The speaker, Sümeyra Çenet, provides a comprehensive overview of South Korea, discussing its geography, population, culture, lifestyle, and history.
South Korea, located in the southern part of the Korean peninsula, covers a surface area of 100,036 square kilometers. It shares a border with North Korea, the only neighboring country, and the border zone between them is considered one of the world's most dangerous. Despite the distinction between North and South Korea, both countries claim dominance over the Korean Peninsula, hence the name of the country, the Republic of Korea.
The country is densely populated due to its mountainous region, with a population of approximately 52.11 million. The capital city, Seoul, is the sixth city with the highest population density globally. The fertility rate in South Korea is lower than the global average, and it is expected that the country's population will decrease by half in 80 years if the current trend continues.
South Korea does not have an official religion, and 56% of the population does not follow any religion. The country's currency, the South Korean Won, is more valuable than the Turkish Lira. Smoking is prohibited in public places, and air cleaners are common in almost every house due to the dust problem.
The country has strict laws and a high level of surveillance, with cameras placed throughout the country and in cars. The legal system is severe, with long prison sentences for crimes such as cheating on spouses and stealing money.
South Korea has a high per capita use of skincare products and is considered the capital of plastic surgery. South Koreans use a unique place system, called "money age," which counts the time spent in the womb as one year.
The country's education system is rigorous, with students starting lessons early in the morning and continuing until midnight. In addition to school, students also work part-time to support themselves, leading to serious psychological stress.
South Korea is a workaholic country, with long working hours and little annual leave. The country is also a leader in robotic technology, with robots used in education and even as prison guards.
Despite its modernity, South Korea still holds onto many superstitions. For instance, the color red is considered unlucky, and the number 4 is believed to be unfortunate.
South Korea's economy is largely based on production rather than consumption, with 90% of the cars used in the country today being domestically produced. The country is the 5th largest exporter in the world and the 6th largest automobile manufacturer.
The speaker concludes by discussing the history of the Korean Peninsula, which was divided into North and South Korea after the Korean War. The biggest challenge facing South Korea today, according to the speaker, is keeping alive the hope that Korea will one day be unified.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. South Korea is located in the southern part of the Korean peninsula in the east of Asia, and has a surface area of 100,363 square kilometers.
2. South Korea's only border neighbor is North Korea, and the Korean neutral zone between them is considered the most dangerous border in the world.
3. The official name of the country is the Republic of Korea, and both North Korea and South Korea see themselves as dominating the Korean Peninsula.
4. South Korea has a population of approximately 52 million, and its capital Seoul is the sixth city with the highest population density in the world.
5. South Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the world, with an average of 1.1 children per woman, and its population is expected to decrease by half in 80 years.
6. South Korea does not have an official religion, and 56 percent of the population does not follow any faith.
7. The currency of the country is South Korean won, and one Turkish lira is equivalent to 137 won.
8. Smoking is prohibited on the streets and in some local restaurants and cafes that do not allow foreigners to enter.
9. Large markets and shopping malls are closed on the second and fourth Sundays of the month to enable small markets and markets to sell.
10. Seoul is the eighth safest city in the world, and people who harass others with their eyes can be punished by the police after being kept for at least three days.
11. Koreans use their own age system, which they call money age, and babies are considered one year old as soon as they are born.
12. South Korea is considered the capital of plastic surgery, and 76 percent of women between 20-30 years old have had plastic surgery.
13. Hugging and kissing only occur between families and lovers in Korean culture, and people use both hands when giving something to someone or pouring a drink.
14. Koreans believe that the number 4 is unlucky, and some elevators skip or mark the fourth floor with a Hey sign.
15. People give toilet paper or detergent as housewarming gifts, and they believe that blood groups form their character.
16. South Korea is one of the most workaholic countries in the world, and people work until their bosses leave work.
17. South Korea is one of the leading countries in robotic technology, and it uses robot teachers and guards in some schools and prisons.
18. South Korea is one of the rare countries that is not of Turkish origin but sees Turks as brothers, because Turkey sent 15,000 soldiers to help South Korea during the Korean War.
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