During the past several decades, the world has witnessed the meteoric rise of the Republic of Korea as a major player on the international stage; a feat all the more impressive considering the utter devastation wrought by the Korean War (1950-1953). Many are aware of the "Miracle on the Han River", Korea's remarkable economic transformation from a subsistence-level economy into an advanced industrial nation, one of the "Four Asian Dragons". Korea also left a shining impression on the world with its successful staging of the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Few, though, are aware of its less famous treasures: its breath-taking scenery and diverse climate, its rich cultural heritage and artistic life, its peace-loving yet passionate populace, and its continuous devotion to the Confucian ideals of filial reverence, social harmony, education, and self-enrichment. The Koreans are a proud people who have weathered many hardships with a strong sense of unity and stoicism, never losing their identity or pride as a people. Korea has much to offer to the international community. It is our hope that these pages will reveal to the reader some of the hidden beauty of the "Land of the Morning Calm."