Korean culture has blossomed during her long history. Though affected by other Asian sultures, its roots lie deep within the creative Korean phyche, and it has tended to spread rather than be encroached upon. Jpana especially has adopted many Korean ideas and customs. The delicated styling and fine craftsmanship of celadon pottery well illustrates the refinement of the culture, even from as far back as the Three Kingdoms period. Korea has also spawned some great inventors; its first printing systems predate Gutenberg's, the famous 'Turtle Ship' was the first ever iron-clad battleship, and the Korean alphabet, devised by a group of scholars in the 15 century, was so effective that it remains largely unchanged today. The reasons behind Korea's rapid economic development can be found in this innate creativity. 1. Culture Facilities Buddhism has played a powerful role in Korean art. A large number of excellent examples of Korean artwork and architecture can be found in Buddhist temples and paintings. During the Chosun Dynasty, Confucianism became a leading inspiration for the noblemen to whom the arts of calligraphy and painting were essential. They have left a legacy of fine brush work from which cmtemporary artists have benefited from. 2. Traditional Art Korea has a long and distinguished cultural history. The current trend in Korean art is the harmonious combination of traditional and modern styles, revealing the historical roots and influences of Korean art. 3. Painting Tomb murals from the Three Kingdoms Period are the earliest examples of Korean painting. Mythological beasts such as dragons and flying forses show an imaginative and creative spirit. Throughout the Unified Shilla and Koryo Periods, Buddhism prevailed in every field of life, thus leaving a rich collevtion of icon paintings. In the late Kotyo Dynast, ink and bruch paintings of the four "noble plants",(the cherry blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo), which symbolized traditional virtues, became popular. The artists of the Chosun Dynasty produced innovative cmbodying the Korean spirit and perspective. There are humorous animal pictures, scroll paintings of dreamlike, mist-clad mountains and insightful sketches of everyday life done in brush and ink. Paintings with folk custom and nature themes flourished in the latter half of the 18th century. Shin Yunbok was a celebrated master of this genre. 4. Calligraphy Calligraphy, the art of brush writing, is a traditional art form in Korea which has exerted a stron influence on social and cultural life and is still highl respected today. 5. Architecture Four factors have shaped traditional Korean architecture: religion, the availability of materials, the natural landscape and an aesthetic prefrence for simplicity. Gently sloping roof lines and sturdy, undecorated pillars charaterize its simplicity, harmony and practical utility. Korea has many original wooden and stone structures, some dating back over a thousand years. There are also many skillful reproductions. Traditional architectural designs are also incorporated in many modern buildings throughout the country. 6. Pottery One of the most significant achievements in Korean art, the perfection of celadon, was accomplished during the Koryo Dynasty. Korean artisans developed a superby controlled glaze that was both beautiful and unique because if fully utilized the properties of Korea's rich clay. The highest praise is given to the color of the glaze-a delicate kingfisher green celadon inlaid with a pictorial underglaze which is called sanggamshungja and occupies a central position in Koryo celadons. The motifs and decorations found on the celadon are additional reasons for its great populatiry among art lovers. Food