Today increasing complexity and diversity mark the international scene. This can be partly explained by the growing independence of ethnic groups which accompanies national development. These complex and diverse international situations call for deeper mutual understanding.
Korea is a country blessed with a history, culture and traditions dating back some 4,000 years. The Koguryo Kingdom which existed in present-day Manchuria as well as in part of the Korean peninsula one century before and after the birth of Christ, was rhe mosr advanced civilization of that time. Koreans also take pride in the highly developed civilizations of Silla and Paekche which followed that of Koguryo. Relics from these ancient cultures are extant today in the form of the many royal tombs which dot the peninsula. These relics are eloquent testimony to the greatness of the Buddhist culture which blossomed in those days.
The Koryo Kingdom which came into being in 936 A.D. following the fall of Silla resisted the invasion of foreign armies from the north Khitan, Liao, Mongolia and China to preserve and develop the unique national culture of Korea. The feudal arable land system came into being during this era. So did woodblock printing and larer even movable metal type. The invention of this movable metal type in 1234 A.D. preceded the advent of the Gutenberg type by 200 years. And ceramics created by the artisans of this kingdom are valued and loved by art con- noisseurs all over the world to this date.
Toward the end of the Yi dynasty, a misjudgment of their ruler led ro an isolationist policy for the country at a rime when neighboringJapan was building up its national power on the strength of the Occidental civilization it had adopted following the Imperial Restoration. Before long, Japan succeeded in making Korea its colony. But it could never succeed in uprooting the national culture of Korea. Koreans preserved their own highly developed language and letters throughout the colonial years.