North Korea

Geography

North Korea is a land mass slightly smaller than Mississippi that borders the Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan, between China and South Korea. Approximately 21.6 million people live in this country which is racially homogeneous.

The climate in North Korea is temperate with concentrated rainfalls in the summer months. In the late spring droughts followed by severe flooding are common. Typhoons are also a threat during the early fall months.

North Korea has a mountainous interior separated by deep, narrow valleys, which are isolated and sparsely populated. The coastal plains are wide in the west and broken up in the east. The land available for agriculture is limited because 61% of the land is forests and woodlands. There are plenty of natural resources including: coal, lead, tungsten, zinc, graphite, magnesite, iron ore, copper, gold, pyrites, salt, fluorspar, and hydropower.

Economy

North Korea ranks among the world's most centrally planned and isolated economies. State-owned industry produces nearly all manufactured goods, and the regime continues to devote its focus on military industries at the expense of consumer industries. Total economic output has fallen steadily since 1991—perhaps by as much as one-half—when the country's economic ties to the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc collapsed. Serious energy shortages, aging industrial facilities, and a lack of new investment have fueled this slide. The agricultural outlook, though slightly improved over previous years, remains weak. The combined effects of serious fertilizer shortages, successive natural disasters, and structural constraints - such as marginal arable land and a short growing season - have reduced staple grain output to more than 1 million tons below what the country needs to meet even minimal demand. The steady flow of international food aid has been critical in meeting the population's basic food needs. Medical supplies and agricultural assistance largely has been limited to local areas. Even with aid, malnutrition rates are among the world's highest and estimates of mortality range in the hundreds of thousands as a direct result of starvation or famine-related diseases.

Government

P’yongyang is the capital of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and this is where the communist leaders rule from. Officially the DPRK consists of an executive, legislative, and judicial branch of government. The president or chief of state is the head of government while the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) is in charge of legislation. Although under the constitution the SPA is "the highest organ of state power" it is not influential and has little if no control. Two vice presidents are appointed to assist the president in decision making. The government is in charge of nine provinces and four province-level municipalities.

Kim Jong Il is North Korea’s current chief of state and no one serves in top government positions without his express recommendation. The official political party is called the Korean Workers’ Party. The legislative process is set in motion by executive bodies according to the predetermined policies of the party leadership. The assembly never rejects or stands in the way of bills proposed by the chief of state.

On 9 September 1948, the DPRK was founded. North Korea actually gained its independence from Japan on 15 August 1945, which is celebrated today as National Liberation Day. Although currently many reforms are being brought under way in North and South Korea to unify the two together, there are plenty of stumbling blocks caused by the communist North.

In the next five years we may see the North open its doors for free trade only out of necessity of food for its people. Currently the government is spending the bulk of its income on military advancements, which it can ill afford to do. The food aid being given to the country is not enough to sustain them much longer. On a positive note the North and South have been meeting together to talk about reform which has not happened in over thirty years.

People

Scholars generally agree that the ancestors of today’s Koreans were late-comers of the Neolithic Period. Most Koreans trace their ethnic origins to those who lived in and around the Altaic mountains in Central Asia. Several thousand years ago, these people began to migrate eastward until they finally settled in an area that included Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula. Like South Korea, North Koreans are racially homogenous with a small Chinese community and a few ethnic Japanese.

Freedom of religion in North Korea is guaranteed by the Constitution, and many of the major religions are active in the Republic of Korea. Buddhism and Confucianism are both practiced in by a majority of the people. Christianity was introduced approximately 200 years ago, but has spread rapidly to claim one of the largest followings. North Korea operates a strict "estates" system, by which the population is classed according to three categories: loyal, wavering, and hostile. You must be included within the first category as a prerequisite for advancement. Those deemed hostile- usually Christians and the children of landlords or of Koreans who fled to the South- have barely any rights. Women form more than 50% of the workforce, but are also expected to run the home; it is not uncommon for them to rise at 4 am, and end their working day at 7 pm from an early age, children are looked after by an extensive system of state-run day-care facilities.

Diet

Korean food is rich in nutrition, balanced in content, and low in calories. Rice, either plain or mixed with other grains, is the main dish for all three meals of the day, and is accompanied by a variety of side dishes. Without rice, one cannot have a legitimate meal. Soy sauce, soybean paste, red pepper paste, ginger root, and sesame seeds are the essential seasonings added to Korean food. Koreans eat their rice and soup with a spoon and side dishes with chopsticks. Because of North Korea’s geographical location seafood is also a staple item. The local markets sell fish, shrimp, crabs, clams, oysters, squid, and octopus, which are eaten dried, pickled, crushed into paste or sauce, stewed, steamed, or grilled.

As in Japan rice, pickles and fish are the basis of the Korean diet. Food is usually flavored with a variety of herbs and spices. Pork is the most popular meat for the North, while southerners prefer beef. Traditionally, Korean food is not served in courses, but instead it is all placed on the table at the same time. There is no set order in which to eat the food, just according to personal preference. Korean beer and soju, a distilled liquor, are popular drinks. Each province has its own special liquors.

South Korea

Geography

South Korea is located between the Sea of Japan, the Yellow Sea, and North Korea, and encompasses about 38,000 square miles with a population of 46.1 million people. It is roughly the size of Indiana, and it consists of narrow valleys between partially forested mountain ranges, and coastal plains mostly to the south and west. Nearly 65% of the land area is woodland, but South Korea does have other natural resources that consist of the following: coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, and hydropower.

South Korea has a continental climate that consists of dry cold winters and hot humid summers. There is a quick transition from summer to winter in late April and back to summer in late October. Two-thirds of the precipitation falls in the summer, and it may be accompanied with typhoons, high winds, and flooding.

Economy

In November 1997 South Korea suffered from a huge economic crisis. The Korean currency, known as the won, lost over 50% of its value against the dollar. South Korea signed agreements with world monetary organizations to restructure its financial and corporate sectors, which is currently taking place. The won has rebounded, and now $1 is equal to 1,257 Korea Won as of 6 February 2001.

The labor force in South Korea consists of roughly 20m people that generate a per capita gross domestic product of $13,700. The gross domestic product is comprised of three major areas; agriculture comprises 8%, industry 45%, and services 47%.

South Korea exports $140b worth of goods including textiles, ships, automobiles, steel, computers, and footwear to the U.S., Japan, and the European Union. Imports of crude oil, food, machinery, transportation equipment, chemicals, and base metals total $120b from trade partners such as Japan, U.S., European Union, and the Middle East.

Government

The government of South Korea is classified as a republic with powers being shared between the legislature and the president. The president, or chief of state, is elected by a nationwide secret ballot for a single term of five years. The National Assembly is the unicameral legislature, and it consists of 273 members elected to four-year terms. The judicial system of South Korea consists of a Supreme Court, appellate courts, and a Constitutional Court. The president with consent of the National Assembly appoints Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for a single term of 6 years.

Throughout history Korea had been invaded and fought over by its larger neighbors. At the end of World War II Korea was released from Japanese control, and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) was established in 1948 when UN-supervised elections were held. South Korea was ruled by military dictators, presidents elected by controversial elections, and scattered civilian rule until 1987. In 1987 the president yielded to demands for reform, and he revised the constitution to include direct presidential elections and a stronger legislature. This reform led to political liberalization, including greater freedoms of expression, assembly, and press.

Some of the political parties in South Korea include the following: the National Congress for New Politics; Grand National Party; United Liberal Democrats; Millennium Democratic Party; National Congress for New Politics; and the Democratic People's Party. There are still problems with political corruption in South Korea. In 1992 Kim Young-sam became the first public elected president in 30 years. Prior to the election Kim Young-sam joined an opposing political party that was currently run by President Roh, and he pardoned former Presidents Chun and Roh for their convictions on corruption and treason charges. The current President, Kim Dae-jung, has been accused of using the same "dictatorial" methods that previous military governments used to suppress opponents. He is accused of implementing a media tax and competition probe in an attempt to control criticism from the press. Do to lack of political support President Kim is trying to create a new political party that would appeal to all sections of the country, and one that would draw support from members of other major political parties.

Kim Dae-jung has been involved in reforming the government. These reforms include government restructuring, privatization, and reduction of manpower. The government currently operates 24 parent corporations and 75 subsidiaries, but when the scheduled restructuring is complete in 2002 the government will operate only 13 parent corporations and 8 subsidiaries.

People

Korea was populated by people from several Mongol tribes that migrated on to the peninsula from northwest Asia. Koreans are racially homogeneous with Chinese being the only sizable minority. Korean is the language that is spoken in both North and South Korea and written in Hangul, a phonetic alphabet that uses numerous Chinese words. English is taught in the schools. The older people that were educated during the period of Japanese rule, 1910-1945, are more likely to know Japanese than English. Korea has a high population density, and a population of 46.9m with a growth rate of one percent. The life expectancy of the people is getting longer, and the average age of the population is rising.

Korea’s traditional religions are Buddhism and Shamanism while Confucianism and the other native religion Chondogyo are also practiced. Since the 1800s Christianity has also become one of Korea’s major religions. Shamanism is also known as spirit worship while Chondogyo is a mixture of the other religions. Confucianism is an ethics system originating from China in 500 BC, and it has a large impact on Korean society. Confucianism highly regards devotion and respect for parents, family, friends, and rulers.

Diet

Korean food is known for its spiciness, and may contain seasonings such as red peppers, green onion, soy sauce, bean paste, garlic, ginger, sesame, mustard, vinegar, and wine. A typical Korean meal has many dishes, up to 15-20, and is served on a low table where each person gets a serving of all the dishes. Table etiquette and place settings are very important to the Korean people. Chopsticks and spoons are the eating utensils while fingers are used for eating sushi, barbecue, and foods wrapped in lettuce. Koreans have special traditional meals prepared for different seasons and seasonal festivals. Each region of Korea is known for its favorite foods, but rice and some variety of the side dish kimchi are served at every meal. Kimchi contains vegetables mixed with chilli, garlic and ginger and was traditionally left to ferment underground to retain flavor and prepare it for winter. Now there are electronic refrigerator units made especially for kimchi, and factories also produce kimchi for people who don’t want to produce it themselves. Koreans also like meat dishes. The national dish is pulgogi, or fire beef. Strips of beef are marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and chili and cooked on a hotplate at the table. Koreans also developed a taste for soup because of the cold weather. The Korean people consume a variety of drinks such as herbal teas, Beer, rice wines, or Makkolli, a fermented rice liquor. At the present time some of their diets have been changing. Many of the younger generation Koreans eat western style foods.

Japan

Geography

Japan's islands are composed of several mountain arcs. These mountain ranges cover more than four-fifths of Japan's land surface and divide the country's four main islands. Japan is situated within one of the Earth's most geologically active zones; the country thus experiences violent volcanic eruptions and almost perpetual earthquake activity--about 1,000 per year, most minor but a few devastating. Tsunamis (huge sea waves) often accompany offshore tremors and may cause severe damage along the Pacific coast. Hydroelectric plants abound, and flood-control projects are numerous. Nevertheless, during typhoons and periods of heavy rainfall flooding remains a major problem.

Japan's temperatures are generally mild. Winter and summer temperatures vary widely from north to south. Average annual precipitation for the whole country exceeds 60 inches, and few locations receive less than 40 inches. The winter monsoon, from late September to late March, deposits rain and snow on the side of the country facing the Sea of Japan and brings dry, windy weather to the Pacific side. The summer monsoon, from mid-April to early September, brings rain to the pacific coast. Destructive typhoons often occur in late summer and early fall.

About one-eighth of the country's land area is arable. Forests occupy two-thirds of the land. Bears, foxes, deer, wild boars, raccoon dogs (tanuki), antelope, hares, and Japanese macaques inhabit the country's remote, heavily forested mountain regions. More than a third of the country's birds are water birds. Japanese waters contain whales, dolphins, porpoises, and a wide variety of commercially valuable fish.

Economy

Government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (1% of GDP) have helped Japan to the second most powerful economy in the world. One notable characteristic of the economy is the working together of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors in closely-knit groups. Industry, the most important sector of the economy, is heavily dependent on imported raw materials and fuels. Japan is among the world's largest and technologically advanced producers of steel, heavy electrical equipment, construction and mining equipment, and motor vehicles and parts. The much smaller agricultural sector is highly subsidized and protected, with crop yields among the highest in the world. Usually self-sufficient in rice, Japan must import about 50% of its requirements of other grain and fodder crops. Japan maintains one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch.

For three decades, overall real economic growth had been spectacular. Growth slowed considerably in 1992-95 largely because of the after effects of over investment during the late 1980s. In 1997-98 Japan experienced a wrenching recession, centered about financial difficulties in the banking system and real estate markets. In the year 2000, the GDP stood at $2.8t. The currency used in Japan is the yen. One yen is equal to approximately $119 U.S.. The real GDP growth in 2000 was -.1%. Inflation of consumer prices was -.6%.

Government

Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government. The constitution was written on 3 May 1947. There is universal adult suffrage with a secret ballot for all elective offices. The executive branch is responsible to the Diet, and the judicial branch is independent. Sovereignty, previously embodied in the emperor, is vested in the Japanese people, and the emperor is defined as the symbol of the state. Japan's government is a parliamentary democracy, with a House of Representatives and a House of Councilors. Executive power is vested in a cabinet composed of a Prime Minister and ministers of state, all of whom must be civilians. The Prime Minister must be a member of the Diet and is designated by his colleagues. The Prime Minister has the power to appoint and remove ministers, a majority of whom must be Diet members. The current Prime Minister of Japan is Yoshiro Mori.

Japan's judicial system, drawn from customary law, civil law, and Anglo-American common law, consists of several levels of courts, with the Supreme Court as the final judicial authority. The Japanese constitution includes a bill of rights similar to the U.S. Bill of Rights, and the Supreme Court has the right of judicial review. Japanese courts do not use a jury system, and there are no administrative courts or claims courts. Because of the judicial system's basis, court decisions are made in accordance with legal statutes. Only Supreme Court decisions have any direct effect on later interpretation of the law.

Japan does not have a federal system, and its 47 prefectures are not sovereign entities in the sense that U.S. States are. Most depend on the central government for subsidies. Governors of prefectures, mayors of municipalities, and prefectural and municipal assembly members are popularly elected to 4-year terms.

Some of the major political parties include the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), Komeito, Liberal Party, Conservative Party, Japan Communist Party (JCP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). I see a major change coming in the next few months with the Japanese government in relationship to the current Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori. Since the 11 months he has been in office the economy has driven itself into a recession. Our desk looks to see a new Prime Minister before long.

People

Japan is one of the most densely populated nations in the world, with some 330 persons per square kilometer (almost 860 persons per sq. mi.). For 1997, the population growth rate was about 0.23%. Japan's low population growth rate in recent years has raised concerns about the social implications of an aging population.

The Japanese are a Mongoloid people, closely related to the major groups of East Asia. However, some evidence also exists of a mixture with Malayan and Caucasoid strains. About 750,000 Koreans and much smaller groups of Chinese and Caucasians reside in Japan. Buddhism is important in Japan's religious life and has strongly influenced fine arts, social institutions, and philosophy. Most Japanese consider themselves members of one of the major Buddhist sects.

Shintoism is an indigenous religion founded on myths, legends, and ritual practices of the early Japanese. Neither Buddhism nor Shintoism is an exclusive religion. Most Japanese observe both Buddhist and Shinto rituals. About 1.3 million people in Japan are Christians, of whom 60% are Protestant and 40% Roman Catholic.

Japan provides free public schooling for all children through junior high school. Ninety-four percent of students go on to 3-year senior high schools, and competition is stiff for entry into the best universities. Japan enjoys one of the world's highest literacy rates (99%), and nearly 90% of Japanese students complete high school.

Diet

The most fundamental type of food eaten in Japan is rice. Rice exists in many different forms in Japan such as cooked white rice, fried rice, rice balls, sushi rice, rice snacks, and rice vinegar just to name a few. The Japanese eat rice for breakfast, lunch, and supper. Sushi is the most popular food among the Japanese. Sushi is a dish served with rice prepared from sushi vinegar. In Japan, the preparation of sushi is considered an art form. The method of preparation and taste differ depending on where you are at in Japan. There are many different types of sushi made throughout Japan including nigiri sushi, temaki sushi, and futomaki sushi. One neat things about sushi is that it is prepared quickly in front of the customers’ eyes in restaurants by a sushi chef.

Sashimi, better known as raw fish, is another popular food in Japan. The fish have to be saltwater fish because freshwater fish contain parasites that can only be killed by cooking and the saltwater fish do not contain these parasites. Some of the most popular fish used for sashimi are tuna, octopus, salmon, squid, prawn, and mackerel. Sashimi can be eaten plain or can be put on top of a ball of sushi rice and eaten with soy sauce and wasabi. Wasabi is a hot green horseradish cream that can be mixed with soy sauce. Another popular food among Japanese is noodles. There are a variety of noodles that one can get in Japan. The most popular ones are Ramen, Udon and Soba. These noodles are served in a broth with various bits of vegetables, meat and fish. Also, chicken is a very popular cuisine among Japanese. Chicken dishes are often called yakitori, which is grilled chicken speared on sticks.

The main beverage consumed in Japan is tea, or as they call it "ocha". Japanese tea is not served with tea as it is sometimes in the U.S. There is a special traditional tea ceremony performed when the Japanese host serves his/her guest tea. There is also a way of drinking tea in Japan. One hand holds the cup while the other hand supports the cup from below.

Suishi Set- Includes everything you need to make authentic Asian sushi. (1pkg. of Nori, 1 can of Wasabi, 1 bottle of Sushi-Vinegar, 1 pkg. of Japanese-Rice, 1 bottle of Soysauce, plus 1 free Bamboo Mat and Sushi Making Instructions. Makes 6-8 servings. $18.99 (2374 Yen) Company Name: SSICO Address: Tokyo 2-15-13

Tea Bags Gift Set- Includes Dunggulle tea, Hyunmi green tea, Persimmons leaf tea, Duchungnip tea, Mulberry tea, and Chicory tea. All in individually sealed packages ready to make one cup of hot or cold tea. Set will make approximately 18 servings. $7.00 (875 Yen) Company Name: Jin Foods Co. Address: #195-14 Kwanchi-dong Namwon-city Chonbuk Korea (Zip Code: 590-170)

The Italian classics mixed wine assortment from the Mediterranean will be shipped via Fed Ex from Paris, France to Incheon, South Korea. Shipping costs will be $20/case of 6 wines (27000 Won). Leading to a final retail price of $75/case (102000 Won).

The Asian tea basket will be shipped via UPS from Oregon to Incheon International Airport, South Korea. The shipping cost is $145/10kgs. (200000 Won). Which leads to a final selling price of $30/package (41000 Won), with a 35% markup.

The specialty coffee from Brazil to Incheon, South Korea will cost $185/10kgs. (254000Won). This leads to a final selling price of $19/1lbs. (26000Won), with a 100% markup.