Passport to Korean Culture - Columbia University Graduate School ...
Passport to Korean Culture - Columbia University Graduate School ...
Passport to Korean Culture - Columbia University Graduate School ...
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
<strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Cluture and Information Service<br />
Ministy of <strong>Culture</strong>, Sports and Tourism
Contents<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today<br />
��� Enjoying Life in Korea ���<br />
1. Currency and Prices 9<br />
2. Shopping 12<br />
3. Efficient Public Transportation 17<br />
4. Housing 21<br />
5. Special Days 26<br />
��� <strong>Korean</strong> Food ���<br />
6. Unique Flavors of Kimchi 31<br />
7. <strong>Korean</strong>s and Rice Cakes 35<br />
8. Table Manners 38<br />
9. Five Dishes Non-<strong>Korean</strong>s Like Best 41
��� Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu ���<br />
10. The “<strong>Korean</strong> Wave” and Pop Stars 46<br />
11. TV Dramas 49<br />
12. Chungmu-ro and the Film Industry 52<br />
13. <strong>Korean</strong> Pop Songs outside Korea 56<br />
14. Taekwondo 59<br />
15. Football and the Red Devils 62<br />
16. B-boys and Namsadang 66<br />
17. Samullori and Nanta 71<br />
��� Leisure ���<br />
18. <strong>Korean</strong>s at Leisure 75<br />
19. Norae-bang and Jjimjil-bang 78<br />
20. Tourist Attractions 81<br />
��� Seoul City Tour ���<br />
21. Seoul City Tour 88<br />
22. Museums 96
Contents<br />
Part 2<br />
Korea in His<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
��� In Pursuit of the <strong>Korean</strong> Heritage ���<br />
1. Hanbok 103<br />
2. Major Holidays 106<br />
3. Traditional Life Experience 110<br />
��� Elegant Tastes of the <strong>Korean</strong> People ���<br />
4. Classical Music 115<br />
5. Traditional Dance 119<br />
6. Graceful Pottery 123
Part 3<br />
Korea and Its People<br />
��� Korea in the World ���<br />
1. Geography, Climate and Population 129<br />
2. The People 133<br />
3. Spoken and Written Language 136<br />
4. Emerging Multicultural Society 140<br />
5. <strong>Korean</strong> Enterprises and Economy 142<br />
��� A Glimpse of Korea ���<br />
6. UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in Korea 146<br />
Enjoying Life in Korea 5<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Enjoying Life in Korea<br />
1. Currency and Prices<br />
2. Shopping<br />
3. Efficient Public Transportation<br />
4. Housing<br />
5. Special Days<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Food<br />
6. Unique Flavors of Kimchi<br />
7. <strong>Korean</strong>s and Rice Cakes<br />
8. Table Manners<br />
9. Five Dishes Non-<strong>Korean</strong>s Like Best<br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu<br />
10. The "<strong>Korean</strong> Wave" and Pop Stars<br />
11. TV Dramas<br />
12. Chungmu-ro and the Film Industry<br />
13. <strong>Korean</strong> Pop Songs outside Korea<br />
14. Taekwondo<br />
15. Football and the Red Devils<br />
16. B-boys and Namsadang<br />
17. Samullori and Nanta<br />
Leisure<br />
18. <strong>Korean</strong>s at Leisure<br />
19. Norae-bang and Jjimjil-bang<br />
20. Tourist Attractions<br />
Seoul City Tour<br />
21. Seoul City Tour<br />
22. Museums<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Enjoying Life in Korea
��� Currency and Prices ���<br />
The <strong>Korean</strong> currency is called the Won (�),<br />
and <strong>Korean</strong> money consists of banknotes in four<br />
denominations (�1,000, �5,000, �10,000 and<br />
�50,000) and coins in six denominations (�1,<br />
�5, �10, �50, �100 and �500). However the<br />
�1 and �5 coins are virtually unused <strong>to</strong>day<br />
because of their very small value. His<strong>to</strong>rical figures,<br />
cultural treasures and important symbols<br />
are featured on the notes and coins.<br />
The Appearance of <strong>Korean</strong> Money<br />
Sin Saim-dang was the mother of Yi I, one of<br />
Korea's most famous Neo-Confucian scholars).<br />
She was an accomplished artist who was particularly<br />
famous for her paintings of nature subjects<br />
such as flowers and insects. Her image<br />
graces the largest-denomination <strong>Korean</strong> bill,<br />
50,000-won note, for her adorable motherhood<br />
and faithful wifehood.<br />
King Sejong (r. 1418-1450), the 4th monarch of<br />
the Joseon kingdom (1392-1910) appears on the<br />
�10,000 note. He is credited with the invention<br />
of the <strong>Korean</strong> native script, Han-geul, a project<br />
that was carried out with the help of selected<br />
scholars. He was also very much interested in<br />
the promotion of science, and many important<br />
inventions were created during his reign, including<br />
a rain gauge and sundial.<br />
Enjoying Life in Korea 9<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
The portrait of Yi I (1536~1584, pen name: Yulgok) appears on the �5,000 note.<br />
He was one of the most prominent scholars in Joseon and an accomplished<br />
statesman who is acclaimed for his tireless efforts <strong>to</strong> fight political corruption in<br />
his time.<br />
The person who appears on the �1,000 note is another great Joseon philosopher,<br />
Yi Hwang (1501~1570, pen name: Toe-gye). He was a leading scholar in the<br />
study and development of Neo-Confucianism.<br />
The Manchurian crane, a symbol of longevity, wealth and fame, is depicted on the<br />
front of �500 coin, while the �100 coin features the portrait of Admiral Yi Sun-sin<br />
(1545~1598). He brought key vic<strong>to</strong>ries <strong>to</strong> Korea during the Imjin War (1592~1598),<br />
utterly defeating invading Japanese naval fleets with his "turtle ships," the world's<br />
first iron-clad war vessels. The<br />
obverse of the �50 coin bears the<br />
image of a rice stalk, emphasizing<br />
the importance of Korea's agrarian<br />
tradition. Dabo-tap, a four-s<strong>to</strong>ried<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ne pagoda at Bulguk-sa (temple<br />
in Gyeongju) is on the face of<br />
�10 coin. The pagoda is considered<br />
one of the finest examples of<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ne masonry from the Silla kingdom<br />
(57 BCE-935 CE), was designated<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> National Treasure<br />
No. 20, and was included on<br />
UNESCO's World Heritage list in<br />
1995.<br />
Apartment: typical housing<br />
10 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Housing and<br />
Transportation Expenses<br />
Housing is rather expensive in
Korea. A 2009 study by the Office of Statistics<br />
showed that the average household income was<br />
�39,150,000 (US$1.00 = �1,150) in 2008, and<br />
individual households managed <strong>to</strong> save an average<br />
of �9,530,000. A 100m2 apartment costs at<br />
least �560 million in Seoul. Thus, the typical<br />
salaried worker in Seoul would have <strong>to</strong> be in his<br />
late 60s before he could afford <strong>to</strong> buy his own<br />
home. In other words, most <strong>Korean</strong>s cannot own<br />
their house in Seoul without help from parents or<br />
someone else.<br />
On the other hand, public transportation in<br />
Korea is relatively inexpensive. The taxi meter<br />
starts at �2,600, and increases at �100 increments.<br />
The basic fares of Seoul subways are<br />
between �1,000 and �1,300, while the bus costs<br />
�1,000 <strong>to</strong> rise. You get a significant discount<br />
when using a rechargeable transportation card<br />
and transferring between bus lines, the bus and<br />
subway or between subway lines.<br />
What �10,000 Buys Today<br />
Cappuccino & Pastry :<br />
$6.90 in Seoul, $6.50 in Tokyo,<br />
$5.20 in the US<br />
US military<br />
personnel stationed<br />
at different<br />
locations<br />
worldwide were<br />
surveyed on the relative<br />
cost of living. According <strong>to</strong> that<br />
report, a cup of cappuccino and a<br />
piece of pastry costs around $2.75<br />
in Italy, $4.00 in Germany, $5.25 in<br />
the US, $6.00 in the UK or Seoul,<br />
$6.50 in Tokyo and over $9.00 in<br />
Okinawa. Although the coffee was<br />
pricy in Seoul, a Big Mac was priced<br />
at US$4.38--as opposed <strong>to</strong> $5.68 in<br />
the US, $6.28 in the UK, $6.41 in<br />
Tokyo and $9.94 in Naples. A halfliter<br />
of draft beer can be had in<br />
Seoul for $2.52, but you have <strong>to</strong> pay<br />
$2.88 in Germany, $3.20 in the US<br />
and $5.43 in Tokyo for the same<br />
thing.<br />
Ten thousand won is enough <strong>to</strong> buy two servings of Chinese noodles in bean sauce<br />
(jjajang-myeon), or five orders of spicy rice cake (ddeogbokki). With the same<br />
amount of money, you can get a bowl of rice mixed with assorted vegetables (bibimbab),<br />
along with a cup of coffee. If you are not hungry, �10,000 will get you 30 minutes<br />
at a singing room (norae-bang). And if you go in the daytime, when business is<br />
slow, the proprie<strong>to</strong>r may let you sing a while longer. For the health-conscious, a trip<br />
<strong>to</strong> the dry sauna (jjimjil-bang) will cost no more than �10,000, while playing electronic<br />
games or web-surfing at a PC parlor costs only �1,500 per hour.<br />
tip<br />
Enjoying Life in Korea 11<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
��� Shopping ���<br />
Shopping is one of the great pleasures awaiting travelers <strong>to</strong> Korea. Shopping<br />
venues are diverse, including the traditional open markets, fish markets and<br />
department s<strong>to</strong>res. People go <strong>to</strong> these places not only <strong>to</strong> shop but also <strong>to</strong> discover<br />
the latest fads and trends.<br />
Variety of Markets<br />
No trip is complete without a visit <strong>to</strong> the local marketplace. Traditional markets<br />
that carry local specialties are always <strong>to</strong>urist attractions for their uniqueness,<br />
unlike the modern discount s<strong>to</strong>res or department s<strong>to</strong>re.<br />
Gyeongdong Shijang<br />
The massive (some 100,000m2 ) Gyeongdong Shijang (Market) is in Seoul's Jegidong<br />
(District). This market formed in 1953, after the <strong>Korean</strong> War, with vendors<br />
coming <strong>to</strong>gether spontaneously <strong>to</strong> buy and sell hot peppers, garlic, wild greens and<br />
herbs. As such, it became a center for buying ingredients for Oriental herb medi-<br />
Ingredients for Oriental herb medicine at Gyeongdong Market<br />
12 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
cine. One of the great benefits here is the low prices. Pricing is not set, and people<br />
can still haggle on unit prices and get volume discounts. This is a place where you<br />
can feel the warmth of common folk, <strong>Korean</strong>s of the most genuine kind.<br />
Namdaemun Shijang<br />
East of Namdaemun (the Great South<br />
Gate in Seoul) is a huge marketplace,<br />
visited each day by some 450,000 <strong>to</strong><br />
500,000 people. On a site of more than<br />
40,000m2 are 58 buildings that collectively<br />
house over 9,000 shops, with<br />
97,000m2 in <strong>to</strong>tal floor space. Here you<br />
Dynamic and lively Namdaemun Market<br />
can buy clothes, fabrics, kitchen utensils,<br />
home appliances, foodstuffs imported goods and many other items, retail or<br />
wholesale, at very attractive prices.<br />
Shoppers are not only local but also from America, Europe, Southeast Asia and<br />
elsewhere. A major item found here is children's clothing; in fact 90% of all the<br />
children's clothing in Korea passes through here. The advantage for buyer and<br />
seller is the elimination of middle men, meaning lower prices without compromising<br />
quality. The market opens at 11:00<br />
AM and closes at around 3:00 AM the<br />
following day. Late at night, the place<br />
remains crowded with retailers and<br />
wholesalers from all over the country;<br />
the hustle and bustle is a memorable<br />
experience for any visi<strong>to</strong>r.<br />
Dongdaemun Fashion Town<br />
The area near the Great East Gate<br />
(Dongdaemun) has long been a popular<br />
Buying clothes at Dongdaemun Market<br />
Enjoying Life in Korea 13<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Modern high-rise Dongdaemun Shopping Malls<br />
Noryangjin Fish Market<br />
14 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
retail and wholesale<br />
market, especially for<br />
garments. Recently<br />
modern high-rise buildings<br />
(Migliore, Doosan<br />
Tower, APM) that cater <strong>to</strong><br />
the garment trade were<br />
added, and a so-called<br />
"fashion <strong>to</strong>wn" has<br />
emerged. In the vicinity,<br />
shoppers are treated <strong>to</strong><br />
live performances by<br />
young artists who want<br />
<strong>to</strong> show off their skills.<br />
This is Korea's largest retail/wholesale<br />
district, with 26 shopping malls, over<br />
30,000 specialty shops and some 50,000<br />
manufacturers clustered <strong>to</strong>gether <strong>to</strong><br />
trade in garments, textiles, footwear,<br />
sportswear & accessories, electronic<br />
goods, office supplies and <strong>to</strong>ys. Nearby<br />
are many shops carrying wedding dresses<br />
as well as other items for weddings<br />
such as cloth, bedding, kitchen utensils<br />
and traditional <strong>Korean</strong> clothing (hanbok).<br />
Noryang-jin Fish Market<br />
The huge fish market in Seoul's<br />
Noryang-jin district originally begun as
the "Gyeongseong Fish Market" at Uiju-ro, near tip<br />
the Seoul Railway Station in 1927. Some 370 different<br />
marine products, including live or frozen<br />
Market Websites :<br />
�Gyeongdong Market:<br />
fish, are sold wholesale through auction. The<br />
products are delivered from all parts of the country.<br />
The auction starts at 1:00 AM for shellfish,<br />
http://www.kyungdongmart.com<br />
�Dongdaemun Fashion Town:<br />
http://www.dongdaemunsc.co.kr<br />
�Noryangjin Fish Market:<br />
1:30 AM for fresh fish and 3:00 AM for live fish.<br />
http://www.susansijang.co.kr<br />
�Moran Market:<br />
People can also buy individual fish for cooking or http://www.moranjang.org/<br />
sashimi at low prices. The daily transaction volume<br />
averages around 330 <strong>to</strong>ns of marine prod-<br />
Other Shopping Centers<br />
ucts, worth some �1 billion. More than 30,000 people and 5,000 vehicles visit the<br />
market daily, and some 100,000 <strong>to</strong>ns of products are sold here annually.<br />
Traditional Moran Market<br />
The market at Seongnam-dong in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province is held every<br />
fifth day, on the 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th and 29th of each month. This is probably<br />
Korea's most popular "5-day market," drawing some 50,000 people each time it<br />
opens. The merchants <strong>to</strong>tal about 2,000 (1,200 registered members and some 800<br />
non-member vendors). The market is divided in<strong>to</strong> several sections that specialize<br />
in medicinal herbs, garments, flowers, grain, shoes, marine products, vegetables,<br />
food, pet dogs, poultry, and sundries. Visit the food section and you can eat generous<br />
portions of traditional rice soup with blood sausage, noodles and pork head in<br />
a simple yet inexpensive setting. Sometimes you will also be treated <strong>to</strong> street<br />
entertainment reminiscent of traditional times.<br />
Yongsan Jeonja Sang-ga<br />
The Yongsan Electronics Mall (Jeonja Sang-ga), in Yongsan-gu, deals in personal<br />
computers, computer peripherals and other electronic and electric goods.<br />
Clustered <strong>to</strong>gether in this area are large buildings (Jeonja Land, Seo-in Sangga,<br />
Terminal Jeonja Sangga and others) with multiple vendors. Computer buffs can<br />
Enjoying Life in Korea 15<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Yongsan Electronics Mall<br />
either have their own PCs assembled here or purchase do-it-yourself parts.<br />
Department S<strong>to</strong>res & Other Large Retailers<br />
Department s<strong>to</strong>re<br />
16 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s around the country <strong>to</strong>day frequently<br />
shop at large retailers that carry<br />
everything from food and clothes <strong>to</strong> home<br />
appliances, and consumer electronics at<br />
attractive prices. They are usually conveniently<br />
located near public transportation<br />
and offer plenty of parking space. The<br />
sales area is spacious and pleasant, and<br />
the s<strong>to</strong>res remain open till late evening.<br />
Some of the better-known ones are Emart,<br />
Lotte Mart and Home Plus.<br />
Department s<strong>to</strong>res (Lotte, Hyundai,<br />
Shinsegae, Galleria and others) are for<br />
high-end luxury goods.
��� Efficient Public Transportation ���<br />
Rapid, and convenient, public transportation is an integral part of life in Korea,<br />
<strong>to</strong> include buses (local and intercity), subways, taxis, trains (regular and highspeed)<br />
and airplanes. However the subway systems are limited <strong>to</strong> Seoul, Busan,<br />
Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju and Incheon, and not every city is directly connected <strong>to</strong><br />
the high-speed rail service (KTX).<br />
Popular Bus Routes<br />
The most frequently used public transportation in Korea is the bus, with some<br />
six million passengers daily in Seoul alone. Bus riding became even more popular<br />
in the capital after the introduction of bus-only<br />
tip<br />
lanes in July 2004, which made<br />
Accessing Bus Information<br />
the service much faster<br />
You can find bus timetable at each<br />
and more reliable.<br />
bus s<strong>to</strong>p. On the Internet log on<strong>to</strong><br />
bus.seoul.go.kr for information on<br />
Recently, a moni<strong>to</strong>r<br />
bus and subway services (bus<br />
system has been<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ps, timetables, routes). Getting<br />
information by phone: First press<br />
added at bus s<strong>to</strong>ps <strong>to</strong><br />
Bus-only lanes<br />
Bus information moni<strong>to</strong>r<br />
1577-0287, then 7 + bus s<strong>to</strong>p number<br />
+ #; or route number + #.<br />
Using the transportation card<br />
Most people in Seoul pay their fares<br />
with the transportation card rather<br />
than in cash. The cards are honored<br />
on buses and subways as well as in<br />
taxis. The benefits of using the card<br />
include discounted basic fare and<br />
free or discounted transfers.<br />
Recently, convenience s<strong>to</strong>res and<br />
pay phones have also begun<br />
accepting these like cash. They can<br />
be purchased or reloaded at convenience<br />
s<strong>to</strong>res, kiosks, subway stations<br />
and the mini-kiosks at bus<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ps.<br />
Enjoying Life in Korea 17<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Inside a Seoul Metro train<br />
Seoul Metro platform<br />
tip<br />
Subway information is available on<br />
Seoul Metro homepage.<br />
(http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/)<br />
18 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
provide information on the estimated<br />
arrival time of each bus.<br />
The low fare is another reason why<br />
bus ride is so popular. You also receive a<br />
discount on the basic fare as well as on<br />
transfers between bus lines, or bus and<br />
subway lines.<br />
Rapid Subway Service throughout<br />
Greater Seoul<br />
The Seoul Metro offers fast, inexpensive<br />
and convenient services via 11 lines<br />
that connect virtually every destination.<br />
For instance, Line 1 is connected with Line 2 at<br />
Seoul City Hall Station; Lines 1 and 4 intersect at<br />
Seoul Railway Station, and Lines 5 and 9 serve<br />
the international and domestic air terminals at
Gimpo. The subways are safe and reliable, unaffected by road traffic congestion.<br />
The basic rate starts at �1,000-�1,300.<br />
The subway will get you <strong>to</strong> most <strong>to</strong>urist attractions down<strong>to</strong>wn as well as<br />
throughout the Greater Seoul Area, extending as far as Soyosan in the north,<br />
Yangsu in the southeast and Sinchang in the south. On the subway you pay only<br />
half what a regular train costs; for example, the subway takes you <strong>to</strong> Onyang Hot<br />
Springs for only �3,500. The Seoul Metro is a truly attractive way <strong>to</strong> get around on<br />
weekends <strong>to</strong> areas within the Seoul city limits as well as out in<strong>to</strong> Gyeonggi and<br />
Chungcheong Provinces.<br />
Multiple Taxi Types<br />
Taxis are readily available in<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> cities. The basic fare<br />
starts at � 2,600, and the<br />
meter increases at � 100<br />
increments. The cost of taking<br />
a taxi in Korea is much lower<br />
than fares charged in most<br />
other countries. You may<br />
catch taxis on the street or<br />
call them <strong>to</strong> come <strong>to</strong> your<br />
location (in which case you pay an additional<br />
� 1,000 won if the <strong>to</strong>tal fare is less than<br />
�10,000). The fare can be paid in cash or with<br />
either a transportation card or credit card. A free<br />
interpretation service is available for communication<br />
with taxicab drivers.<br />
In Seoul, "water taxis" also run on the Han<br />
River, providing shuttles during rush hour or<br />
used by individuals or families for <strong>to</strong>urism or fun.<br />
tip<br />
Regular taxi<br />
Using International Taxis<br />
International taxis are fast becoming<br />
popular among foreign visi<strong>to</strong>rs in<br />
Seoul. The drivers speak English,<br />
Japanese and/or Chinese, providing<br />
friendly service. You may reserve an<br />
international taxi by contacting the<br />
Call Center (1566-2255) one hour in<br />
advance, any time, 365 days a year.<br />
For more information, log on<strong>to</strong><br />
www.internationaltaxi.co.kr<br />
Enjoying Life in Korea 19<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
KTX (for Korea Train eXpress)<br />
High-speed Rail (KTX) Express Buses<br />
The KTX (for Korea Train eXpress) high-speed rail serves many major <strong>Korean</strong><br />
cities. The KTX began operation in April 2004,<br />
tip<br />
connecting Seoul with Busan (Gyeongbu Line) in<br />
Using KTX<br />
2 hours and 40 minutes and Seoul with Mokpo<br />
Advance tickets for KTX can be purchased<br />
either from au<strong>to</strong>matic ticket<br />
(Honam Line) in 2 hours and 58 minutes, facili-<br />
machines installed at train and subtating one-day business or sightseeing trips.<br />
way stations or from travel agents.<br />
You may also purchase your ticket<br />
Tourist companies take advantage of the fast and<br />
online by logging on<strong>to</strong> the Korail pleasant KTX trains in their package <strong>to</strong>urs. Night<br />
homepage at: http://www.korail.<br />
com/.<br />
trains with sleeping cars are also in service.<br />
Meanwhile, express buses run between all the<br />
Using Express Buses<br />
cities and are a very popular form of transporta-<br />
East (Dong) Seoul Terminal: (02)<br />
446-8000 or http://www.ti21.co.kr/ tion. The Gyeongbu, Guma, Yeongdong and<br />
Seoul Nambu Terminal: (02) 521- Honam lines depart from the Seoul Express Bus<br />
8550 or http://www.nambuterminal.co.kr/<br />
Terminal, while the Seoul Nambu and East Seoul<br />
Terminals also offer similar services.<br />
20 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
��� Housing ���<br />
Residential lifestyles are diverse in Korea <strong>to</strong>day, ranging from the traditional<br />
hanok <strong>to</strong> high-rise apartment complexes and ultra-modern mixed-use buildings.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s may choose <strong>to</strong> live in a private home (either traditional or Western-style),<br />
low-rise apartment, high-rise apartment or unit in a mixed-use building, depending<br />
on their taste, financial status and purpose.<br />
Traditional Houses<br />
The traditional-style private dwellings in Korea are called hanok, which have<br />
evolved over time. However a certain basic tradition remains: The hanok has a<br />
wood frame, walls and floor of clay, and either thatched-straw or tiled roof. As<br />
such, the structure "breathes," allowing the proper amount of ventilation yet<br />
blocking the winter chill. The interior is not <strong>to</strong>o humid in the summer rainy season<br />
and warm in winter. The ondol heating system in the floor is highly efficient, and<br />
an open area with wooden floor is built between the two bedrooms <strong>to</strong> serve as a<br />
living room that is cool in summer. The ideal placement is facing south, which<br />
allows more sunshine in the winter while avoiding the most intense rays of the<br />
sun in the summer.<br />
Hanok Revival<br />
The hanok began <strong>to</strong> disappear<br />
in large numbers during the<br />
1980s, as <strong>Korean</strong>s flocked <strong>to</strong><br />
the more convenient apartments<br />
or Western-style single<br />
family dwellings. Recently,<br />
however, the traditional <strong>Korean</strong><br />
home, with its environmentfriendly<br />
features, has again<br />
Jeonju Hanok Village<br />
Enjoying Life in Korea 21<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
tip<br />
Ondol: <strong>Korean</strong>-style<br />
Hypocaust System<br />
The traditional ondol system is a<br />
series of under-floor flues that convey<br />
heat from wood burned in a fire<br />
pit. The flues are covered by thin<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ne slabs that can retain heat for<br />
several hours. Of course the system<br />
has evolved over time. For example,<br />
the fuel first changed from wood <strong>to</strong><br />
coal briquettes and then boilers<br />
were adopted <strong>to</strong> supply and circulate<br />
heated water under the floor via<br />
plastic pipe. The heated floor is the<br />
main reason <strong>Korean</strong>s have had a<br />
preference for sitting on the floor.<br />
22 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Hanok, exterior and interior with open floor<br />
become popular among the health-conscious.<br />
Some of Korea's younger architects are now<br />
designing hanok-style offices for government<br />
offices (at the lowest administrative level--dong),
Experiencing the Feel of<br />
Hanok<br />
�Hanok Cultural Center homepage:<br />
http://www.bukchon.seoul.go.kr<br />
�Jeonju Hanok Village is located in<br />
Pungnam-dong and Gyo-dong,<br />
Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. About<br />
700 hanok remain here, maintained<br />
by the provincial and municipal governments,<br />
and now being developed<br />
as a <strong>to</strong>urist attraction. The homepage:<br />
http://www.hanok.jeonju.go.kr<br />
dental offices and apartments.<br />
The interior of these structures<br />
has a rounded appearance,<br />
with wooden beams,<br />
pillars, and living room floor.<br />
The windows and doors<br />
papered with traditional<br />
paper (hanji), providing the<br />
atmosphere of the original<br />
hanok. The hanok-style<br />
apartment is becoming popular<br />
for its combination of traditional<br />
elegance with modern<br />
convenience. The adobe-covered walls, hanji-papered windows and doors,<br />
traditional latticework and classical motifs on the ceiling, inner court instead of<br />
veranda or balcony, and open living-room with wooden floor add up <strong>to</strong> a cozy<br />
dwelling. The popularity of the hanok look is boosted by concern for good health<br />
and a desire <strong>to</strong> recover traditional values.<br />
tip<br />
Enjoying Life in Korea 23<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Single-family Homes (Dandok Jutaek)<br />
Single-family home (Dandok Jutaek)<br />
Single-family houses in Korea have their own gates and yards. The inside features<br />
are similar <strong>to</strong> other types of housing: living-room, bedrooms, kitchen and<br />
bathroom. Young people prefer apartments for their convenience and low maintenance,<br />
while families with children like the privacy of homes with their own yards.<br />
Today, <strong>Korean</strong>s are increasingly moving in<strong>to</strong> private homes outside the large<br />
urban areas. One advantage of these rural dwellings is the small garden.<br />
High-rise Apartments<br />
High-rise (15+ s<strong>to</strong>ries) multi-unit housing called "apartments" in Korea (or condominiums<br />
in the West because they are owned, not rented) are found throughout<br />
Korea. More than half (52.7%) of the population live in apartments and 68.9% say<br />
they prefer them <strong>to</strong> other types of housing. The first apartment buildings were<br />
constructed in the 1960s <strong>to</strong> ease the housing shortage in large cities. Since then,<br />
apartment design and quality have improved greatly. The growing urban popula-<br />
24 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
tion and scarcity of residential<br />
land have also contributed <strong>to</strong><br />
apartment boom.<br />
A building that has both residential<br />
and commercial space is<br />
called jusang-bokhap (mixeduse)<br />
and an example of the<br />
greater versatility in modern<br />
architectural design. The commercial<br />
facilities typically occupy<br />
the second through fourth floors,<br />
and the upper s<strong>to</strong>ries are residential.<br />
Such buildings are usually very<br />
high and centrally located for<br />
convenience of transportation.<br />
Thus they command good view,<br />
especially on the uppermost<br />
floors, and the floor space is flexible.<br />
They often come with a<br />
swimming pool, bowling alley,<br />
indoor driving range or health<br />
club for residents <strong>to</strong> enjoy.<br />
High-rise Jusang-bokhap buildings<br />
Townhouses & Low-rise Apartments<br />
Townhouses (or yeollip jutaek, "row houses") are defined as having no more<br />
than 4 s<strong>to</strong>ries and floor space <strong>to</strong>taling over 660m2 per building, while low-rise<br />
apartments ("villas") are 3-5 s<strong>to</strong>ries. The <strong>to</strong>wnhouses are aimed at lower income<br />
groups; the unit sizes are usually smaller and maintenance fees are low. The price<br />
and quality of "villas," on the other hand, varies widely.<br />
Enjoying Life in Korea 25<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
��� Special Days ���<br />
People in every country have special days within the lifecycle. In Korea these are<br />
the child's first birthday (dol), the wedding day, the 60th birthday, and the day of<br />
the funeral.<br />
Dol<br />
A baby’s first birthday<br />
party has been a special<br />
event since early times <strong>to</strong><br />
Dol table and celebrating family<br />
express gratitude for the<br />
baby's surviving its first twelve months. Infant mortality was high in traditional<br />
times, when medicine was still undeveloped. Today, families still throw a big party<br />
for friends and relatives when their child reaches one year old. The highlight of<br />
the auspicious occasion is when the baby is put in front of a table that has various<br />
items arrayed on it (for boys: a book, paper money, sheet of paper, ink brush, inkstick,<br />
and bow & arrow; for girls: a pair of scissors, yardstick and needle are in<br />
place of the bow & arrow). The baby that picks up the money first is expected <strong>to</strong><br />
grow up <strong>to</strong> be rich, while selection of the book or brush signifies the destiny of a<br />
future scholar or high-ranking government official, while the bow or arrow would<br />
suggest a future general. Today, a cake sometimes replaces the traditional display,<br />
and the party itself is held at a hotel or a restaurant. The well-wishers are<br />
given small gifts <strong>to</strong>gether with pieces of rice cake.<br />
26 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
Wedding Ceremony<br />
Pyebek at traditional wedding ceremony<br />
To <strong>Korean</strong>s, a marriage is<br />
not just a union of a man<br />
and woman but also the<br />
union of two families. In traditional<br />
times, the bridegroom-<strong>to</strong>-be<br />
went <strong>to</strong> the<br />
house of the bride-<strong>to</strong>-be for<br />
the wedding ceremony and<br />
then spent the first three<br />
days there before bringing<br />
Modern wedding ceremony<br />
his bride <strong>to</strong> his own home.<br />
Today, however, Western-style ceremony (with some modifications) is preferred <strong>to</strong><br />
the traditional type, and it is held at a wedding hall, hotel, or church. Prior <strong>to</strong> the<br />
wedding, the couple are busy preparing many things not only for the wedding itself<br />
but also for life as newlyweds. Of course, invitation cards are mailed <strong>to</strong> relatives,<br />
Enjoying Life in Korea 27<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
friends and colleagues, and special pho<strong>to</strong>s are taken in advance, many of which<br />
are outdoors. Professional wedding planners are frequently consulted as well.<br />
Immediately after the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds are <strong>to</strong> change in<strong>to</strong> traditional<br />
hanbok, and the bride formally greets her new parents-in-law with deep<br />
bows in a ceremony called pyebek. Traditionally, a folding screen is set up in the<br />
room, with the father-in-law sitting in the east and mother-in-law in the west. The<br />
bride bows four times, offering some simple food, and in response the in-laws<br />
throw jujubes on<strong>to</strong> the bride's traditional skirt (chima), expressing wishes of a<br />
happy marriage and many children.<br />
Hwegap (60th Birthday)<br />
Hwegap (or hwan-gap or<br />
suyeon) is a big celebration on<br />
the day one turns 60 (or 61<br />
according <strong>to</strong> the <strong>Korean</strong> system).<br />
The 69th birthday<br />
(<strong>Korean</strong> age 70), called gohui,<br />
is also a special celebration<br />
but not as much as hwegap is.<br />
The significance of 61 is that it<br />
completes the 60-year zodia-<br />
Gohui : 69th birthday party<br />
cal cycle. In traditional times,<br />
surpassing 60 years of age was considered a special blessing. The children offer<br />
their parents glasses of wine or liquor expressing wishes for an even longer life.<br />
Funerals and Condolences<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s remain heavily influenced by Confucianism, which stresses the magnitude of<br />
key four ceremonies: the coming-of-age, marriage, funeral, and sacrifices <strong>to</strong> deceased<br />
ances<strong>to</strong>rs. The funeral is considered as important as the wedding. Funerary cus<strong>to</strong>ms<br />
have changed over time, influenced particularly by the contemporary reli-<br />
28 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
Funeral bier, traditional funeral procession<br />
gion and philosophical value system.<br />
The deceased were virtually always buried from prehis<strong>to</strong>ric times <strong>to</strong> about the<br />
7th century CE, when the Three Kingdoms Period ended. The influence of<br />
Buddhism as the state religion spread the practice of cremation for the next seven<br />
centuries or so. Then, the importance of burials returned in the Joseon Dynasty<br />
(1392-1910), when Confucianism prevailed, and has remained the mainstream<br />
cus<strong>to</strong>m until the present. In recent years, however, funerary cus<strong>to</strong>ms have begun<br />
<strong>to</strong> diversify once again.<br />
In the past, funerals were usually held at the home of the deceased, but now<br />
simplified ceremonies are more commonly performed at a funeral parlor attached<br />
<strong>to</strong> a hospital. Condolences are expressed in different ways according <strong>to</strong> one's faith.<br />
A Buddhist would offer two bows, while a Protestant would say a silent prayer and<br />
present a flower.<br />
Enjoying Life in Korea 29<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
<strong>Korean</strong> Food
��� Unique Flavors of Kimchi ���<br />
No discussion of <strong>Korean</strong> food is complete without mentioning kimchi. This indispensable<br />
part of the <strong>Korean</strong> diet is rich in lactic acid bacteria and nutrients, and<br />
has attracted global attention as a health food. Today, kimchi is enjoyed in many<br />
countries.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Food 31<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
tip<br />
Experiencing Kimchi<br />
�Event : The Foundation for the<br />
Preservation of Cultural Properties<br />
organizes events for visi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong><br />
experience aspects of traditional<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> culture.<br />
�Date : All year round<br />
�Venue : KOUS (Daechi-dong,<br />
Gangnam-gu, Seoul)<br />
Korea House (Pil-dong,<br />
Chongno-gu, Seoul)<br />
�Duration : 2-3 hours<br />
�Admission : Free<br />
�Application : Reserve by phone<br />
(The application form can be<br />
downloaded.)<br />
�Information : Tel: (02)566-7037,<br />
5951-2; Fax: (02)566-6314, 5954<br />
�e-Mail: sunnykous@naver.com<br />
32 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Essential Part of Every <strong>Korean</strong> Meal<br />
The origins of kimchi can be traced back at<br />
least 1,300 years, starting out simply as salted<br />
vegetables. Then pickling methods were developed,<br />
and various spices were added. Chili peppers<br />
were introduced <strong>to</strong> Korea in the 16th century<br />
and gradually became popular, contributing <strong>to</strong><br />
development of <strong>to</strong>day's hot and spicy kimchi varieties.<br />
Diverse Varieties of Kimchi<br />
The Kimchi Field Museum in Seoul has documented<br />
187 his<strong>to</strong>ric and current kimchi types.
Different varieties are served according<br />
<strong>to</strong> the season and region, and the varieties<br />
are determined by the main vegetables<br />
and seasonings used.<br />
Popular in spring are <strong>to</strong>ngbechu kimchi<br />
(whole-head Chinese cabbages),<br />
nabak kimchi (sliced radishes in brine),<br />
jjokpa kimchi (scallions), minari kimchi<br />
(dropwort). Early summer brings<br />
oisobak kimchi (fresh cucumbers), oiji<br />
(pickled cucumbers) and yeolmu kimchi<br />
(young radishes with the radish greens),<br />
kimchi ddeok<br />
followed by gaji kimchi (eggplant) and<br />
sigumchi kimchi (spinach) in late summer.<br />
Autumn varieties include bechu geotjeori<br />
(unpickled cabbage), ggakttugi<br />
(cubed radish), chongkak kimchi (young<br />
radishes), and godeulbegi kimchi (a kind<br />
of lettuce). Winter kimchi types such as<br />
<strong>to</strong>ngbechu gimjang kimchi are well fer-<br />
kimchi bun<br />
mented <strong>to</strong> last a long time.<br />
Other winter favorites are seokbakgi (radishes sliced in large pieces), bossam<br />
kimchi (stuffed cabbage) and oyster kimchi.<br />
Different regions have their own specialties, like godeulbegi kimchi from Jeolla,<br />
bossam kimchi from Gaeseong and ggakttugi from Gongju. Generally, people in<br />
the north tend <strong>to</strong> use less salt and chili pepper in their kimchi than those in the<br />
south do. The use of fish sauce is more common in the south as well.<br />
Recently, fusion dishes that include kimchi have been developed and are becoming<br />
quite popular among <strong>Korean</strong>s and non-<strong>Korean</strong>s alike.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Food 33<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
kimchi refrigera<strong>to</strong>r<br />
tion of kimchi can inhibit cancer growth.<br />
Nutritional and Health<br />
Benefits<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s have developed<br />
many fermented foods such<br />
as soybean paste, soy sauce,<br />
fermented soybeans and<br />
kimchi. The fermentation<br />
process kills bacteria and<br />
regular consumption of fermented<br />
foods can strengthen<br />
the immune system. Kimchi<br />
is rich in vitamins minerals<br />
and dietary fiber yet low in<br />
calories. Some studies suggest<br />
that regular consump-<br />
Why Spicy<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s generally are not fond of oily or sweet food. When they do eat it, they<br />
like <strong>to</strong> follow with kimchi, because the spiciness feels refreshing. Actually, chili<br />
pepper contains capsicine, which burns fat and stimulates the appetite while<br />
reducing the need for salt in flavoring.<br />
S<strong>to</strong>rage and Flavor<br />
The same type of kimchi will taste different depending on the temperature at<br />
which it is fermented and s<strong>to</strong>red. Optimal flavor and nutrition is normally achieved<br />
by fermenting kimchi for 2-3 weeks at 2-7 o<br />
C and then s<strong>to</strong>ring it at 0-5 o<br />
C. Allowing<br />
kimchi <strong>to</strong> freeze can detract from the flavor, so <strong>Korean</strong>s traditionally kept their<br />
winter kimchi underground. Nowadays, refrigera<strong>to</strong>rs have been developed specifically<br />
for s<strong>to</strong>ring kimchi.<br />
34 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
��� <strong>Korean</strong>s and Rice Cakes ���<br />
Ddeok rice cake (sometimes with millet,<br />
beans, squash etc. added) has long<br />
been an integral part of <strong>Korean</strong>s' lives.<br />
This is evidenced by the many wellknown<br />
expressions involving ddeok:<br />
"Eating ddeok while lying down" (a very<br />
simple task); "The ddeok in another's<br />
hand always seems bigger" (jealousy);<br />
"The ddeok in the picture" (pie in the<br />
sky) and many others. No <strong>Korean</strong> ceremony<br />
involving food is complete without<br />
rice cake, and ddeokbokki (broiled and<br />
seasoned sliced rice cake with meat,<br />
eggs and other ingredients) is a very<br />
popular snack.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Food 35<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
A Culinary Tradition from Ancient Times<br />
About 200 kinds of ddeok<br />
are available <strong>to</strong>day in assorted<br />
shapes and colors. The<br />
principle ingredient, shape,<br />
stuffing, and color may vary<br />
by region.<br />
This popular snack has<br />
probably been around in<br />
some form on the <strong>Korean</strong><br />
Peninsula for close <strong>to</strong> 3,000<br />
Modern-style ddeok<br />
years. Grinds<strong>to</strong>nes and s<strong>to</strong>ne<br />
mortars for pounding grain have been found dating from as early as the 7th and<br />
8th centuries BCE, showing that agriculture was already established. Bronze Age<br />
implements with several holes at the bot<strong>to</strong>m on each side appear <strong>to</strong> have been<br />
used for steaming grains.<br />
From ancient times, the <strong>Korean</strong> people have made ddeok for sad occasions such<br />
as funerals such as happy moments such as weddings. Sharing rice cakes among<br />
neighbors and friends was a way <strong>to</strong> foster a community spirit. Even <strong>to</strong>day, families<br />
who move in<strong>to</strong> a new neighborhood typically prepare ddeok <strong>to</strong> pass around as a<br />
way <strong>to</strong> greet the new neighbors.<br />
Occasions for Ddeok<br />
Ddeok has been so closely related <strong>to</strong> all walks of life that it would be difficult <strong>to</strong><br />
understand <strong>Korean</strong> people's lives without understanding the symbolic significance.<br />
Rice cakes are served at weddings, birthdays and other family events as<br />
well as on seasonal holidays. The type depends on the occasion and/or season.<br />
Different grains and other ingredients, including flowers and fruits, can be used.<br />
In traditional times, the royal family had luxurious ddeok prepared according <strong>to</strong> a<br />
unique recipe.<br />
36 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
Taking Ddeok <strong>to</strong> the World<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> ddeok continues<br />
<strong>to</strong> evolve with changing<br />
tastes, providing a<br />
healthier alternative <strong>to</strong><br />
sweets and fast food.<br />
Today, rice cakes are<br />
sometimes served the<br />
way sandwiches are.<br />
Some are pre-made for<br />
instant cooking in a<br />
microwave oven. Now<br />
packaged and preserved,<br />
ddeok is also exported.<br />
Ddeokbokki : a popular <strong>Korean</strong> snack<br />
Ddeokbokki is a popular <strong>Korean</strong> snack that was once restricted <strong>to</strong> royal court<br />
cuisine. The original ddeokbokki was seasoned with soy sauce. Today's spicy version<br />
appeared in 1950, when the <strong>Korean</strong> War broke out, and is now enjoyed by<br />
everyone. The dish now includes ddeok, sliced and broiled; meat and eggs. It is<br />
seasoned with hot bean paste and some sugar instead of the soy sauce. Some like<br />
it with cheese.<br />
A variation called "rabokki" (for "ramyeon + ddeokbokki") may come with cream<br />
sauce or chili sauce instead of hot bean paste, catering <strong>to</strong> foreigners' tastes. hese<br />
days, the Ddeokbokki Festival is helping <strong>to</strong> further promote the dish among non-<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s. (For more information, visit www.<strong>to</strong>pokki.com.)<br />
Learn How <strong>to</strong> Make Ddeok<br />
The Ddeok Museum exhibits some 200 different varieties of <strong>Korean</strong>-style rice<br />
cakes along with instruments for shaping them. You can learn ddeok-related cus<strong>to</strong>ms,<br />
participate in ddeok-making, and enjoy eating some of the delicious rice<br />
cakes, <strong>to</strong>o. (For more information, visit www.tkmuseum.or.kr.)<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Food 37<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
��� Table Manners ���<br />
Sometimes we experience embarrassment when we do not know the proper<br />
table manners when drinking or dining with people in foreign countries. Of course<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s have their own sets of rules, which are particularly important when we<br />
are eating or drinking with the elderly.<br />
Dining with Elders<br />
In traditional times, upper-class people were served at individual tables, beginning<br />
with the eldest. Now, however, <strong>Korean</strong>s share the same side dishes on the<br />
same table <strong>to</strong>gether.<br />
The senior-most position at the middle of the table, on the side farthest from the<br />
room entrance. The eldest person is always allowed <strong>to</strong> sit down first and start eating<br />
first. As a guest, etiquette dictates that you thank the host before starting and<br />
after finishing. As a junior, you are expected <strong>to</strong> keep your posture correct and<br />
should not place your spoon and chopsticks on the table (indicating that you have<br />
finished eating) until the eldest done so. The eldest is also first <strong>to</strong> leave the table.<br />
Do not use a spoon <strong>to</strong> take from the side dishes (which are shared by all), and do<br />
Family dining <strong>to</strong>gether<br />
38 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
Traditional table-setting<br />
not hog the side dishes you like most. In the past, keeping silence at the table was<br />
considered a virtue, but now polite conversation is normal. Try <strong>to</strong> use your spoon<br />
and chopsticks quietly and do not hold both in your hand at the same time. Of<br />
course you should avoid eating noisily or blowing noisily on your soup <strong>to</strong> cool it off.<br />
Table-setting<br />
The rice bowl goes on the left side of the diner, and the soup is on the right. The<br />
spoon is placed <strong>to</strong> the immediate right of the soup bowl, followed by the chopsticks.<br />
Any dish containing fluid is placed nearer <strong>to</strong> the diner, while the other dishes<br />
are farther away. Dishes with food cut in smaller sizes are nearer than the<br />
dishes with larger pieces are.<br />
Drinking Etiquette<br />
Traditionally, the junior was expected <strong>to</strong> offer a drink <strong>to</strong> the senior, holding the<br />
cup with both hands and on knees before filling his/her own cup. Today, the ritual<br />
has been simplified simply using both hands. The cup is held with the right hand,<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Food 39<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Clinking the glasses and Cheers<br />
Tea ceremony<br />
40 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
while the left is placed underneath the<br />
cup. You should receive a drink from a<br />
senior with both hands and then turn<br />
your head a little <strong>to</strong> the side before<br />
drinking. Never refill another's cup<br />
before it is completely empty.<br />
Tea Etiquette<br />
The teacup should be placed on a tray<br />
that is then put on a tea table before<br />
being filled and served on a saucer. The<br />
cup handle should be <strong>to</strong>ward the tea<br />
drinker's right, and the teaspoon is <strong>to</strong><br />
the immediate right of the cup. As soon<br />
as the cup is empty, it should be<br />
removed from the table.<br />
Tea should be drunk in silence; the<br />
cup is held in the right hand, while the<br />
left hand supports it underneath. If the<br />
tea is <strong>to</strong>o hot, simply allow it <strong>to</strong> cool,<br />
instead of blowing on it; do not sip the<br />
tea with the spoon. Once finished, put<br />
the cup aside and thank the hostess.
��� Five Dishes Non-<strong>Korean</strong>s Like Best ���<br />
A survey by <strong>Korean</strong> Traditional Food Research Institute concluded that the <strong>to</strong>p<br />
favorite <strong>Korean</strong> dishes among non-<strong>Korean</strong>s are (in descending order): bibim-bap<br />
(vegetables & beef on rice), samgye-tang (boiled chicken stuffed with rice & ginseng),<br />
galbi-gui (grilled beef ribs), gimbap (rice wrapped in dried laver) and sundubu-jjige<br />
(spicy stew of soft <strong>to</strong>fu & shellfish). Other favorites on the survey are<br />
hobak-juk (pumpkin or squash porridge), naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles<br />
with vegetables, egg & beef), japche (pota<strong>to</strong> noodles with beef & vegetables), bulgogi<br />
(thinly sliced beef marinated in soy sauce & grilled), haemul pajeon (pancake<br />
with green onion, shellfish<br />
& other seafoods),<br />
baechu kimchi (picked &<br />
spiced Chinese cabbage),<br />
and hobak ddeok (pumpkin<br />
or squash cake).<br />
Bibim-bap<br />
Bibim-bap (mixed rice)<br />
has long been popular in<br />
Korea because it is simple<br />
yet nutritious, and is now<br />
a popular in-flight meal<br />
for international travelers.<br />
Various vegetables are<br />
arranged on <strong>to</strong>p of<br />
steamed rice. The diner<br />
then mixes the ingredients<br />
all <strong>to</strong>gether and adds<br />
red pepper paste and<br />
Jeonju bibim-bap<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Food 41<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
tip<br />
Bibim-bap<br />
Ingredients: 200g of rice, 50g of<br />
bean sprouts, 50g of squash, 50g of<br />
cucumbers, 40g of carrots, 30g of<br />
balloon flower root, 30g of bracken,<br />
1 mushroom, 20g of shredded<br />
radish, salt, soy sauce, vegetable oil,<br />
sesame oil, salted sesame powder<br />
and garlic<br />
Steaming the Rice<br />
Let the rice soak in water for 30 minutes<br />
before heating. Put in the bean<br />
sprouts and place the lid on just<br />
before cooking is finished. When<br />
ready, stir the rice well before<br />
scooping it in<strong>to</strong> bowls.<br />
Namul is a general term for greens,<br />
herbs and wild vegetables seasoned<br />
with salt, vinegar and sesame oil.<br />
The name of the dish may vary<br />
slightly depending on what vegetables<br />
are used and how they are prepared.<br />
Virtually any type of vegetable,<br />
herb, or green can be used,<br />
and the parts can include the roots,<br />
leaves, stems, seeds, sprouts,<br />
petals, and fruits. They can be prepared<br />
as an individual namul or<br />
mixed.<br />
sesame oil <strong>to</strong> taste. Often, a s<strong>to</strong>ne bowl (dolsot)<br />
is used because it helps <strong>to</strong> keep the ingredients<br />
warm until one finishes eating.<br />
Bibim-bap has many variations, depending on the<br />
region of Korea where it is served. Jeonju is famous<br />
for bibim-bap featuring fat soybean sprouts.<br />
Recently, a huge bowl of bibim-bap was served <strong>to</strong> a<br />
crowd in New York City at an event attended by the<br />
Mayor. The scene of New Yorkers enjoying the<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> dish was televised.<br />
Samgye-tang<br />
Samgye-tang (ginseng-chicken soup) is especially popular for energizing the<br />
body the hottest days of summer. A Cornish hen is stuffed with glutinous rice and<br />
boiled in a broth of <strong>Korean</strong> ginseng, dried jujubes, garlic, and ginger. The dish is<br />
particularly good for the s<strong>to</strong>mach and liver.<br />
Galbi-gui<br />
Galbi-gui (grilled beef ribs) is one of the most popular <strong>Korean</strong> meat dishes.<br />
42 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Samgye-tang (ginseng-chicken soup)
Galbi-gui (grilled beef ribs)<br />
(Pork ribs, both marinated and fresh, are also popular and cost less than beef<br />
ribs.) The key <strong>to</strong> delicious beef ribs lies in tenderizing the meat and removing the<br />
fat.<br />
Therefore, the ribs are marinated in soy sauce mixed with rice wine, garlic and<br />
pepper for about 30 minutes. They are grilled at high heat, as cooking them slowly<br />
will making the meat <strong>to</strong>ugher and harder <strong>to</strong> digest.<br />
Gimbap<br />
Gimbap is a handy snack <strong>to</strong> take along on picnics, hikes and other outings.<br />
Steamed rice is lightly salted and mixed with other ingredients and rolled in gim<br />
(thin sheets of dried laver). The rolls are then sliced. Gimbap looks similar <strong>to</strong><br />
Japanese sushi but the taste and ingredients are different.<br />
The basic ingredients are rice, meat or some other protein source (fish cakes,<br />
crab meat or eggs) and various vegetables (cucumbers, spinach, carrots, pickled<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Food 43<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Gimbap<br />
radish). Personal taste will<br />
determine the recipe. After<br />
rolling and slicing, the gimbap<br />
is typically served with a pickled<br />
radish known as danmuji.<br />
Traditional gimbap comes in<br />
round slices, but nowadays it<br />
may be wrapped in<strong>to</strong> triangles<br />
or squares. Other variations<br />
include mini-gimbap, "naked"<br />
gimbap (rice is on the outside)<br />
and chungmu gimbap (rice<br />
only--<strong>to</strong> be eaten with kimchi).<br />
Sundubu-jjige<br />
Sundubu-jjige is a stew with<br />
soft bean curd (dubu in<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>, <strong>to</strong>fu in Japanese). The<br />
soft bean curd may be less<br />
nourishing than the regular<br />
one, but its texture is popular<br />
with older people, and the flavor<br />
is widely liked.<br />
The stew (jjige) of soft bean<br />
curd, clams, mushrooms, soy<br />
sauce, salt and pickled<br />
shrimp is cooked in an earthenware<br />
bowl. For variety,<br />
Sundubu-jjige with mixed seafoods<br />
other ingredients may be<br />
added such as kimchi, mixed seafoods, or short-necked clams.<br />
44 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu
��� The "<strong>Korean</strong> Wave" and Pop Stars ���<br />
Popular <strong>Korean</strong> culture has gained global attention. Generally called Hallyu<br />
("<strong>Korean</strong> Wave") its popularity has been spreading in an increasing number of<br />
countries. Naturally, more people in these countries want <strong>to</strong> know about the<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> language and <strong>Korean</strong> culture.<br />
Hallyu : Global Interest in <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Interest in popular <strong>Korean</strong> culture began <strong>to</strong> surge in Southeast Asia in the late<br />
1990s, driving foreign interest in things <strong>Korean</strong>. Momentum grew after the release<br />
of a hit album by the <strong>Korean</strong> pop group HOT and the term Hallyu was widely<br />
adopted by the Chinese media. <strong>Korean</strong> TV dramas began <strong>to</strong> be exported <strong>to</strong> China<br />
in 1996, followed by <strong>Korean</strong> pop songs two years later. The <strong>Korean</strong> Wave has continued<br />
<strong>to</strong> spread <strong>to</strong> Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines,<br />
Japan, the US, Latin America and<br />
even Arab countries. Today, Hallyu<br />
has come <strong>to</strong> include global interest in<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> food, electronics, dramas,<br />
music and movies. This phenomenon<br />
has helped <strong>to</strong> promote the <strong>Korean</strong><br />
language and culture around the<br />
world, and many more students are<br />
learning <strong>Korean</strong> as a second language.<br />
“My Sassy Girl” poster<br />
46 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Introduction of Hallyu<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> singers as well as ac<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
and actresses have become popular<br />
Hallyu stars in most Southeast Asian<br />
countries as well as in China.
Movie and TV Stars<br />
A Japanese survey on <strong>Korean</strong> stars ranked (in descending order) the most popular<br />
actresses Choi Ji-wu ("Jiuhime" in Japan), Jeon Ji-hyeon, and Lee Young-ae;<br />
and ac<strong>to</strong>rs as Bae Yong-jun, Lee Byung-heon, Kwon Sang-wu, Chang Dong-keon<br />
and Hyun Bin. Japanese interest in Bae Yong-jun and Choi Ji-wu was sparked by<br />
the TV drama "Winter Sonata," the biggest hit overseas for any <strong>Korean</strong> TV series.<br />
The success of "Winter Sonata" was due <strong>to</strong> the poetic nature of the script as<br />
well as the music and scenes on the theme "first love." Bae became so popular<br />
that his Japanese fans nicknamed him Yonsama and remained devoted <strong>to</strong> him.<br />
The film was shot on Nami Island, near Chuncheon, and the set became a very<br />
popular destination for Japanese visi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> Korea.<br />
Bae Yong-jun Bae debuted with the TV drama "Salut D' Amour" in 1994, and<br />
became popular in his role as a student of a future movie direc<strong>to</strong>r in "A Sunny<br />
Place of the Young." His popularity continued in both <strong>Korean</strong> and Japan with "First<br />
Love," "Did We Really Love," "Winter Sonata" and "The S<strong>to</strong>ry of the Great King and<br />
the Four Gods." He has also starred in the full-length movies "Un<strong>to</strong>ld Scandal"<br />
and "April Snow."<br />
Choi Ji-wu Choi made her debut as an MBC TV actress in 1994 and gained popularity<br />
from her work in the movies "Everybody Has Secrets," "The Romantic<br />
President" and "Nowhere <strong>to</strong> Hide" in 2002. Her leading role in the TV dramas<br />
"Stairway <strong>to</strong> Heaven" and "Winter Sonata," catapulted <strong>to</strong> the greatest fame. She<br />
also starred in the TV dramas "Beautiful Days" and "Truth."<br />
Lee Byung-heon Dramas and movies starred in by Lee have achieved great<br />
popularity in Asia, and recently he received attention worldwide with his appearance<br />
in the American movie "GI Joe: the Rise of Cobra." His most important<br />
movies <strong>to</strong> date include "Bungee Jumping of Their Own," "Joint Security Area," "A<br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu 47<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Bae Yong-jun Choi Ji-wu<br />
Lee Byung-heon Lee Jun-ki<br />
Lee Young-ae Jang Nara<br />
Rain<br />
Bittersweet Life" and "The Good, the Bad,<br />
and the Weird."<br />
Lee Jun-ki Chosen as the <strong>to</strong>p Hallyu star<br />
in China recently, Lee is also gaining strong<br />
popularity in Japan with the movie "King and<br />
the Clown." His other major works include<br />
"Virgin Snow," a joint <strong>Korean</strong> and Japanese<br />
movie, and "Iljimae."<br />
Jang Nara Jang started out as a singer<br />
and has become a popular TV and movie<br />
actress in Korea, Taiwan and China In China<br />
she was awarded a <strong>to</strong>p prize as a singer and<br />
appeared in the Chinese TV drama "The<br />
Mischievous Princess" with other <strong>to</strong>p<br />
Chinese stars.<br />
Lee Young-ae Lee starred in the TV drama<br />
"Dae Jang Geum" and is now one of the most<br />
popular actresses in Asia and Middle East.<br />
She has also starred in "Joint Security Area,"<br />
"Last Present," "One Fine Spring Day" and<br />
"Sympathy for Lady Vengeance."<br />
Rain The singer Rain has been chosen as one of the 100 most influential persons<br />
in the United States. He gained his popularity not only as a singer but also from<br />
his work in TV dramas. He appeared in "Sangdoo! Let's Go <strong>to</strong> <strong>School</strong>" in 2003,<br />
"Full House" in 2004 and "A Love <strong>to</strong> Kill" in 2005, of which "Full House" won great<br />
popularity in China.<br />
48 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
��� TV Dramas ���<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s love watching TV dramas, seeing movies and listening <strong>to</strong> music. Of the<br />
three TV dramas probably take up the largest part of their time. <strong>Korean</strong> TV companies<br />
now spend a hefty budget on dramas. Some of more successful ones are<br />
exported, helped by the influence of Hallyu.<br />
Characteristics of <strong>Korean</strong> Dramas<br />
Chinese dramas tend <strong>to</strong> focus more on the s<strong>to</strong>ries and Japanese dramas<br />
emphasize the inner workings of the characters. On the other hand, <strong>Korean</strong> dramas<br />
are more about the personalities involved than the s<strong>to</strong>ry. For instance, "Dae<br />
Jang Geum" received overwhelming popularity from viewers for its detailed<br />
expression of a woman trying <strong>to</strong> do her best in her specialty. People seem <strong>to</strong> draw<br />
satisfaction from such dramas as "Dae Jang Geum" and "Winter Sonata" by identifying<br />
themselves with the stars and sharing feelings with them. Perhaps the<br />
biggest reason <strong>Korean</strong> dramas are popular in China and Japan is that the audience<br />
can relate <strong>to</strong> the character of, for example, someone who can overcome various<br />
hardships in the pursuit of a dream for herself and her family. <strong>Korean</strong> productions<br />
are also highly rated for their sophistication in expressing human emotions.<br />
The Top 5 Hallyu Dramas<br />
The five most popular <strong>Korean</strong>-made dramas in Japan are "Winter Sonata," "Dae<br />
Jang Geum," "Stairway <strong>to</strong> Heaven," "Beautiful Days" and "Hotelier."<br />
"Winter Sonata," Starring Bae<br />
Yong-jun and Choi Ji-wu This is a<br />
tale of three persons bound <strong>to</strong>gether in<br />
the name of "first love." They met, separated<br />
and were re-entangled by the net<br />
called "family." The s<strong>to</strong>ry unfolds<br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu 49<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
through a mysterious interweaving of relationships surrounding them: Junsang;<br />
Yujin; Sanghyuk; and Minhyung, who resembles Junsang. Besides the romantic<br />
aspects, the drama captured fans' hearts with its memorable scenery and music.<br />
"Dae Jang Geum," Starring Lee Youngae<br />
This fictional s<strong>to</strong>ry is based on the life of a<br />
woman during the reign of Jungjong (1506-<br />
1544) in Joseon, a male-dominated traditional<br />
society. Jang Geum becomes the <strong>to</strong>p royal chef<br />
through her strong willpower and drive. She<br />
then learns medicine after overcoming various<br />
hardships and finally is appointed the first<br />
female royal physician. "Dae Jang Geum"<br />
means "Chief Female Royal Physician," the<br />
title bes<strong>to</strong>wed upon her. It tells, for the first<br />
time, the s<strong>to</strong>ry of a significant woman's success.<br />
Many people also loved the drama for its<br />
detailed coverage of royal cuisine in Joseon.<br />
"Stairway <strong>to</strong> Heaven," Starring<br />
Kwon Sang-wu and Choi Ji-wu<br />
This drama was purportedly made <strong>to</strong><br />
give meaning <strong>to</strong> "loving someone<br />
fully, overcoming antagonistic social<br />
cus<strong>to</strong>ms and taboos." It is a tragic<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ry of hopeless, forbidden love<br />
between a man and woman. Their<br />
love is pure, hardly imaginable, yet<br />
surely such a love can exist somewhere. The drama awakens the viewers <strong>to</strong> their<br />
own feelings, never revealed <strong>to</strong> another.<br />
50 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
<strong>Korean</strong> TV Dramas Going Global<br />
The popularity of the <strong>Korean</strong> dramas has spread <strong>to</strong> the Middle East, where "First<br />
Love," introduced in 1997 and starring Bae Yong-jun, was a big hit. �ore recently,<br />
"Taejo Wang Geon" has become popular in China, Japan and the Middle East.<br />
"Dae Jang Geum" Popular in UAE and Iran<br />
People in the Middle East have been also caught on<strong>to</strong> the Hallyu craze. Dubai<br />
TV, the state-run broadcaster in the UAE, has been televising "Dae Jang Geum,"<br />
"My Name is Kim Sam Soon" and "I'm Sorry, I<br />
Love You" since 2005. "Emperor of the Sea" and<br />
"I'm Sorry, I Love You" are particularly popular<br />
among young people. In Iran, "Dae Jang Geum"<br />
received a rating of over 90%, sparking greater<br />
interest in Korea and the <strong>Korean</strong> language.<br />
Middle Eastern viewers prefer family-based s<strong>to</strong>ries,<br />
as they usually watch TV as an entire family.<br />
That is one reason <strong>Korean</strong> TV dramas are so well A scene from "My Name is Kim Sam Soon"<br />
received in this region.<br />
"The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince"<br />
"Princess Hours" and "The 1st Shop of Coffee<br />
Prince" have become very popular in Southeast<br />
Asia because these dramas and the stars' fashion<br />
styles show how <strong>Korean</strong> youth now live. "The<br />
1st Shop of Coffee Prince" has been exported <strong>to</strong><br />
Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines,<br />
Malaysia and Thailand. In addition, the Hongdae<br />
branch of 'The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince," where<br />
the drama was filmed, is drawing crowds from<br />
inside and outside Korea.<br />
A scene from "Princess Hours<br />
A scene from "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince"<br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu 51<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
��� Chungmu-ro and the Film Industry ���<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> movies are now shown both domestically and overseas. Korea is exceptional<br />
in that over 50% of the domestic film market is made up of home-made<br />
productions. <strong>Korean</strong> films, along with TV dramas and pop songs, are at the heart<br />
of Hallyu, enjoying great popularity in China, Taiwan, Japan and elsewhere.<br />
Chungmu-ro: Birthplace of <strong>Korean</strong> Film-making<br />
Hollywood was the base for most of the American film industry for many<br />
decades. The <strong>Korean</strong> film industry was primarily based in Seoul's Chungmu-ro<br />
area, adjacent <strong>to</strong> Myeong-dong, from the late 50s through the 1980s, Here, film<br />
direc<strong>to</strong>rs, ac<strong>to</strong>rs and actresses worked with a cluster of film companies and cinemas.<br />
In the 1990s, film companies began moving <strong>to</strong> southern Seoul (Gangnam),<br />
but many still remain around Chungmu-ro.<br />
Films in Hallyu<br />
Until the late 1990s, few <strong>Korean</strong> films were successful outside the country.<br />
"Christmas in August", directed by Huh Jin-ho and released in 1999, was the first<br />
<strong>to</strong> receive significant attention in Hong Kong. The next year, "Swiri" sold well in<br />
Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. In 2002, "My Sassy Girl" obtained excellent<br />
results in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore, and <strong>Korean</strong> film<br />
had firmly joined the <strong>Korean</strong> Wave.<br />
"Swiri" poster "Christmas in August" poster<br />
52 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Hallyu and <strong>Korean</strong> Films<br />
Hong Kong-made films once dominated<br />
the Asian market, but <strong>Korean</strong>made<br />
films have made significant<br />
inroads, riding the Hallyu wave along<br />
with TV dramas and pop songs. The<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> movies are popular for their
solid s<strong>to</strong>ry lines and diverse genres, appealing<br />
<strong>to</strong> a wide audience. Bolstering their success<br />
has been the international interest in <strong>Korean</strong><br />
TV dramas in many Asian countries since the<br />
late 1990s. <strong>Korean</strong> TV ac<strong>to</strong>rs and actresses<br />
also appeared in the movies, and their fame<br />
has boosted box office sales in several Asian<br />
countries. One good example is "April Snow",<br />
starring Bae Yong-jun. The film was produced<br />
with Japanese viewers in mind; it was sold <strong>to</strong><br />
Japan even before completion and then went<br />
on <strong>to</strong> perform well in Hong Kong, Taiwan,<br />
Malaysia and Singapore.<br />
"April Snow" poster<br />
Hallyu Films in Different Countries<br />
Exports <strong>to</strong> Japan, now the largest market for <strong>Korean</strong> film, started with "Swiri,"<br />
followed by "My Sassy Girl," "Joint Security Area," "Too Beautiful," "Old Boy,"<br />
"Everybody Has Secrets," "TaeGukGi: Brotherhood of War," "Windstruck," "Un<strong>to</strong>ld<br />
Scandal," "King and the Clown," "The Most" and "April Snow." "A Moment <strong>to</strong><br />
Remember," starring Sohn Ye-jin and Jeong Wu-seong, is the most successful<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> film in Japan <strong>to</strong> date.<br />
Exporting films <strong>to</strong> China is restricted by law, but pirated DVDs of "My Sassy Girl"<br />
were a big hit. Formal film exports <strong>to</strong> China have not been successful but <strong>Korean</strong>made<br />
movies are second only <strong>to</strong> American movies in pirated editions. Meanwhile,<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> films remain popular in Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore.<br />
Excellent Direc<strong>to</strong>rs and Genre Diversity<br />
The popularity won by Hallyu and Hallyu stars since the 1990s undoubtedly<br />
played a key role in giving the <strong>Korean</strong> film industry its current global success.<br />
More importantly, however, many creative and competitive film direc<strong>to</strong>rs began <strong>to</strong><br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu 53<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
come on<strong>to</strong> the scene from the mid-<br />
1990s. They have ensured successful<br />
production, diversified the film genres,<br />
brought a better balance <strong>to</strong> the mix, and<br />
elevated the overall quality of <strong>Korean</strong><br />
cinema.<br />
The remarkable growth attained by the<br />
industry in the new millennium has been Film direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />
Film direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />
Pak Chan-wook<br />
Im Kwon-taek<br />
recognized with awards <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> film<br />
direc<strong>to</strong>rs Pak Chan-wook, Im Kwon-taek, Kim Ki-duk and Lee Chang-dong at<br />
such major festivals as Cannes, Venice and Berlin, elevating the global stature of<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>-made films.<br />
Direc<strong>to</strong>r Kim Ki-duk became known <strong>to</strong> American and European audiences with<br />
his "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring," while direc<strong>to</strong>r Hong Sang-soo is<br />
noted for his excellent ability <strong>to</strong> express desire, discomfort and other aspects of the<br />
human psyche in this works. Direc<strong>to</strong>r Im Kwon-taek, who was awarded at Cannes<br />
for "Painted Fire," also directed "Seopyonje" and "Chun Hyang," works that have<br />
made him known as the best direc<strong>to</strong>r for expressing the <strong>Korean</strong> culture and spirit<br />
in film. Meanwhile, direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />
Kang Jae-gyu, who<br />
began as a <strong>to</strong>p screenwriter<br />
in Chungmu-ro,<br />
brought a boom <strong>to</strong> Hallyu<br />
films with "Swiri," followed<br />
by such blockbusters<br />
as "Silmido" and<br />
"TaeGukGi: Brotherhood<br />
of War." He is the most<br />
successful direc<strong>to</strong>r in<br />
"Old Boy" poster "Chun Hyang" poster<br />
terms of production and<br />
54 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
ox-office sales.<br />
Another young but prominent film direc<strong>to</strong>r is<br />
Bong Jun-ho, who directed "The Host," which<br />
became a world hit outside Asia. Direc<strong>to</strong>r Pak<br />
Chan-wook followed up his acclaimed "Joint<br />
Security Area" with a fresh and unique series<br />
that includes "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance," "Old<br />
Boy" and "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance." Since<br />
then, he also clinched the Jury prize at the 62nd<br />
Cannes Film Festival. His "Old Boy" has been<br />
sold <strong>to</strong> about 60 countries, solidifying world<br />
recognition of the <strong>Korean</strong> film industry.<br />
International Film Festivals in<br />
Korea<br />
The Pusan International Film<br />
Festival, now considered one of the<br />
world's <strong>to</strong>p 10 international film festivals,<br />
is one of several such events<br />
held in Korea.<br />
�Pusan International Film Festival<br />
(www.piff.org)<br />
�Chungmuro International Film<br />
Festival in Seoul (www.chiffs.kr)<br />
�Puchon International Fantastic<br />
Film Festival (www.pifan.com)<br />
�Jeonju International Film Festival<br />
(www.jiff.or.kr)<br />
�Gwangju International Film Festival<br />
(www.giff.org)<br />
Korea <strong>to</strong> Asia & Beyond<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> films bring a new<br />
dimension <strong>to</strong> Hallyu beyond<br />
TV dramas and pop songs,<br />
expanding the market in<br />
Asia. <strong>Korean</strong> movies are, on<br />
their own strengths, now<br />
making rapid progress in<br />
markets outside Asia. "Il<br />
Mare," "The Host," "Old Boy"<br />
and "A Tale of Two Sisters"<br />
Posters of award-winning films at film festivals<br />
received Hollywood recognition<br />
and are now being remade. <strong>Korean</strong> movie stars Lee Byung-heon, Jeon Ji-hyun<br />
and Rain are active in Hollywood, and <strong>Korean</strong> film direc<strong>to</strong>rs have been invited <strong>to</strong><br />
Hollywood <strong>to</strong> make films. Korea has become an important player in the global<br />
film industry and holds international film festivals for everyone from the world <strong>to</strong><br />
enjoy.<br />
tip<br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu 55<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
��� <strong>Korean</strong> Pop Songs outside Korea ���<br />
The news of Dongbangshinki's possible breakup dismayed fans in<br />
Korea, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. All of Asia is now the stage<br />
for <strong>Korean</strong> pop songs and pop singers. Hallyu started out<br />
focused on TV dramas, then expanded <strong>to</strong> movies.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> pop songs are now the main driver of the<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Wave.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> pop songs have evolved for nearly a century.<br />
"Trot (from "foxtrot," which influenced its simple beat)<br />
is the oldest form of <strong>Korean</strong> pop music. It developed in<br />
the years before and during the Japanese occupation.<br />
The genre helped <strong>to</strong> comfort the sorrow of an oppressed<br />
people. In the 1970s, Korea was hit by a wave of<br />
songs sung by long-haired folk singers playing<br />
acoustic guitars and wearing blue jeans. Various<br />
new genres (rock, ballads, hip-hop) came and<br />
went through the 1980s and 1990s. In the new<br />
millennium, <strong>Korean</strong> pop songs became Asian<br />
pop songs and the world pop songs.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> songstress BoA released her first single<br />
in Japan in 2001 and has subsequently been the<br />
<strong>to</strong>p artist on the Oricon chart countless times<br />
with sale of more than 10 million discs in<br />
Japan alone. "Tell Me Your Wish," the second album<br />
released by the all-girl band Girls' Generation, <strong>to</strong>pped the Thai pop charts for four<br />
weeks. Meanwhile, SS501, a <strong>Korean</strong> boy band, released three albums in Taiwan, and<br />
they all <strong>to</strong>pped one of the famous charts there. Songster Rain and Wonder Girls, a<br />
pop diva group, have advanced in<strong>to</strong> the United States, while f(x), a 5-girl group,<br />
received mass media attention from many Asian countries even before its debut.<br />
56 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Rain
General Trend of Idol Groups<br />
The leaders in Hallyu pop songs are idol groups, which mainly perform hip-hop<br />
and dance music. They focus more on rhythms and unique dance moves than<br />
lyrics and melodies. Despite their adolescent appearance, the members emphasize<br />
sex appear with unconventional costumes, makeup and dance. Many of the<br />
bands are multi-national. Hangkyeong, a member of the 13-member boy-group<br />
"Super Junior," is Chinese and Vic<strong>to</strong>ria of "f(x)" is also Chinese. They are emerging<br />
not only as singers but as part of the popular culture. Sidelines such as fashion,<br />
games, books and TV program are being produced in tandem with these<br />
groups.<br />
Idol Group Singers<br />
Dongbangshinki<br />
This 5-member boygroup<br />
("Asian Popularity"<br />
in <strong>Korean</strong>) made its<br />
debut in 2003. Not only<br />
tall and good-looking,<br />
the members have been<br />
evaluated highly for<br />
their singing and dancing.<br />
The name varies<br />
from country <strong>to</strong> country:<br />
in Japan, Tohoshinki; in<br />
Chinese region, Tong Vfang Xien Qi; in the English-speaking region, TVXQ.<br />
The group has released 8 singles and 4 albums in Korea, 28 singles and 4<br />
albums in Japan, and 1 single in the US and China--all in their respective languages.<br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu 57<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Big Bang This 5-member boy-group debuted in<br />
2006. The members' song-writing, singing,<br />
choreography and stage performance have all<br />
been rated very highly. Albums "Always," "Stand<br />
Up" and "Remember" have been hits. The group<br />
went <strong>to</strong> Japan in 2008 and is active there, with<br />
new albums and live concerts.<br />
Girls' Generation This 9member<br />
girl-group debuted<br />
in 2007 with the release of<br />
the album "In<strong>to</strong> the New<br />
World." Called "SNSD" in<br />
English-speaking countries, the group is composed of teenaged girls who are also<br />
talented actresses and dancers. They received the <strong>to</strong>p prize at the 5th Asia Song<br />
Festival in 2008 and released a mini album "Gee" in 2009, which stayed on the<br />
major charts for two weeks.<br />
58 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Wonder Girls This 5-member girl-group made<br />
its debut with the release of a single "The<br />
Wonder Begins" in 2007. "Tell Me," with its<br />
unique choreography, brought the "Tell Me"<br />
craze. In late 2008, "Nobody" was a hit, expanding<br />
the group's popularity <strong>to</strong> China, Thailand and<br />
the US.
��� Taekwondo ���<br />
Taekwondo has long<br />
helped <strong>to</strong> make Korea<br />
better known <strong>to</strong> the<br />
world. This <strong>Korean</strong> martial<br />
art form uses fast<br />
kicking and punching<br />
techniques. The origins<br />
were developed as selfdefense<br />
against wild animals,<br />
requiring the<br />
movements <strong>to</strong> be instant<br />
and fast. Over time,<br />
blocking, kicking and punching evolved <strong>to</strong> create the Taekwondo of <strong>to</strong>day.<br />
Taekwondo Elements<br />
Taekwondo practice encompasses forms (pumsae),<br />
sparring (gyeorugi) and breaking (gyeokpa).<br />
Pumsae are series of moves that are practiced<br />
alone <strong>to</strong> improve attack and defense. The forms<br />
start out as being very simple, but they progressively<br />
become more complex and difficult.<br />
Gyeorugi is the way <strong>to</strong> apply pumsae skills in<br />
attack and defense. Taekwondo competitions bit<br />
athletes against one another according <strong>to</strong> preset<br />
rules <strong>to</strong> decide the winner. Only punches and<br />
kicks are allowed, and attacks are limited <strong>to</strong> the<br />
front of the opponent. Strikes <strong>to</strong> the face are only<br />
allowed with the feet and attacking the lower<br />
tip<br />
A kicking form<br />
Ranks & Belts<br />
A standard Taekwondo ranking system<br />
(dan and geup) is applied worldwide.<br />
Beginners wear white belts<br />
and are called mugeup (without any<br />
rank). Next is yugeup (with rank),<br />
which covers ten different ranks<br />
(indicated by yellow, green, blue,<br />
purple and red belts). This is followed<br />
by yudan (with black belt<br />
ranks), which comprises another 9<br />
ranks, from first <strong>to</strong> ninth degree.<br />
Black belt holders aged 15 or older<br />
are given dan, while those 14 or<br />
younger wear pum belts with red<br />
and black colors evenly divided horizontally.<br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu 59<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
ody is against the rules.<br />
Gyeokpa is a way <strong>to</strong> measure the degree of one's Taekwondo<br />
skills. The practitioner breaks boards, bricks, roof tiles and so on<br />
<strong>to</strong> test concentration, accuracy, mental strength and striking<br />
power.<br />
Fostering Respect through Martial Art<br />
Taekwondo does not condone aggressive violence; self-defense<br />
is the purpose. People practice the art <strong>to</strong> prevent violence, exercising<br />
patience and control gained after long and hard training.<br />
The practitioners wear white uniforms and colored belts; each<br />
color represents a different rank (geup). Low-ranking practitioners<br />
are expected <strong>to</strong> show respect <strong>to</strong> their seniors. The instruc<strong>to</strong>r<br />
is called "sabu-nim" (teacher-<br />
tip<br />
father). Taekwondo is not just for<br />
Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo<br />
physical training but also pro-<br />
Federation)<br />
The Federation was founded in 1972 motes etiquette, respect and<br />
<strong>to</strong> develop and propagate Taekwondo.<br />
humility. This is one good reason<br />
It conducts tests for dan and pum promotion,<br />
holds domestic and interna- why <strong>Korean</strong> parents send their<br />
tional competitions, and offers special children <strong>to</strong> Taekwondo class<br />
classes for foreigners.<br />
(www.kukkiwon.or.kr)<br />
even before they are old enough<br />
<strong>to</strong> starting primary school.<br />
Taekwondo Experiential<br />
Program<br />
Gyeonghi-gung (a palace in Seoul)<br />
holds "Human Power Taekwondo," a<br />
program designed for foreigners <strong>to</strong><br />
experience Taekwondo. Interested<br />
persons may apply via the homepage.<br />
It also holds a versatile performance on<br />
regular basis, "Power Art Taekwondo,"<br />
a combination of Taekwondo, <strong>Korean</strong><br />
traditional music and dance.<br />
(www.taekwonseoul.org)<br />
60 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Globalization of Taekwondo<br />
Around 70 million people now practice<br />
Taekwondo worldwide, learning about Korea and<br />
its culture at 500,000 gyms in 188 countries. The<br />
pioneer <strong>Korean</strong> Taekwondo instruc<strong>to</strong>rs working<br />
abroad were essential for Taekwondo's achieving<br />
its present global status. They have served as
Taekwondo demonstration<br />
civilian diplomats, introducing <strong>Korean</strong> culture as well as Taekwondo <strong>to</strong> the world.<br />
These days, Taekwondo has inspired modernized Taekwon dance and Taekwon<br />
exercises in Korea <strong>to</strong> provide easier access <strong>to</strong> the martial art.<br />
An Internationally-recognized Sport<br />
Taekwondo was adopted as an official event at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.<br />
Thanks <strong>to</strong> efforts made home and abroad and adoption by the IOC, Taekwondo has<br />
become a global sport.<br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu 61<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
��� Football and the Red Devils ���<br />
Football is special <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong>s. Of course, many other countries may have better<br />
players and teams, but few exhibit the emotion <strong>Korean</strong>s do when their team competes<br />
internationally. <strong>Korean</strong>s come <strong>to</strong>gether <strong>to</strong> back their team, making it a<br />
major festival.<br />
Massive rallies in the street during the 2002 FIFA World Cup<br />
62 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
<strong>Korean</strong> Football Yesterday & Today<br />
Football came <strong>to</strong> Korea about 120 years ago, and <strong>Korean</strong>s remained excited<br />
about the sport despite many difficult his<strong>to</strong>rical and economic times. In the 1970s,<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> football underwent a Renaissance with the help of the government. Every<br />
village began <strong>to</strong> have its own early-morning football team. In 1983, the first professional<br />
league was formed, quickly making football <strong>Korean</strong>s' favorite specta<strong>to</strong>r<br />
sport. Nevertheless, the national team failed at the World<br />
Cup in the 1990s, <strong>to</strong> the dismay of all <strong>Korean</strong>s.<br />
Then the 2002 FIFA World Cup was co-hosted by Korea<br />
and Japan. To the world's great surprise, Korea became<br />
the first Asian country <strong>to</strong> reach the semifinals. There are<br />
now 15 professional football teams in the K-league, raising<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> football <strong>to</strong> the next level and providing <strong>Korean</strong><br />
football fans with much <strong>to</strong> cheer about.<br />
A Giant Step with 2002 FIFA World Cup<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> football <strong>to</strong>ok a big step forward when the nation<br />
co-hosted the FIFA World Cup in June 2002. The <strong>Korean</strong><br />
team was led by Dutchman Guus Hiddink and reached<br />
the semifinals for the first time ever, defeating one football<br />
powerhouse after another. No doubt, <strong>Korean</strong>s' great<br />
love of football and their support for the national team<br />
helped the players perform so well. The team was lifted<br />
by the massive rallies in<br />
tip<br />
the streets and the "Red<br />
Devils," the cheerleader<br />
Chiwu cheonwang :<br />
"Red Devils" Logo<br />
group that urged their As the god of war and<br />
countrymen <strong>to</strong> share in a soldier, the logo<br />
symbolizes vic<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
the nation-loving spirit.<br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu 63<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
“Red Devils”<br />
Birth of the "Red Devils"<br />
A group of <strong>Korean</strong> football lovers formed in 1995 and they decided <strong>to</strong> adopt the<br />
name "Red Devils" in 1997. Their organized activities began from the preliminaries<br />
for the FIFA World Cup in France in 1998. The world <strong>to</strong>ok notice of their activities in<br />
Korea during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The rhythmic shout "De~han min kuk<br />
(Republic of Korea)" resounded throughout the country and is now heard wherever<br />
a sports competition is held in Korea. The official support group for the <strong>Korean</strong><br />
national football team has been leading the public cheering since that time.<br />
Membership was informal through the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, but<br />
now members are formally enrolled.<br />
Red Brings <strong>Korean</strong>s Together<br />
Many people identify <strong>Korean</strong>s as red-hot passionate people, perhaps because<br />
they still remember the massive crowds wearing red shirts during the 2002 World<br />
Cup. The "Red Devils" led a nation in support of their national team, changing<br />
64 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
<strong>Korean</strong> football, <strong>Korean</strong>s' perception about the<br />
red color, and Korea's image abroad.<br />
Korea is a divided country, and red represents<br />
the Communist North, so the color was avoided<br />
in the South. However, the <strong>Korean</strong> national team<br />
began <strong>to</strong> wear red uniforms, and their supports<br />
turned out clad in red, turning the color in<strong>to</strong> a<br />
cause for celebration in the minds of South<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s <strong>to</strong>day. Red expresses joy and enthusiasm<br />
and now prompts <strong>Korean</strong>s <strong>to</strong> focus their<br />
energies.<br />
Football Star Pak Ji-seong<br />
The most revered<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> football<br />
star is Pak Jiseong.<br />
He is particularly<br />
loved for<br />
his ability <strong>to</strong> overcome<br />
physical<br />
shortcomings<br />
(small stature and flat feet) through<br />
hard work and constant self-improvement.<br />
At 19, Pak was already a brilliant<br />
national player. He was the <strong>to</strong>p in the<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Premier League before joining<br />
Manchester United FC in July 2005.<br />
New Fashions on the Street<br />
He shot the decisive goal against<br />
Portuguese team in the 2002 World<br />
The Gwanghwa-mun intersection in down<strong>to</strong>wn Cup <strong>to</strong>urnament, and he scored the<br />
Seoul and City Hall Plaza turned in<strong>to</strong> a sea of red tying goal against France during the<br />
2006 World Cup in Germany.<br />
while the FIFA 2002 World Cup was being held in<br />
Korea. Swarms of enthusiastic supporters<br />
appeared in the streets<br />
wearing headbands decorated with a<br />
national flag motif, red scarves on<br />
their arms, red shirts, and red knickers.<br />
Such instantaneous outpourings<br />
were unprecedented.<br />
Every plaza in the country became<br />
a gala display of national unity, irre-<br />
Young “Red Devils”<br />
spective of age group or economic<br />
status. They were just the same people, participating in a celebration meant for<br />
them all. Every society needs an emotional outlet, and <strong>Korean</strong>s, especially so. The<br />
2002 World Cup gave them such an opportunity in the form of on-the-street<br />
cheering for the national team.<br />
tip<br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu 65<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
��� B-boys and Namsadang ���<br />
The ecstatic moves of <strong>Korean</strong> dance express <strong>Korean</strong> heung, a mixture of joy,<br />
pleasure, mirth and excitement. At a glance, <strong>Korean</strong> break dancers, or B-boys,<br />
don't seem <strong>to</strong> have anything in common with the itinerant entertainers (namsadang)<br />
of traditional times, but they share the unique <strong>Korean</strong> heung in their<br />
magnificent rhythm and performances.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> B-boys Capture World Attention<br />
The name "B-boy" comes from the American hip-hop culture of the 1970s,<br />
referring <strong>to</strong> professional male break dancer; the female counterpart is called "Bgirl."<br />
The B-boys brought a new culture genre, and many excellent performers<br />
have emerged. Late comers they may be, but <strong>Korean</strong> B-boys have made an impact<br />
on the global stage.<br />
B-boys performance<br />
66 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
B-boys Join Hallyu<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> break dancers have won many<br />
world-class competitions, providing a<br />
new dimension <strong>to</strong> the <strong>Korean</strong> Wave.<br />
Break dancers the world over watch<br />
videos of <strong>Korean</strong> B-boys and emulate<br />
their moves. A <strong>Korean</strong> B-boy team was<br />
invited <strong>to</strong> the opening ceremony of 2008<br />
Beijing Olympic Games for an exclusive<br />
performance and now many who are<br />
fascinated by the B-boy phenomenon<br />
visit Korea <strong>to</strong> watch local performances.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s' Great Rhythm & Passion<br />
The global success of <strong>Korean</strong> B-boys<br />
was not easily won; they worked exceedingly hard <strong>to</strong> achieve world-class status.<br />
Nevertheless, their accomplishment may have never been possible without their<br />
passion, sense of rhythm and natural bodily movements.<br />
tip<br />
Pungmul and B-boys<br />
Gaya-gum and B-boys<br />
Exclusive B-boy only Theater<br />
It is easy <strong>to</strong> find B-boy performances<br />
in Korea. Just go <strong>to</strong> the "Bboys-only"<br />
theater in front of Hongik<br />
<strong>University</strong>; performances are held<br />
regularly. (www.sjbboys.com)<br />
Information on B-boy<br />
Performances<br />
�"Ballerina Who Fell in Love with<br />
B-boy" (www.showbboy.com)<br />
�B-boy and Ballerina<br />
(www.bisabal.co.kr)<br />
�Breakout (www.breakout.co.kr)<br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu 67<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
New <strong>Culture</strong> from Street Dance<br />
Scene of "Ballerina Who Fell in Love with B-boy"<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> B-boys are no longer confined <strong>to</strong> street dancing; they are now contributing<br />
<strong>to</strong> the creation of a new culture of musicals and dramas. They<br />
continuously develop by engaging themselves in joint performances<br />
with various forms of <strong>Korean</strong> traditional music as well as<br />
classical or pop music. Thus, <strong>Korean</strong> B-boys are now<br />
embedded in the culture, and are not just a passing fad.<br />
Versatile B-boy Performances<br />
The December 2005 "Ballerina Who Fell in Love with Bboy"<br />
<strong>to</strong>ok <strong>Korean</strong> break dancing <strong>to</strong> new heights at the<br />
unique "B-boys only" theater near Hongik <strong>University</strong> in<br />
Seoul. More versatile dance routines have been introduced<br />
here. In Korea, many new B-boy musicals are being created and<br />
performed, continuing the development of this art form.<br />
Big Fun with Namsadang<br />
The original namsadang were men who belonged <strong>to</strong> troupes of itinerant<br />
performers through the end of the Joseon period (1392-1910).<br />
Each troupe would have 40-50 members, mostly of commoner back-<br />
68 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
Namsadang performance (percussion instruments and tightrope walking)<br />
ground, entertaining the masses with their animated music and circus-like tricks<br />
(tightrope walking, dish-spinning, etc.). Since the 1920s, these traveling bands<br />
became smaller and their reper<strong>to</strong>ires evolved.<br />
Namsadang Plays<br />
Extant are six different namsadang nori (performance categories), including<br />
percussion playing (pungmul). Pungmul includes the traditional kwenggwari<br />
(small gong), buk (barrel drum), jing (large gong), sogo (small hand-drum) and<br />
nallari (small conical fife). The players wear white headbands and produce light<br />
and cheerful music, while dancing and making comic gestures. Other nori types<br />
involve dish-spinning, tightrope walking, tumbling (ddangjeju or salpan), mask<br />
dances and puppet plays.<br />
Namsadang and B-boys<br />
Salpan, one of the namsadang performance categories, resembles break danc-<br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu 69<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Namsadang performance (salpan)<br />
tip<br />
Experiencing Namsadang Nori<br />
Namsadang nori keeps an exciting<br />
part of traditional culture alive through<br />
performances and classes. You can<br />
have more fun by comparing the<br />
modern B-boy break dancing <strong>to</strong> the<br />
namsadang performances.<br />
You can<br />
discover how the<br />
excellent <strong>Korean</strong><br />
break dancing is<br />
linked <strong>to</strong> tradition.<br />
�Anseong Namsadang Baugeogi<br />
Pungmul Troupe<br />
(www.namsadangnori.or.kr)<br />
�Anseong Namsadang Baugeogi<br />
Festival(www.baudeogi.com)<br />
70 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Namsadang and B-boys<br />
ing in many respects. The performers exhibit<br />
exquisite skills on the floor, one after another,<br />
similar <strong>to</strong> the way B-boys compete.<br />
Originally, the namsadang performed nori from<br />
9 in the evening till 3-4 in the following morning,<br />
but nowadays performances are just 2-3 hours.
��� Samullori and Nanta ���<br />
The delightful samullori (4 traditional percussion instruments) performances<br />
will captivate you, and you will unconsciously be following the exciting rhythm. On<br />
the other hand, Nanta is a modern reinterpretation that helps people unfamiliar<br />
with <strong>Korean</strong> culture appreciate <strong>Korean</strong> rhythms easily.<br />
Samullori Rhythms Origin<br />
Samullori was inspired by traditional percussion playing (pungmul); the first<br />
performance was held in 1978 at a small theater by Kim Yong-bae, Kim Deok-su,<br />
Lee Gwang-su and Choi Jong-sil, who were namsadang troupe members. Since<br />
then, this style has gained great popularity and is performed often.<br />
Samullori Features<br />
Samullori originated from outdoor percussion playing and dancing, and the<br />
musical characteristics were refined for the stage. In other words, a kind of<br />
The four samullori instruments<br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu 71<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
unstructured theatrical performance was developed in<strong>to</strong> a musical genre.<br />
Pungmul performers have no set number and play on their feet, moving with the<br />
rhythm. By contrast, samullori consists of four performers only, who sit on the<br />
stage and play one different instrument each--the small gong, barrel drum, hourglass<br />
drum and large gong.<br />
Development of Samullori<br />
Samullori continues <strong>to</strong> evolve. The four sounds are now being integrated with<br />
other experimental and creative performing arts. Originally samullori was simply<br />
an expression of traditional <strong>Korean</strong> percussion music, but then piano or orchestra<br />
accompaniments were added, followed by the inclusion of jazz and rock musicians.<br />
The direction of diversification has also gone in<strong>to</strong> traditional <strong>Korean</strong> dance.<br />
Nanta: Aesthetics of the Beat<br />
Nanta ("reckless striking") is a non-vocal musical performance consisting entirely<br />
of rhythm and beat. This unique genre delights audiences through bodily movement<br />
alone. The instruments are simple kitchenware such as chopping boards,<br />
Nanta performance<br />
72 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
kitchen knives, pots, pans and dishes. The players<br />
beat them in a samullori-like fashion, transforming<br />
something ordinary in<strong>to</strong> a new art form.<br />
Nanta Now a Standout Production<br />
First performed in Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 1997, Nanta drew<br />
the biggest audience ever in the his<strong>to</strong>ry of <strong>Korean</strong><br />
performance and was chosen as one of the Top<br />
10 Things <strong>to</strong> See in Seoul by the Korea Tourism<br />
Organization. Traditional samullori rhythms have<br />
been integrated in<strong>to</strong> a theatrical performance<br />
featuring comic kitchen scenes that amuse audiences of all ages.<br />
Nanta Performances<br />
In 2000 Nanta became the first<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> performing arts group <strong>to</strong> get<br />
its own theater, a venue of about<br />
300 seats in Jeong-dong, Seoul. A<br />
second of similar size opened in<br />
Cheongdam-dong (southern Seoul)<br />
of similar size as the first one in<br />
2002. The Jeong-dong facility was<br />
expanded in 2003 <strong>to</strong> 500 seats.<br />
Performances are held year around<br />
at each theater.<br />
(www.nanta.i-pmc.co.kr)<br />
Experiencing Samullori<br />
Samullori is performed at many<br />
museums and there are also places<br />
where you can learn <strong>to</strong> play the<br />
instruments first-hand.<br />
�<strong>Culture</strong> Art Center Keun Deul<br />
(www.onekoreaart.or.kr)<br />
�Hanul-sori Beat Company<br />
(www.hanulsori.co.kr)<br />
�Gwanghwa-mun Art Hall<br />
(www.ghmarthall.co.kr)<br />
�Academy of <strong>Korean</strong> Music<br />
(www.samulnori.co.)<br />
To Broadway and the World<br />
Nanta was designed with the world market in mind and has been enthusiastically<br />
received for its quality of composition and performance. A Nanta performance won<br />
the highest accolades at the 1999 Edinburgh Festival, and subsequently the act has<br />
remained a very successful in Japan, the UK, Germany, the US, Austria, Italy,<br />
Taiwan, Australia, Russia, China and the Netherlands. In February 2004, Nanta<br />
opened a long-running performance on Broadway, an Asian first.<br />
tip<br />
Popular <strong>Culture</strong> and Hallyu 73<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Leisure
��� <strong>Korean</strong>s at Leisure ���<br />
Economic advancement and social stability have allowed <strong>Korean</strong>s <strong>to</strong> devote<br />
more time <strong>to</strong> leisure. With greater disposable income, more and more <strong>Korean</strong>s<br />
want <strong>to</strong> do more than just rest; they want <strong>to</strong> enjoy a leisure lifestyle. The working<br />
population has received much more time off since when 5-day workweek went<br />
in<strong>to</strong> lay in July 2004. The ways in which this newfound leisure is spent differs, of<br />
course, from person <strong>to</strong> person. Generalizations are risky, but some typical examples<br />
can be identified.<br />
Hobby Clubs<br />
Leisure activities are diversifying in Korea and becoming a greater part of everyday<br />
life. People who share the same hobby or interest now organize clubs, including<br />
sports clubs (bowling, hiking, inline skating, snowboarding, mountain biking,<br />
marathon running, ping pong and baseball, <strong>to</strong> name a few) as well as pho<strong>to</strong>graphy<br />
clubs, dance clubs and movie-watching clubs. <strong>Korean</strong>s who own the same model<br />
au<strong>to</strong>mobile may form a club <strong>to</strong> exchange information related <strong>to</strong> their cars;<br />
Inline skating club members<br />
Leisure 75<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
gourmet club members seek out fancy restaurants <strong>to</strong>gether, while environmentalists<br />
and legal specialists band <strong>to</strong>gether <strong>to</strong> provide voluntary services.<br />
Watching TV or Surfing the Web<br />
A good many <strong>Korean</strong>s spend their<br />
leisure time watching TV or sitting at<br />
the computer. Each household has at<br />
least one TV set and PC and, with the<br />
availability of broadband, <strong>Korean</strong>s<br />
have easy access <strong>to</strong> online games<br />
and the worldwide web. In the past<br />
only certain entertainers had their<br />
own homepage, but now many peo-<br />
Web surfing<br />
ple operate their own homepage or<br />
blog, sharing their personal life and communicating with friends. Social network<br />
services and blogging have become a popular means of passing time.<br />
Hiking: an Activity for All Ages<br />
Mountains have always been close<br />
<strong>to</strong> the lives of <strong>Korean</strong>s. Older people<br />
often go <strong>to</strong> mountains near their<br />
homes each morning <strong>to</strong> draw fresh<br />
spring water. Some do light exercises<br />
while there. People from their 20s<br />
<strong>to</strong> their 70s go hiking on weekends,<br />
sometimes alone, at other times in<br />
groups. An estimated 15 million<br />
Hikers enjoying the autumn scenery<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s hike <strong>to</strong>day, including men<br />
and women of all ages. Some are hard-core rock climbers, but most simply enjoy<br />
the exercise and fresh air as a way <strong>to</strong> relieve stress.<br />
76 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
"Leports" (Leisure + Sports) Activities<br />
The number of so-called "leports"<br />
enthusiasts continues <strong>to</strong><br />
grow. In summer, they go <strong>to</strong><br />
rivers for rafting, water skiing or<br />
wind-surfing, while in winter,<br />
they ski or snowboard. In addition<br />
the more venturesome<br />
young people may try bungeejumping,<br />
survival games or inline<br />
skating. Bicycle riding is gaining<br />
popularity <strong>to</strong>day as well. Many<br />
people cycle along riverside<br />
paths or country roads in stylish<br />
wear, either alone or in groups.<br />
Families at Parks<br />
on Weekends<br />
Many <strong>Korean</strong> families visit public<br />
parks or amusement parks on<br />
weekends, trying out the rides and<br />
eating a picnic lunch. The best<br />
known destinations are Yongin<br />
Everland Resort, Gwacheon Seoul<br />
Land Amusement Park and Lotte<br />
World, while smaller ones can be<br />
found around the country. The<br />
amusement parks often operate<br />
art galleries or other family-type<br />
programs nearby.<br />
Skiers<br />
Wind-surfing<br />
Everland Resort<br />
Leisure 77<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
��� Norae-bang and Jjimjil-bang ���<br />
Singing rooms (norae-bang) and dry saunas (jjimjil-bang) are good inexpensive<br />
places <strong>to</strong> go with friends, colleagues or relatives. The norae-bang is an especially<br />
popular place <strong>to</strong> go after dinner and drinks. The jjimjil-bang is favored by young<br />
couples and families.<br />
Norae-bang: For Men & Women of All Ages<br />
The singing room (often called karaoke in<br />
the West) is equipped with a large screen<br />
that displays the lyrics as the song melody<br />
plays. Microphones are attached for the<br />
singers <strong>to</strong> use, and many of the people will<br />
also dance. The charge varies by the time<br />
of day and region of the country, but you<br />
can expect <strong>to</strong> pay around �7,000 won for<br />
Norae-bang<br />
each 30- minute increment.<br />
The norae-bang machines have more than 1,000 different songs in various genres,<br />
including children's songs, pop songs old and new and traditional folk songs.<br />
Japanese, Chinese and Western pop songs are also available.<br />
The low cost, wide variety and easy accessibility make the norae-bang a popular<br />
activity for people of all ages, from young children <strong>to</strong> the elderly. Businessmen<br />
often take advantage of norae-bang as a way <strong>to</strong> entertain partners, helping <strong>to</strong><br />
build rapport and trust.<br />
Norae-bang Services<br />
The singing rooms charge a basic hourly (or half-hourly) rate. In the daytime, or<br />
at other times when business is slow, the proprie<strong>to</strong>r may offer a reduced rate or<br />
extend of usage time without any additional charge. In principle, only nonalcoholic<br />
beverages and snacks can be ordered at a norae-bang. The cus<strong>to</strong>mer can request<br />
78 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
a CD recording of his/her singing <strong>to</strong> take home and use as a ring<strong>to</strong>ne for a cell<br />
phone or upload on a homepage.<br />
The types of norae-bang has diversified of late, with private rooms for couples,<br />
nightclub-type rooms with mirror balls and other lighting effects, and music video<br />
game machines for dancing along.<br />
Online Norae-bang<br />
A new trend is <strong>to</strong> post singing room activities online. Singing and dancing at an<br />
offline norae-bang are recorded with a digital camera and uploaded for online<br />
evaluation and comparison. The person who gets the highest score is named<br />
"norae-bang jjang" ("champion of the singing room"). The highest marks are not<br />
for singing ability but for the ability <strong>to</strong> rearrange a song most interestingly. The<br />
first "norae-bang jjang" title was awarded <strong>to</strong> the "Dongseong-no Sisters," three<br />
college women who appeared on the SBS TV program "Choi Su-jong Show" in<br />
2004. Those crowned singing room champions are often treated like stars.<br />
Jjimjil-bang: a Home away from Home<br />
The jjimjil-bang, which began <strong>to</strong> appear in the mid-1990s, are large establishments<br />
that combine the gender-segregated public bathhouse with an area for<br />
everyone <strong>to</strong> enjoy <strong>to</strong>gether. The separate rooms for men and women are equipped<br />
with restrooms, hot tubs, showers, a sauna, a steam room and massage tables.<br />
The term jjimjil-bang (the large dry sauna) refers <strong>to</strong> the common area, which will<br />
also include a public sleep area, lounge with TV, PC room, restaurant serving<br />
snacks and simple meals, large sauna, and ice room. Shirts, shorts, gowns and<br />
<strong>to</strong>wels are provided for all guests.<br />
Here you can sleep and bathe outside your home. It is a great place for young<br />
couples or families <strong>to</strong> spend quality time <strong>to</strong>gether, as well as club members <strong>to</strong><br />
relax after an outing. The jjimjil-bang is opened 24 hours a day, making it ideal for<br />
night workers <strong>to</strong> relax after they get off. It is also an inexpensive accommodation<br />
for travelers on a limited budget.<br />
Leisure 79<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Inside a jjimjil-bang<br />
Evolving Jjimjil-bang<br />
The jjimjil-bang establishments continue <strong>to</strong> develop, getting larger, more luxurious<br />
and more diverse in their offerings. As such, they are no longer a simple space<br />
for bathing only, a complex that includes a singing room, small movie theater, beau-<br />
tip<br />
ty parlor, skin-care salon, PC lounge and even<br />
stage for live performances. These features make<br />
Significance of the Room<br />
(Bang)<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s like rooms. On the street,<br />
them especially popular for people on dates.<br />
Various search portals on the Internet allow<br />
you will find singing rooms, game exchanges among people sharing the same<br />
rooms, DVD rooms, laundry rooms<br />
and others. The rooms in the tradi- hobby, including lists of the most recommended<br />
tional <strong>Korean</strong> home(hanok) served jjimjil-bang. The fanciest ones now have an "oxy-<br />
multiple functions: sleeping, eating,<br />
receiving guests and doing work. gen cave," DVD room, playroom for children, doc-<br />
The bang concept is associated with <strong>to</strong>r fish spa, activated charcoal room, salt room,<br />
the closeness and warmth shared in<br />
traditional <strong>Korean</strong> life. Today, how-<br />
and jade room. For the time and price, they proever,<br />
the bang has become a place vide excellent access <strong>to</strong> a sauna and many other<br />
for entertainment.<br />
enjoyable facilities.<br />
80 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
��� Tourist Attractions ���<br />
There are many <strong>to</strong>urist attractions in Korea, popular with domestic and foreign<br />
travelers alike. Highlights include scenic Jeju-do, the largest island in Korea, the<br />
port city of Busan, his<strong>to</strong>ric sites and Buddhist temples. Visits <strong>to</strong> these places will<br />
provide greater insight in<strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> tradition and his<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Jeju Island<br />
Aerial view of Halla-san<br />
Leisure 81<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
tip<br />
Jeju-do (Island) is pristine volcanic island and<br />
world-class <strong>to</strong>urist destination. The island is<br />
Meaning of Oreum<br />
The Jeju dialect includes the term renowned for its natural environment, open<br />
oreum, which refers <strong>to</strong> the small cin- fields, beaches and mountains. UNESCO desigder<br />
cones with their own crater.<br />
nated Jeju-do a world natural heritage. It is a<br />
tip<br />
popular place among <strong>Korean</strong>s for honeymoons<br />
and family trips, offering visi<strong>to</strong>rs a wide range of<br />
Information on<br />
Jeju Festivals and Tourism<br />
things <strong>to</strong> see and do such as eco-<strong>to</strong>urs and water<br />
(http://www.jeju<strong>to</strong>ur.go.kr/)<br />
�Rape Flower Festival<br />
sports.<br />
Date: April 9~10<br />
Place: Gyori-ri, Bukjeju-gun Jeju Scenery and Cuisine Halla-san (Mt.<br />
Halla) is a 1,950-meter dormant volcano created<br />
in the Quaternary period of the Cenozoic era in an eruption that covered the island<br />
with basalt and lava. The name "Halla" means a height that reaches the stars."<br />
The lake in the crater is called Baengnok-dam as well as some 1,800 plant<br />
Jeju “Olle” tracking<br />
82 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
species that grow at different altitudes on the mountainsides. Also, more than 380<br />
cinder cones (oreum) are disbursed about the island.<br />
Udo Udo ("Cow Island"), with a shape reminiscent of a cow lying down, is in<br />
Bukjeju-gun (North Jeju County). This beautiful islet is a great place for marine<br />
fishing, bicycling and hiking. A submarine ride and cruise <strong>to</strong>ur are available. Some<br />
of the <strong>Korean</strong> movies filmed at this location include "Il Mare" and "My Mother the<br />
Mermaid." Many <strong>to</strong>urists also come just <strong>to</strong> see the beautiful scenery and beaches.<br />
Pony Rides There are many places for riding ponies on Jeju-do. Jeju ponies,<br />
which have been designated as a "natural treasure," are much smaller than most<br />
other breeds and look rather wild. Yet they are mild-natured and quick with their<br />
feet. Most pony-riding venues are open fields that provide excellent views of Mt.<br />
Halla and the beautiful seascape.<br />
Gyeongju<br />
Gyeongju has been around for at least 1,000 years, serving as the capital of the Silla<br />
Kingdom (57BCE-935AD). Many<br />
important his<strong>to</strong>rical sites and<br />
relics remain here, and<br />
UNESCO designated the area as<br />
a World Heritage Site in<br />
December 2000. The city has<br />
been divided in<strong>to</strong> five districts<br />
based on the nature of the sites<br />
located in each: Buddhist fine<br />
art, ancient ruins of royal<br />
palaces, royal <strong>to</strong>mbs,<br />
Hwangnyong-sa (Temple) ruins;<br />
and defense works. A <strong>to</strong>tal 52<br />
Gyeongju Nam-san<br />
Leisure 83<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
tip<br />
designated cultural heritages are included in the<br />
World Heritage area.<br />
Temple Stay Program<br />
(http://www.templestay.com) The Nam-san ("South Mountain") District is<br />
Beomeo-sa<br />
�1-day<br />
- Regular program: Experience the<br />
like an outdoor museum with hundreds of mostly<br />
Buddhist relics disbursed throughout. Relics of<br />
tea ceremony with the monk in note include Na-jeong a well related <strong>to</strong> the foun-<br />
charge of Seon (Zen) meditation.<br />
�Free program<br />
dation myth of Silla; Poseok-jeong, a pleasure<br />
- Offering with evening worship: A pavilion that played a part in Silla's demise, s<strong>to</strong>ne<br />
brief retreat from busy everyday<br />
life for personal reflection<br />
�An overnight program<br />
images of the reclining Buddha at Mireuk-gol<br />
(Maitreya Valley), s<strong>to</strong>ne images of the standing<br />
- Seated meditation (Chamseon)<br />
�Cultural program<br />
- Arts of making hanji, traditional<br />
Buddha at Beri and Buddha images carved on a<br />
cliff face at Chilbul-am (Hermitage). Gyeongju<br />
tea-ceremony, making materials was the capital of Silla, a kingdom that lasted a<br />
for natural dying, strolling along<br />
the wooded trails<br />
thousand years and reigned over the entire<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Peninsula for some 250 years. This part<br />
of the old city boasts important architectural structures, Buddhist relics and monuments.<br />
Haein-sa Haein-sa is a major<br />
Buddhist temple built on Mt. Gaya, in<br />
South Gyeongsang Province in 802.<br />
The area is sufficiently remote <strong>to</strong><br />
avoid the onslaught of invading<br />
armies over the centuries. Haein-sa<br />
preserves the 80,000+ woodblocks for<br />
printing the world's most complete<br />
edition of the Buddhist Canon<br />
Tripitaka <strong>Korean</strong>a<br />
(Tripitaka <strong>Korean</strong>a). The name Haeinsa<br />
(Ocean Symbol Temple) comes from the phrase "ocean symbol samadhi" (a state<br />
of deep meditation) in the Avatamsaka-sutra, referring <strong>to</strong> the Buddha's state of<br />
84 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
mind when preaching the first sermons after his enlightenment. Haein-sa, keeper<br />
of the Tripitaka <strong>Korean</strong>a woodblocks, is a Buddhist treasure for the entire world.<br />
Busan<br />
Night view of Busan<br />
Busan is Korea's second largest city and the world's fifth largest port--an<br />
important international logistics center with beautiful coastline and mountains. In<br />
addition, the areas offer many sights worth seeing and festivals of all kinds.<br />
Haeundae Beach Busan's Haeundae district is famous for its long stretch of<br />
beach and beautiful coastline. This is one of the most popular summer destina-<br />
Leisure 85<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Haeundae beach<br />
tions for <strong>Korean</strong>s and foreign visi<strong>to</strong>rs alike. Indeed, the name "Haeundae" is<br />
almost synonymous with Busan for most <strong>Korean</strong>s. Every year, more <strong>to</strong>urists visit<br />
Haeundae than any other place in the country.<br />
High-rise buildings and hotels along the shoreline offer convenient shopping<br />
and great sightseeing. Annual events here include celebrations of the first full<br />
moon in the lunar new year (January or February), "Polar Bear" swimming competition<br />
(winter), sand sculptures (June) and the Busan Sea Festival (August). In<br />
the vicinity are Dongbaek Island, the Oryukdo Islands, a major aquarium, a yachtracing<br />
marina, the Busan Exhibition & Convention Center (BEXCO), and various<br />
scenic drives.<br />
Jagalchi Seafood Market This is where you can really meet the dynamic people<br />
of Busan. Jagalchi is one the most famous fisheries markets in Korea and a<br />
Busan landmark. Here you can buy all kinds of fish freshly caught and enjoy raw<br />
fish served right at the market shops. The atmosphere of the bustling market is a<br />
treat in itself.<br />
86 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
Seorak-san National Park<br />
Seorak-san National Park Seorak-san (Mt.<br />
Seorak) has 1,708m Daecheong-bong, the highest<br />
peak in the Taebaek Mountain Range, considered<br />
the backbone of the <strong>Korean</strong> Peninsula. UNESCO<br />
designated the entire Seorak-san area as a<br />
Biosphere Reserve in 1982 (Korea's first), for its<br />
many rare species. Royal azaleas and other flowers<br />
in spring, valleys with clean and fresh water in summer<br />
and magnificent autumn colors capture the<br />
hearts of <strong>to</strong>urists, while the winter snow scenes are<br />
also magnificent. On the east side is "Outer Seorak,"<br />
which features Cheonbuldong-gyegok (valley),<br />
Geumgang-gul (cave), Gwimyeon-am (rock),<br />
Biryeong-pokpo (waterfall), Ulsan-bawi (rock),<br />
Gweonggeum-seong (fortress wall), Oryeon-pokpo<br />
(waterfall) and Towangseong-pokpo (waterfall).<br />
tip<br />
Seorak Cultural Festival<br />
This event is hosted by the city of<br />
Seokcho every autumn (Oct. 1-3),<br />
celebrating the beautiful autumn colors<br />
along with many other events in<br />
the Seorak area.<br />
tip<br />
Online Information on<br />
Traveling in Korea<br />
�Korea Tourism Organization:<br />
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr<br />
�Busan homepage<br />
(English, Japanese, Chinese):<br />
http://english.busan.go.kr<br />
�Nature and ecology <strong>to</strong>urs:<br />
�Seoraksan National Park:<br />
http://seorak.knps.or.kr<br />
�Korea Forest Service:<br />
http://www.foa.go.kr<br />
�ForestOn:<br />
http://www.fores<strong>to</strong>n.go.kr<br />
�National Recreation Forest<br />
Office: http://www.huyang.go.kr<br />
�Transportation:<br />
�Train<br />
KORAIL: http://www.korail.com<br />
�Bus<br />
Seoul Express Bus Terminal:<br />
http://www.exterminal.co.kr<br />
Dong Seoul Terminal:<br />
http://www.ti21.co.kr/<br />
Seoul Nambu Terminal:<br />
http://www.nambuterminal.co.kr<br />
�Air<br />
KAL: http://kr.koreanair.com<br />
Asiana:<br />
http://www.flyasiana.com<br />
Jeju Air: http://www.jejuair.net<br />
Leisure 87<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
��� Seoul City Tour ���<br />
Seoul has been Korea's capital for more than 600 years, starting from the beginning<br />
of Joseon in 1392. Tradition and modernity exist side by side, offering a<br />
diverse range of things <strong>to</strong> see and do. Visi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> Korea generally rate Seoul as<br />
their primary destination for all that it offers.<br />
88 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
Traditional <strong>Culture</strong> in Seoul<br />
Old Palaces Seoul is Korea's political, economic, cultural and educational captial,<br />
with a forest of ultra-modern high-rises and crowds of bustling people. In stark contrast<br />
<strong>to</strong> this are five elegant old palaces, offering people a moment of rest in peace. They are:<br />
Gyeongbok-gung, the main palace; Changdeok-gung; Deoksu-gung; Gyeonghi-gung<br />
and Changgyeong-gung. Each has its own s<strong>to</strong>ry corresponding <strong>to</strong> its long his<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Gyeongbok-gung<br />
Seoul City Tour 89<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Bukchon Hanok Village<br />
Insa-dong & Bukchon Hanok Village<br />
Insa-dong, near Gyeongbok-gung, is a traditional area bustling with shoppers (or<br />
window-shoppers) for antiques, ceramics or souvenirs. Many come just <strong>to</strong> watch<br />
the street performances or look at paintings on display at many art galleries.<br />
Between Gyeongbok-gung and Changdeok-gung is Bukchon Hanok Maul<br />
(Village), with many traditional tea houses. "Bukchon" (North Village) is so named<br />
for its location north of Cheonggye-cheon (stream) and Chongno (street). This was<br />
where the highest ranking government officials and royal family members lived in<br />
tip<br />
Information on Seoul Palaces<br />
& Hanok Village<br />
�Gyeongbok-gung<br />
(www.royalpalace.go.kr)<br />
�Changdeok-gung<br />
(www.cdg.go.kr)<br />
�Deoksu-gung<br />
(www.deoksugung.go.kr)<br />
�Changgyeong-gung<br />
(http://cgg.cha.go.kr/)<br />
�Bukchon Hanok Maul<br />
(http://bukchon.seoul.go.kr/)<br />
90 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Insa-dong
traditional times. Some of the<br />
old homes of nobility remain.<br />
Unlike other residential areas<br />
where high-rise apartments<br />
are common, the narrow alleys<br />
of Bukchon showe glimpses of<br />
Seoul at an earlier time.<br />
Various hanok guesthouses are<br />
here for you <strong>to</strong> experience life<br />
in a traditional <strong>Korean</strong>-style<br />
home.<br />
The Dynamic City of Seoul<br />
Beautiful Night Scenes<br />
from Cheonggye-cheon &<br />
Seoul Tower Cheonggyecheon<br />
(stream) has always<br />
been an important part of<br />
Seoul's his<strong>to</strong>ry. The stream<br />
symbolized the extreme poverty<br />
in the city in the 1950s abd successful<br />
industrialization and<br />
modernization in the 1960s and<br />
1970s. Recently, it was reborn<br />
as a public recreation area. The<br />
concrete that once covered the<br />
stream were removed in a<br />
major project between 2003<br />
and 2005, giving new life <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Seoul Tower<br />
Cheonggye-cheon<br />
Seoul City Tour 91<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
waterway. Now 22 bridges cross the stream, each in a unique style and illuminated<br />
brightly at night <strong>to</strong> provide a balance of water and light.<br />
Meanwhile, Seoul Tower (or "Namsan Tower") commands a beautiful panoramic<br />
view of Seoul. The view is especially striking at night, when the city is brighter<br />
than the starry sky.<br />
Shopping streets Shopping in Seoul is fun and easy. Myeong-dong is the most<br />
Busy Myeong-dong street<br />
92 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
tip<br />
Information on Cheonggyecheon<br />
& Seoul Tower<br />
�Cheonggye-cheon<br />
(http://cheonggye.seoul.go.kr)<br />
�Seoul Tower<br />
(http://www.nseoul<strong>to</strong>wer.co.kr)<br />
Night at the Cheonggye-cheon
famous shopping area, where locals and foreign visi<strong>to</strong>rs alike fill department<br />
s<strong>to</strong>res, arcades and diverse restaurants.<br />
Namdaemun Market Namdaemun Market is the biggest open market in<br />
Korea, where clothes, food and other everyday items are sold. The style is both<br />
traditional and modern, with plenty of goods available at low prices. By contrast,<br />
Dongdaemun Market is a place <strong>to</strong> buy fashionable clothes at low prices, making it<br />
especially popular among young shoppers. Itaewon is still another excellent shopping<br />
destination in Seoul, and the merchants there cater <strong>to</strong> foreigners. The<br />
Itaewon area is home <strong>to</strong> many different nationalities of people,<br />
and the cuisines of different countries are available<br />
here.<br />
Seoul Parks Not every place in Seoul is<br />
busy and congested; ample outdoor space is<br />
available for relaxation. One such place is<br />
along the Han River (Hangang). Here people<br />
Olympic Park and Seoul Forest<br />
Seoul City Tour 93<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
come <strong>to</strong> jog, riding bicycles or inline skate, and you can also see families, lovers<br />
and friends just engaging in friendly conversation. The Han River flows east <strong>to</strong><br />
west through Seoul, and twelve different parks are along either side. They have<br />
outdoor swimming pools, various exercise facilities, mo<strong>to</strong>rboat and canoe rentals,<br />
fishing spots, windsurfing areas and places for sunbathing. Besides the Han<br />
River, you can visit Olympic Park, World Cup Park, Seoul Forest and other spots <strong>to</strong><br />
get some relaxation in nature.<br />
tip<br />
Han River Parks<br />
The Han River is a very popular place<br />
<strong>to</strong> go for Seoulites <strong>to</strong> get some fresh<br />
air and relaxation. Twelve parks are<br />
located along the river, including<br />
those at Yeouido, Ddukseom, Banpo<br />
and Jamsil. You can board sightseeing<br />
boats at eight different locations,<br />
and the night scenery from the river<br />
is especially enjoyable. Today 22<br />
bridges cross the Han. Various cultural<br />
events and festivals are held at<br />
the riverside, including the Hangang<br />
Rainbow Festival and Seoul<br />
International Fireworks Festival (end<br />
of September or early Oc<strong>to</strong>ber).<br />
�Information on Han River parks<br />
(http://hangang.seoul.go.kr)<br />
�Hangang Rainbow Festival<br />
(http://hangangfest.seoul.go.kr)<br />
�Seoul International Fireworks<br />
Festival (www.bulnori.com/)<br />
94 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Hangang Renaissance Project The Seoul City<br />
government has been working <strong>to</strong> improve the Han<br />
River parks through the "Hangang Renaissance<br />
Project," which was launched in 2007 and will be<br />
completed in 2030. Each location is being developed<br />
with a separate theme, providing residents<br />
with a wide range of cultural activities.<br />
Hot Spots for Young People A passionate<br />
city like Seoul has many bustling places for<br />
young people. One of the most popular <strong>to</strong>day is<br />
the area called Hongdae-ap, near Hongik<br />
<strong>University</strong>. This is famous for its clubs with live<br />
bands, and unique cafes. The clubs are packed<br />
with dancers, especially on weekends.<br />
Daehang-no is well known for small theaters<br />
where dramas, musicals and concerts are staged.<br />
Marronnier Park, in the center of the Daehang-no<br />
area, is a favorite spot for young street performers.<br />
COEX in Gangnam is always filled with young<br />
people who come <strong>to</strong> enjoy exhibitions, fairs, the<br />
aquarium, movies and shopping.
Sinchon has many of Korea's leading universities<br />
and is naturally another popular place for<br />
students and other young people who want <strong>to</strong><br />
eat, drink or shop. Trendy Apgujeong-dong in<br />
Gangnam has emerged as the place <strong>to</strong> go for the<br />
latest in fashion and also has many excellent<br />
shops and restaurants.<br />
tip<br />
Youthful band in front of Hongdae<br />
Dynamic, passionate<br />
‘Hi Seoul Festival’<br />
The Hi Seoul Festival is held each<br />
season, organizing various events<br />
and performances <strong>to</strong> spice up people's<br />
daily routines.<br />
(www.hiseoulfest.org)<br />
Seoul City Tour Bus<br />
Package Tour<br />
Operated day and night, the Seoul<br />
City Tour Bus offers <strong>to</strong>urs <strong>to</strong> famous<br />
<strong>to</strong>urist attractions in Seoul at your<br />
convenience. This package <strong>to</strong>ur covers<br />
all the main sights and is very<br />
popular among both <strong>Korean</strong>s and<br />
non-<strong>Korean</strong>s.<br />
(www.seoulcitybus.com)<br />
Seoul City Tour 95<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
��� Museums ���<br />
Korea has many museums, each with its own type of displays. In recent years,<br />
theme museums have been attracting many visi<strong>to</strong>rs.<br />
National Museum of Korea<br />
The National Museum of Korea is the largest museum in Seoul, exhibiting a vast<br />
collection of world-class artifacts. In addition <strong>to</strong> the quality exhibits are cultural<br />
programs and performances. The 1st floor has 10 halls that focus on prehis<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
and early his<strong>to</strong>ry. On display are artifacts from the Paleolithic Age as well as<br />
Goguryeo, Balhae, Baekjae and Silla kingdoms. On the 2nd floor you can appreciate<br />
the best of <strong>Korean</strong> fine art, including many important works in calligraphy and<br />
painting in various genres. The 3rd floor is devoted <strong>to</strong> Buddhist texts; metal and<br />
ceramic articles; and cultural artifacts from China, Japan, India and Central Asia,<br />
helping you understand, experience and compare the various cultural legacies of<br />
Front view of the National Museum of Korea<br />
96 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
Asia. The outdoor exhibition features two important pagodas, Yeomgeo hwasangtap<br />
(National Treasure No. 104) and Jingyeongdaesa boweol neunggong-tap of<br />
Bongnim-sa (Treasure No. 362).<br />
National Folk Museum of Korea<br />
The National Folk Museum of Korea is on the grounds of Gyeongbok-gung<br />
(palace) and has a collection of 2,240 artifacts related <strong>to</strong> the daily lives of <strong>Korean</strong>s<br />
from traditional times <strong>to</strong> the present. Here you can get a better idea of how<br />
lifestyles have evolved on the <strong>Korean</strong> Peninsula.<br />
Each museum building has features borrowed from some of Korea's most<br />
important Buddhist architecture. The front of the main building resembles<br />
Cheongun-gyo and Baekun-gyo, the two "bridges" (stairways) leading in<strong>to</strong><br />
Bulguk-sa, and the building is <strong>to</strong>pped by a five-s<strong>to</strong>ry pagoda modeled after<br />
Palsang-jeon (hall) at Beopju-sa. The three-s<strong>to</strong>ry east wing resembles Mireukjeon<br />
(hall) at Geumsan-sa, and the architecture of the two-s<strong>to</strong>ry west wing is<br />
inspired by Gakhwang-jeon (hall) at Hwaeom-sa. There are three standing exhibits<br />
as well as an outdoor exhibit, children's museum, and special exhibition hall. The<br />
main hall has models of the nine-s<strong>to</strong>ry pagoda of Hwangnyong-sa (Silla kingdom),<br />
Mireuk-sa (Baekjae kingdom), and Geunjeong-jeon and Dongsipja-gak (Joseon<br />
kingdom).<br />
Seoul Museum of His<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
The Seoul Museum of His<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
opened in May 2002 <strong>to</strong> show the his<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
and traditional culture of the<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> capital. The museum has<br />
special exhibits, standing exhibits,<br />
donated collections, theme exhibits,<br />
a hall of fame for special donations,<br />
online exhibits and designated cul-<br />
Seoul Museum of His<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
Seoul City Tour 97<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
tural heritages. Various events are offered on weekdays, including the free<br />
"Wednesday Movie," and "Gallery Talk" on Thursdays (twice a month) <strong>to</strong> provide<br />
in-depth information of the exhibits. The monthly "Music Night at the Museum"<br />
concert is held on a Friday.<br />
National Center for <strong>Korean</strong> Traditional Performing Arts<br />
The National Center for<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Traditional Performing<br />
Arts (NCKTPA) is the only<br />
museum dedicated <strong>to</strong> traditional<br />
music. The collection<br />
includes some 3,000 items,<br />
including books and other documents<br />
as well as various<br />
musical instruments. Yeak-<br />
NCKTPA<br />
dang, a hall opened in 1996, is<br />
used solely for traditional music performances and features a traditional stage<br />
and adobe-plastered walls <strong>to</strong> complete the mood. Wumyeondang is a small theater<br />
(seats 300) that brings the audience close <strong>to</strong> the performers in an intimate<br />
atmosphere. Performances here include traditional music, dance and plays.<br />
Kimchi Museum<br />
98 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Kimchi Museum<br />
The Kimchi Museum studies<br />
and researches the pickled vegetables<br />
that are such an integral<br />
part of <strong>Korean</strong> cuisine. Kimchi<br />
is becoming more popular<br />
worldwide as a health food, and<br />
<strong>to</strong>day, the museum draws about<br />
100,000 visi<strong>to</strong>rs a year. The exhi-
itions cover the his<strong>to</strong>ry and<br />
many varieties of kimchi, providing<br />
a wealth of information. The<br />
museum collects kimchi-related<br />
studies, statistics, theses, and<br />
reference books, while publishing<br />
its own brochures and performing<br />
research projects of its<br />
own.<br />
Ddeok Museum<br />
The Ddeok Museum displays<br />
some 2,000 items related <strong>to</strong> traditional<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> culinary arts,<br />
focusing on the rice cake, or<br />
ddeok. This nourishing food has<br />
been with <strong>Korean</strong>s for millennia<br />
and comes in various types with<br />
different tastes. The rice cake<br />
tradition has developed over a long time and<br />
evolved with changing lifestyles. Songpyeon<br />
(pine-flavored rice cake) is prepared for Chuseok<br />
(Harvest Moon), and rice cake soup (ddeokguk)<br />
from sliced rice cake bars (garaetteok) is a must<br />
on Lunar New Year's (Seol). Deok is also traditionally<br />
handed out <strong>to</strong> guests who have come <strong>to</strong><br />
celebrate a child's first birthday. The Ddeok<br />
Museum also has a program that allows you <strong>to</strong><br />
make traditional rice cake yourself, providing<br />
insight in<strong>to</strong> traditional <strong>Korean</strong> life.<br />
tip<br />
Ddeok Museum<br />
NCKTPA:<br />
http://www.ncktpa.go.kr<br />
�National Folk Museum of Korea:<br />
http://www.nfm.go.kr/<br />
�National Museum of Korea:<br />
http://www.museum.go.kr<br />
�Kimchi Museum:<br />
http://www.kimchimuseum.co.kr<br />
�Ddeok Museum:<br />
http://www.tkmuseum.or.kr<br />
�Seoul Museum of His<strong>to</strong>ry:<br />
http://www.museum.seoul.kr/<br />
Seoul City Tour 99<br />
Part I<br />
Korea Today
Part 2<br />
Korea in His<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
In Pursuit of the <strong>Korean</strong> Heritage<br />
1. Hanbok<br />
2. Major Holidays<br />
3. Traditional Life Experience<br />
Elegant Tastes of the <strong>Korean</strong> People<br />
4. Classical Music<br />
5. Traditional Dance<br />
6. Graceful Pottery
In Pursuit of the <strong>Korean</strong> Heritage
��� Hanbok ���<br />
Traditional <strong>Korean</strong> attire, hanbok, is an important cultural symbol. Hanbok<br />
styles are distinctive, depending on gender and social status, and hanbok was<br />
worn on formal occasions as a form of etiquette. Hanbok has evolved over time<br />
and is worn much less frequently <strong>to</strong>day, but <strong>Korean</strong>s, especially the women, still<br />
like <strong>to</strong> wear it on holidays and special occasions such as weddings. The hanbok<br />
designs have been simplified in modern times for greater convenience.<br />
Woman in beautiful hanbok<br />
In Pursuit of the <strong>Korean</strong> Heritage 103<br />
Part 2<br />
Korea in His<strong>to</strong>ry
Hanbok Styles & Colors<br />
A set of hanbok includes the jeogori (jacket),<br />
for both men and women, and chima (skirt) for<br />
women and baji (trousers) for men. The durumagi<br />
(overcoat) is worn over the jeogori not only<br />
for warmth but also for formality. The beauty of<br />
hanbok comes from the harmony of graceful<br />
Eaves of a <strong>Korean</strong> house<br />
lines. For instance, the women's jeogori blends<br />
straight lines with the soft, curved lines reminiscent<br />
of the eaves on a traditional building.<br />
Western clothes are designed <strong>to</strong> fit tightly, but<br />
the chima is square shaped and wrapped<br />
around the wearer. It drapes down naturally,<br />
almost <strong>to</strong>uching the ground, <strong>to</strong> create elegant<br />
Jeogori<br />
and graceful lines. The wrap-around skirt provides<br />
the wearer with flexibility and<br />
room, regardless of body type. The<br />
short jeogori combines with the<br />
long, graceful chima <strong>to</strong> provide balance<br />
and elegance.<br />
In traditional times, <strong>Korean</strong> commoners<br />
usually wore white clothes,<br />
while the hanbok was normally<br />
reserved for members of the royal<br />
Rainbow-striped hanbok<br />
family or noble class. Commoners<br />
were permitted <strong>to</strong> wear hanbok on their wedding day.<br />
The materials and colors allowed would differ according <strong>to</strong> the occasion and<br />
status of the wearer. For example, a bride would wear a colorful combination (for<br />
example red chima with green or yellow jeogori) for her wedding. Probably, the<br />
best color harmony is found in the rainbow-striped hanbok for children.<br />
104 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
Modern Hanbok<br />
Family in hanbok<br />
Modern <strong>Korean</strong>s prefer wearing Western-style<br />
clothes, which are more comfortable and convenient<br />
than the traditional one. However, hanbok is<br />
still worn on special days such as Lunar New Year's<br />
(Seol) and the Harvest Moon (Chuseok). The traditional clothes provide the proper<br />
formality for offering sacrifices <strong>to</strong> deceased ances<strong>to</strong>rs and visit one's elderly parents.<br />
Other special occasions that warrant hanbok include a child's first birthday<br />
or pyebaek, the bride's formal greeting <strong>to</strong> her in-laws immediately after the wedding<br />
ceremony.<br />
tip<br />
In recent years, modified hanbok outfits have<br />
been designed for everyday use. The style is con-<br />
Buying a Hanbok<br />
The price of a hanbok outfit can vary<br />
venient <strong>to</strong> wear but retains the basic traditional widely depending on the materials<br />
look. But<strong>to</strong>ns are used, and the sleeves and and workmanship. Low priced hanbok<br />
is available at Namdaemun,<br />
trouser legs are narrower than with the tradition- Dongdaemun or Gwangjang Markets.<br />
al hanbok. The colors are also less garish.<br />
In Pursuit of the <strong>Korean</strong> Heritage 105<br />
Part 2<br />
Korea in His<strong>to</strong>ry
��� Major Holidays ���<br />
As in any culture, <strong>Korean</strong>s have seasonal days for celebration. The most important<br />
of these traditionally were Seol (Lunar New Year's Day), Daeboreum (1st full<br />
moon of lunar year), Hansik (2nd lunar month), Buddha's birthday (4th lunar<br />
month), Dano (5th lunar month), Yudu (6th lunar month), Baekjung (7th lunar<br />
month), Chuseok (8th lunar month and Dongji (winter solstice, 11th lunar month).<br />
Today, <strong>Korean</strong>s mainly celebrate Seol, Daeboreum, and Chuseok.<br />
Seol<br />
Seol, Lunar New Year's Day, has long been one of the two most important seasonal<br />
holidays for <strong>Korean</strong>s. (The other is Chuseok.) On Seol, family and close relatives<br />
get <strong>to</strong>gether in the morning <strong>to</strong> offer a sacrifice <strong>to</strong> their ances<strong>to</strong>rs called<br />
charye. Items on the carefully prepared sacrificial table will include fish and meat<br />
Charye table<br />
106 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
dishes, fruit and rice cakes. After the charye, the younger members of the family<br />
perform saebae, a ritual bowing <strong>to</strong> their elders, wishing them good health and<br />
luck. In return, the children are given money, called saebae-don.<br />
Seol Cus<strong>to</strong>ms & Games<br />
Ddeokguk (beef soup with thin<br />
slices of rolled rice cake) is a must<br />
on Lunar New Year's Day. The significance<br />
of this cus<strong>to</strong>m has several<br />
different explanations.<br />
According <strong>to</strong> one theory, Seol, the<br />
first day of the new year, means<br />
"brightness," and the white color<br />
of the rice cake is bright, while its<br />
Yut-nori<br />
round shape represents the sun.<br />
Another theorypostulates that the<br />
long and white rice cake rolls<br />
(garaet-ddeok) is symbolic of a<br />
pure and long life. The rice cake<br />
shapes and other ingredients in<br />
the soup sometimes differ by<br />
region. In Gaeseong, for instance,<br />
they formerly used rice cake<br />
shaped like a bottle gourd (joraengi<br />
ddeok-guk).<br />
see-sawing<br />
Traditional pastimes associated with Seol are yut (a traditional board game),<br />
kite-flying, see-sawing and shuttlecock kicking. Kites flown on this day are said <strong>to</strong><br />
carry away bad influences for the coming year. Yut, or yut-nori is played between<br />
two or more teams. The origin of this traditional board game was divination <strong>to</strong><br />
determine the harvest in the upcoming year.<br />
In Pursuit of the <strong>Korean</strong> Heritage 107<br />
Part 2<br />
Korea in His<strong>to</strong>ry
Chuseok<br />
Chuseok, the Harvest Moon, is the full moon in the 8th lunar month. Other<br />
names for this important holiday are Hangawi and Jungchu-jeol. A table laden<br />
with newly harvested rice and fruits is reverently offered <strong>to</strong> deceased ances<strong>to</strong>rs,<br />
followed by visits <strong>to</strong> ancestral graves. The weeds and grass on the graves is either<br />
removed in advance or during the Chuseok visit. People relax during the Chuseok<br />
holidays (3-4 days), as they have lots <strong>to</strong> eat and time on their hands. <strong>Korean</strong>s thus<br />
have a saying: "Things should always be like they are on Chuseok, no more, no<br />
less."<br />
Chuseok Cus<strong>to</strong>ms & Games<br />
Making songpyeon<br />
Ganggangsullae<br />
108 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Chuseok is a celebration of an<br />
abundant harvest of grains, fruit and<br />
other things. Pine-flavored rice cake<br />
(songpyeon) is an indispensable part<br />
of Chuseok fare. The rice cakes are<br />
first molded in<strong>to</strong> half-moon shapes,<br />
then stuffed with filling (beans, red<br />
beans, chestnuts or jujubes) and<br />
steamed. Traditionally, the whole<br />
family would get <strong>to</strong>gether on<br />
Chuseok eve <strong>to</strong> make songpyeon<br />
under the moonlit sky. The person<br />
who crafted the most beautiful songpyeon<br />
was supposed <strong>to</strong> find a good<br />
spouse or have beautiful children, so<br />
everyone would work hard at the<br />
task. Nowadays, people usually just<br />
buy premade songpyeon from shops.<br />
Many forms of traditional enter-
tainment and games were enjoyed during<br />
the Chuseok season. Farmers' music and<br />
dance added gaiety while villagers competed<br />
in games such as tug-of-war. <strong>Korean</strong>style<br />
wrestling (ssireum) competitions were<br />
held <strong>to</strong> determine the strongest man.<br />
People would supplicate the full moon, and<br />
women would join hands <strong>to</strong> dance a circle<br />
dance called Ganggangsullae. These activities<br />
used <strong>to</strong> be carried out in each village,<br />
but now people just watching them on TV or<br />
attend live performances at palaces or theaters.<br />
ssireum<br />
Modern Scenes<br />
Traditionally, seasonal holidays were a time for the extended family <strong>to</strong> get<br />
<strong>to</strong>gether. Those who live far away would return <strong>to</strong> their birth home. Most <strong>Korean</strong>s<br />
<strong>to</strong>day still take time out from their busy lives <strong>to</strong> visit their parents or kin back in<br />
the home<strong>to</strong>wn on Seol or Chuseok. The mass exodus <strong>to</strong> the countryside from<br />
urban centers like Seoul causes severe traffic congestion, and seats on public<br />
transportation are hard <strong>to</strong> get.<br />
Not everyone is idle during the holidays. The women usually remain very busy<br />
preparing food for the sacrificial ceremonies and serving family members and<br />
guests. Thus, these occasions are not always welcomed by the women, even<br />
though families prepare less than they used <strong>to</strong>. Much more of the food is simply<br />
bought instead of being made from scratch.<br />
When a special holiday approaches, traditional markets and department s<strong>to</strong>res<br />
bustle with people buying food and gifts. The markets seem <strong>to</strong> exude a festive<br />
mood. On Seol and Chuseok, people exchange many gifts such as traditional confectionery<br />
(han-gwa), health food and boxes of fruit.<br />
In Pursuit of the <strong>Korean</strong> Heritage 109<br />
Part 2<br />
Korea in His<strong>to</strong>ry
��� Traditional Life Experience ���<br />
Many places in Korea offer a chance <strong>to</strong> experience the <strong>Korean</strong> traditional way of<br />
living. Some offer participa<strong>to</strong>ry programs related <strong>to</strong> special holidays. If you are<br />
interested, you may want <strong>to</strong> visit one of the regional folk villages (minsok-chon).<br />
Yong-in Minsok-chon<br />
The <strong>Korean</strong> Folk Village near Yong-in, about an hour south of Seoul, is an outdoor<br />
folk museum where the <strong>Korean</strong> traditional way of living is reenacted. This is<br />
the largest establishment of the kind in Korea, and you will need a full day <strong>to</strong> see<br />
everything sufficiently. The <strong>Korean</strong> Folk Village has a vast collection on display,<br />
including about 270 traditional buildings and more than 16,000 <strong>to</strong>ols and household<br />
implements used some 150 years ago. Everything was relocated here from<br />
Snow-covered Yong-in Minsok-chon<br />
110 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
New layer of straw for roof Greeting a new year<br />
around the country.<br />
The buildings include the homes of commoners<br />
and upper-class people, government offices,<br />
schools, herbal medicine clinic, Buddhist temple<br />
and shrine <strong>to</strong> local deities. Each house contains<br />
daily-used utensils and shows how the people of<br />
different classes lived in the old days.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s and foreign visi<strong>to</strong>rs can experience the<br />
traditional lifestyle at a number of different<br />
places. Minsok-chon performs a traditional wedding<br />
ceremony twice a day beginning from March<br />
11 through November. Farmers' music and<br />
tightrope walking are also performed.<br />
The <strong>Korean</strong> Folk Village at Yong-in attracts<br />
some 1.7 million visi<strong>to</strong>rs a year, of which about<br />
30% are foreign. This is a good place for families<br />
<strong>to</strong> go, as facilities are also provided for children<br />
<strong>to</strong> have fun. Regular events held here<br />
include sauce making and folk cus<strong>to</strong>ms. Special<br />
programs are also organized for specific holidays.<br />
tip<br />
Table for Traditional wedding ceremony<br />
Information on <strong>Korean</strong><br />
Folk Village<br />
�Transportation: Buses run from<br />
Seoul (Gangnam, Yeouido,<br />
Chongno) and Suweon.<br />
�Admission: �12,000 (adults) for<br />
Folk Village only. Package coupons<br />
are available for additional facilities.<br />
�Experience programs are offered<br />
monthly. For further details, visit<br />
the homepage.<br />
(http://www.koreanfolk.co.kr)<br />
In Pursuit of the <strong>Korean</strong> Heritage 111<br />
Part 2<br />
Korea in His<strong>to</strong>ry
Andong Hahwe-maul<br />
Andong Hahwe-maul:<br />
a Living Confucian Tradition<br />
An overnight trip <strong>to</strong> Hahwe-maul<br />
(village) in Andong, North Gyeongsang<br />
Province is recommended for those<br />
who want <strong>to</strong> know how <strong>Korean</strong> gentry<br />
lived in Joseon and learn more about<br />
Korea's Confucian tradition. The village<br />
received media attention when<br />
British Queen Elizabeth II visited<br />
there, and more recently it was the<br />
setting for the his<strong>to</strong>ricaldramas "Hwangjini," "Scandal," and "Singijeon."<br />
A tributary of the Nakdong River encloses this village in an 'S' shape. This is the<br />
ancestral home of the Pungsan Yu clan and an excellent example of a single-clan<br />
British Queen Elizabeth II at the Hahwe-maul<br />
112 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
A Hahwe mask<br />
village. The entire community, with its well-preserved<br />
cultural artifacts, has been designated as<br />
a major folklore resource. There are 130 homes<br />
between 300 and 500 years old, providing a<br />
glimpse of how people of various classes lived in<br />
Joseon. They also serve as valuable resource for<br />
studying traditional gentry lifestyles and the<br />
architectural development of Joseon homes.<br />
Hahwe byeolsin-gut tal-nori is an annual competition<br />
among commoners and seonyujul bulnori<br />
is a unique game for gentry. Both have been<br />
preserved here. The masks worn for the byolsingut<br />
(a shaman dance <strong>to</strong> the village god) are<br />
believed <strong>to</strong> have originated during Goryeo (918-<br />
1392) and have been designated as "national<br />
treasures," evidence of thelong his<strong>to</strong>ry of this village.<br />
The mask dance is still performed once or<br />
twice a week.<br />
tip<br />
Food in Andong<br />
Andong Hahwe-maul is famous for<br />
its salted mackerel, jjimdak (steamed<br />
chicken) and soju (clear liquor).<br />
Another favorite is heotjesa-bab (literally<br />
"food offered in a false ritual").<br />
This dish does not use the spicy<br />
bean paste found in bibim-bab, and<br />
is prepared and served simply.<br />
Steamed rice is covered with various<br />
vegetables, sliced roast beef and<br />
jeon (vegetablepanc<br />
a k e ) .<br />
Andong<br />
soju, designated<br />
as a<br />
local intangible<br />
cultural<br />
property, is<br />
symbolic of<br />
the Andong culinary tradition.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> soju dates back <strong>to</strong> Goryeo,<br />
and the best-known local soju types<br />
are from Andong, Gaeseong and Jeju.<br />
Andong soju is also used for medicinal<br />
purposes.<br />
How <strong>to</strong> Get <strong>to</strong> Andong<br />
Hahwe-maul<br />
�Transportation: Take the express<br />
bus from Seoul (Dong Seoul<br />
Terminal) <strong>to</strong> Andong, then transfer<br />
<strong>to</strong> buses for Hahwe-maul.<br />
�Lodging: Some 30 home-stay<br />
establishments are available. For<br />
reservations call the Hahwe-maul<br />
Preservation Assn.<br />
(054- 853-0109)<br />
�For more details, visit the Andong<br />
Hahwemaul homepage:<br />
(http://www.hahoe.or.kr)<br />
In Pursuit of the <strong>Korean</strong> Heritage 113<br />
Part 2<br />
Korea in His<strong>to</strong>ry
Elegant Tastes of<br />
the <strong>Korean</strong> People
��� Classical Music ���<br />
"<strong>Korean</strong> classical music" refers <strong>to</strong> a special genre of traditional music, not <strong>to</strong> be<br />
confused with Western classical music. The tunes include those handed down<br />
from the past and those recently composed.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Musical Instruments<br />
The origins of the<br />
indigenous geomun-go<br />
(half-tube, 6-stringed<br />
zither) and gaya-geum<br />
(half tube, 12-stringed<br />
zither) date back <strong>to</strong> antiquity,<br />
while various flutes<br />
and the lute (bipa) were<br />
first brought in from<br />
Central Asia and China.<br />
Over the centuries, dis-<br />
Gaya-geum<br />
tinctively <strong>Korean</strong> styles of playing have evolved for even the imported instrument<br />
types.<br />
The National Center for <strong>Korean</strong><br />
Traditional Performing Arts (NCKTPA)<br />
keeps 64 different kinds of instruments,<br />
which are classified either by the material<br />
used <strong>to</strong> make them or by the kind of<br />
music they are used <strong>to</strong> play. Recently,<br />
they have also been classified according<br />
<strong>to</strong> performance technique, in the same<br />
way Western musical instruments are<br />
classified. For example, the dae-geum<br />
Hae-geum<br />
Elegant Tastes of the <strong>Korean</strong> People 115<br />
Part 2<br />
Korea in His<strong>to</strong>ry
(large horizontal flute), jung-geum (medium-sized flute) and <strong>to</strong>ngso (long notched<br />
vertical bamboo flute) are classified as wind instruments. The gaya-geum, geomun-go,<br />
hae-geum (2-stringed fiddle), and ajeng (7-stringed zither, bowed with a<br />
rosined stick) are refreed <strong>to</strong> as stringed instruments, while the buk (barrel drum),<br />
jing (large gong), janggo (hour-glass drum) are in the percussion category.<br />
Jongmyo Jerye-ak (music for royal ancestral rite)<br />
with 600-years of his<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
One category of traditional <strong>Korean</strong> music is Jongmyo Jerye-ak, a combination of<br />
music, lyric songs and dances performed during ceremonies <strong>to</strong> deceased kings<br />
and queens at the Royal Ancestral Shrine (Jongmyo). The solemn rites praise the<br />
meri<strong>to</strong>rious achievements of past kings and offer prayers for the welfare of the<br />
descendents before the altars of the state deities. The tradition has survived<br />
intact, and the ceremonies are observed on the first Sunday of May each year.<br />
Jongmyo Jerye-ak is also performed at the National Center for <strong>Korean</strong> Traditional<br />
Jongmyo Jerye-ak<br />
116 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
tip<br />
Jongmyo Jerye<br />
It is performed each May<br />
and open <strong>to</strong> the public.<br />
(www.jongmyo.net)
Performing Arts. Discs of the music are available.<br />
Pansori<br />
Pansori (an oral narrative sung by a<br />
professional singer accompanied by a<br />
single drummer) was developed from<br />
mid-Joseon in the southern part of the<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Peninsula. This important genre<br />
of <strong>Korean</strong> traditional music was designated<br />
by UNESCO as a World Intangible<br />
Heritage in 2003.<br />
The singer's lyrics (aniri) tell a s<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>to</strong><br />
A pansori scene<br />
the drum beat and his gestures (balim) add dramatic effect. The performance lasts<br />
two <strong>to</strong> three hours, and seven different tempos are employed, from slow <strong>to</strong> fast.<br />
Originally 12 full-length s<strong>to</strong>ries (madang) were performed, but only five remain <strong>to</strong>day:<br />
Heungbu-ga, Simcheong-ga, Chunhyang-ga, Jeokbyeok-ga and Sugung-ga.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Folk Songs<br />
Arirang is the most well-known of the <strong>Korean</strong> folk song genre (minyo), and is<br />
familiar <strong>to</strong> people in many countries. Simple songs expressing the thoughts, lives<br />
and sentiments of common folk have been loved from time immemorial. Starting<br />
out as work songs, they have been handed down orally, but their composers are<br />
unknown. Most minyo songs use the same melody for each verse, which is followed<br />
by a refrain. They are divided in<strong>to</strong> two main categories: folk songs native <strong>to</strong><br />
certain regions and the chang (ballad) type. The former are simple and of local<br />
color, while the latter are beautiful and refined. The more famous chang folk<br />
songs are Arirang, Yukja-baegi, and Susimga. Melodies vary by region. Those<br />
sung in Gyeonggi Province are called Gyeonggi-minyo; those in the western region<br />
are Seodo-minyo; those in the south are called Namdo-minyo and those on Jeju<br />
Island are Jeju-minyo.<br />
Elegant Tastes of the <strong>Korean</strong> People 117<br />
Part 2<br />
Korea in His<strong>to</strong>ry
Rearranging Traditional Music<br />
Traditional <strong>Korean</strong> music <strong>to</strong>day is often being rearranged in<strong>to</strong> a modern style.<br />
Young musicians especially like <strong>to</strong> take traditional forms in new directions, performing<br />
modern music with traditional instruments <strong>to</strong> make them more appealing<br />
<strong>to</strong> the general public. Original interpretations of traditional music are easier for<br />
young people <strong>to</strong> appreciate, while more bands play a fusion style that combines<br />
traditional <strong>Korean</strong> instruments with modern Western ones such as the piano.<br />
tip<br />
Where <strong>to</strong> Experience & Learn<br />
Traditional Instruments<br />
The NCKTPA holds diverse performances<br />
and classes for foreigners<br />
<strong>to</strong> learn how <strong>to</strong> play the janggu,<br />
danso, gaya-geum, hae-geum and<br />
samullori. (www.gugak.go.kr)<br />
Chongdong Theatre<br />
Traditional <strong>Korean</strong> music and fusion<br />
gukak are performed here.<br />
(www.mct.or.kr)<br />
tip<br />
Fusion Gukak on the Rise<br />
Gukak (traditional court, folk and religious music collectively) has<br />
been reinterpreted in fusion forms, adding modern, youthful sentiments<br />
<strong>to</strong> familiar themes and sounds. Gukak seasoned with jazz is<br />
becoming popular, and <strong>Korean</strong> parents like for their younger children<br />
<strong>to</strong> be exposed <strong>to</strong> fusion gukak <strong>to</strong> develop their sentimentality.<br />
Cumbaya, a fusion gukak band, played Cuban musical instruments<br />
and rhythms on the outdoor stage at the National Center for<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Traditional Performing Arts (NCKTPA), and received an<br />
enthusiastic response. The NCKTPA program "Bringing Gukak <strong>to</strong> People" offers a reper<strong>to</strong>ry of familiar<br />
and modern works reinterpreted from heavy court music. NCKTPA's "Tradition and Rule-Breaking" program<br />
presents the scores from "Titanic," "Cinema Paradiso," and "Comrades: Almost a Love S<strong>to</strong>ry"<br />
played in gukak style. Meanwhile, the Traditional Music Orchestra of Seoul recently performed<br />
Gukakjjang, Jaemijjang ("Great Gukak, Great Fun"), bringing <strong>to</strong>gether pansori and Andes music. The audience<br />
loved it.<br />
118 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Fusion band with traditional instruments
��� Traditional Dance ���<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s have long been known for their love of singing and dancing. Traditional<br />
dances genres are classified as either folk or court, the former being the most<br />
popular and diverse.<br />
Features of <strong>Korean</strong> Dance<br />
Ancient dances in Korea and elsewhere often begin as rites <strong>to</strong> Nature. <strong>Korean</strong><br />
dances can be powerful, dreamlike, sorrowful or elegant. They express spirit (sin)<br />
and excitement (heung). <strong>Korean</strong>s have long been avid dancers, and his<strong>to</strong>rical<br />
records document dancing and singing sprees lasting several days and nights as<br />
part of ceremonies <strong>to</strong> the spirits.<br />
Bongsan Tal-chum<br />
Elegant Tastes of the <strong>Korean</strong> People 119<br />
Part 2<br />
Korea in His<strong>to</strong>ry
Buddhist dance<br />
Buchae-chum<br />
120 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Folk Dances<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> folk dances were handed<br />
down by the common people rather<br />
than being developed in the court.<br />
There are three categories (1) group<br />
dances such as Ganggangsullae<br />
and the farmers' dance; (2)those<br />
performed by professionals (mask<br />
dance, Buddhist dance and spiritual<br />
cleansing solo); and (3) Buddhist or<br />
shamanist ritual dances (butterfly<br />
dance and cymbal dance). The folk<br />
dances express the emotion and<br />
spirit of an entire people, while the<br />
court dances were meant for a<br />
select few.<br />
Buchae-chum<br />
Buchae-chum ("fan dance"), performed<br />
by a group of women with<br />
feathered fans in both hands, was<br />
introduced as a part of the Kim<br />
Baek-bong Performing Arts Program<br />
in November 1954 at Sigonggwan<br />
theater in Seoul. The origins are presumed<br />
<strong>to</strong> be shamanist. The dancers<br />
wear either hanbok or dangui (a kind<br />
of court dress) and use the fans <strong>to</strong><br />
create circles, waves or floral patterns.<br />
The effect is stunning.
Mask Dance Drama<br />
Mask Dance Drama<br />
The mask dance drama originated from village-level shamanist rituals (burakgut)<br />
<strong>to</strong> pray for a good harvest and the prosperity of the villagers. The tradition has<br />
been handed down in the form of folk plays and reflects a range of emotions such<br />
as sorrow, happiness and scorn of the powers that be. Themes include ceremonial<br />
rites; depraved monks; poverty-stricken yangban (nobles); love triangles<br />
between a man, his wife and concubine; and the daily lives of common folk.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> mask dances have different names by region: tal-chum in the north,<br />
sandae-nori in the central region and ogwangdae in the south. Best known <strong>to</strong>day<br />
are the tal-chum from Gangnyeong and Bongsan; sandae-nori from Yangju and<br />
Songpa; ogwangdae from Tongyeong, Goseong and Gasan; and deul-noreum from<br />
Dongnae.<br />
Elegant Tastes of the <strong>Korean</strong> People 121<br />
Part 2<br />
Korea in His<strong>to</strong>ry
Major mask dance dramas by<br />
region Mask Dance Types<br />
The Bongsan Mask Dance (talchum)<br />
Drama emerged as the leading<br />
style in Hwanghae Province (present-day<br />
North Korea) by the late<br />
18th century. It continued <strong>to</strong> develop,<br />
influenced by other styles around the<br />
country and reached its peak around<br />
the turn of the 20th century. The<br />
Bongsan tal-chum began <strong>to</strong> be performed<br />
in Sariwon in 1915, when the<br />
<strong>to</strong>wnship administration office<br />
moved there and the Seoul-Shinuiju<br />
Railway opened. Around that time,<br />
the lion dance (saja-chum) was<br />
incorporated in<strong>to</strong> the Bongsan acts.<br />
The Bongsan Mask Dance Drama<br />
was regularly held on Dano Day (5th<br />
day of 5th lunar month) and was also<br />
performed at important events such as the birthday or inauguration of the county<br />
magistrate, or visits by foreign envoys.<br />
Bongsan Tal-chum<br />
The Bongsan Tal-chum Masks<br />
The Bongsan Mask Dance Drama is divided in<strong>to</strong> seven acts and has 34 different<br />
roles but only 26 different masks, meaning some masks are used for more than<br />
one role. The Bongsan masks are more colorful than those used in other regions,<br />
using mainly blue, red, white, black and yellow. The colors are used <strong>to</strong> indicate the<br />
gender and age of the character, for example black for an old person and red for a<br />
young person. A whit mask would represent a young woman.<br />
122 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
��� Graceful Pottery ���<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> potters were influenced by China but developed<br />
their own unique, beautiful forms. In traditional<br />
times, pottery was close the lives of all people, and<br />
<strong>to</strong>day remains an extremely important part of Korea's<br />
heritage. Studies of pottery provide insights in<strong>to</strong> how<br />
life was like during each his<strong>to</strong>rical era.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Pottery Origins<br />
Pottery consists of two major categories: earthenware<br />
(or clayware) and porcelain (or ceramic ware).<br />
Earthenware was developed first and is baked at relatively<br />
low temperature. The first earthenware on the<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Peninsula dates back <strong>to</strong> between 6000 and<br />
5000 BCE. Porcelain, on the other hand, is kaolin (a<br />
fine white clay) glazed and baked at high temperature (1,300 o<br />
Earthenware figurine of<br />
horse and rider<br />
C). During the 9th<br />
century (Unified Silla), porcelain was introduced <strong>to</strong> the Peninsula from China.<br />
A Unique Ceramic Art<br />
Although influenced by and closely related <strong>to</strong> Chinese pottery, <strong>Korean</strong>s developed<br />
a pottery-making tradition that rivaled and at times surpassed what was<br />
being produced in China.<br />
Delicate & Refined Goryeo Celadon<br />
Goryeo developed a unique pottery tradition in the late 10th century, producing<br />
the finest works of celadon (cheongja). Celadon is porcelain noted for its greygreen<br />
(or grey-blue) glaze, a technique originally imported from China. However,<br />
the Goryeo potters distinguished themselves with an unsurpassed beauty in terms<br />
of both color and form. The excellence of the mysteriously subtle and almost trans-<br />
Elegant Tastes of the <strong>Korean</strong> People 123<br />
Part 2<br />
Korea in His<strong>to</strong>ry
tip<br />
Pottery in Modern Life<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s use pottery every day, as<br />
rice or soup bowls or cups. Massproduced<br />
pottery is readily available<br />
at conventional markets, department<br />
s<strong>to</strong>res and so on. At Insa-dong,<br />
hand-made pottery is also available.<br />
Information on Pottery Making<br />
and Exhibits<br />
�National Museum of Korea<br />
(www.museum.go.kr)<br />
�Haegang Goryo Celadon<br />
(www.haegang.org)<br />
�Icheon Ceramic Festival:<br />
Adventure of the Fire is held every<br />
year, from the end of April <strong>to</strong> the<br />
end of May.<br />
(www.ceramic.or.kr)(www.jiff.or.kr)<br />
124 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
parent color is recognized even by the Chinese.<br />
Uniquely Beautiful<br />
Inlaid Celadon<br />
Goryeo potters began<br />
applying the sanggam<br />
method (intricate designs<br />
carved in<strong>to</strong> the vase, and<br />
other materials added <strong>to</strong><br />
the forms) with kaolin around<br />
the 12th century. The patterns<br />
(notably clouds and cranes)<br />
are heavily influenced by<br />
Buddhism and indicate how<br />
the Goryeo people put greater Goryeo cheongja<br />
emphasis on future life than on<br />
their present existence. The<br />
inlaid pieces are especially<br />
prized for their artistry<br />
and beauty, the pinnacle<br />
of porcelain making.<br />
Pottery of the sanggam<br />
method<br />
Rustic & Comfortable<br />
Buncheong Ware<br />
Buncheong-sagi refers <strong>to</strong><br />
a particular type of ceramic<br />
ware decorated with a white<br />
slip coating under the glaze.<br />
Introduced in early Joseon,<br />
this style has a grayish green
ody with painted designs or designs carved in after the<br />
body was covered with white clay. It lacks the refined<br />
form and surface decoration of Goryeo celadon, but is<br />
friendly and comfortable in mood.<br />
Joseon was strongly influenced by Neo-Confucianism,<br />
and the present world had more meaning than life after<br />
death. Reflecting this change in priorities, the pottery<br />
was designed for practicality with simple expression<br />
and bold patterns. The patterns reflect the pro<strong>to</strong>type of<br />
native <strong>Korean</strong> aesthetics.<br />
Buncheong wine bottle with fish<br />
pattern<br />
Simple & Clean White Porcelain<br />
White porcelain (baekja) is made by painting clear glaze over ceramic made from<br />
white clay. It was first developed in China and appeared on the <strong>Korean</strong> Peninsula in<br />
early Goryeo, along with celadon. However, baekja did not come in<strong>to</strong> its own until<br />
early Joseon, completely replacing buncheong ware by the 17th century.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> baekja is usually pure white, but sometimes green or milk color is added<br />
<strong>to</strong> the clay <strong>to</strong> create a paler effect. Joseon Confucianism emphasized frugality and<br />
integrity, and the white porcelain reflected that sentiment with simple, clean-looking<br />
patterns, distinguishing itself from the bright colored ceramics of contemporary<br />
China and Japan. Common motifs on Joseon baekja are bamboo, pine trees,<br />
plum blossoms, dragons, cranes, and peonies.<br />
Elegant Tastes of the <strong>Korean</strong> People 125<br />
Part 2<br />
Korea in His<strong>to</strong>ry
Part 3<br />
Korea and<br />
Its People<br />
Korea in the World<br />
1. Geography, Climate and Population<br />
2. The People<br />
3. Spoken and Written Language<br />
4. Emerging Multicultural Society<br />
5. <strong>Korean</strong> Enterprises and Economy<br />
A Glimpse of Korea<br />
6. UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in Korea
Korea in the World
��� Geography, Climate and Population ���<br />
The Korea Peninsula is situated on the eastern end of the Asian continent, bordering<br />
China and Russia in the north. The Japanese islands are <strong>to</strong> the east. The<br />
peninsula is about 1,000km north <strong>to</strong> south with a <strong>to</strong>tal area of 223,273km2 (South<br />
Korea: 100,140km2 , North Korea: 123,133km2 ), about the same size as the UK,<br />
New Zealand or Italy.<br />
Of the world's significantly sized countries, the Republic of Korea (or South<br />
Korea) has the third highest population density (behind Bangladesh and Taiwan).<br />
Yet 70% of the terri<strong>to</strong>ry is mountainous. Few of the mountains are higher than<br />
1,000m above sea level, however, and most are in the east. The west and south<br />
coastlines are rugged and have many islands, but the east coast is relatively<br />
smooth and has plenty of beautiful beaches.<br />
Seoul is the capital of the Republic of Korea and administratively designated as<br />
a "special city." Six other cities (Incheon, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, Ulsan and<br />
Korea in the World 129<br />
Part 3<br />
Korea and Its People
Busan) are referred <strong>to</strong> administratively<br />
as "metropolitan cities," meaning they<br />
have the same status as a province,<br />
while there are 9 provinces (Gyeonggi,<br />
Gangweon, North Chungcheong, South<br />
Chungcheong, North Gyeongsang,<br />
South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla,<br />
South Jeolla and Jeju.<br />
Climate & Seasons<br />
Korea is a peninsular country, but its<br />
climate differs greatly between winter<br />
and summer because of its location on<br />
the east coast of the Asian continent.<br />
Winter temperatures in most regions<br />
130 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
Spring in Korea<br />
Summer<br />
Beautiful Autumn
Snowy winter<br />
can fall between 0 o<br />
C and minus 15 o<br />
C in some regions, while summer temperatures<br />
will exceed 30 o<br />
C for many days in some regions.<br />
The climate is generally humid and annual precipitation ranges between 800<br />
and 1,500mm. About half of the rain falls between June and August (30% of the<br />
<strong>to</strong>tal in July alone).<br />
Korea has four distinct seasons. Spring is from March <strong>to</strong> May; summer, from<br />
June <strong>to</strong> August; autumn, from September <strong>to</strong> November, and winter, from<br />
December <strong>to</strong> February. Spring is windy but mild, and azaleas and forsythias begin<br />
<strong>to</strong> bloom in the southern part of the country from late March. In late June, the<br />
rainy season sets in and lasts until late July, after which the hottest summer days<br />
are experienced. This is the time for people <strong>to</strong> head for the mountains or beaches;<br />
Korea in the World 131<br />
Part 3<br />
Korea and Its People
however, typhoons also occur between July and September.<br />
Autumn offers many fine clear days with balmy temperatures. In late Oc<strong>to</strong>ber,<br />
the leaves begin <strong>to</strong> turn color, starting from the north. Many people like <strong>to</strong> go <strong>to</strong><br />
the mountains <strong>to</strong> enjoy the scenery. Snow can be heavy in the mountains during<br />
winter, and many <strong>Korean</strong>s like <strong>to</strong> go skiing or sledding.<br />
Population<br />
As of 2009, the South <strong>Korean</strong> population is over 48.8 million, ranking 26th in the<br />
world. Annual population is currently increasing by 200,000 <strong>to</strong> 300,000, but <strong>Korean</strong><br />
society is aging at one of the world's fastest rates. People aged 65 or older are<br />
expected <strong>to</strong> account for 11% of the <strong>to</strong>tal population in 2010 and 38.2% of all<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s by 2050.<br />
High population density was a constant<br />
� Projection of <strong>Korean</strong> Population Pyramid, 2010<br />
problem for <strong>Korean</strong> in the past, but the<br />
World : 6,909million<br />
birth rate <strong>to</strong>day is among the world's low-<br />
80+ est. The birth rate has slowed for a com-<br />
70<br />
bination of reasons: the transition from an<br />
60<br />
Female<br />
50<br />
agrarian <strong>to</strong> an industrialized society,<br />
40<br />
replacement of extended families with<br />
30<br />
nuclear families, increased participation<br />
20<br />
10<br />
of women in the workforce, and skyrock-<br />
0<br />
eting costs for children's education. The<br />
Korea : 49million<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> government is now offering incen-<br />
80+ tives <strong>to</strong> families <strong>to</strong> have more children.<br />
70<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> demographics are changing in<br />
60<br />
Female<br />
50<br />
another important way as well. The<br />
40<br />
number of foreign residents in Korea<br />
30<br />
reached 1.2 million as of June 2009, of<br />
20<br />
10<br />
which 150,000 were immigrant women<br />
0<br />
married <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> men.<br />
Male<br />
Male<br />
132 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
��� The People ���<br />
Who are <strong>Korean</strong>s? What are the characteristics of the <strong>Korean</strong> people?<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Origins<br />
Several theories have been proposed as <strong>to</strong> the origin of the <strong>Korean</strong> people, but<br />
many agree they are part of a northern race that migrated east from Central Asia.<br />
Racially, <strong>Korean</strong>s belong <strong>to</strong> the same group as the Han Chinese, Mongolians,<br />
Manchurians, and Japanese, while linguistically they are part of the Ural-Altaicspeaking<br />
peoples, along with the Mongolians, Manchurians and Turks.<br />
Ethnic <strong>Korean</strong>s and <strong>Korean</strong> Nationals<br />
By law, <strong>Korean</strong>s are defined as the nationals of the Republic of Korea (ROK)<br />
those who belong the <strong>Korean</strong> ethnic group. As of 2009, that number was about 50<br />
million. Originally, <strong>Korean</strong>s are the ethnic group living on the <strong>Korean</strong> Peninsula,<br />
Manchuria and the Maritime Province of Siberia, speaking the <strong>Korean</strong> language.<br />
They now live in the Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea<br />
(DPRK), China,<br />
United States, Japan<br />
and elsewhere, <strong>to</strong>taling<br />
some 80 million<br />
people worldwide.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s in the ROK<br />
are reaching out <strong>to</strong><br />
other members of<br />
their ethnic group<br />
around the world.<br />
Under discussion is<br />
the formation of a<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> cultural belt<br />
Large <strong>Korean</strong> family<br />
Korea in the World 133<br />
Part 3<br />
Korea and Its People
linking Manchuria, the Maritime Province of Siberia and Central Asia, all areas geographically<br />
close <strong>to</strong> the peninsula. Of course there is interest in forging and maintaining<br />
ties with ethnic <strong>Korean</strong>s living farther away as well. The development of global<br />
communication enables <strong>Korean</strong>s <strong>to</strong> access one another easily via the Internet.<br />
Emotional Characteristics<br />
The three words that best describe <strong>Korean</strong> emotion are probably jeong (affection),<br />
han (bitterness) and heung (excitement).<br />
Jeong: Strong Bonds<br />
Relationships are very important in <strong>Korean</strong> society, and jeong develops as the<br />
bonds of a relationship grow stronger over time. This is a special kind of affection<br />
that makes even unrelated people close like family. Once jeong has been established<br />
between two <strong>Korean</strong>s, their mutual involvement becomes close and they<br />
suffer great difficulty when apart. On the one hand, such a state of mind can seem<br />
burdensome <strong>to</strong> non-<strong>Korean</strong>s, who value their privacy, while on the other hand, the<br />
degree of caring can come as a pleasant surprise. Jeong is probably the product<br />
of a group-oriented society.<br />
Han: Lasting Mental Scar<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s often express han <strong>to</strong> describe repressed anguish or bitterness from<br />
suffering a wrong and having no way <strong>to</strong> redress it. That feeling can remain as a<br />
mental wound. One source of han has been the many foreign invasions that devastated<br />
the country. The women tend <strong>to</strong> feel han the most, for their lives were<br />
more restricted in the male-dominated Confucian society. <strong>Korean</strong> women were<br />
expected <strong>to</strong> endure hardships unduly imposed on them; hiding ones talents and<br />
emotions was considered feminine virtue. Married life for a <strong>Korean</strong> woman in traditional<br />
times was described as being "deaf for three years," dumb for three<br />
years," and "blind for three years."<br />
Of course, much of the women's han has disappeared in recent years. Young<br />
134 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
people of both genders express<br />
themselves more openly <strong>to</strong>day and<br />
do what they want <strong>to</strong> do rather<br />
than what their parents or others<br />
expect them <strong>to</strong> do. Likewise,<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> women are increasingly<br />
engaged in satisfying careers, and<br />
their social status has been elevated<br />
greatly.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s in Heung<br />
Heung: <strong>to</strong> Erase the Han<br />
Traditionally, <strong>Korean</strong>s would<br />
often relieve their deep-seated bitterness<br />
by playing hard. For<br />
instance, they would become carried<br />
away when singing or dancing<br />
<strong>to</strong> traditional percussion music.<br />
The same goes for modern<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s. When they play, they<br />
enjoy themselves boisterously <strong>to</strong><br />
Amused specta<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
the full. Perhaps this need for<br />
excitement (heung) explains the passion shown on the streets during the 2002<br />
World Cup.<br />
The <strong>Korean</strong> way of supporting their team so whole-heartedly captured the attention<br />
of the world.<br />
Heung often coincides with sinbaram (literally "spiritual wind"), when quiet and<br />
seemingly passive people suddenly become loud and active when the opportunity<br />
arrives. Some scholars analyze the New Village Movement of the 1970s as a part<br />
of the sinbaram phenomenon. Many <strong>Korean</strong>s participated in this movement tirelessly<br />
because it promised <strong>to</strong> help them escape poverty.<br />
Korea in the World 135<br />
Part 3<br />
Korea and Its People
��� Spoken and Written Language ���<br />
Language is a key fac<strong>to</strong>r when discussing any aspect of <strong>Korean</strong> culture. <strong>Korean</strong>s<br />
use a native alphabet called hangeul, a very scientific writing system. In recent<br />
years, the number of people learning <strong>Korean</strong> as a second language has been<br />
growing, mainly because of the country's enhanced global status.<br />
The <strong>Korean</strong> Language<br />
More than 80 million people speak the <strong>Korean</strong> language: 74 million in the two<br />
Koreas and 7 million <strong>Korean</strong> expatriates and non-<strong>Korean</strong>s. Thus, among some<br />
3,000 languages worldwide, <strong>Korean</strong> has the 13th highest number of speakers. The<br />
publication Hangeul, <strong>Korean</strong> Language, National Language, Today and Tomorrow<br />
from the Ministry of <strong>Culture</strong>, Sports and Tourism (MCST) states 2,177 organizations<br />
were disseminating the <strong>Korean</strong> language outside the country in 2008. Of<br />
these, 1,072 were in North America, 506 in the former CIS, 225 were in Asia not<br />
Foreigners in <strong>Korean</strong> class<br />
136 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
counting Japan, 142 in Japan, 115 in<br />
Europe, 75 in Latin America and 42 in<br />
the Middle East. Meanwhile, 628 elementary<br />
and middle schools in 15<br />
countries teach <strong>Korean</strong> as a second<br />
language, while 642 colleges and universities<br />
in 54 countries have <strong>Korean</strong><br />
language courses or classes. In 2009,<br />
a <strong>to</strong>tal of 189,320 foreigners and<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> expatriates applied <strong>to</strong> take the<br />
annual Test of Proficiency in <strong>Korean</strong><br />
(TOPIK), revealing the rising global<br />
status of the language.<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> is part of the Altaic language<br />
family, which includes the<br />
Mongolian, Turkish and Tungus-<br />
Manchurian. The <strong>Korean</strong> language is<br />
agglutinative in morphology and subject-object-verb<br />
(SOV) in syntax. A key<br />
feature is the highly developed system<br />
of honorifics.<br />
Hunmin jeong-eum Haeryebon<br />
Bronze statue of Sejong the Great at Gwanghwamun Plaza<br />
Hangeul<br />
Hangeul is a unique alphabet invented specifically for the <strong>Korean</strong> language in a<br />
project led by Kin Sejong, the 4th monarch of Joseon. The project was completed<br />
in 1443 and the new alphabet was officially promulgated in 1446. King Sejong<br />
called it Hunmin jeong-eum ("Correct Sounds <strong>to</strong> Enlighten the People").<br />
The consonant symbols were modeled after the shapes of the human speech<br />
organs, while the vowels were made based on the three elements that form the<br />
universe, namely, heaven, earth and humankind. The present <strong>Korean</strong> alphabet<br />
Korea in the World 137<br />
Part 3<br />
Korea and Its People
Designs with Hangeul<br />
Dress with Hangeul pattern & business card holder<br />
138 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels.<br />
The basic letters are monosyllabic, and an<br />
additional stroke or strokes are used <strong>to</strong> create<br />
diphthongs. The consonants and vowels are<br />
combined in<strong>to</strong> blocks <strong>to</strong> create syllables.<br />
Propagation of Hangeul<br />
Every year the <strong>Korean</strong> government holds<br />
Hangeul Week around Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 9, Hangeul Day.<br />
Related events include the Hangeul Calligraphy<br />
Contest for Foreigners and selection of<br />
the Hunmin jeong-eum Goodwill<br />
Ambassador. Meanwhile, Design<br />
Contest of Stylish Hangeul Letters<br />
(or fonts) and Love of Hangeul UCC
Hangeul T-shirts, Neck tie, Cup mats � Sandoll tium<br />
Contest are held <strong>to</strong> disseminate<br />
Hangeul around the world. The<br />
Hangeul Cultural Center, a<br />
unique museum dedicated <strong>to</strong><br />
alphabets, is under construction<br />
and scheduled for completion in<br />
2012. The facilities will include<br />
the Hangeul Hall, World Hall of<br />
Letters, and Hall of Hangeul-related<br />
Items.<br />
The value of Hangeul is not limited <strong>to</strong> its use as<br />
an alphabet but also as a design motif such as in<br />
the neckties, shirts and other fashion items produced<br />
by designer Lee Sang-bong, as well as on<br />
bags, sundries and electronics.<br />
tip<br />
Installation art designed with Hangeul<br />
Digital Hangeul Museum<br />
(http://www.hangeulmuse<br />
um.org)<br />
Presents the his<strong>to</strong>ry of Hangeul, literature<br />
related <strong>to</strong> Hangeul, Hangeul<br />
font, video material on Hangeul, etc.<br />
Hangeul games are also available.<br />
Korea in the World 139<br />
Part 3<br />
Korea and Its People
��� Emerging Multicultural Society ���<br />
Generally speaking, Korea has been known <strong>to</strong> the rest of the world as a homogeneous<br />
country using the same language and living in the same culture, but this is now<br />
changing. <strong>Korean</strong>s are moving throughout the world, while the number of non-<strong>Korean</strong>s<br />
living in Korea continues <strong>to</strong> increase, rapidly creating a multicultural country. Most<br />
noteworthy is the growing number of aliens with <strong>Korean</strong> spouses and foreigners with<br />
long-term work visas.<br />
Strictly speaking, a society is "multicultural" when at least 20% of the population is<br />
other than the predominant group. For Korea, however, the figure is still only about 2%.<br />
Nevertheless, "multicultural society" is now a hot <strong>to</strong>pic among <strong>Korean</strong>s, reflecting their<br />
surprise at the mere possibility of such a social transformation.<br />
A 2009 survey shows that the alien population in Korea has exceeded one million and<br />
that the number of multicultural families has greatly increased. And this trend is likely<br />
<strong>to</strong> continue. Traditionally, individual peoples or nations were expected <strong>to</strong> have their<br />
unique cultures, but cultural diversity is emerging with globalization and advances in<br />
communication. On the other hand, a society with multiple cultures can be vulnerable<br />
<strong>to</strong> unrest, and <strong>Korean</strong>s, who are so proud of their homogeneous heritage, are no<br />
exception. The rapid changes and influx of foreigners are raising concerns.<br />
Multicultural festival<br />
140 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
The increase in multi-cultural families is<br />
the focus of special attention because they<br />
form basic units in <strong>Korean</strong> society but differ<br />
from traditional <strong>Korean</strong> families. As of<br />
August 2009, more than 150,000 immigrant<br />
women were married <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong><br />
men. Marriages are taking place between<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s and non-<strong>Korean</strong>s as well as<br />
between South <strong>Korean</strong>s and North <strong>Korean</strong><br />
refugees. Naturally these families have a<br />
heterogeneous character in their way of<br />
thinking, cus<strong>to</strong>ms and language. Their<br />
children will also differ from those born<br />
from two native <strong>Korean</strong> parents in terms of<br />
cultural identity, language and lifestyle.<br />
With the increasing multiculturalism,<br />
immigrants must no longer be considered<br />
outsiders. Accordingly, both the government<br />
and private groups are undertaking<br />
various programs <strong>to</strong> help multicultural<br />
families overcome cultural clashes.<br />
Institutes have been established <strong>to</strong> teach<br />
immigrant wives the <strong>Korean</strong> language and<br />
provide them with counseling.<br />
Extracurricular classes are provided for<br />
their children <strong>to</strong> learn the language and<br />
other subjects as well as <strong>to</strong> help them<br />
adapt themselves better <strong>to</strong> their school life.<br />
Fortunately, <strong>Korean</strong>s' understanding of<br />
multicultural families is increasing rapidly.<br />
tip<br />
Institutes for Multicultural Families<br />
These institutes operate counseling centers for<br />
migrant workers, where migrant workers may<br />
receive assistance related <strong>to</strong> their living in<br />
Korea prior <strong>to</strong> obtaining their <strong>Korean</strong> citizenship.<br />
�Catholic Migrant Worker Center:<br />
051-807-6403<br />
�Seoul Foreign Worker Center:<br />
02-3672-9472<br />
�Solidarity for Asian Human Rights<br />
and <strong>Culture</strong>:<br />
032-684-0244<br />
�Ansan Women Migrant Worker<br />
Counseling Center ‘Blink’:<br />
031-491-3430<br />
�Migrant Workers' House:<br />
02-863-6622<br />
�Human Rights League of Migrant Workers:<br />
032-576-8114<br />
�Kosian House<br />
031-439-8785<br />
�Women Migrants Human Rights Center:<br />
02-3672-8988<br />
Educational institutes for education of<br />
children of immigrant workers<br />
These institutes educate immigrant children,<br />
providing preschool language courses, counseling<br />
on entering schools and after-school<br />
classes.<br />
�Global House of Seongdong Migrant:<br />
Workers Center:<br />
02-2282-7974<br />
�Jeongdong Church Hangeul Class:<br />
02-725-4201<br />
�Janghanpyeong <strong>School</strong> for Foreign Youth:<br />
02-6408-9476<br />
�Mongolian <strong>School</strong> in Korea:<br />
02-3437-7078<br />
Korea in the World 141<br />
Part 3<br />
Korea and Its People
��� <strong>Korean</strong> Enterprises and Economy ���<br />
During the past half century, Korea achieved one of the world's fastest economic<br />
growth rates. Many foreigners visit Korea <strong>to</strong> learn about it and <strong>to</strong> benchmark<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>s' economic success. <strong>Korean</strong> enterprises are playing an ever-larger role in<br />
the global marketplace, and the future potential of the <strong>Korean</strong> economy remains<br />
the focus of world attention.<br />
Miracle on the Han River<br />
The <strong>Korean</strong> Peninsula was divided north and south in 1945, and the Republic of<br />
Korea (ROK) was established in 1948. A devastating civil war was waged between<br />
1950 and 1953, but the ROK managed <strong>to</strong> rise from the ashes and overcame severe<br />
economic hardship thanks <strong>to</strong> a vigorous government-led economic development<br />
program and <strong>to</strong> strenuous efforts by the <strong>Korean</strong> people. Key industries and highways<br />
began <strong>to</strong> be built in the 1960s, and foreign capital was brought in, resulting<br />
in a dramatic success dubbed the "Miracle on the Han River."<br />
The agricultural nation was rapidly industrialized and economic growth was led<br />
<strong>Korean</strong>-made mobile phones<br />
142 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
y exports, achieving a trade surplus.<br />
Realization of the "economic<br />
miracle” would not have been possible<br />
without the sacrifices and hard<br />
work of all <strong>Korean</strong>s. Other fac<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
include low-cost labor, a favorable<br />
international political climate, the<br />
emergence of new markets in the<br />
1960s, technical innovations, discovery<br />
of new resources, changes in the<br />
aid policies, and the development of<br />
highly competitive human resources.<br />
Semi-conduc<strong>to</strong>r fac<strong>to</strong>ry and Robots at au<strong>to</strong> assembly line<br />
Import/Export Trends by Commodity, 2009<br />
(Unit: US$ million, %)<br />
Commodity Export Increase Import Increase<br />
<strong>Korean</strong> Industries &<br />
����� ������ ���� ������ �����<br />
Enterprises<br />
�������������� ����� ���� ����� �����<br />
The world's knowledge-based<br />
society has influenced the <strong>Korean</strong><br />
�����������<br />
�������� ��������������<br />
���������<br />
��������<br />
�����<br />
�����<br />
���<br />
����<br />
�����<br />
�����<br />
���<br />
���<br />
���<br />
�����<br />
�����<br />
�����<br />
economy greatly, and Korea now<br />
boasts a world-renowned IT industry<br />
������ � ���<br />
of its own. This was made possible by state-of-art technology and world recognition<br />
of the high- capacity semiconduc<strong>to</strong>rs and personal computers that have<br />
become major export items. Korea has some of the world's most advanced mobile<br />
phone technology with a 40% share of the world mobile phone market. Korea is<br />
Korea in the World 143<br />
Part 3<br />
Korea and Its People
also a powerhouse in the<br />
production of memory chips.<br />
The notable development<br />
of Korea's IT industry has<br />
been driven by major R&D<br />
investment that allowed<br />
local companies <strong>to</strong> dominate<br />
the domestic market and<br />
compete successfully overseas.<br />
Samsung Electronics,<br />
one of Korea's largest companies,<br />
is the world's lead-<br />
Korea’s shipbuilding industry<br />
ing maker of memory chips<br />
and second-largest maker of mobile phones. Samsung was founded in 1938, during<br />
the Japanese colonial period, and grew steadily after the <strong>Korean</strong> War <strong>to</strong> be a<br />
major contribu<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> Korea's high economic growth. The group is especially well<br />
known for its outstanding human resources management, which has been<br />
rewarded by strong employee loyalty. LG, another <strong>Korean</strong> electronics giant, rivals<br />
Samsung with its state-of-the-art LCD, PDP and LED TVs as well as superb<br />
mobile phones.<br />
Hyundai is another major <strong>Korean</strong> conglomerate and, like Samsung, a global<br />
symbol of <strong>Korean</strong> economic success. Hyundai produced Korea's first au<strong>to</strong>mobiles<br />
and has continued <strong>to</strong> lead the domestic au<strong>to</strong> industry while making steady inroads<br />
overseas.<br />
In addition, Hyundai Heavy Industries is the world's leading shipbuilder, while<br />
Hyundai Engineering & Construction performs projects in Europe, the Americas,<br />
Africa and Asia. Hyundai has also made headlines for its economic projects in<br />
North Korea, started during the Kim Dae-jung administration (1998-2002).<br />
Korea is also ranked fifth in the world for steel production and has the world's<br />
third-largest Internet-using population.<br />
144 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
A Glimpse of Korea
��� UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in Korea ���<br />
UNESCO designates important cultural and natural heritages around the world<br />
for protection and preservation. As of 2009, eight sites in Korea are on UNESCO<br />
Cultural Heritage list, along with one Natural Heritage, seven entries in<br />
UNESCO's Memory of the World program, and another three on the Intangible<br />
Heritage of Humanity list.<br />
Jongmyo Jongno-gu, Seoul<br />
Jongmyo is the Royal Ancestral Shrine, where the spirit tablets of past kings and<br />
queens are enshrined. Since the 16th century, its original shape has been well preserved<br />
with its unique architectural style. Ancestral memorial rites are still held<br />
here in the traditional form, with court music and dance.<br />
Janggyeong-panjeon at Haein-sa Hapcheon, South Gyeongsang Province<br />
Haein-sa, one of the three leading temples in<br />
Korea, houses more than 80,000 woodblocks for<br />
printing the Tripitaka <strong>Korean</strong>a, (the Buddhist<br />
canon). Special buildings were constructed in the<br />
15th century <strong>to</strong> preserve the blocks.<br />
146 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
Seokgul-am & Bulguk-sa<br />
Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province<br />
Seokgul-am (grot<strong>to</strong>) was built during Silla and<br />
is regognized for the exquisite blend of architecture,<br />
religion and art. Bulguk-sa depicts Buddhist<br />
beliefs in a form of architectural beauty found<br />
nowhere else in Asia.<br />
Hwaseong, Suweon<br />
Suweon, Gyeonggi Province<br />
Built in the late 18th century, this<br />
fortress was designed with knowledge<br />
of both Oriental and Western<br />
military theories. The 6km walls<br />
have 4 gates and various buildings<br />
are inside.<br />
A Glimpse of Korea 147<br />
Part 3<br />
Korea and Its People
Changdeok-gung Jongno-gu, Seoul<br />
The main royal palace of Joseon blends perfectly with its surroundings.<br />
Gyeongju His<strong>to</strong>ric Heritage District.<br />
Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province<br />
Gyeongju was the capital of Silla for 1,000<br />
years. The city has numerous buildings and<br />
works of art from Silla, earning the area the<br />
designation of Gyeongju His<strong>to</strong>ric Heritage<br />
District.<br />
Dolmen Remains Gochang, Hwasun, Ganghwa<br />
The dolmen is a megalithic <strong>to</strong>mb, with a horizontal caps<strong>to</strong>ne supported by two<br />
148 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
or more upright s<strong>to</strong>nes. They are<br />
thought <strong>to</strong> have been erected 2,000-<br />
3,000 years ago and serve as important<br />
prehis<strong>to</strong>ric relics.<br />
Joseon Royal Tombs<br />
Seoul & vicinity<br />
The Joseon royal <strong>to</strong>mbs are supported<br />
by well-preserved records<br />
showing funeral services, rituals and<br />
other ceremonies related <strong>to</strong> the kings and queens of Joseon.<br />
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage<br />
Dolmen Remains<br />
Gyeongju His<strong>to</strong>ric Heritage<br />
District Gyeongju was added <strong>to</strong> the<br />
list of UNESCO World Cultural<br />
Heritage in 2000. The city was the<br />
capital of Silla for 992 years, from<br />
the Three Kingdoms period through<br />
the end of Unified Silla. The area<br />
boasts numerous Buddhist relics<br />
and other well-preserved cultural<br />
assets. Gyeongju is divided in<strong>to</strong> five<br />
districts according <strong>to</strong> the nature of<br />
relics and a <strong>to</strong>tal designated cultural<br />
assets number 52. In essence the<br />
Cheomseong-dae<br />
city itself is virtually a cultural asset.<br />
Foremost among the many treasures are Bulguk-sa (temple) and Seokgul-am<br />
(s<strong>to</strong>ne grot<strong>to</strong>), both of which are on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list.<br />
A Glimpse of Korea 149<br />
Part 3<br />
Korea and Its People
Anap-ji<br />
Bulguk-sa & Seokgul-am Bulguk-sa is a Buddhist temple on the west slope<br />
of Toham-san in Gyeongju. Construction began in 751, during the reign of King<br />
Gyeongdeok, and was completed in 774, <strong>to</strong>gether with Seokgul-am, by Kim Daeseong<br />
during the reign of King Hyegong. "Bulguk" means the "Buddha Realm."<br />
The people of Silla wanted <strong>to</strong> re-create a<br />
u<strong>to</strong>pian world in the real world.<br />
The temple entrance features two<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ne staircases built in the 8th century.<br />
The well trimmed s<strong>to</strong>ne supports and<br />
rounded handrails, so delicate and magnificent,<br />
are sure <strong>to</strong> impress even the<br />
most critical eye.<br />
These staircases lead <strong>to</strong> a courtyard<br />
where a pair of s<strong>to</strong>ne pagodas, Seokgatap<br />
and Dabo-tap, stand. Both are registered<br />
national treasures. Other his<strong>to</strong>ric<br />
relics, national treasures and cultural<br />
Dabo-tap<br />
150 <strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>
assets abound, drawing millions of domestic and<br />
foreign visi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> Bulguk-sa each year. The temple<br />
also serves as venue for the world <strong>to</strong> view and<br />
better understand Korea's Buddhist culture.<br />
The manmade s<strong>to</strong>ne grot<strong>to</strong> called Seokgul-am is<br />
on the side of Mt. Toham. Enshrined there is a statue<br />
of Sakyamuni surrounded by 38 (originally 40)<br />
other Buddhist images, including bodhisattvas, disciples,<br />
arhats and devas. The front section at the<br />
entrance is connected <strong>to</strong> the main section, while<br />
360 broad s<strong>to</strong>ne pieces exquisitely constitute the<br />
vault, a technique found nowhere else in the world.<br />
The full-length statue of Sakyamuni is sculptured<br />
in a highly realistic way, along with a dozen<br />
magnificently and uniquely sculptured Buddhist<br />
statues. This statuary is famous and considered<br />
among the pinnacle of East Asian Buddhist art.<br />
The calm visage on the Sakyamuni statue in the<br />
main section seems <strong>to</strong> smile mysteriously within<br />
the muted grot<strong>to</strong> atmosphere, bringing warmth<br />
<strong>to</strong> the minds of viewers.<br />
tip<br />
Value of UNESCO World<br />
Cultural Heritage<br />
�Gyeongju His<strong>to</strong>ric Heritage District<br />
The capital of the Silla Kingdom<br />
that dominated the <strong>Korean</strong><br />
Peninsula over a thousand years,<br />
Gyeongju, including its vicinity and<br />
the Namsan area, boasts numerous<br />
relics and monuments important<br />
<strong>to</strong> the study of <strong>Korean</strong> architecture<br />
and the development of<br />
Buddhism in Korea.<br />
�Seokgul-am and Bulguk-sa<br />
Seokgul-am is a masterpiece of<br />
art from Silla, noted especially for<br />
its comprehensive design, combining<br />
architecture, hydraulics,<br />
geometry, religion and art. Bulguksa<br />
boasts a unique architectural<br />
beauty and distinct method of<br />
teaching Buddhism through temple<br />
architecture.<br />
�Related Websites:<br />
�UNESCO: www.portal.unesco.org<br />
�<strong>Korean</strong> National Commission for<br />
UNESCO: www.unesco.or.kr<br />
�Cultural Heritage Administration of<br />
Korea: www.cha.go.kr<br />
�Gyeongju City Hall:<br />
www.gyeongju.go.kr/<br />
�Bulguk-sa Temple:<br />
www.bulguksa.or.kr<br />
�Sukgul-am: www.sukgulam.org<br />
A Glimpse of Korea 151<br />
Part 3<br />
Korea and Its People
<strong>Passport</strong> <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
2009 Edition<br />
Copyright � 2009<br />
Published by <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong> and Information Service<br />
Ministry of <strong>Culture</strong>, Sports and Tourism<br />
15, Hyojaro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea<br />
Tel : 82-2-398-1911~20<br />
Fax : 82-2-398-1882<br />
All rights reserved <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>Culture</strong> and Information Service<br />
Printed in Seoul<br />
ISBN 978-89-7375-153-2 03910<br />
For further information about Korea,<br />
please visit: www.korea.net