World Cinema Locations: A Profile of South Korea

This month, our film club is screening a film from South Korea. Here’s a detailed look at the country behind the movie.

Key Facts

Capital: Seoul
Area: 100,363 km²
Population: ~52 million (2024 estimate)
Official Languages: Korean, Korean Sign Language
Currency: South Korean Won (₩) (KRW)

Top 10 Tourist Attractions

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: The largest of Seoul’s Joseon-era royal palaces, known for its grand gates and the changing-of-the-guard ceremony.
• Bukchon Hanok Village: A historic hillside neighborhood of traditional Korean hanok houses nestled between two of Seoul’s grand palaces.
• N Seoul Tower: A communications and observation tower atop Namsan Mountain, offering panoramic views over the capital.
• Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): The heavily fortified buffer strip dividing North and South Korea, now a striking and sobering tourist destination.
• Jeju Island: A volcanic island south of the mainland, famous for its beaches, lava tubes, and the UNESCO-listed Hallasan volcano.
• Gyeongju Historic Areas: The former capital of the Silla Kingdom, home to the Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Haeundae Beach, Busan: South Korea’s most popular beach, anchoring the lively port city of Busan on the southeastern coast.
• Myeong-dong: One of Seoul’s busiest shopping and street-food districts, popular for cosmetics, fashion, and late-night snacking.
• Seoraksan National Park: A dramatic mountain range renowned for its granite peaks and spectacular autumn foliage.
• Nami Island: A crescent-shaped island near Seoul, prized for its tree-lined paths and long association with Korean film and television.

Timeline of History

• 2333 BC: Legendary founding of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom.
• 676 AD: Silla unifies most of the Korean Peninsula.
• 1392: Joseon Dynasty established, lasting over 500 years.
• 1910-1945: Japanese colonial rule.
• 1948: Republic of Korea (South Korea) proclaimed.
• 1950-1953: Korean War.
• 1987: June Democratic Struggle leads to democratic reforms and the Sixth Republic.
• 2000: First inter-Korean summit, ‘Sunshine Policy’ initiatives.
• 2018: Historic inter-Korean summit at Panmunjom.

Culture

South Korea boasts a vibrant culture, a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. Confucian values deeply shape societal norms, emphasising respect for family and elders.

The country is globally renowned for its dynamic pop culture, known as the ‘Korean Wave’ (Hallyu), encompassing music (K-Pop), TV dramas, and cinema. Traditional arts, delicious cuisine like kimchi and bulgogi, and colourful festivals such as Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (harvest festival) are integral to its rich cultural tapestry.

Politics

South Korea operates as a unitary presidential republic. The President, who serves as head of state and government, is directly elected for a single five-year term. Legislative power is vested in the unicameral National Assembly, with members elected for four-year terms, ensuring a robust democratic framework.

Film Connection

Park Chan-wook’s ‘I’m a Cyborg But That’s OK‘ delves into themes of mental health within a distinctly South Korean context. The film’s exploration of individuality and societal pressures, particularly in a highly competitive society, resonates with contemporary South Korean experiences. Its unique blend of quirky humour and poignant drama reflects the nation’s innovative cinematic landscape, part of the globally influential ‘Korean Wave’.

😜Fun Fact: South Korea has the world’s fastest average internet speed and the highest smartphone penetration rate.