North and South Korea -- Page 10

South Korea

Agriculture, Fishing, and Forestry

About 21% of the land is farmed; agriculture provides about 10% of the national income. Rice is the principal summer, or wet-season, crop; wheat, barley, corn, potatoes, and sweet potatoes are the major dry-season crops. South Korea's rice yields, among the highest in the world, are obtained through heavy use of fertilizers, hybrid seeds, irrigation, and mechanization, plus a strong system of cooperatives. Foodstuffs, including meat products, are imported in increasing quantity. Fish, a traditional part of the Korean diet, are abundant offshore and in the Sea of Japan. Since the 1950s fish production has increased tremendously, and South Korea now ranks third (following Japan and China) among Asian fish producers. Forests cover about 66% of the total land area, but demand exceeds the yearly wood output. Extensive reforestation efforts have been launched.

Transportation

The principal rail line connects Seoul, Taejon, Taegu, and Pusan. A second rail line runs from Seoul to the south and west, and a third serves the east coast. New expressways, such as the one linking Seoul and Pusan, have led to a decline in the use of rail transportation. Roads, subways, and sports facilities were built in preparation for the 1988 Olympic games, which were held in Seoul.

The Arts in South Korea

Korea's rich artistic and cultural heritage has been strongly influenced by centuries of close contact with China. Buddhism, which dominated Korean life from the 7th to the 12th century, has influenced the arts. Many beautiful Buddhist temples, monasteries, shrines, palaces, fine metalwork, and other art treasures still remain to bear witness to the achievements of this golden age and are valuable to South Korea's growing tourist industry. Under the Koryo dynasty (918-1392), delicate celadon ceramics of outstanding beauty and craftsmanship were produced. Folktales, music, poetry, and drama all draw heavily on the Buddhist and Confucian traditions.