Facts about Korea and Daegu – Daegu is located in the south-eastern part of the Korean Peninsula and lies 300km south of Seoul

Korea is known as the 'Land of Morning Calm' for its impressive landscapes, beauty, and serenity. It is also known as a nation of energetic and passionate people who are proud of their rich history and culture, which date back almost five thousand years.

Korea is a democratic country that has achieved remarkable economic growth, in particular over the past four decades. Korea is recognized as a global IT powerhouse with advanced technologies and infrastructure, and has the lowest illiteracy rate in the world. Currently, Korea is rapidly gaining international recognition in various technical fields.

Korea has also been contributing to the joint global stability and prosperity as a member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In addition, Korea played host to the G20 Summit in 2010 and will be hosting the Nuclear Safety Summit in 2012. The organisation of major international sporting events has made Korea a rising force in event management.

Since 1986, Korea has hosted the following major international sporting events: the 1986 Seoul Asian Games; the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games; the 2002 FIFA World Cup; the 2002 Busan Asian Games; and the 2003 Daegu Summer Universiade. In addition to the IAAF World Championships in Daegu 2011, Korea will host the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, the 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade and the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games.

· Location: East end of the Asian continent

· Area: 221,336 (South Korea 100,210) km2

· Coastline: 2,413 km

· Capital: Seoul

· Official Language: Korean

· Population Census: 50,515,000 (based on 2010 estimates)

 

Facts about Daegu

Daegu is located in the south-eastern part of the Korean Peninsula and lies 300km south of Seoul which is the capital of Korea. It is also just 120km northwest of the coastal city of Busan. As of 2007, Daegu boasts a population of over 2.5 million people (approximately 5.2% of the national population), making it the third largest city in Korea.

Daegu has a long history which can be traced more than 1,500 years back to the ancient Shilla dynasty.

Throughout its history, Daegu has been a centre of administration, education and culture in the southeast region of Korea. Daegu and its surrounding regions have also been strongly influenced by Buddhism and Confucianism, as evident in some of the magnificent temples and academies.

In the mid-20th century, Daegu emerged as a textile industry centre and played a locomotive role in the economic expansion of Korea. In recent times, Daegu's industry has diversified and it is now regarded as a competitive medical hub. This harmonisation of tradition and modernity allows visitors to experience both, unique lifestyles up close and personal.

 

History and Culture of Daegu

 

· Gatbawi (Sitting Stone Buddha of Gwanbong)

Gatbawi (Treasure No. 431) is a stone statue of the 4-metre-high Buddha at the peak of Mt. Gwanbong, which is 850m above the sea level. The formal name, Sitting Stone Buddha of Gwanbong, refers to the traditional hat-shaped stone on the head of the Buddha. The statue appears dignified and majestic and it is a masterpiece of the unified Shilla Dynasty.

· Daegu National Museum

Visitors can learn about the history of Gyeongbuk region, where Daegu is based, at a glance. The artifacts in the archaeology hall contain relics from the Prehistoric Age to the Three-Nation Period.
Other arts hall display influential Buddhist artworks, such as the Buddha's statue, bell, paintings and potteries. Another interesting showcase is the folk hall, which houses the model of a typical gentry's house and illustrates vividly the lives of the elite in that period.

· Yangnyeongsi (Oriental Herbal Medicine Market)

Every February and October of the lunar calendar during the Joseon Dynasty, the Daegu Yangnyeongsi was constantly swarming with visiting merchants and customers who looked for the best medicinal herbs. These days, the herbal medicine shops, oriental medical herbs market stand strong and still attract visitors from all walks of life. A herbal medicine festival is held in the Daegu Yangnyeongsi every May.

· Donghwasa (Temple)

Donghwasa, a time-honoured temple from the Shilla Dynasty, was built in 493 by Priest Geukdalhwasang. Back then, it was known as ‘Yugasa'. Later, when Priest Simji reconstructed this temple, the flowers of paulownia trees were in full blossom and they foretold a good omen. Since then, it was renamed as Donghwasa. This temple houses the Tongil-yaksa-yeorae-daebul Buddha, which was built by Buddhists who wished for the
reunification of the two Koreas.

· Buinsa (Temple)

Built in the 7th century, Buinsa is a branch temple of Donghwasa, which had wielded great influence as Queen Seondeok's praying temple in the Shilla Dynasty. The complete collection of Buddhist Sutras, carved on a plate to prevent the Georan tribes' invasion, was kept at this temple during the Goryeo Dynasty. This collection
precedes the impressive Tripitaka Koreana, which is considered as the oldest and most intact Buddhist scriptures in the world, by 200 years. Every March of the lunar calendar, religious services are performed at the shine to honour Queen Seondeok.

Time

All of Korea is in the same time zone, 9 hours ahead of GMT (no Daylight Saving Time).

Source: Media Guide