A Land Called Koryo

Abstract

The Korean peninsula extends southwards from Manchuria and the easternmost part of Siberia in a southerly direction towards Japan. The Yellow Sea separates Korea from China to the west and the Eastern Sea from the Japanese islands to the east. This geopolitical position at a key crossroads in North Eastern Asia has meant a turbulent past and many attempts at outside influence by other countries. Korean culture and society resembles that of China in many ways, and some of the most important aspects have, in turn, been transmitted onwards to Japan. However, throughout their history, Koreans have been dogged and successful in preserving their own distinct cultural and political identity.

Swallows are able to reach the far distant south in spite of their minute size.

Korean proverb