An Introduction to Korea Korea is a beautiful county with a history of over 5,000 years. It is hard as an American to comprehend a culture that has lasted that long when our history as a country only goes back a few hundred years. All of the historical sites have been preserved for future generations. These buildings, stone pagodas and lanterns, and other pieces of sculpture are known as National Treasures and are numbered. Seven sites have been selected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Korean treasures included in the World Heritage List are Bulguksa Temple and nearby Seokguram Grotto; Haeinsa Temple's Changgyongp'ango (depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks); Jongmyo Shrine; Changdeokkung Palace Complex; Hwaseong Fortress; Kochang, Hwasun and Kanghwa Dolmen Sites; and Gyeongju Historic Areas. More information about the World Heritage Sites can be found ub each of the site's information and in theTeacher Activities. Even with this rich history from the past, Korea can be seen as a progressive and modern country. The modern buildings of the big cities rival those of any other modern country, yet scenes from the past coexist with the new. The people of Korea are very friendly and loving and are excited to try their English. All of the younger children are learning English. They know that their future depends upon being able to speak English. At this time only the bigger hotels have someone who can speak English but this will change. The Korean people want foreign investors to come to Korea to help their economy. Korea will become a major tourist destination as Americans begin to learn about the beauty of Korea. Korea is a very mountainous country with every square inch of flat ground being used for agriculture or for the cities. With nearly 50 million people, the population is very dense. Seoul, the capital, has over 10 million people in a very small area. Most Koreans live in apartments in the older parts of the big cities or they live in new high-rise apartments which all look the same no matter where you are in Korea. If there are open spaces they are used for agriculture. All of the flat land is used for growing rice. Most of the apartments are 20 stories high and exactly the same design. The only way you can tell your apartment from another is by the designs that are painted on the ends of the buildings. Traditional Hotel Most of the interiors look just like ours in America but some are the traditional Korean style rooms where you sleep on the floor and then roll up your blankets and use the room as a living room during the day. Slippers at the market When you enter a Korean home the first thing you do is remove your shoes. There are also slippers in the bathroom while you are there. A many-course meal at a Korean restaurant. Koreans eat a lot of rice with vegetables and fruit at every meal. They also eat a lot of pork that is cooked right at the table on a gas cooking stove. They also have kimchi at every meal - and it is hot!e799bee5baa6e997aee7ad94e78988e69d8331333238636661. Koreans usually sit on the floor while eating.

这篇应该很适合 ~~e799bee5baa6e997aee7ad94e78988e69d8331333238636662~~~~~~ The spirit of Korean BuddhismSince being brought to Korea in the late fourth century, Buddhism has evolved under the influence of the Korean spirit. Based on Buddha's enlightenment and teachings of wisdom and compassion, 'Korean Buddhism' was created on the Korean soil by the Korean people. It has three unique characteristics compared to Indian and Chinese Buddhism. Firstly, Korean Buddhism is universal and liberal, especially in solving cultural problems. When Buddhism first encountered Korean culture, the relationship was reciprocal and peaceful. On the one hand, Korean Buddhists accepted the traditional Korean culture; but on the other hand, they developed new meaning and value from the culture. Accordingly, Korean Buddhism has adjusted to the spirit of the Korean people and has become one with them.Secondly, Korean Buddhism protects the nation and the people. From the beginning, it has played a vital role in times of turmoil. While searching for its religious goals and ideologies, it has always been concerned with national glory and peace. Throughout its long history, Korean Buddhism has helped to protect the nation on many occasions. For example, during the fifteenth century, Buddhist monks became soldiers and rose up to protect the nation against the Japanese invasion. As a result, Korean Buddhism was called 'protector of the nation.' Thirdly, Korean Buddhism symbolizes harmony. It has not only reconciled conflicting religious ideas and schools, but also harmonized religious disagreements between theory and practice. Overcoming philosophical conflicts, Korean Buddhism has developed through the deeds of a long line of eminent Korean practitioners. This harmonious character was started by Master Wonhyo (617-686). With a philosophy of reconciliation, he harmonized various doctrines at a higher stage. Later, Master Daegak Uichon (1055-1101) and Master Bojo Jinul (1158-1210) continued in the same manner. Uichon recognized the logic and value of Wonhyo's conciliatory philosophy and tried to unite Korean Buddhism by combining theory and practice. Jinul also combined theory and practice in his creative movement of practicing meditation and wisdom together.