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East Asia

East Asia

East Asia Interactivity

East Asia extends from the interior of the Asian continent to the Pacific coast. It also includes several islands and peninsulas. From ancient civilizations to modern global economies, the countries of East Asia have played important roles in human history. In this interactivity, you will explore the countries of China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, and Mongolia. Click the player to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity or an ADA compliant transcript.

History of the Koreas

The Korean people have a shared history, culture, and ethnic background. Despite this, the Korean Peninsula is separated into two different countries: South Korea and North Korea. This separation is the result of conflicts during the twentieth century.

In 1910, the Japanese Empire occupied the Korean Peninsula. Japan controlled the peninsula until 1945, when it was defeated in World War II. After the war, the Korean Peninsula split into two nations. North Korea had a communist government. It was supported by the Soviet Union and China. South Korea had a democratic government. It was supported by the United States and other western powers. North and South Korea were divided at the thirty-eighth parallel, or 38°N latitude.

In 1950, the North Korean military advanced into South Korea. This started the Korean War, which lasted until 1953. The war ended in a ceasefire; however, no peace agreement has been signed to this day. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was established at the thirty-eighth parallel. The DMZ is a buffer zone between North and South Korea, where no military can enter.

Take a moment to view the video, A Hurried Escape: Finding Your Roots, from eMediaVASM. You will discover how one family’s life changed because Korea split into two countries. How do you think you would you have reacted if this was your family?

Religious Diversity in East Asia

Statue of Buddha at a temple in Taiwan

Several different religions are practiced throughout East Asia. Some of the most common are Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism, Christianity, and Islam. During the third century A.D. (C.E.), Buddhist missionaries traveled the Silk Road and brought their religion from India to China. Over time, Chinese monks spread Buddhism to the rest of East Asia. Buddhism was often merged with other East Asian religions. Muslim traders brought Islam to northwestern China during in the eighth century A.D. (C.E.). In the 1600s, Christianity was spread throughout East Asia by missionaries.

Confucianism

Statue of Confucius in China

Confucius was a teacher, politician, and philosopher from ancient China. He lived from 551-479 B.C. (B.C.E.). Confucianism is a system of ethics based on his philosophies. Some of the main tenets are the belief that humans are good, and respectful social relationships are essential for peace. Additionally, Confucianism values education, respect for elders, and ancestor worship. Confucianism has influenced Chinese and East Asian culture for thousands of years. It is often practiced along with Buddhism or Taoism.

Taoism

Taoism is a philosophical belief system that began in ancient China. It is believed that Taoism was developed by Lao Tzu. He taught that humans could achieve peace, harmony, and health by following the Tao, which means “the way.” Taoist philosophy is often symbolized by the yin-yang symbol. The yin-yang represents balanced opposites, like male and female or dark and light. Like Buddhists, some Taoists worship in pagodas.

Shintoism

Shintoism is native to Japan. Followers of this religion practice ancestor worship and believe in a sacred essence. They believe that spirits exist throughout nature, and these spirits can be manifested in various forms. For instance, spirits can exist in people, animals, rivers, trees, and rocks. Many people in Japan practice Shintoism along with Buddhism.

Cultural Influences of East Asia

Cultural Influences of East Asia Interactivity

East Asia is a culturally diverse region that is home to a variety of religions, languages, and traditions. The cultural influences of East Asia can be traced back to some of the oldest civilizations in the world. Over time, these influences have created a unique cultural landscape. In this interactivity, you will explore the cultural influences of East Asia. Click the player to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity or an ADA compliant transcript.

 

Economic Characteristics of East Asia

Central Business District of Beijing, China

The People’s Republic of China is technically a developing country; however, it has the second largest economy in the world, after the United States. Beginning in the 1980s, China began to make economic reforms. The Chinese economy began to transition from a centrally planned economy to a free market economy. Trade was opened up to foreign countries for the first time since the Chinese Communist Revolution. The country has experienced rapid economic growth and has become a shipping magnate. This means the country has made a lot of money from shipping and international trade.

China is one of the world’s leaders in industrial production. Machinery, electronics, textiles, and other manufactured goods are produced and exported. China is also the world’s largest producer of agricultural goods. The country has abundant arable land that is used to grow rice, wheat, and soybeans. Additionally, the Chinese fishing industry accounts for roughly one-third of all fish production. China does not export these agricultural goods. Instead, it uses them to feed its large population.

Newly manufactured Japanese cars waiting for export

Although Japan lacks abundant natural resources, it is a highly developed country. It has the third largest GDP in the world, and is an important part of the global economy. Japan has a well-developed infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce. It has a large automotive industry that produces cars and other vehicles. The country also manufactures electronics, computers, and other high-tech goods. Like other developed nations, Japan has a large tertiary sector. Around two-thirds of the population have service jobs.

South Korea and Taiwan share many economic characteristics with Japan. They are both highly developed countries with high standards of living. They also lack many of the natural resources needed to support a developed economy. Because of this, South Korea and Taiwan are heavily involved in international trade. Major exports include electronics, computers, and smartphones. They also manufacture automobiles and ships. Like Japan, many people in South Korea and Taiwan work in service jobs.

Environmental Degradation in China

Forbidden City under heavy smog

China is a large country with the biggest population in the world. As the country continues to grow, so does its demand for energy and natural resources. Massive amounts of coal are burned to meet China’s energy demands. When coal is burned, it produces sulfur dioxide. Excessive amounts of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere cause acid rain. Around one-third of China experiences acid rain. Burning coal also pollutes the air and produces carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change.

Deforestation is another environmental issue in China. Large areas of forest in the northwestern part of the country have been cleared for logging and agriculture. This has caused erosion and flooding. It has also caused desertification, expanding the Gobi and the Taklamakan Deserts. Since 2000, China has made an effort to maintain and restore the country’s forest.

East Asia Review

East Asia Review Interactivity

Now that you have learned about the major regions, cultural influences, and economic characteristics of East Asia, review your knowledge in this interactivity. Click the player to get started.