The Culture of South Korea

The Culture of South Korea

There is no doubt that South Korea became one of the most dynamic countries, by it’s economy, politic, traditions and culture. But Korean’s didn’t stopped here; they targeted excellence in everything even in sports, technology and others. So many great actress emerged from such a small country so quickly.

Located

The Korean peninsula is located in Northeast Asia. It is surrounded by the ocean on three sides, making it a unique geographical location. With Seoul as its capital city, the landsite is roughly 1,030 km (612 miles) long and 175 km (105 miles) wide at its narrowest point. Korea's total land area is 100,033 square km, neighboring Japan to the east, China to the west, and sharing a northern border with Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).

South Korea Population

The most population of Korea residing in the Seoul metropolitan area. Outside of Seoul, other large and economically advanced cities such as Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju and Ulsan also have higher population densities than other cities in Korea.

Religion

Actually, Korea has no national religion. Freedom of religion is constitutionally guaeanteed in South Korea. Christianity is relatively new in Korea. Confucianism is still very much in evidence in Korea daily life and family relationship. Buddhism still remains influential even among people who may be nominally Christian.

Korea's Traditional Costume

Hanbok is the traditional attire of the Korean people. Worn daily up until just 100 years ago, these days it is only worn on festive occasions or special anniversaries. It is a formal dress and most Koreans keep a hanbok for special times in their life. While the traditional hanbok was beautiful in its own right, the design has changed slowly but surely over the generations. The core of hanbok is its graceful shape and vibrant colors, which have had a major impact on the modern fashion industry. It is hard to think of hanbok as everyday wear but it is slowly being revolutionized through the changing of fabrics, colors and features, reflecting the public's desires. Many aspiring hanbok designers have altered hanbok for everyday wear with traditional elements at the basis of the garment but having a distinct modern feel.

Traditional Korean Foods

Hansik refers to traditional Korean food, centered around rice, served alongside a bowl of soup and a variety of side dishes. Most foods use meat and vegetables as the main ingredients, and are soaked in a brine or water rather than fried in oil, making hansik wonderful for ones health. More than anything else, hansik’s most outstanding feature is the amount of fermented foods, which are beneficial in improving digestion, as well as preventing cancer. The most well-known fermented foods are kimchi (fermented cabbage), ganjang (soy sauce), doenjang (soybean paste), andgochujang (Korean chili paste). Popular dishes among international eaters include bulgogi, bibimbap, and royal cuisine. Bulgogi is a marinated beef or sometimes pork dish that is sweet and tender in texture. In particular, the soy sauce seasoning is not spicy, thus making it a great introduction dish to hansik. Bibimbap, on the other hand, is a complete meal in and of itself, mixing rice with all kinds of condiments of one's choice, topped with gochujang for that extra kick. Royal cuisine is a full course meal, including at least 12 different sides and desserts in addition to soups, steamed foods, and hot pots. Because royal food was originally served to the kings and queens, it is the ultimate in Korean culinary arts.

Traditional Korean Houses

Hanok refers to houses built in the traditional Korean style. While tile-roofed and thatch-roofed hanoks were equally common, the former are typically be noblemen residences while the latter were mostly houses of the commoners’ in the past.  These days, most people who are still living in such traditional tile-roofed hanok have modern facilities installed within.

 There are two main charms to hanoks. The first is the unique heating system of 'ondol.' A layer of stone is laid down above the flooring and when heated, the heat spreads up into every room throughout the house, keeping both the floor and the air surprisingly warm in winter. Hanok houses are environmentally-friendly. The materials needed to build a hanok house are free from chemicals, making it a good healthy environment. The columns, rafters, doors, windows, and floor are wooden, while the walls are a mixture of straw and dirt. The paper to cover the frames of doors and windows were made from tree pulp. As the building materials used are all natural, hanok houses have excellent breathability, perfect for escaping the summer heat. It is also said to help in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and other modern skin diseases. 

Korean Traditional Festivals

Korean traditional festivals are largely based on its agricultural rituals and myths. "Seollal, New Year's Day" and "Chuseok, Harvest Festival" are regarded as the biggest festivals.

Seollal (설날) is one of the biggest holidays in Korea along with Chuseok (also known as the Korean Thanksgiving day). Seollal is the New Year’s Day in lunar calendar. The word seollal means implying newness of a new coming year. It is unknown when Koreans began celebrating Seollal, but rituals of the festival are estimated to go back to the 6th century. On Seollal, Koreans demonstrate their respect to parents and elders in the family, as well as deceased ancestors through Sebae and Charye. Also, elders give money or present to a person who did Sebae in return of showing their respect. Koreans almost always wear Hanbok (traditional clothing) on this day and eat Tteokguk (traditional soup made of rice cake) and Yakwa in addition to playing a traditional game if passing of Seollal, Koreans add one year to their ages.

Chuseok, the Korean thanks giving is one of the greatest traditional festivals. On Chuseok, which takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month under a full moon, people enjoy traditional games such as dancing, tug of war, and Ssireum (Korean wrestling match). People also perform traditional rituals such as Charye in respect and remembrance of their ancestors. As part of the ritual, people take care of the ancestral grave sites by mowing the grass and cutting off the weeds. People enjoy a variety of traditional foods and dishes like Songpyeon (Traditional rice cake made with the grains), Torantang(Taro soup) and liquor made of newly harvested fruits and vegetables. It is one of the most richest and festive festivals of the year.

Tourism at Night

However the most reason is because Korea have an interesting blend of traditional and modern attractions. Korea has many night time activities to offer, as even after midnight, throngs of people wander the streets in major shopping districts and popular downtown areas. While Seoul is considered to be the most representative city in the nation for its nightlife, one may also find stores or restaurants that open throughout the night in most other cities.

Source:

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto