Instructions
Read through each section carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability. This worksheet will take you on a journey through the fascinating geography, history, and culture of the Korean Peninsula.
Section 1: Map It Out! - Geography
The Korean Peninsula is a unique landform in East Asia with a diverse landscape of mountains, plains, and islands. Use your geographical knowledge to answer the following questions.
- Korea is a body of land that is surrounded by water on three sides. What is this type of landform called?
- The Korean Peninsula is bordered by China and Russia to the north. The sea to its east is called the East Sea (Sea of Japan), and the sea to its west is called the Yellow Sea. The sea to the south is the East China Sea. Which of these bodies of water separates Korea from China?
- About 70% of Korea is covered by mountains. The most famous mountain range is the Taebaek Mountains, which run down the eastern coast. What challenges might a mountainous landscape present for people living there?
- What is the name of the bustling capital city of South Korea?
- South of the mainland is a famous volcanic island, known for its beautiful beaches and natural scenery. It is a very popular vacation spot. What is the name of this island?
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Section 2: A Timeline of Korea - History
Korean history spans thousands of years, from ancient kingdoms to its modern reality as a divided nation. Match the historical event or figure in Column A with its correct description in Column B by writing the correct letter in the blank.
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| 1. _____ Three Kingdoms Period | A. The Korean alphabet, created in the 15th century to be easy for all people to learn. |
| 2. _____ Joseon Dynasty | B. The ruler who oversaw the creation of the Korean alphabet, promoting literacy and culture. |
| 3. _____ King Sejong the Great | C. A conflict from 1950-1953 that involved international powers and resulted in the division of the peninsula. |
| 4. _____ Hangul | D. An era when the kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla battled for control of the peninsula. |
| 5. _____ Korean War | E. Korea's last and longest-ruling imperial dynasty, which lasted for over 500 years (1392-1897). |
Section 3: Cultural Corner
From K-Pop to kimchi, Korean culture has made a global impact! Let's see what you know about the traditions and modern trends that make Korea unique.
- Which of the following is a famous Korean dish made of fermented vegetables, most commonly spicy napa cabbage?
- a) Sushi
- b) Bibimbap
- c) Kimchi
- d) Pad Thai
- What is the name for the traditional Korean dress, known for its vibrant colors and simple lines, often worn during holidays and special occasions?
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- The global phenomenon of the increasing popularity of South Korean culture, including music, dramas, and movies, is often called the "Korean Wave." What is the Korean word for this? (Hint: It starts with an H.)
H __ __ __ __ u
- Chuseok is a major three-day holiday in Korea. It is a harvest festival where families gather to share food and give thanks to their ancestors. Which Western holiday is it most similar to?
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- Think About It: The Korean alphabet, Hangul, is widely praised for being very scientific and easy to learn. Why do you think having a simple and accessible writing system is important for a country's culture and development?
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Section 4: Two Koreas
After the Korean War, the peninsula was officially divided at the 38th parallel. The two resulting countries have followed very different paths. Fill in the blanks below to compare them.
- The capital of South Korea (Republic of Korea) is Seoul, while the capital of North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) is ___________________.
- The border separating the two countries is a heavily fortified buffer zone called the DMZ, which stands for ____________________________________.
- South Korea has a vibrant, multi-party ___________________ as its form of government, while North Korea is a totalitarian state ruled by a single dynasty.
Answer Key
Section 1: Map It Out! - Geography
- Peninsula
- The Yellow Sea
- Answers will vary, but may include: difficulty with farming, challenges in building roads and transportation, and isolation of communities.
- Seoul
- Jeju Island (or Jeju-do)
Section 2: A Timeline of Korea - History
- D - An era when the kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla battled for control of the peninsula.
- E - Korea's last and longest-ruling imperial dynasty, which lasted for over 500 years (1392-1897).
- B - The ruler who oversaw the creation of the Korean alphabet, promoting literacy and culture.
- A - The Korean alphabet, created in the 15th century to be easy for all people to learn.
- C - A conflict from 1950-1953 that involved international powers and resulted in the division of the peninsula.
Section 3: Cultural Corner
- c) Kimchi
- Hanbok
- Hallyu
- Thanksgiving
- Think About It: Answers will vary. Good answers might mention that it allows more people to become literate (read and write), which helps spread information, preserve history and stories, and allows more people to participate in government and the economy.
Section 4: Two Koreas
- Pyongyang
- Demilitarized Zone
- Democracy