If you'd like to hear about Chum Tram's experience studying abroad and visiting Korea, read her story here!

The Republic of Korea can proudly boast a dynamic history, ancient and unified culture, a strong economy and topographical juxtaposition - all of which make it striking and unique amongst small nations. At roughly half the size of Great Britain, the Republic of Korea, more commonly known as South Korea, is a small yet vibrant, thriving and influential democracy.

The Republic of Korea sits on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, directly south of North Korea. The Korean Peninsula is separated from the Chinese province of Manchuria by the Yalu River, though at the north the Korean Peninsula also shares a short stretch of border with Russia. To the west, Korea is bordered by the Yellow Sea, to the East the East Sea, and to the south, the East China Sea. More than two-thirds of the country is covered by mountains, providing stunning views for hikers and others who travel outside of the cities, though the country is naturally divided by these mountains into three distinct regions - the Central and South regions comprise the Republic of Korea. Just like much of the United States, the Republic of Korea has four seasons, including a rainy summer and a dry winter.

While studying in the Republic of Korea, students have ample opportunity to immerse themselves in many aspects of Korean culture, such as the centuries-old martial art of Tae Kwon Do, already familiar to many American students. Traditional Korean cuisine is another must-try part of the study abroad experience. Kimchi, spiced pickled cabbage, comes in over two hundred varieties and is both healthy and delicious. Galbi-gui, or barbecued short ribs, is another favorite among tourists and locals alike. Meals are served with over a dozen side dishes of rice and vegetables, usually at no extra cost in restaurants. You might also want to try some Korean street food. These street vendors serve many different types of 'food on sticks' or other finger food. Try Tteokbokki - a deliciously sweet and spicy snack that is very popular among Korean students.

Koreans are also avid soccer players, with a successful national team, and enthusiastic tennis players. While in the Republic of Korea, students also have the opportunity to ride the world's fastest train, which clocks speeds of over 350 miles per hour. Weekend travel away from the cities, particularly Seoul, to the nearby mountains and beaches is a growing trend among Koreans young and old; hiking and mountaineering have grown in popularity in recent years. Though nearly forty-six percent of Koreans claim to follow no particular religion, Buddhism has a strong following, and students can visit Buddhist temples.

Both North and South Korea share a common cultural ancestry dating back to Mongol tribes that settled on the Korean peninsula about five thousand years ago. Since this time, Koreans have predominantly been of one ethnic background, sharing a common language and customs. The Peninsula was united for the first time under the Silla Dynasty in 57BC, and remained mostly united until 1945, and has been split at the 38th parallel since the Korean War in the 1950s. Today, the Republic of Korea is a strong democracy with a federalist system, and executive, legislative, and judicial branches in the national government.

Today, the Republic of Korea has not only one of the strongest economies in Asia, but one of the strongest economies in the world. With a GDP of over $680 billion US, it is the world's tenth-largest economy. Electronic goods are the Republic of Korea's largest export. Koreans are, on the whole, wealthy, with an average per-capita income of over $20,000 US. Koreans are great consumers of electronic goods (including many robotics), as well as enjoying a high-profile as exporters. Over seventy percent of Koreans use the Internet, and the UN ranked the government as fifth in the world in terms of wiredness and electronic preparations. In addition to electronics, the Republic of Korea has a thriving tourist industry, as well as a strong service industry and a burgeoning petroleum industry. In 2005, Korea ranked number five in the world in new car production.

Korea's capital city, Seoul, is the primary commercial center for the country, in addition to being one of the most "wired" metropolises on the globe - though increasingly, Seoul's internet access is done wirelessly. Seoul is the 5th largest city in the world with over 10 million residents. Other cities in the Central region, such as Inchon, are secondary commercial centers.

Studying abroad in Korea will be exciting no matter where you go, and there are many opportunities in a number of fields. Most universities in the Republic of Korea are either in or near the capital city of Seoul. Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, and Pohang University are all prestigious and well-known. Many students choose to study abroad in the Republic of Korea to study the Korean language and culture. But there are many more options: you can study international business or East Asian studies at Yonsei University, Economics or Women's Studies at Silla University, Calligraphy at Daegan University or Engineering at Seoul National University.

Whether your interest is culture, language, science, or economics, Korea is a varied and exciting place to study.

Studying abroad in Korea will be exciting no matter where you go, and there are many opportunities in a number of fields. Most universities in the Republic of Korea are either in or near the capital city of Seoul. Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, and Pohang University are all prestigious and well-known. Many students choose to study abroad in the Republic of Korea to study the Korean language and culture. But there are many more options: you can study international business or East Asian studies at Yonsei University, Economics or Women's Studies at Silla University, Calligraphy at Daegan University or Engineering at Seoul National University.

Whether your interest is culture, language, science, or economics, Korea is a varied and exciting place to study.

ONLINE RESOURCES
Seoul National University: http://www.useoul.edu/
Korea University: http://www.korea.ac.kr/~eng/main.htm
Korea.net: Gateway to Korea: http://www.korea.net/
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA: http://www.koreaembassyusa.org/
Life in Korea: http://www.lifeinkorea.com/
Freeman Asia - Awards for Study in Asia: http://www.iie.org/Freeman-Asia
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP
Photos Courtesy of Quynh-Tram Nguyen, University of St. Thomas, Freeman-ASIA Award Recipient

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