The two languages and cultures went their separate ways early on, however; the earliest Altaic-speakers appear to have encountered people speaking a Polynesian language as well as the indigenous Ainu people whose language is an isolate, related to no other living tongue on the planet. According to linguists, the Japanese language contains elements of all three of these. Japan was largely isolated throughout most of its history. China gave Japan its system of writing and its Buddhist faith and had some influence on Japanese art and architecture, but the culture that eventually developed in Japan was unique. For most of its history, Japan was a feudal society of small, warring territories ruled by local shogun, or warlords. During the time of the semi-legendary King Arthur in the West, Korea was divided into three kingdoms; eventually, the southeastern kingdom of Silla became dominant. A more-or-less unified Korean state began to emerge during the 14th century of the Common Era.

When you spend a semester during which you study abroad in Japan, you will find out that the current bone of contention with South Korea centers around pickled cabbage. Kimchi, known as kimuchee in Japan, is a spicy form of sauerkraut. Although it originated in Korea, the dish has become quite popular in Japan to the point that several Japanese companies now manufacture a prepared version of it. Koreans however insist that only their own native version is authentic. You’ll have an opportunity to find out for yourself during a semester abroad in South Korea or Japan.

This is a country that grew tremendously post the World war and has not stopped in its efforts. It continues to dazzle the visitors with their culture and local traditions. Among the various things to see, here is a list of five things one should not miss while travelling in this part of the world.

Take a plane from the capital city of Pyongyang to reach Paekdusan, which is a place of great spiritual and religious significance. Paekdu, which is the highest mountain in North Korea, is also where the volcano with the largest crater lies. Called as Chonji, or Lake of Heaven, this crater is surrounded by various lakes. This place is very sacred to the locals, merely because it is here that the Son of Lord of heaven is said to have landed and where the first Korean Kingdom started.

Panmunjeom is a war related sight, this place is very popular with tourists who are keen on seeing the place where the war took place and which resulted in split in Korea. Panmunjeom is a place where anyone visiting Korea will be taken to, even though it is a sad place, which talks of all the lives lost during the war and how American imperialism affected Korea.

The pristine water falls, and the clear skies around the mountain ranges surrounding Myohyang make the visit worth the time. Myohyangsan, literally translates to mountain of mysterious Fragrance is filled with scenery and sights like nowhere else in the world. The main focus of this trip would be to visit the two shrines, one of which is a treasure chest of gifts given to Kim II Sung, and other is that of Kim Jong II. One can also walk around the beautiful mountains, and unwind.

Going along the Diamond mountains, otherwise referred to locally as the Kumgangsan, one can make their way to Koryong falls. Quite a walk awaits people who wish to get to the falls, so be prepared for a long trek up the hills, and this can prove quite challenging for some, if they are not physically fit. But the sights along the way are breath taking and truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Nampo is a place that has become the industrial center in North Korea is worth a visit to see how the industries function. The amount of hard work and labour that goes into the businesses is what helps the economy grow fast and flourishes with time.