Arts+and+Entertainment

North Korea

Economy North Korea is a closed society under a communist dictatorship. From1948 to 1994 Kim Il Sung built a totalitarian state in North Korea. He preached juche or self-reliance, so he isolated North Korea. Under his rule North Korea became more industrialized and urbanized. After 1995 there were many floods and droughts that ruined crops. Kim was unwilling to admit that North Korea needed assistance which resulted in millions dying of a famine. The famine showed how unstable North Koreas economy was and thus forced the government to increase trade and permit some foreign investment. Still the countrys totalitarian rulers remained firmly in control. Both Koreans hope to some day reunite. They have had meetings and pacts on the topic. South Korea has also sent food to the North. Both fear that the other will take control of their government. The North has created nuclear weapons and has tested long range missles. Which it sells to international terrorist groups.

South Korea Economy South Korea's first president Syngman Rhee exercised harsh control over people's lives. 1960's massive protests by students and others forced Rhee to resign. In the 1980's the government gave into demands for more democratic elections. Today the government remains powerful and restricts human rights, but opposition groups have won some rights. In 1953 South Korea has faced the challenge to rebuild villages and cities. It has limited natural resources, and has absorbed millions of refugees from North Korea. With aid from the United States it has made progress. Since the 1960's the economic success has been spectacular. It is one of the four asian tigers that has rapidly industrialized. It has a free market economy but the government as kept tight control over it. Its economy is based of exports including cars, textiles, and electronics. South Korea values hard work, discipline, thrift, and organization. The environment has suffered however theair and water around Seoul is very polluted. The asian financial crisis which began in 1997 also hurt South Korea. The government imposed economic reforms which brought recovery in the early 2000's. Middle class people are now found. Most South Koreans are now living in cities instead of being farmers. There are more nuclear than traditional extended families. Women also have more rights and jobs.

Arts and Entertainment

Music- Music is characterized by improvisation and the lack of breaks between movements. A pansori performance sometimes lasts over eight hours and a single singer sings the whole time. Most music starts off very slow. Music instruments include wind, string, and percussion types. Music is traditionally important in festivals or events.

Dance; There are many traditional dances but the main two are court dances and folk dances. Common court dances are performed at banquets or confucian rituals.

Crafts- Most crafts are mostly hand made in Korea. Hancrafts are used for every day usage. Metal, wood,fabrics,silk were used but then glass leather and paper were used. During the Joseon period woodcraft, and porcelain crafts advanced. This led to sophisticated pieces of furniture including wardrobes, chest, tables, and dressers.

Painting- The earliest forms of paintings were found on the Korean Pennisula and the paintings were petrolyphs. In the 18th Century calligraphy, and seal engraving techniques improved. Both were influenced from North Korea and moved to South Korea.

Games Board Games Yut- Family board game through Baduk- Particulary for midle aged men. Simmilar satus as chess in westernized cultures. Janngi- Basic form of Chinese chess Chajeon Nori is not a typical game played often but involes two teams of villagers jousting