Visits to Korea Introduction to Hanbok Hanbok refers to the traditional clothing of Korea. Hanbok was developed over a long period of time by Korean people on the Korean peninsula. Korean people, who are descendents of Mongolians and use a Ural-Altaic language, had characteristics of northern nomadic tribes in their overall lifestyle. Hanbok, the cultural clothing of Korea, was established as a part of the unique living culture of Korea, influenced by the geographical and climatic natures of Korean peninsula, and handed down to present times. Hanbok is also called Korean traditional clothes or folk clothes.  The Origin of Kimchi Korea has its own distinctive aroma. What is this fragrance of Korea, and where does it come from? The fragrance of a country or region comes mainly from the local cuisine, which derives its unique savor from particular spices, fermented foods and liquids, or ways of cooking with all of these. The dishes that give Korea its special fragrance are primarily fermented foods, especially the various kinds of kimchi made with fermented vegetables and the various kinds of paste made with fermented beans. Above all, it is the pungent smell of kimchi that first assaults the senses of the visitor to Korea.  World Heritage UNESCO has recognized the unique value and the distinct character of Korean culture by placing a number of Korean treasures on the World Heritage List. In 1995, UNESCO added to its list Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both in Gyeongju, Gyeong sangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang Province); Haeinsa Temple Janggyeongpanjeon, the depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks in Gyeongsang nam-do (South Gyeongsang Province); and Jongmyo, the Royal Ancestral Shrine in Seoul.  Spring Festivals 2010 (March-May) 02/26/2010 Spring announces its arrival in Korea with a blanket of yellow and white blossoms spreading throughout the country. It's Just COEXciting 02/03/2010 The COEX complex is a landmark in Seoul. Located just by the Samseong subway station, it incorporates a Western-style shopping mall, massive convention center, museums,