Baeguk

大花拜國
Kingdom of Great Baeguk

Sobriquet: Land of Flowering Beauty
꽃 피운 나라

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Flag Coat of Arms and Seal Map of the Kingdom of Great Baeguk Motto 理化世界 La Nuri Tasulidara Tīnmukīt, Nume, Awgara (Kyomal/Draniano/Alakasipti) ("Enlighten the World with Wisdom")
Anthem	"Ode to the Fatherland (National) Ten Thousand Years"
Capital (and largest city)	Gongmangdo Capital City
Ethnic Groups   main	Kyo (73%)
others	Draniano (12%) Alakasipti (11%)
Demonym	Baegukese, Bae
Government	Unitary Parliamentary Monarchy
Emperor	Baek Seonghwa
Royal house	House of Baek
Prime Minister	Buyeo Moemaru
Legislature	Great Hwabaek
• Upper house	Hall of Sages
• Lower house	Hall of Worthies
Area	930,300 km²
Population	49,342,900
Established	1 March 5300 (Baek Restoration) 29 December 5270 (Provisional State of Dankuk) 25 May 5198 (Kyo Commonwealth) 6 July 3608 (Kyo Revolution) September 2177 (Dranland) 2049 (Draniano Republic) 1910 (Viceroyalty) 736 CE (Unified Bae) 203 BCE (Kyonara)
Currency	Dovanian Circus (㉤)
Time Zone	GMT+8
Drives on the	Right
Calling Code	+52
Internet TLD	.bg

Baeguk (拜國), officially called the Kingdom of Great Baeguk (Kyomal: 大花拜國, Alakasipti: Ирактабилэ Бэему, Draniano: Reino de Pénara, KGB), is a nation located in Northern Dovani on the Dan Peninsula. Baeguk boasts a diverse and dynamic culture and climate, resplendent with an innovative society built upon the legacies and foundations of a glorious and storied history. A developed nation, Baeguk is an upper-income service economy with strong ties to the West Dovanian Union.

Traditionally, the beginning of Baeguk is dated as 2222 BCE, when the god-king Danseon Wanggeom descended upon Kongtusan Mountain and formed the first civilization now known as Kyonara. His descendants subsequently vied with other houses and kingdoms, most prominently in the Three Kingdoms Period, for rule over the entire peninsula. The first unified nation-state on the Dan Peninsula was the First Kingdom of Baeguk, also known as Gobae (lit. 'Old Bae') in the year 756 CE. The kingdom in various forms lasted for more than a millennium until 1910; when, following a series of geopolitical crises, Gobae was annexed into the burgeoning Egelian colonial empire. The creole Draniano population attempted to establish an independent liberal republic in 2049, but their efforts were ultimately defeated. In the 22nd Century, the state of Dranland would win independence from Egelion. Through various monarchies and republican eras, this post-colonial state would last until the Great Kyo Revolution of 3608. The old Baegukese kingdom was restored in 5300, setting the stage for the modern history of Baeguk.

In modern times, Baeguk has positioned itself as a peaceful hub of industry, trade, and technological development in northwestern Dovani. The capital of Gongmangdo remains one of Terra's most populated and prominent cities, hosting influential regional financial and political institutions. These advances have been influenced by a cultural renaissance in the traditional ways of the indigenous national cultures, which have fostered a strong sense of multi pluralist civic nationalism. Today, Baeguk is renowned for its high ease of doing business, relative ethnic harmony and socioeconomic stability, and quality education and work systems.

Etymology

The common national name is Baeguk (拜國) or Great Baeguk (大拜), derived from the old Bae Kingdom. Technically, the term for the current post-5300 state is the Third Kingdom of Great Baeguk (大花拜國 第3統治). The First Kingdom is dated between 756-961, and the Second Kingdom lasted between 1634-1910.

A historical term for the nation was Dankuk (亶國), a term which first applied to the state of Later Toan in the context of the Samdan, or 'Three Dan' (三國, meaning 'Three Kingdoms'). In the industrial era, this name gained popularity following independence from Egelion. The Draniano term Pénara is a cognate of Baeguk.

The Alakasiptil word for Baeguk, Bəelu, is believed to be a mutation of a compound word from middle Alakasiptil, from the words bəje (person, human) and lamu (sea, mass). The etymology was speculated to initially refer simply to the world before it became associated with the nation; this word was first recorded in 976 CE but likely arose before then.

History

Main Article: History of Baeguk

Paleolithic Man began to settle on the Dan Peninsula reliably around 400,000 BCE. Starting in approximately 8,000 BCE, the Neolithic cultures of the Jumun and Ryumun brought increasingly sophisticated tool use and developed a burgeoning culture and society surrounding the Ahn river basin, the birthplace of Baegukese civilization. The most notable development of the late Ryumun period beginning circa 3,000 BCE was the proliferation of the megalithic dolmen structure, the iconic. by the Jumun period, the These increases in sophistication were spurred on by the Bronze Age in Baeguk, . Following the arrival of the Gao-Showan sage Euija, the Euija Dynasty saw the transition from indigenious style Sedo Donggeom (細刀銅劍) blades to Woomodo Donggeom (羽毛刀銅劍), as well as the infusion of Gaomun literacy as Kyo civilization became influenced by Gao-Showan culture from the south. The peak of the Heroic Era was reached with the Balyeong Empire, or Choseon Dynasty, which spread far into the peninsula and reached a zenith before collapsing to an invasion and anarchy.

When civilization recovered, the land splintered into many warring states that vied for control in what became known as the Three Kingdoms Period. The first Kingdom of Great Baeguk was established with the unity of the polities on the Dan Peninsula in the 8th century under Taejo of Baeguk; widely regarded as the greatest Baegukese ruler of all time. The kingdom would stand for more than a millennium before ultimate submission to the Egelian Colonial Empire. During the 21st century, Draniano revolutionaries attempted to overthrow colonialism and create an independent liberal republic, but their efforts were crushed by a revitalized Egelion. Drania would finally gain independence in 2177, beginning the birth of Baeguk's independent statehood.

Baeguk as a nation-state has existed since the Great Kyo Revolution of 3608. From 3608-5300 the nation, known as Dankuk, was mostly ruled by liberal capitalist regimes, who historically kept economic development stable and relatively robust. However, there were been numerous revitalizations of despotism and radicalism; the two most prominent examples of this being the communist UCCR and the fascist DNWA.

In 5300, the modern Third Kingdom was restored following an attempted communist revolt. Since then, Baeguk has been a monarchy under the Emperor.

Geography

Mountain resort near Yonseo.

Baeguk is located on the Dan Peninsula in the northwestern region of Dovani between the latitudes of 48° and 62°N and the longitudes of 167°W and 165°E. The nation covers an area of 1,201,800 km² and shares its only land border with Kazulia to the south. To the west is the North Anantonese Ocean (known natively as the West Sea), across which is Egelion.

Baeguk's territory begins at the once-contested island of Udongdo at the northwest extremity of the Kingdom. Coming to the mainland, most of the northwestern coast is shallow enough to support significant international trade such as Sinsu. Nonetheless, deep fjords indent the northern coasts and much of the central KGB is mountainous or hilly, as it is occupied by the northern extension of the Barrier Range. The highest point is 6,950 ft, at the peak of Jungang Mountain in Myeoggi's Gapdal County (甲鮮郡), itself a part of the Jangcheong Mountain Range. Hot springs are common throughout the mountainous regions of the Dan Peninsula and account for more than 40% of national energy production, the nation's energy capital being found near Osiktamin Glacier in the city of Handal. The southern coasts are hilly and vast plains cover much of inland Gonggi and Hyonggi, the agricultural powerhouses of the nation even despite leaps in greenhouse cultivation in the northern provinces. Separating the warm and sunny great plains from the isolated east are the Daegol Mountains, beyond which lie the densely forested temperate lands of Rokgi province. The southern border with Kazulia is largely defined by the Mioksan Mountains, which have historically played a decisive role in national defense.

There are many rivers throughout Baeguk. The largest river is the Ahn, originating in northern Gonggi, running through Gongmangdo, and emptying on the southern coast into the Anantonese Ocean. The Abho River is Baeguk's coldest major freshwater river, being frozen typically from fall to spring. The southwestern extreme of Baeguk is constituted by Changtae Island, a warm and sunny tropical isolate that forms the capital of the nation's tourism industry.

Climate

Climate map of the Dan Peninsula

Climate varies between temperate, oceanic, and subarctic depending on the region of the Dan Peninsula. In the northern regions, most areas have subarctic climates and are very cold. The more central regions are temperate with cool to warm summers and relatively cold winters. However in the mountainous central areas; the climate is much more cool and dry. In the south, most areas have the same temperate climate, however, parts of the coastal regions in Gonggi and Hyonggi have oceanic climates. These oceanic areas have the warmest summers in the nation, though they still to tend to get cold in the winter. Changtae Island is renowned for easily being the warmest location in Baeguk, drawing immense amounts of tourism.

Environment

The Norfiords

Baeguk has been historically noted for its vast natural landscapes, from the icy fjords to the dense isolated forests. In 4761, the Royal Park Agency was established to manage designated national parks, monuments, and conservation areas. In the last centuries, the previously unexposed interiors of the nation were seriously affected and changed by the rapid post-war industrialization of the revitalized KGB, raising the issue of conservationism with the public. These shrinking forests in the foothills of the mountains of the Dan Peninsula have been subject to increasing regulation, but struggle against the march of time and progress as the nation seeks to maintain a high standard of modern capitalist living. Osiktamin Glacier is recognized as a natural Global Heritage Sites by the IESCO.

In the northernmost areas of the Dan Peninsula it is possible to view the aurora borealis, also referred to as the "northern lights."

Dovanian Tigers, the national animal of Baeguk, were once incredibly widespread throughout the land and had a considerable impact on both the Kyo and Alakasipti cultures. However, due to modern industrialization, pollution, and urbanization, tiger ranges have greatly receded. Whereas tigers once inhabited all five provinces, they have gone completely extinct with a notable exception of much-reduced populations finding refuge in the isolated Jangcheong mountains. Similarly, Reindeer, sacred to the Alakasipti people, are under considerably more strain than the past due to deforestation and the rapid altering of pH levels in the environments they inhabit as a byproduct of chemical refining.

Government and politics

The Kingdom of Great Baeguk is a monarchy under the House of Baek. Political power is vested supremely in the Emperor, who delegates his power to the citizenry that in turn vote for their representatives in the Senate; the national bicameral legislature consisting of a lower Hall of Worthies and an upper Hall of Sages. The senate then nominates the Prime Minister of Great Baeguk, the nation's head of government and most prominent position after the Emperor. The fundamental principles of governance are ordained in the Constitution of Dankuk. The seat of government and politics in the nation is Gongmangdo, the capital city.

Regional and Local Governance

There are elected, limited autonomous provincial and local governments composed of an executive, legislative, and judicial branch. Due to the geographic, anthropogenic, and climate attributes of the Dan Peninsula, large, sprawling metropolises account for a huge share of the total population.

Administrative divisions

Baeguk is divided into Provinces and Cities at the first level; the Provinces of Gonggi, Hyonggi, Myeoggi, Haegi, and Rokgi, the Metropolitan Cities of Taedo, Sinsu, Ilbae, Seongtaek, and Gongmangdo Capital City. The provinces are further divided into cities and counties as tertiary subdivisions. The cities are independent of provinces and are additionally composed of districts as tertiary administrative subdivisions.

pan="14" |

Capital City
Gongmangdo	5,138,100
Metropolitan City
Seongtaek	1,100,633
Sinsu	1,074,370
Ilbae	948,415
Taedo	743,585
Province
Gonggi	10,443,576
Rokgi	5,968,611
Myeoggi	2,214,144
Haegi	3,989,783
Hyonggi	4,177,260

Foreign relations

Baeguk is an o|}

Foreign relations

Baeguk is an outward-looking country with significant reliance on foreign trade to sustain its status as developed economy. Notably, it was one of the founding members of the West Dovanian Union. Through the WDU, Baeguk has mutually agreed with long-time ally Seko and close neigbor Kazulia to mutual military aid in the case of invasion. Through the economic union, Baegukese citizens can also freely travel and work in Seko, Kazulia, Lourenne, and Dalibor. This comprehensive bloc has formed the basis of many modern Baegukese export industries.

Besides the WDU, the most notable investor in the Baegukese economy was historically the nation of Beiteynu, although this has since shifted to Lourenne. Other important trading partners include Dorvik, Lodamun, Kundrati, Likatonia, Trigunia, and Yingdala. Baeguk's traditional ethos was to maintain neutral to positive relations with the rest of the world, and has not faced significant foreign strife or antagonism since the end of fascism in the 5270s.

However, beginning in the 55th century following the outbreak of the Hubris War, Baeguk began to wane from neutrality by giving medical and material support to its' ally Lourenne. This chilled Baeguk-Beiteynuese relations and generally led Baeguk to seek closer reliance and alliance on regional partners. Today Baeguk tends to avoid confrontation or engagement outside of its' immediate area.

Military

The Ministry of Defense through the government of the Prime Minister generally wields the most control over military functions, though the Emperor is the Commander in Chief. The Royal Army of Bae has 6 total independently operating branches. Of these 6, four are superseding agencies whilst 2 are individually operating corps under one of the the 4 greater agencies. These are the Operational Force, Naval Force containing the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Special Forces containing the Hwarang Corps. The RAB is maintained primarily for the purpose of protecting national sovereignty; Baeguk seldom declares or instigates war and most wars involving Baeguk have occurred domestically.

Economy

A developed nation, Baeguk has an upper-income industrialized, service economy. Rural regions generally possess low population density, but are nonetheless equipped with internet, electricity, and running water. The nation's heavily developed large urban centers have massive manufacturing, technological, and economic capabilities due to high centralization and population density. Among these most notably is the capital of Gongmangdo, whose greater metropolitan area is estimated to account for approximately a third of all national GDP. Despite their relative isolation, government policies supporting rural areas have recently led to a relatively higher standard of living often comparable to their urban counterparts.

Baeguk is especially famous for the Chaebol form of economic organization, which dominate the economy. Although with historic precedent, the system was brought to modern fruition shortly after the country's rise from the ashes of fascist dictatorship in the 5270s; the government needed to stimulate rapid and effective development of the means of production. To realize these aims, the government chose to subsidize and support several key industries and businesses that were the most achieving, so that they could best utilize their new powers to strengthen the national economy. As a result, these firms grew rapidly in size, power, and prestige, building the rapid economic recovery of Baeguk. The chaebol structure is unique in the world in that most are family businesses; passed down through generations of the same ownership.

Chaebol are in general the most effective of the business models, and have high brand name recognition and quality control. However, the model also allows mass concentration of extreme wealth and capability in the hands of few people, which carries certain risks. Chaebol have long history and presence in the Baegukese economy besides a brief intermission in the Rowiet era. They have since returned in full force.

The government has traditionally placed great emphasis on rapid development of advanced industries and expanding the service sector. There is particular strength in the education, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Tourism is a large industry and finds itself primarily centered on the warm tropical island of Changtae. Ski resorts in the mountains of Myeoggi and near Osiktamin Glacier also generate considerable foreign currency.

Freight train leaving a pulp mill in Rokki.

Baeguk has a very active primary sector based in such activities as agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining. There have also been initiatives to explore the northern coast of the peninsula for offshore oil and gas reserves to export. The strongest areas of the primary sector are forestry, fishing, and whaling followed closely by mining. However, mining has been in decline, especially due to environmental regulations and shifts in energy needs. Fishing and whaling are often considered the most highly regarded of these primary sector areas and generally brings the most profits, both domestically and internationally. Forestry and its related sectors, such as paper, pulp, and timber, are also of particular importance to the economy of Agricultu. Agriculture is most present in onggi]] and Vald and Hyonggi; however t; however the mass adoption of greenhouse agriculture techniques has allowed the frigid northern provinces to begin successful if smaller food production enterprises.

Factory workers at a Hanulro Electronics plant in Gongmangdo's Bangtan-Gu.

There is also a well-developed secondary economic sector. Much of the activities within this sector are in light industry, particularly in the manufacturing of consumer electronics, furniture, clothing, and home appliances. The heavy industry of Baeguk is slightly larger than the light industry, the historic consequences of a once-developing economy dominated primarily by an export mindset. However, with the shift to a service economy light industry and consumer goods have rapidly began to catch up with heavy industry. Popular culture and fashion have had a great effect on the consumer goods market. Due to a heavy emphasis on physical attractiveness, cosmetics and makeup for both men and women are highly popular and purchased with frequency. Baegukese skincare and makeup products and treatments have become famous worldwide; the influence of these beauty standards can be seen worldwide due to the heavy levels of cosmetics Baeguk exports. Baegukese people are per capita the largest consumers of luxury brands around Terra. In addition, cinema and television programming - most significantly, K-Dramas or Kyo-Dramas - have generated significant foreign revenue due to syndication across the wider WDU and by extension Terra. K-Pop has served the same purpose.

Gongmangdo International Airport

The majority of Baeguk's energy needs are fulfilled by domestic production and the nation is a net-energy exporter. Coal historically played a major role, however its domestic use has since been curtailed and most coal in modern times is mined exclusively for export. Most energy is sourced from geothermal (31%), nuclear (27%), hydroelectric (14%), wind (11.5%), and solar (1.5%), with the remainder being produced from fossil fuels.

Infrastructure

Transportation

A high-speed HwaRail train.

KGB National Railways; known as HwaRail, is the national system of Baeguk, operating passenger and freight trains throughout the nation. HwaRail runs all throughout the nation connecting major cities and infrastructure; but there is sizable room for private and local TOCs as well.

Baeguk's largest and most prestigious airport is the Gongmangdo International Airport (GIA), named after Taejo of Bae, located on the outskirts of Gongmangdo. GIA has been consistently ranked in recent years as one of Terra's best for travel. Additionally, there are a major national airports located in Seongtaek and Sinsu. Smaller regional and local airports exist throughout other significant cities. HangHam (Baeguk Airlines) is the largest airline in Baeguk and from its Gongmangdo hub it connects to many major locations all across Terra.

Demographics

Baeguk has a population of a little under 50 million people.

Education

Main Article: Education in Baeguk

Baeguk has a renowned public education system; with illiteracy eliminated; and it has been reported that they read more books per capita than any other nation in the world. Public schooling is overseen through the Ministry of Education, starting at kindergarten and going through University. School years are divided into two semesters with specific calendars set a local level. Baeguk has a National University System; the national system of Higher Level Education Institutions. Education is highly-valued by Baegukese society and great pressure is placed on students to excel in their academics.

Ethnic groups

A family gathering of Alakasipti people.

See also: Ethnicity in Baeguk

Baeguk is constitutionally a multi-ethnic union, but is culturally dominated by the Kyo. According to the most recent census, 73% of the population is Kyo, 12% Draniano, 11% Alakasipti, and 4% are from other ethnic groups. Within the Kyo ethnicity, the subgroups of the Changtae people and Ari people exist and constitute culturally autonomous and/or independent peoples with unique customs and forms of speech.

Health

Baeguk has a universal healthcare system, though smaller, private clinics exist.

Significant public health issues include alcoholism and smoking. Suicide is the nation's 5th largest cause of death, mainly a result of high societal pressure and the economic transition of the post-DNWA period. While Baegukese hospitals have advanced medical equipment and facilities readily available there are challenges with rural access to healthcare, although these concerns are increasingly addressed by improvements in infrastructure.

Languages

There are 3 official languages of Baeguk; Kyo, Draniano, and Alakasipti; the national universal language is a Kyo dialect known as Pyojuneo. Pyojuneo is the lingua franca and is taught indiscriminately all throughout the nation using a standardized dual writing system, vocabulary, and orphography. Among the ethnic languages besides Pyojuneo, Kyo in the form of it's various dialects is the most commonly used; followed distantly by Draniano, which remains a relatively common if dying dialect used primarily in the northwest. Penru isn't commonly used these days, and has mostly been relegated to religious ceremonies and cultural occasions. There is ongoing debate over whether the dialects of the Ari people and the language of the Changtae people should be elevated to official language status.

Religion in Baeguk

Religion

Almost 40% of the nation do not affiliate with any religious organizations and have described an indifference towards religion. Of the people who declare a religious affiliation, most are Daenists or Hosian. According to the most recent census, 28% were Daenist and 21% were Hosian.

Uniquely, the vast majority of Baegukese Hosians are Eidenaic instead of Orthodox due to the influence of the Baegukese Universal Church.

Among Daenists, most are Sindo-Daenists, a sect that incorporates many native traditions of the indigenous Kyo religion. Smaller Daenist sects include Zenshō.

The following of Kutkil, the indigenous folk religion of Kyo shamanism, is difficult for anthropologists to accurately quantify due to it's syncretic and malleable nature. Whilst only around 5% of the population formally profess any religious affiliation with Kutkil, a majority of Baegukese report interaction and partaking in certain cultural and social facets of the religion. Generally influence is understood to be much more cultural than necessarily spiritual; although people of all religions - Daenists and Hosians included - have reported consulting Kutkil shamans.

Culture

See also: Culture of Baeguk, National symbols of Baeguk

Arts and architecture

Baeguk has birthed numerous distinct architectural traditions; Kyo Traditional, Draniano, Penru, and Bae Composite (once called 'Kyo Revival'). Kyo traditional architecture is most notably found in pagodas, temples, and palaces; although residences do employ elements of it in many rural and southern areas. Draniano Architecture is a holdover from the colonial period, and is closely related to Egelian architecture with various indigenious influences. Bae Composite was first conceived in the 4920s, modern interpretations mainly being a synthesis of Kyo traditional elements with the neoclassicism of Draniano architecture. The most prominent example of Bae Composite is the Seongtaek Green House.

Cuisine

Baegukese cuisine can be distilled into a national style that has incorporated and blended the contributions of the 3 national ethnic groups over more than 7 millennia. The base of the Baegukese diet is found with rice. There are many varieties of rice or grain that have been consumed historically and in various regional cuisines such as black rice (heukmi) and barley (bori), however the national standard and by far the most consumed type of rice is white rice. Supplementing this base are a diverse cornucopia of beans and legumes, noodles, vegetables, fish, and meats.

The typical meal sees a main course set for all at the table. Next to it is set a soup or stew of some kind, as individual cutlery and rice is given to all diners. At the center of the table surrounding the main course are many Banchan, small side dishes. The most iconic banchan, Kimchi, has become likened to a national food. Among the Baegukese ethnicities there is also symbolism and association regarding the different varieties of Kimchi; Kyo people are typically associated with "red" Cabbage Kimchi coated in pepper powder, Draniano people are identified with the sweet and savory Bossam Kimchi, and Alakasipti people are linked with white Baek Kimchi.

Some popular entrees of Kyo origin include Jokbal, Bossam, Yukhoe, and Bibimbap. Draniano classics that have entered national cuisine from their street food roots include such dishes as Bulgogi, Tteokbokki, Budaejjigae, and various types of jeon, or pancakes. Penru contributions include cuts of reindeer meat, fresh river fish, and most famously blood sausage, or Kapka (known in Gonggi as sundae). The nation's most popular soup is yukgaejang, a spicy beef and scallion soup, followed by gomtang, samgyetang, kamjatang, and other such dishes. Noodle dishes such as Naengmyeon and Japchae are also widely eaten. Yingdalan immigrants historically brought staple foods like Jjajangmyeon and Tangsuyuk.

Barbecue and Gui

Kyo barbecue, or Gogi Gui, is a subset of cuisine that involves active participation of the diner in preparing and searing the meat that they consume. Meats such as beef, pork, chicken, duck, and reindeer (now rare, a traditional local delicacy in Rokgi province) are typically used. Mushrooms, peppers, and onions are also typically added on the grill to add complexity to the flavor.

Drinks and Spirits

Every meal is typically accompanied either cold water or hot grain tea, most commonly made from barley but also occasionally dried ears of sweet waxy corn. Besides this, many teas made of roots, vegetables, and fruits are traditionally drunk in the nation. While a tea culture once flourished in Gobae, the modern cuisine has lost traditions such as the historic (and now largely irrelevant) tea ceremony in favor of the widespread consumption of alcohol.

Popular alcoholic beverages include Soju, Gamhongro, and Makgeolli. Soju is the national beverage. Regional specialties exist such as the bright red Hongju from southern Gonggi province. While it is not always the case, sometimes drinks are aligned with ethnic cultures; Draniano people have fondness for Bokbunja, a creole form of the wine that was brought to Baeguk by Egelian hosians during the colonial period. Changtae people love Beolddeokju, an orange-colored liquor said to have health and fertility-boosting properties, traditionally housed in phallic bottles.

In recent decades with increases in globalization, drinks like beer have taken hold of the nation's urban centers. With modern soft drinks, popular flavors - especially those appealing to those looking to increase their health - include that of the shine muscat grape and aloe vera. Popular sodas from Baeguk include Creamies and Oseong Cider, whereas health and energy drinks include Hwalmyongro and Orgius D.

Cutlery

Unlike the wooden chopsticks of the Gao-Showan people, Baegukese cuisine makes use of metal - typically stainless steel - chopsticks. Chopsticks (Jeotgarak) are accompanied by a metal spoon (Sudgarak). Collectively the two are known as Sujeo and form the nucleus of Baegukese cutlery. They are often grouped with a small metal rice bowl, known as a Gonggi (spelled 空器, a homophone of but unrelated to Gonggi province, spelled 供旗). Stone bowls known as Dolsot may be also used to purvey food.

Behavior

Etiquette is an indispensable part of the traditional meal. Derived from old Kyo feudal practices stepped in rigid Neo-Jienist morals and honor, manners were seen as extremely important to judge the standing and moral quality of anyone in traditional society. While time and modern development in a fast-paced corporate world have begun to degrade the extremities of etiquette, many manners remain important in today's society. For instance, it is a universal rule that elders will always get first and best pickings at meals while the youngest will wait last to be served. When drinking alcohol with an elder, a younger diner will face away and cover their face with their palm. Meals are typically prefaced with calls by the guest or supplicant of "잘 먹겠습니다" - meaning 'I shall eat well'.

Conversely, there are various behaviors commonly practiced in Baegukese cuisine that violate western dining conventions an maybe seen as rude or uncouth abroad. For instance, eating can be accompanied with noise, such as the audible slurping of noodles. Lifting of the soup or stew bowl to one's lips to finish it all is also perfectly acceptable. Food and dishes are often communally shared among multiple diners.

Holidays and Celebrations

Baeguk officially recognizes 12 national holidays; however traditional festivities are much more numerous.

Media and entertainment

Main Article: Media of Baeguk

Baeguk has a thriving entertainment industry with significant economic revenues being driven by television dramas, films, and popular music (K-Pop). The Baegukese government has frequently capitalized on the success of its popular culture and entertainment, using it as a tool of soft power. The modern movement has its' roots in the first generation of K-Pop that began under government supervision in the late 4940s, as the government attempted to rapidly increase it's soft culture by funding state music, film, and media production to great success. A hiatus occurred under the fascist regime of the DNWA, but popular culture bounced back stronger than ever during the economic miracle of the 5300s.

Today, Baeguk boasts a dynamic popular culture scene dominated by K-Pop, Baegukese Dramas, and internet phenomena as popularized on various social media sites of the nation.

Sports

The national and most popular sport of Baeguk is Ssireum; a Kyo wrestling game. The governing body of Ssireum is the Baeguk Ssireum Association (BSA). The Kyo martial art taekwondo originated in Baeguk and is recognized as one of the official national sports. Other Kyo martial arts include hapkido, kumdo, and subak.

Association soccer and rugby are regarded as one of the most popular sports in Baeguk. The national soccer league is organized by the Daebae Soccer Association, which also manages the national soccer team. Rugby is organized by the Daebae National Rugby League. Ice hockey is a popular sport in the country as well, especially in the northern regions. Competitions are organized through the 13-club Daebae National Ice Hockey Federation.

Competitive gaming, or e-sports, has become very popular in recent years and the gaming scene is managed by the Daebae E-Sports Association.

OOC

For more information about the worldbuilding of Baeguk or advice on how Baegukese culture corresponds and relates to the real world, there is a series of Out-Of-Character (OOC) articles centered around the Introduction to Baeguk and the Outline of Baeguk. Please consult them and the category "Introduction to Baeguk" found below this page on the wiki.

External Links

• National Information Page
• National News