Population

The Koreans are one ethnic family speaking one language. They share certain distinct physical characteristics which differentiate them from other Asian peoples including the Chinese and the Japanese, and they have a strong cultural identity as one ethnic family. The modern Korean people are believed to be the descendants of several Mongol tribes which migrated onto the Korean Peninsula from Central Asia particularly during the Neolithic Age (c. 5000-1000 B.C.) and the Bronze Age (c.l000-300 B.C.)

The Koreans were a homogeneous people by the beginning of the Christian era. In the seventh century A.D., they were politically unified for the first time by the Shilla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 935) and subsequently witnessed a great cultural flourishing.

Korean society retains a strong Confucian tradition, which is clearly manifested in the strong devotion to the family and the emphasis on hierarchy and vertical relationships, although modified to adapt to modern conditions. This tradition combined with the passionate nature of Koreans can perhaps explain the strong loyalties felt between relatives, co-workers, classmates, and friends. For things deemed worthy-family, friends, company, causes, etc- Koreans will give their utmost. They work hard and enjoy life and entertainment with the same fervor.

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