korea
Proper noun 1. A peninsula in East Asia: Korea is a peninsula located in East Asia, extending southward from the mainland of Asia. It is bordered by the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the east. 2. A historical and cultural region: The term refers to a region with a shared history, culture, and ethnic identity, historically comprised of various kingdoms and states. 3. The modern divided nations: In contemporary context, it commonly refers to the two modern states located on the Korean Peninsula: the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).
- As a geographical region:
- The Korean Peninsula, often referred to simply as Korea, has a long and rich history.
- Korea is known for its mountainous terrain and distinct seasons.
- Referring to the cultural and historical entity:
- Traditional music from Korea is called "gugak".
- The cuisine of Korea is famous for its fermented dishes like kimchi.
- In a modern political context:
- The relationship between the two Koreas remains complex.
- She studied the economic development of Korea after the war.
- "the two Koreas": This phrase is used to explicitly refer to both North Korea and South Korea together, acknowledging the political division.
- Diplomatic talks between the two Koreas have resumed.
- "pre-modern Korea": Used in historical discourse to refer to the region before the 20th century, prior to its division.
- Confucianism deeply influenced the social structure of pre-modern Korea.
- Korean (adj): Of or relating to Korea, its people, or their language.
- She is taking a Korean language class.
- Korean (n):
- A person from Korea.
- He is a Korean living abroad.
- The language spoken in Korea.
- Korean uses its own unique writing system called Hangul.
- Korean Peninsula: The precise geographical term.
- Dae-Han-Min-Gook / Han-Gook: The Korean names for the country/nation (more specifically for South Korea in modern usage).
The word "Korea" itself is an exonym (a name given by outsiders). Its primary meaning is the peninsula. However, in everyday English usage: - It can function as a shorthand for South Korea (e.g., "I'm traveling to Korea next month," which typically implies South Korea). - The full official names (Republic of Korea and Democratic People's Republic of Korea) are used for formal or specific political reference to the separate states.
- an Asian peninsula (off Manchuria) separating the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan; the Korean name is Dae-Han-Min-Gook or Han-Gook