South Korea : The Emerging Powerhouse

 

SOUTH KOREA
"I am confident that this crisis can advance our dream of becoming an advanced first-class nation," President Lee Myung-bak told a group of business leaders in 2009. To accomplish his goal, South Korea boosted government research and development spending from 3.4 percent -- already among the world's highest -- to 5 percent. The emphasis on innovation, combined with generous subsidies, not to mention a policy of keeping the won low to boost exports, has helped South Korean industrial giants like Samsung, Kia, and Hyundai rack up global market share. South Korea was the first wealthy country to emerge from recession in 2009, and household income has grown for the last 11 quarters. The country's credit rating was upgraded by Fitch in September, cementing its status as a haven for investors. South Korea still faces economic challenges -- domestic consumption has been low, and Korean households are among the world's most debt-laden -- but once global trade picks up, expect the Korean wave to crash on a shore near you. 

South Korea : One of 7 Emerging Powerhouses

 

"South Korea, one of 7 nations that overcame Global Economic Crisis"
US magazine Foreign Policy highly evaluated President Lee's Stimulative Economic Policy.

The US diplomacy magazine <Foreign Policy> published article 'Who won the recession? These 7 Countries' in their November issue saying "The rise of China and India has long since become a cliche. In fact, neither country has done all that well since the crash of 2008 -- but South Korea, Poland, Canada, Sweden, Indonesia, Turkey,Mexico, these emerging powerhouses have cleaned up".

On Oct. 11th, Wall Street Journal published an editorial article saying "By embracing FTAs with U.S. and Europe, President Lee Myung Bak showed his attempt to open up South Korean market", also "this opening will provide benefits to South Korean consumers with expanded choices and less prices of products, resulting to development of the economy".

Yeosu & Gurye Midsummer Night's Dream!

<Tour Course> Yeosu Expo → Unjoru → Hwaeomsa Temple Stay

If you want to get out of exhausting works and relax surrounded by nature,
I strongly recommend you Yeosu & Gurye Tour Course!

The arms of Jiri Mountain. It already feels good only by imagining:)
In Gurye, there are 'King of mountains Jiri Mountain' and 'King of Rivers Seomjin River'.
It is also the place which is described as the best place to live in the book 'Taekriji'.

 

Make yourself relaxed, and stay at Unjoru which has 99 rooms and fantastic attic!

It is built with the ancestors' wisdom that no smoke go out of chimney in day time as a concern for the neighbors.

With scenery of Jiri Mountain as the background, the rooms vertical to the attic seem very beautiful.

 

If you want quiet and peaceful summer vacation, Hwaeomsa Temple Stay could be your choice.

3 things you must see at Hwaeomsa!!!
First, Gakhwangjeon! Second, 3-storey Four Lions Stone Pagoda! and Third, stone lantern in front of Gakhwangjeon!

Especially, 3-storey Four Lion Stone Pagoda placed behind Gakhwangjeon is very splendid.

 

Hwaeomsa Temple Stay is provided as 'Full Time Relaxation' and 'Spiritual Experience'
You can choose with your own taste.

Experience peaceful tour with Hwaeomsa Temple Stay!

[Yeosu Expo] POP Festival Interview with Rain

[Yeosu Expo] Parade for the day of Navy

[Yeosu Expo] Street Performances

[Expo Pop Festival] MBLAQ&YB

World Star beyond Asia MBLAQ and the Pride of Korean Rock YB performed at Expo Pop Festival on 6th Aug.

Just like the night of Yeosu, MBLAQ performed at Expo Pop Festival with incredible songs and dances.

(From Left) Cheon Dung, Mir and G.O.

(From Left) Seungho and Lee Joon

Five members of MBLAQ are famous for their singing ability, dance skills and charismatic performances.

South Korea's Legendary Rock&Roll Star YB performed at Expo Pop Festival.

YB's performance with passionate singing and brilliant guitar skills.