogang University in 2010. She was elected as a representative in the April 2012 election. Due to the attempt to impeach President Roh Moo-hyun and the bribery scandal of its 2002 presidential candidate, Lee Hoi-chang. Park was appointed as the chairwoman of the party and led the election efforts, in the election, the GNP lost its majority position but managed to gain 121 seats, which is largely considered a great achievement under such inhospitable circumstances for the party
37.
YTN
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YTN is the worlds first 24-hour Korean news channel broadcast around South Korea. It was founded on September 14,1993, and began broadcasting on March 1,1995, the channels previous slogans are Yesterday, Today and Now and Your True Network, both of them being backronyms for the channels name. The channels three current slogans are Always First, Exclusive Tomorrow and Yes and this channel also have sentence Whenever and wherever there is news, we are there. 2008/04/01 YTN FM Radio began broadcasting in Seoul city, the live newscast can be seen 24 hours a day, but live magazines are only in between 4,30 and 1,00. YTN science, The first Korean science channel, provides a range of science information. YTN Weather & Life, This channel delivers weather forecasts as well as information on disasters. It broadcasts live 24 hours a day, YTN News FM94.5, Koreas only all news radio station with the latest news, weather, traffic, plus some music. It broadcasts live 24 hours a day, YTN WORLD, Latest domestic and international news, plus useful info for viewers all day to help them change their lifestyle. YTN Group N Seoul Tower Yonhap Korean Central Television BBC World News CNN YTN at Doosan Encyclopedia YTN - Official website YTN corporate information
38.
Shinhan Bank
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Shinhan Bank, is a bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. Historically it was the first bank in Korea, established under the name Hanseong Bank in 1897, the bank was reestablished in 1982. It is part of the Shinhan Financial Group, along with Jeju Bank, chohung Bank merged with Shinhan Bank on April 1,2006. Shinhan Bank started as an enterprise with a capital stock of KRW25.0 billion,279 employees. Today, it has transformed itself into a bank, boasting total assets of KRW176.9 trillion, equity capital of KRW9.7 trillion,10,741 employees. As of June 30,2016, Shinhan Bank had total assets of KRW298.945 trillion, total deposits of KRW221.047 trillion, Shinhan Bank is the main subsidiary of Shinhan Financial Group Shinhan Bank, is a bank, headquartered in Seoul, Korea. Historically it was the first bank in Korea, established under the name Hanseong Bank in 1897, the bank was reestablished in 1982. It is part of the Shinhan Financial Group, along with Jeju Bank, chohung Bank merged with Shinhan Bank on April 1,2006. Shinhan Bank started as an enterprise with a capital stock of KRW25.0 billion,279 employees. Today, it has transformed itself into a bank, boasting total assets of KRW176.9 trillion, equity capital of KRW9.7 trillion,10,741 employees. Total deposits and net income amounted to KRW105.3 trillion and KRW1.4 trillion, Shinhan Bank is the descendant of Hanseong Bank, the first modern bank in Korea. It was established by Kim Jong-Han in 1897, but began operating around 1900 and it was originally located in a small house with only two rooms. One room was for the president, Yi Jae-Won, and the room was for the staff. The bank operated by borrowing money from Japanese banks at low interest rates, in an anecdotal story the banks first property to use as collateral on a loan happened to be a donkey. The bank staff were challenged to feed and care for their collateral as the loan was out, economy of South Korea List of banks in South Korea List of Korea-related topics List of South Korean companies Shinhan Bank official website Shinhan Financial Group official website Yahoo. Finance page for Shinhan Bank Yahoo
39.
The Chosun Ilbo
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The Chosun Ilbo is one of the major newspapers in South Korea. With a daily circulation of more than 1,800,000, Chosun Ilbo and its subsidiary company, Digital Chosun, operates the Chosun. com news website, which also publishes web versions of the newspaper in English, Chinese, and Japanese. The Chosun Ilbo Establishment Union was created in September 1919, the newspaper was critical of, and sometimes directly opposed to, the actions of the Japanese government during Japanese colonial rule. On August 27,1920, the Chosun Ilbo was suspended after it published an editorial criticizing what it said was the use of force by the Japanese police against Korean citizens. This was the first in a string of suspensions, on September 5,1920, three days after the first suspension was lifted, the newspaper published an editorial, Did the Japanese central governing body shut down our newspaper. Then, Chosun Ilbo was given an indefinite suspension, in June 1923, Chosun Ilbo celebrated its one thousandth issue. It had achieved many milestones, including being the first newspaper in Korea to publish both morning and evening editions, send international correspondents to Russia, and publish cartoons. However, in same month, it was given its third. In 1927, the Chosun Ilbos editor and publisher were arrested, the editor was also the chief staff writer. The alleged offense in this case was an editorial describing the mistreatment of prisoners by the colonial government. In May of the year, in response to an editorial criticizing the deployment of troops into Shandong. The publisher and chief writer, An Jae-hong, were again imprisoned. After these events, the Chosun Ilbo remained at the forefront of events, trying to improve general public life and this was a turbulent period, within the space of three years, the president was replaced three times. On December 21,1935, in opposition to compulsory Japanese education and plans to assimilate the Korean people and language, the Chosun Ilbo published 100,000 Korean-language textbooks nationwide. Over the years, the Chosun Ilbo company also published additional titles, including a monthly current affairs magazine, Youth Chosun. Others included its sister publication, Jogwang, in the summer of 1940, following issue 6,923, the paper was declared officially discontinued by the Japanese ruling government. In the twenty years since its founding, the paper had been suspended by the Japanese government four times, when Korea gained independence in 1945, the Chosun Ilbo came back into publication after a five-year, three-month hiatus. Besides the daily newspaper, the company publishes the weekly Jugan Chosun
40.
The Wall Street Journal
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The Wall Street Journal is an American business-focused, English-language international daily newspaper based in New York City. The Journal, along with its Asian and European editions, is published six days a week by Dow Jones & Company, the newspaper is published in the broadsheet format and online. The Wall Street Journal is the largest newspaper in the United States by circulation, according to the Alliance for Audited Media, the Journal had a circulation of about 2.4 million copies as of March 2013, compared with USA Todays 1.7 million. The newspaper has won 39 Pulitzer Prizes through 2015 and derives its name from Wall Street in the heart of the Financial District of Lower Manhattan. The Journal has been printed continuously since its inception on July 8,1889, by Charles Dow, Edward Jones, the Journal also publishes the luxury news and lifestyle magazine WSJ. They were later aggregated in a daily summary called the Customers Afternoon Letter. In 1896, The Dow Jones Industrial Average was officially launched and it was the first of several indices of stock and bond prices on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1899, the Journals Review & Outlook column, which still today, appeared for the first time. Journalist Clarence Barron purchased control of the company for US$130,000 in 1902, circulation was then around 7,000, Barron and his predecessors were credited with creating an atmosphere of fearless, independent financial reporting—a novelty in the early days of business journalism. In 1921, Barrons, Americas premier financial weekly, was founded, Barron died in 1928, a year before Black Tuesday, the stock market crash that greatly affected the Great Depression in the United States. Barrons descendants, the Bancroft family, would continue to control the company until 2007, the Journal took its modern shape and prominence in the 1940s, a time of industrial expansion for the United States and its financial institutions in New York. Bernard Kilgore was named managing editor of the paper in 1941, under Kilgore, in 1947, that the paper won its first Pulitzer Prize, for William Henry Grimess editorials. In 1970, Dow Jones bought the Ottaway newspaper chain, which at the time comprised nine dailies, later, the name was changed to Dow Jones Local Media Group. In 2007 News Corp. acquired Dow Jones, a luxury lifestyle magazine, was launched in 2008. A complement to the print newspaper, The Wall Street Journal Online, was launched in 1996, in 2003, Dow Jones began to integrate reporting of the Journals print and online subscribers together in Audit Bureau of Circulations statements. In 2007, it was believed to be the largest paid-subscription news site on the Web. Since then, online subscribership has fallen, due in part to rising subscription costs, in May 2008, an annual subscription to the online edition of The Wall Street Journal cost $119 for those who do not have subscriptions to the print edition. By June 2013, the monthly cost for a subscription to the edition was $22.99, or $275.88 annually
41.
Sukjeongmun
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Sukjeongmun is one of the The Eight Gates of Seoul in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea, which surrounded the city in the Joseon Dynasty. The gate is known as Bukdaemun. It was built north of Seoul behind Gyeongbokgung Place and it was only used in ceremonious and symbolic functions. To access it requires identification like passport, Sukjeongmun was originally built in 1396, and was originally called Sukcheongmun, but its name was modified slightly to its current name in the early 16th century. Being situated so close to the Royal Palace of the Joseon Dynasty, it was used for receiving visitors. The original wooden gatehouse over the gate was destroyed by fire, the name Sukjeongmun means literally “Rule Solemnly Gate. ”It is one of the Four Great Gates in the Fortress Wall of Seoul. After the infiltration of North Korean agents during the Blue House Raid in 1968 and they were opened again for public touring by 2007. However, the area is still a highly secured area, patrolled by South Korean Army soldiers, visiting Sukjeongmun today requires identification and issuing of a pass. Pictures of army soldiers or pictures facing south are not allowed at the gate or while hiking along the portion of the Fortress Wall
42.
Donuimun
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Donuimun was one of the Eight Gates of Seoul in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea, which surrounded the city in the Joseon Dynasty. The gate’s historical location is known as Seodaemun. Donuimun was originally built in 1396 and it was burned as a result of the 16th century invasions by Japan, but was rebuilt in 1711. In 1711Donuimun Gate was rebuilt in 1711, in 1915, the gate was again destroyed during the Japanese colonial period. The gate was photographed at various times before its destruction, most notably by in a series of photographs taken by Presbyterian missionary Horace Grant Underwood in 1904, some of these photographs show the tracks of an American Electric Tramway running through the gate. The name Donuimun means literally “Loyalty Gate. ”It was one of the Four Great Gates in the Fortress Wall of Seoul. In 2009, The Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported that the city of Seoul had announced a plan to rebuild the gate by 2013, however, those plans was difficult to running longer because the issues such as the budget and its original form restoration. Thus, the plan was delayed to long-term project until 2022, visitors to the site of the former gate today will find a memorial in its place
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Changuimun
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Changuimun is one of the Eight Gates of Seoul in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea, which surrounded the city in the Joseon Dynasty. The gate is known as Buksomun, and Jahamun. Changuimun was originally built in 1396, along with Hyehwamun, Changuimun served as a major portal for those exiting the walled city of Seoul, then known as Hanyang to travel north. The wooden gatehouse above Changuimun was burned down during the 16th century invasions by Japan, the gatehouse is currently the oldest gatehouse of those on the “Four Small Gates” in the Fortress Wall of Seoul. The name Changuimun means literally “Showing the Correct Thing Gate. ”Changuimun is located in Jongno-gu, Buam-dong and it can be accessed easily via taking subway line 1 to Jonggak Station exit 3, then taking bus 7022 at Jeil Bank, and getting off at Jahamun Tunnel. Visitors to the gate today are allowed access to the front and the back of the gate, visitors may also carefully view the wooden gatehouse above the gate, but are not allowed inside, and should not approach too closely due to a laser alarm system. If approaching the gate from the west, visitors notice there is a tunnel leading up to the gate itself. The gate is known for being in an early state of preservation. The wooden rafters on the interior of the gate are decorated with chickens and this is in contrast to Hyehwamun, whose rafters are decorated with the phoenix, enemies of small birds. Visitors can walk through the passageway to view gate, people are allowed to go up the stairs
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Hyehwamun
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Hyehwamun is one of the Eight Gates of Seoul in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea, which surrounded the city in the Joseon Dynasty. The gate is known as Dongsomun. Hyehwamun was originally built in 1396, and was originally called Honghwamun, but this name came into conflict with the east gate of Changgyeonggung Palace, built in 1483. So in 1511, the name was changed to its current name, the gate’s wooden gatehouse, constructed either in 1684 or 1744, was brought down in 1928, leaving only the stone archway standing. Later in the Japanese colonial period, the gate was brought down to make room for a street car line linking Hyehwa-dong and Donam-dong. The gate was rebuilt in 1992, slightly further north than the site of the previous gate, the name Hyehwamun means literally “Distribution of Wisdom Gate. ”It is one of the Four Small Gates in the Fortress Wall of Seoul. Since the gate to the north, it was an important gate for people to move toward the north of the country, Hyehwamun is located along a busy street. The gate is incorporated into the Fortress Wall to its north, immediately to its south is the street, but then the Fortress Wall continues on the other side of the street, running all the way down to the East Gate, Heunginjimun. Visitors to the gate today are allowed access to the front and the back of the gate, visitors may also carefully view the wooden gatehouse above the gate, but are not allowed inside, and should not approach too closely due to a laser alarm system. The gate can be accessed via subway line 4, from either Hyehwa Station exit 4, Hansung University Station is the closer of the two, being only about 1.5 city blocks from the gate. Visitors can find it via Sajik Tunnel, Inwangsan, Bukaksan, Changdeokgung Palace and it intersects with the road toward Uijeongbu. People can see Bukaksan and Bukak Pavilion to the west of Hyehwamun Gate
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Gwanghuimun
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Gwanghuimun is one of the Eight Gates of Seoul in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea, which surrounded the city in the Joseon Dynasty. The gate is known as Namsomun. It was originally called Sugumun Water Channel Gate, Gwanghuimun was originally built in 1396, and was rebuilt from 1711-1719. It was the gate to be left virtually untouched during the Japanese Occupation. However, it was destroyed during the Korean War, but was restored in 1976. The name Gwanghuimun means literally “Bright Light Gate. ”Gwanghuimun is located in Jung-gu, Gwanghui-dong 2-ga, Seoul, at the intersection of Geumhodong-gil, the current gate is located slightly further south than the original gate, due to road construction. The gate can be accessed from the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station. It is located about 1/2 block south from subway line 2, exit 3, visitors to the gate today are not allowed access under or above the gate, but can circle the gate and the section of the Fortress Wall it is connected to
Media related to Sungnyemun at Wikimedia Commons