Cultural Geography (Lesson 1)

Japan and Korea have a long history of cultural and economic exchanges, as well as political and military interactions, which have shaped the identities and societies of both nations. From the early periods of contact where Buddhism was transmitted from Korea to Japan, to later influences in art, literature, and governance, both countries have significantly impacted each other historically.
For over 15 centuries, the relationship between the two countries was marked by mutual influence and cooperation, despite periods of tension and conflict. This long-standing relationship has included various phases, such as the transmission of Chinese writing systems, Confucian ideals, and other cultural artifacts that have enriched both societies.
In 1910, Korea was annexed by the Empire of Japan after years of war, intimidation, and political machinations, which included a series of treaties that were often coerced under duress. This event marked the beginning of a harsh colonial rule that sought to erase Korean identity and culture, leading to significant resistance movements within Korea.
Korea remained a part of Japan until the end of World War II in 1945. During this time, the Japanese government implemented a rigorous assimilation policy, forcing Koreans to adopt Japanese names and language, and suppressing Korean cultural practices. This period of occupation left lasting scars in the collective memory of the Korean people and continues to influence Korea-Japan relations today.

Japan and South Korea are both Western-style democracies with open-market economies committed to the rule of law, fostering a competitive environment that encourages innovation and growth. They have each adopted various economic models that prioritize exports, contributing significantly to their respective GDPs and global economic standing.
Both are U.S. allies and significant global competitors in manufactured goods and soft power appeal, often engaging in friendly rivalry in industries like electronics, automobiles, and cultural exports, such as music and film. The influence of both nations in international diplomacy and economics is considerable, with each nation impacting global trends.
Japan is the world's third-largest economy, with a GDP per capita of $39,286, making it an economic powerhouse with significant contributions to technology and research. This robust economy results from years of innovation, particularly in robotics, automotive, and electronics sectors, which have allowed Japan to maintain a competitive edge in the global market.
South Korea, now the world's 11th largest economy, has slowly caught up with Japan, particularly in the areas of technology and consumer electronics, reflecting economic structures that focus on rapid industrialization and modernization. Companies such as Samsung and Hyundai are examples of successful global brands that have emerged from South Korea, illustrating the nation's remarkable economic rise in recent decades.

During the Japanese occupation of Korea, Japan set up a government in Korea that sought to integrate the peninsula into the Japanese Empire through various administrative reforms and infrastructure projects. These included the establishment of railroads, telecommunication systems, and industrial facilities, which were geared more toward benefiting Japan than Korea.
The governor-generalship positions were filled with generals or admirals appointed by the Japanese emperor, leading to a rule that was often brutal and authoritarian. The policies enacted during this time were characterized by exploitation of Korean resources and labor, repression of civil liberties, and a systematic attempt to dismantle Korean cultural identity.

Religious practices and institutions are geographically distributed, shaping cultural identities and landscapes
Sacred spaces like churches, mosques, and temples are essential to community identity
Religious pilgrimages to holy sites like Mecca and Jerusalem illustrate the importance of these locations
Religious landscapes display architectural styles and community activities specific to dominant religious practices

Voluntary migration is driven by factors like economic opportunities and lifestyle choices
Involuntary migration involves refugees fleeing war, persecution, or natural disasters
Push factors encourage individuals to leave their homes, while pull factors attract them to new areas
Migration leads to cultural exchange, hybrid identities, and shifts in demographics
Transnationalism involves maintaining ties to one's homeland while integrating into the host culture

The cultural landscape is the visible imprint of human activity on the environment
Elements like architecture, agriculture, infrastructure, and artifacts reflect cultural practices
Human-environment interactions demonstrate cultural values and social organization
Cultural landscapes showcase regional identities and historical developments through their variations

City development is influenced by factors like economic, social, and political changes, including globalization
Urban form encompasses land use patterns, transportation systems, and population density, impacting functionality
Gentrification involves renewal and displacement in urban neighborhoods, potentially altering cultural dynamics
Suburbanization leads to population shifts from urban centers to suburban areas, reshaping demographics and cultural landscapes

Language is frequently linked to cultural identity, including ethnic and national affiliations
Multilingualism showcases cultural diversity or tension depending on language interactions
Endangered languages represent loss of cultural heritage and identity
Language policies by governments impact cultural integration, education, and social cohesion