Today, I would like to learn about the state of Illinois located in the Midwest of the United States. Illinois is the most populous state in the Midwest, located on the Great Lakes, and is well known for its rich history, diverse culture, and role as an economic center. So, shall we embark on a journey into the charm of Illinois?

Illinois has an area of about 149,995 square kilometers, making it the 25th largest state in the United States. The population is about 12.9 million, with more than half of the state's population concentrated in Cook County, located in the northeastern part of the state, bordering the Great Lakes, including Chicago. The major cities are Chicago, Springfield, and Peoria. In particular, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States and serves as a center for economy, culture, and sports.

Illinois is said to have a more pronounced difference between the city of Chicago and the non-Chicago areas compared to other states. Chicago is the third largest metropolitan area in the United States by population, and its tendencies are progressive, while the non-Chicago areas exhibit the characteristics of typical suburban regions in the Midwest, being strongholds of the Republican Party.

In terms of population demographics, about 77% are white, and African Americans make up 15% of the state's population. There are many immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and Poland, and it is said that Polish is spoken in some parts of Chicago. Perhaps that's why Chicago is known to have the largest number of Polish speakers after Warsaw and Krakow. It is said that Polish surnames ending in ~ski are common in Chicago. This is also where many distant relatives of the famous soccer player Lewandowski live.

The history of Illinois is also fascinating. In 1673, French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet were the first to explore this area. Later, in 1818, Illinois became the 21st state to join the United States and quickly grew as a center for agriculture and transportation. In particular, Chicago established itself as a major transportation hub in the mid-19th century, becoming a center for rail and waterway transportation. This place is also famous as the starting point of President Lincoln's political career and has played an important role in American history.

Illinois boasts a variety of attractive natural landscapes. The Chicago shoreline along Lake Michigan is an ideal place for hiking, jogging, and enjoying water sports in the summer. Starved Rock State Park is famous for its canyons and waterfalls and is a popular destination for many tourists throughout the year.

Food is also one of the great attractions of Illinois. Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is world-famous, and many people want to experience the authentic taste here. Other specialties include Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago hot dogs. Enjoy the unique flavors that can only be experienced locally.

Culturally, Illinois is rich as well. From world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago to the music scene of Chicago, the birthplace of blues and jazz, it is a paradise for culture enthusiasts. Additionally, the annual Chicago Marathon is greatly loved by sports fans and fitness enthusiasts.

About 70,000 Koreans reside in Illinois. A vibrant Korean community has formed around Chicago, and various Korean organizations, shops, and restaurants can be easily found. Moreover, the annual Korean festival and cultural events play an important role in promoting Korean culture to the local community.

Illinois is an attractive state that encompasses history, culture, nature, and food. Visit Illinois now. Unforgettable experiences and special memories await you.

See you in the next post!