Lesson 2 Module (FL 11)

Course Module: FL 11: Asian/European Language
BU CAL, BA Communication, 1st Year

1st Semester SY 2022-2023
Lesson 2: Overview of Korean Language and Culture

(Week 3)
What is this lesson about?
In this lesson, I will introduce you to an overview of the Korean Language and Culture. Culture
plays a very significant role as to how languages came to be. One should not forget to study a particular
ethnicity’s culture when studying their language. It is because of culture that language, music, arts, social
norms and etiquette among others came to be.
During this week, you will learn about what makes Korean culture different and which aspect of
their culture – both ancient and modern is very much alike with Filipino culture.
What will you learn?
At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
1. Be able to compare ancient and modern Korea.

2. Be able to describe the similarities and differences of Korean and Filipino Culture.
3. Be able to explain the influence of Korean culture in today’s modern society.
Let’s Read!
Ancient and Modern Korea
Geography
Korea is located on the

Korean Peninsula in Northeast Asia.
To the northwest, the Amnok River
(Yalu River) separates Korea from
China and to the northeast, the
Duman River (Tumen River)
separates Korea from China and
Russia. The Yellow Sea is to the west,
the East China Sea and Korea Strait is
to the south, and the Sea of Japan
(East Sea) is to the east. In addition
to the mainland, Korea includes
some 3,200 islands.
Korea encompasses a total

of 223,098 square kilometers ―
almost the same size as the United
Kingdom or Ghana. Some 45 percent
of this area, or 99,678 square
kilometers, is considered cultivable
area, excluding reclaimed land areas.
Mountainous terrain accounts for
some two-thirds of the territory like
Portugal, Hungary or Ireland.
Figure 1: Map of Modern Korea
Altavano, M.H. (2020, July 7). FL 11: Asian/European Language. Bicol University College of Arts and Letters: Legazpi City, Philippines.
The Taebaeksan Mountain Range runs the full length of the east coast, where the lashing
waves of the East Sea have carved out sheer cliffs and rocky islets. The western and southern
slopes are rather gentle, forming plains and many offshore islands honeycombed with inlets.
The peninsula features so many scenic mountains and rivers that Koreans have often
likened their country to a beautifully embroidered brocade. The highest peak is on Mt. Baekdusan
in North Korea along the northern border facing China. It rises 2,744 meters above sea level and
is an extinct volcano with a large crater lake named Cheonji. The mountain is regarded as an
especially important symbol of the Korean spirit and is mentioned in Korea's national anthem.
Considering its territorial size, Korea has a relatively large number of rivers and streams.
These waterways played crucial roles in shaping the lifestyle of Koreans and in the nation's
industrialization. The two longest rivers in North Korea are the Amnokgang River (Yalu, 790
kilometers) and the Dumangang River (Tumen, 521 kilometers). These rivers originate from Mt.
Baekdusan and flow to the west and the east, respectively. They form the peninsula's northern
border.
In the southern part of the peninsula, the Nakdonggang River (521.5 kilometers) and the
Hangang River (481.7 kilometers) are the two major waterways. The Hangang River flows through
Seoul, the capital of Korea, and serves as a lifeline for the heavily concentrated population in the
central region of modern Korea, just as it did for the people of the ancient kingdoms that
developed along its banks.
Surrounding the peninsula on three sides, the ocean has played an integral role in the
lives of the Koreans since ancient times, contributing to the early development of shipbuilding
and navigational skills.
History
The Korean Peninsula is now split between two states for several decades. It was not until
a year ago when a historical unification attempt was made in the borders between the two leaders
of the state. However just like any other Asian countries, Korean history for the past two thousand
years was not spared with countless wars surrounding its neighboring countries and a series of
internal conflicts. Ancient Korea or Joseon, was at constant threat with foreign invaders trying to
claim its rich and fertile land.
Primitive tribes moved from Mongolia to Manchuria to enter the Korean Peninsula. This
fact was further supported with evidences of unearthed pots dating approximately 7000 BCE. It
was during this time that their neighboring country, China was curious about the land. The early
records about Korea was found in written documents from China, even before Korea thought of
writing its own history. The Chinese
named them ‘barbarians’ The
Koreans however, identified their
origins from the god ‘Dangun’ – the
legendary founder of the first
Korean state in 2333 BDE. The
succeeding rulers after him
initiated wars with Ancient China
which eventually led to their own
defeat. The Han Dynasty of China
then divides the peninsula into
small states. After some time,
China’s control over the peninsula
weakens as the period of three
Figure 2: Dangun – The Creation Myth
kingdoms namely: Silla or South
Korea (57 BCE), Goguryeo or North
Korea (37 BCE) and Baekje (18 BCE), began competing to dominate one another. It was between
100 BCE and 313 CE when Baekje started imitating the Chinese script for writing and incorporating
Confucianism in their philosophy. It then gained strength and started to attack the Goguryeo
Kindgom. The military state of Goguryeo Kingdom fights back and secures an alliance with the
Silla Kingdom which took over the Han River Valley. Silla Kingdom then realizes that the Goguryeo
Kingdom became too powerful and soon
after changed its alliance to its former
enemy and then attacks Goguryeo. Silla
then treacherously breaks the alliance
between Baekje and became the most
powerful state in Joseon.
Around that time China, unites

their dynasties. The Peng Dynasty took over
Goguryeo as Silla partners with China and
forcibly conquered several more lands
which leads to Goguryeo and Baekje’s
defeat in 668 CE. China however, wants the
peninsula to itself and was able to
subjugate Silla in 678 CE for the next 267
years. Eventually, instability led the Chinese
to make peace. Korean rulers paid symbolic
tribute to Chinese Emperors instead.
Silla attempted to stay in power by

arresting the members of important
families. The northern territories of the
former Goguryeo (which was split between
China and Silla) called Balhae (Bohai)
appeared and deemed themselves as the
‘Kings of Goguryeo’. Their appearance Figure 3: Map of Ancient Korea
disrupted the flow and balance of power.
Silla and China’s alliance successfully destroyed and invade the budding territory.
Times changed and the struggle for power continued in Silla. The role of the king was
reduced into simply a figurehead as aristocratic families took over and Goguryeo and Baekje re-
emerged. Goguryeo quickly subjugates Silla and crushes Baekje and reunites the peninsula under
its rule. Peace was restored under China’s support. It was during the unification that Goguryeo
changed its name from being multi-syllabic as what China would interpret ‘barbaric’ into two
syllabic name, ‘Goryeo.’ It was through etymological evolution that the peninsula was now known
in the history as Korea.
Buddhism slowly made its way into China’s Confucianism and was then engulfed with civil
wars. This made Goryeo build a massive defensive wall in the north during 1033 CE and called it
‘Cheolli Jangseong’ which is still present in today’s North Korea. Silla remained the center of
culture. Several years passed, Goryeo and China has built a relationship between subordination
and friendship for the next hundreds of years. The Mongolian military dictatorship and invasion
ruled for the next 61 years which threatened majority of the Asian countries in 1231. Goryeo was
able to withstand the Mongols for four years but eventually surrendered. Kings of Goryeo married
Mongolian princesses. They became part of Monglian war forces for the next 80 years and
supported the war invasions in Japan but was destroyed by the famous ‘Kamikaze’ typhoons. Soon
after, conquerors declined and Goryeo proved loyal to the Mongols.
After a series of war and chaos, peace came into the land. Goryeo then build a navy which
destroyed Japanese pirates. However, the navy suddenly disintegrated. The decline of Mongols
provoked a civil war in Goryeo and the country was split into Ming and Mongol supporters. Yi
Seong Gye set to the north, takes the capital city and put an end to the almost 500 year old
dynasty. He then renamed Goryeo after the ancient name Joseon. Joseon was the last dynasty of
Korea and its longest-ruling Confucian dynasty. The king takes the capital to ‘Hanseong’ or what
we now call ‘Seoul’ which remains the capital to this day. Although many kings remained Buddhist,
Confucianism became the official philosophy.
It was during his reign when the first census took place. The introduction of strict
government examination established a new elite called ‘Yangban’. Sejong the Great came into
power who was regarded as one of the most powerful kings of Korea and started the golden age
of Korean culture. He placed great emphasis on education and scholarship and promoted cultural,
economic and scientific research. It was during his reign when the native Korean alphabet was
created. The peak however, became a disaster as officials fought for trivial matters. The
examination system was involved in corruption and officials assigned privileges for themselves.
It was during this time when Japan was able to unify their country. Toyotomi Hideyoshi –
a preeminent ‘daimyō’ and regarded as Japan’s
‘second greatest unifier’, invades Korea. Japan was
met with crushing defeats and was forced to push
back but soon after attempted to invade Korea
again. Not long after, the invasion ends due to
Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s death. Japan’s invasion took
a heavy toll on Korea which was left in ruins. Civil
wars and the world war almost left the country in
rubbles. Another tribe called ‘Manchu’ invaded
Goryeo and put an end to the Ming Dynasty. The
Ching dynasty ruled Joseon and became the last
ruling Chinese dynasty in Joseon.
Figure 4: Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Several years later, the Korean peninsula
became a trade destination. Along with the merchants, missionaries arrived to spread Christianity
and the religion became popular among peasants. The new religion was deemed a threat among
the elites. They suppressed Christianity until the end of 18 th century and the kingdom of Korea
isolated itself. It was during these years that European technology slowly advanced and became
crucial in dominating Asia. With the ongoing wars between America and France, Korea was the
last Asian country to isolate itself dubbed as the ‘Hermit Kingdom’. Japan abandoned its isolation
and modernized itself along with the dawn of Imperialism (Meiji Restoration). Japan sent out
warships to Korea with threats of invasion, leaving Korea forced to engage in trade with Imperial
Japan (Treaty of Ganghwa, 1876). China dispatches troops into Korea and establishes a trade
treaty with Japan. A coup d’état occurred during 1884 but the Gapsin Coup was eventually taken
down by the Chinese in three days. A diplomatic convention was signed to guarantee to balance
power between China and Japan.
Starvation and famine

was rampant across the land
which led majority of the
aggravated armed peasants to
rebel against the invaders. Both
Japan and China sent forces to
confront the rebels. However, a
war between Japan and China
starts which led to the Treaty of
Shimonoseki wherein China
renounced its lordship over Figure 5 : Woodblock print by Mizuno To depicting the Battle of P’yǒngyang
Korea and made concessions in Korea in the First Sino-Japanese War
for Japan. The Russo-Japanese War was fought between Russian Empire and Japan Empire over
rival imperial ambitions in Manchuria and Korea. It was not until 1919 when Koreans peacefully
appealed to Japanese conscience but was only met with brutal repressions with over 47 thousand
Koreans arrested, 16 thousand wounded and 7 thousand were killed (The March 1 st Movement).
Albeit later, a Korean provisional government was created. Japan was afraid of
international reactions and eased their colonial behavior. In the 1930s, Japanese military
dictatorship returned and over 450 thousand Koreans were forced to hard labor. About 300
thousand females were used as sex workers serving up to 40 clients a day. Japan forced Shintoism
and the Japanese system of writing in Korea. After a massive outbreaks of war, Korea officially
declared war on Japan. The Japanese occupation ended in 1945 when the Soviet Union started
marching in the north along with the United States in the south. The Republic of Korea was created
in the American zone and the Democratic People’s of Republic of Korea was established in the
Soviet territory. A demarcation line was created along the 38 th parallel, which became the
borderline of the post-war division of the peninsula into two Korean states.
History was made on 2018 when

Kim Jong Un became the first North Korean
leader to cross into South Korean territory
since 1953. South Korean President Moon
Jae-in waited to greet him at the military
demarcation line that has long divided the
two Koreas. The two leaders shook hands
at the line, and then, in a symbolic move,
Moon joined Kim on the northern side of
the line before they crossed into the
southern side together. The summit
culminated with a declaration that the two
countries — who have been technically at
war for almost 70 years now — has signed
a peace treaty later that year.
“There will not be any more war on

Figure 6: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, left, and South the Korean Peninsula, a new era of peace
Korean President Moon Jae-in walk together after crossing the has begun,” Moon said after signing the
demarcation line that separates the two countries. Korea
Summit Press Pool/AP
declaration.
Kim said the two Koreas are one

united people who should work together toward reunification. “We are not a people that should
be confronting each other. … We should be living in unity,” he said. “We have long waited for this
moment to happen. All of us.”
People & Lifestyle
Korea possesses an amazing culture that blends ancient traditions with contemporary
lifestyles. Korean contemporary lifestyle is the evolution of traditions that have developed and
transformed for more than a millennia. It demonstrates an impeccable balance of nature's
offerings into functional – yet beautiful – forms and uses. Discover how traditions and nature have
shaped Korean lifestyle into what it is today.
Language
Koreans share one language, with approximately seventy million people around the globe
speaking Korean.
The language structure, grammar and vocabulary are similar to Japanese. Dialects are
regional; differing mainly in accent, but are so similar that comprehension for speakers, or
listeners, is not an issue. Key difference in dialect are also attributed to social status.
Korea has one of the highest literacy rates in the world due to the phonetic nature of the
written language which was invented in the mid-fifteenth century to give one language to
Koreans.
Homes
Traditional Korean houses are called Hanok (한옥). Hanoks were first designed
and built in the 14th century during the Joseon Dynasty. Korean architecture considers the
positioning of the house in relation to its surroundings, with thought given to the land and
seasons. The interior of the house is also planned accordingly. This principle is called ‘baesanimsu’
(배산임수; 背山臨水), meaning that the ideal house is built with a mountain in the back and a
river in the front. Hanok shapes differ by region. In the cold northern regions of Korea, hanoks are
built in a square with a courtyard in the middle in order to retain heat better. In the south, hanoks
are more open and L-shaped.
A house should be built

against a hill and face south to
receive as much sunlight as possible.
This orientation is still preferred in
modern Korea. Geomancy also
influences the shape of the building,
the direction it faces and the material
the house is constructed with.
Traditional Korean houses

can be structured into an inner wing
(안채, anchae) and an outer wing
(사랑채, sarangchae). The individual
layout largely depends on the region
Figure 7: Jukheon Traditional House
and the wealth of the family.
Whereas aristocrats used the outer
wing for receptions, poorer people kept cattle in the sarangchae. The wealthier a family, the larger
the house. However, it was forbidden to any family except for the king to have a residence of
more than 99 kan. A kan is the distance between two pillars used in traditional houses.
The inner wing normally consisted of a living room, a kitchen and a wooden-floored
central hall. More rooms may be attached to this. Poorer farmers would not have any outer wing.
Floor heating (온돌, ondol) has been used in Korea since prehistoric times. The main building
materials are wood, clay, tile, stone, and thatch. Because wood and clay were the most common
materials used in the past not many old buildings have survived into present times.
Clothing
The traditional dress known as hanbok (한복, 韓服) (known as joseonot [조선옷] in the
DPRK) has been worn since ancient times. The hanbok consists of a shirt (jeogori) and a skirt
(chima).
According to social
status, Koreans used to dress
differently, making clothing an
important mark of social rank.
Impressive, but sometimes
cumbersome, costumes were
worn by the ruling class and the
royal family. These upper classes
also used jewelry to distance
themselves from the ordinary
people. A traditional item of
jewelry for women was a
pendant in the shape of certain
elements of nature which was
made of precious gemstones, to which a tassel of silk was connected.
Common people were

often restricted to undyed plain
clothes. This everyday dress
underwent relatively few
changes during the Joseon
period. The basic everyday dress
was shared by everyone, but
distinctions were drawn in official
and ceremonial clothes.
During the winter,

people wore cotton-wadded
dresses. Fur was also common.
Because ordinary people
normally wore pure white undyed materials, the people were sometimes referred to as the white-
clad people.
Hanbok are classified according to their purposes: everyday dress, ceremonial dress and
special dress. Ceremonial dresses are worn on formal occasions, including a child's first birthday
(doljanchi), a wedding or a funeral. Special dresses are made for purposes such as shamans,
officials.
Today, the hanbok is still

worn during formal occasions. The
everyday use of the dress, however,
has been lost. However, elderly still
dress in hanbok as well as active
estates of the remnant of aristocratic
families from the Joseon Dynasty.
Though this may be changing with
something of a modern interest in
the traditional dress among some of
the young.
Cuisine
Rice is the staple food of Korea. Having been an almost exclusively agricultural country
until recently, the essential recipes in Korea are shaped by this experience. The main crops in
Korea are rice, barley, beans and Gochujang (hot pepper paste), but many supplementary crops
are used. Fish and other seafood are also important because Korea is a peninsula.
Fermented recipes were also developed in early times, and often characterize traditional
Korean food. These include pickled fish and pickled vegetables. This kind of food provides
essential proteins and vitamins during the winter.
A number of dishes have been developed. These can be divided into ceremonial foods
and ritual foods. Ceremonial foods are used when a child reaches 100 days, at the first birthday,
at a wedding ceremony, and the sixtieth birthday. Ritual foods are used at funerals, at ancestral
rites, shaman's offerings and as temple food.
A distinguishing characteristic of Temple Food is that it does not use the common five
strong-flavoured ingredients of Korean cuisine--(garlic, spring onion, wild rocambole, leek, and
ginger), and meat.
Kimchi is one of the

famous foods of Korea.
Kimchi is pickled vegetables
which contain vitamins A and
C, thiamine, riboflavin, iron,
calcium, carotene, etc. There
are many types of kimchi
including cabbage kimchi,
spring onion kimchi,
cucumber kimchi, radish
kimchi, and sesame kimchi.
For ceremonies and

rituals rice cakes are vital.
The colouring of the food and
the ingredients of the recipes are matched with a balance of yin and yang.
Today, surasang (traditional court cuisine) is available to the whole population. In the past
vegetable dishes were essential, but meat consumption has increased. Traditional dishes include
ssambap, bulgogi, sinseollo, kimchi, bibimbap, and gujeolpan.
Family
Koreans are very family-orientated and the family unit is an integral part of customs and
life in South Korea. Family members are very loyal to each other and dedicated to maintaining
their nexus (characteristic of collectivist societies). In some traditional/rural social circles, families
can be so defining that they are perceived as having a collective face. Therefore, the act of an
individual can impact the perception of the entire family by others.
Traditionally, Korean family hierarchies were defined by the Confucian organization of

relationships, which emphasized patriarchal authority. Under this family model, a husband/father
was to exhibit dominance and kindness to his wife in return for obedience and love. Likewise, he
would show guidance and protection to his children and receive filial piety, respect and
obedience. Many families would uphold him as the ultimate decision-maker.
Patriarchal lineage is ubiquitous and links ancestors

through the husband’s line. Traditionally, the eldest son
inherited, however, this has recently altered and is now
equal by law. The eldest son bears extra responsibility to his
family and it is supposed that he will care for his parents in
their old age.
However, since the Korean War, people have

deviated from this hierarchical convention to adopt modern
family dynamics similar to those of Australians. The nuclear
family is the common family structure, and children are
raised to be more dependent on themselves. The archetype
of the man as the breadwinner has remained to a degree, but
women have gained much more status and power in society.
Parents now share disciplinary power over their children,
whereas previously it was largely the father’s role.
The ultimate goal of most parents is to see their child be more educated and prosperous
than themselves. As such, most Korean parents are utterly devoted to their children’s success.
This is often expressed in a way that puts heavy expectations on the child to excel to reach their
parent’s aspirations. Many Korean youths are put under immense pressure in their education and
career.
This technologically aware, highly educated young generation is also overwhelmingly

westernized and has grown individualistic as a result. A split of familial ideals has emerged as they
become less family-focused. Under Confucian values, age defines seniority in the household and
overrides a person’s personal virtue or merit. Elders should be honored for their wisdom in
accordance with filial piety and cared for by the family. The younger generation has started
rejecting these conventions, causing issues in some Korean households where the older
generation expects respect and obedience to be shown in accordance to age – the traditional way.
Nonetheless, some Koreans still adhere to traditional family values. For example, many
worship their ancestors multiple times a year in ceremonies that revere their previous three
generations (parents, grandparents and great grandparents). This act of respect honors the belief
that Korean children are in eternal debt to their parents.
Dating and Marriage
Korean youths are often hesitant to approach each other individually, so they usually date
in groups. Blind dates are very common, either arranged by mutual friends or parents. Many
couples in Korea celebrate anniversaries
more often than once a year. These
include celebrating their 100th, 200th or
1000th day together. The commercial
sector has also promoted celebratory
days alongside Valentine's Day such as
Rose Day, Wine Day and Kiss Day.
Arranged marriages remain common as
parents often assist their children in
finding someone to date. However, strong emphasis is placed on the importance of a strong
husband/wife relationship and dynamic. Today, the majority of young Koreans consider all
genders and sexual orientations equal.
Social Attitude/Conducts
Greetings
Use a person’s formal title (i.e. Mr, Ms, Doctor) when addressing them for the first time,
and continue to do so until they signal otherwise. The most common way to greet in South Korea
is with a bow. The casual bow is a dip of the head with eyes closed, sometimes accompanied by a
slight bend from the waist. This type of greeting is used when informally greeting someone or
walking past someone of a higher status. Business interactions require a deeper bow, where the
torso bends from the waist by about 30 degrees. The deepest, most polite bow expresses
sincerest gratitude or apology. One bends from their torso to around 45 degrees or at such an
angle from which the head would have to stretch up to look into the face of the other person. The
head is kept lowered in this greeting.
Handshakes are also used to greet in South Korea. To show great respect during this
greeting, one may support the wrist of their right hand with their left as they shake. Women may
also greet one another by reaching out both hands to touch and clasp the other woman’s’ hands.
A person in a position of service may put their hands together in front of their chest when greeting
you or accepting something as an expression of gratitude.
Do’s
 Laugh with Koreans whenever possible as they enjoy sharing humour.

 Make an effort to compliment what you like about Korea. This may help in giving you face.
 Be aware of how you fit in the social hierarchy that Koreans observe. Discern who is
superior to you based on age, position and family name, and show respect to each person
as necessary. If you do not adhere to these expectations and fail to give a Korean the
respect they are due, you may lose face in their eyes. You may even find that they wish
to avoid you after.
 Expect a Korean to be modest and subtly deny any compliments you give them.
 Be sensitive to the hardship South Koreans have endured and sympathize about the
situation in North Korea.
 Being invited into a Korean’s home is considered an honour (especially if it is for a meal)
so it is essential to treat it as such. Be polite, respectful and observe their customs. Bring
a gift to reciprocate your host’s kindness.
 Always wait to be seated by your host. If given the seat of honour (looking at the front
door) it is polite to demonstrate a slight objection
 If calling someone over to you do not point with your index finger, instead use your hand
palm down in a claw movement.
 Accept the gift with both hands – but never open the gift immediately, wait until the giver
is absent.
Don’ts
 Avoid drawing parallels between the Korean culture or language to Japan. Korea should
be acknowledged for its distinctiveness and difference from other East Asian cultures.
 Avoid exhibiting anger or distress in heated displays or outbursts of emotion. Doing so
may cause you to lose face.
 Do not underestimate their knowledge and intelligence as the Korean population is very
culturally educated and politically aware.
 Do not use red ink. This is a symbol of death and is reserved only for writing the names of
the deceased. It is considered unlucky and suggests you wish death to the recipient.
 Do not wear your shoes in places of worship or peoples’ homes.
 Do not put your feet on furniture.
 Do not place your thumb between your middle and index finger while making a fist as this
an obscene gesture.
 Do not use the number four if at all possible – if giving gifts, do not give four of something.
It is considered unlucky due to the similarity between the Korean word for death and the
pronunciation of the word ‘four’.
 Do not stand too close to people you are meeting for the first time – keep an arms length
between you.
Basic Etiquette
 In Korea, people rarely thank one another for gestures of courtesy (e.g. holding open
doors), nor do they generally apologize if they bump into one another on the street. We
may interpret this as being rude or disrespectful behavior, but keep in mind that Koreans
consider such minor incidents or manners to be actions that one should anticipate and
expect in life. Therefore, they generally do not require a profuse apology, a ‘thank you’ or
even acknowledgement. Respect is exhibited in different ways.
 Respect should always be shown to those that are older than you. This involves deferring
to their opinion, waiting for their input and lowering your gaze if they are an elder.
 Object, gifts and food should be offered and received with two hands.
 Remove your hat when indoors.
 It is best practice to remove your shoes before entering a Korean home.
 Koreans are reasonably punctual and usually prompt. They tend to try and make the most
of the time they have. In certain settings, this can come across as impatient.
Eating
 It is considered inappropriate for adults to eat while walking, so street food is often eaten
on the spot where it is bought.
 Food should not be eaten with one’s fingers.
 Spoons are used to eat soup, but chopsticks are used for everything else.
 Do not blow your nose at the dinner table.
 The eldest person should be served first. Everyone seated should then wait for them to
begin eating before doing so.
Drinking
 South Korea has a large drinking culture. Drinking can give status, proving one’s stamina
and machismo (particularly for men).
 If you do not want to participate in drinking, try to give a sincere reason such as medical
or religious grounds. Do not make an excuse that could be interpreted as the morals of
those drinking.
 Avoid emptying your glass if you’ve had enough to drink.
 Fill others’ glasses before your own. In a formal setting, do not fill your own drink and
instead wait for someone else to return the gesture and fill yours.
Customs & Traditions
Beliefs
The original religion of the Korean people was Shamanism, which though not as widespread as in
ancient times, still survives to this day. Female shamans or mudang are often called upon to enlist the
help of various spirits to achieve various means.
Buddhism and Confucianism were later introduced to Korea through cultural exchanges with
Chinese dynasties. Buddhism was the official religion of the Goryeo dynasty, and many privileges were
given to Buddhist monks during this period. However, the Joseon period saw the suppression of
Buddhism, where Buddhist monks and temples were banned from the cities and confined to the
countryside. In its place a strict form of Confucianism, which some see as even more strict than what had
ever been adopted by the Chinese, became the official philosophy.[25] Korean Confucianism was
epitomized by the seonbi class, scholars who passed up positions of wealth and power to lead lives of
study and integrity.
Throughout Korean history and culture, regardless of separation, the traditional beliefs of Korean
Shamanism, Mahayana Buddhism and Confucianism have remained an underlying influence of the religion
of the Korean people as well as a vital aspect of their culture.[26] In fact, all these traditions coexisted
peacefully for hundreds of years. They still exist in the more Christian South and in the North, despite
pressure from its government.
Dates of Significance
1. South Korea Independence Declaration Day (1st of March)

2. Buddha’s Birthday (Varies each year)
3. Children's Day (5th of May)
4. Parents’ Day (8th of May)
5. Korean New Year (Varies each year)
6. Memorial Day (6th of June)
7. Constitution Day (17th of July)
8. Liberation Day (15th of August)
9. Chuseok (Varies each year)
10. Armed Forces Day (1st of October)
11. National Foundation Day (3rd of October)
12. Anniversary of Proclamation of Korean Alphabet (9th of October)
13. Christmas Day (25th of December)
FACTS AND STATISTICS

South Korea has been especially successful in developing its industrial-economic potential to
the point at which it is now a major player in the global economy. In general, and throughout most of
their history, Koreans have led productive lives while enjoying the attractiveness and serenity of their
peninsular homeland, which they still refer to as “The Land of the Morning Calm,” even though the
roar of South Korea's “tiger economy” is now heard around the world.
Flag
The Korean flag is called Taegeukgi
(pronounced teh-GUK-key). The colors of the flag are
red, blue, and black on a white background. The flag
stands for the three components of a nation: the land
(the white background), the people (the red and blue
circle), and the government (the four sets of black bars
or trigrams). It was created in 1882 but the symbols
are among the oldest found on any nation's flag.
The elements of the flag symbolize the dual

forces of nature. The red and blue circle in the middle
of the flag is called Taegeuk in Korean (t'ai chi in Chinese), which, translated literally, means "supreme
ultimate." The circle is divided into two parts, each of which resembles a comma. The upper, red part
represents the forces of yang (yang in Chinese as well), and the lower, blue part represents the forces
of um (yin in Chinese).
The yang and um together form the to (tao in Chinese), signifying the perpetually changing
opposite yet complementary forces or principles embodied in all aspects of life: light and darkness,
good and evil, active and passive, masculine and feminine. The thick round part of each comma
represents the beginning of all things and the tail section represents the end so that where the yang
begins, the um disappears and vice versa.
The four sets of trigrams further convey the idea of the dualism of the cosmos.* Heaven, the
manifestation of the pure yang principle, is represented by the three unbroken lines; a set of three
broken lines placed opposite it represents the earth, the manifestation of the pure um principle. The
stages between the two extremes of yang and um are represented by the two lines with a broken line
between them signifying fire, and the two broken lines with an unbroken line in the middle, water.
Together, these four trigrams also symbolize the seasons and the cardinal directions.
*The trigrams represented on the Korean flag are only four of the eight trigrams found in the
I-Ching, or The Book of Changes, one of the oldest Confucian classics on Chinese cosmology.
 Location: Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the East Sea and the
Yellow Sea
 Capital: Seoul
 National anthem: Aegukga
 Nationality: Korean
 Ethnic Make-up: Homogenous (except for small percentage of the population who are from
elsewhere but reside in the country permanently). It is one of the most racially pure
countries in the world.
 Population: 51 million (2019 Est.)
 Population growth rate: 0.53% (2019 Est.)
 Climate: temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter
 Time Zone: Korea Standard Time UTC (UTC+09:00)
 Currency: South Korean ‘won’
 Government: Republic
 Internet penetration: 92.1% (2016)
 Business Culture: Ranked 30th in The Business Culture Complexity Index™
Let’s Discuss!
Now that you have an overview of Korean Culture, make a list and describe at least five similarities
and differences between Korean and Filipino Culture. Make it fancy! Either make a digital or traditional
notes, bullet journal, PowerPoint presentation, or through any medium you’re comfortable with. Post
your output in the assignment entitled “Compare and Contrast: Korea and Philippines” under the topic
“Overview of Korean Language and Culture”.
How much have you learned?
For this lesson’s exam, link a video or a photo that best showcase the most influential Korean
Culture in today’s modern society. Write a short caption why you chose the material. Post your output in
the assignment entitled “Korean Influence in the Modern Society” under the topic “Overview of Korean
Language and Culture”.
Suggested Readings:
1. Korea’s Creation Myth

Peter H. Lee, ed. Sourcebook of Korean Civilization. Volume I: From Early Times to the
Sixteenth Century. New York: Columbia University Press, 1993.
Bonnefoy, Yves. “Korea”. Mythologies. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1991.
Grayson, James Huntley. Korea – A Religious History. New York: RoutledgeCurzon, 2001.
2. History of Korea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNTfibWtuQg
3. Arirang
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_8lyGBOodw&feature=youtu.be

Lesson 2 Module (FL 11)

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Lesson 2 Module (FL 11)

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Course Module: FL 11: Asian/European Language

BU CAL, BA Communication, 1st Year

Lesson 2: Overview of Korean Language and Culture

What is this lesson about?

What will you learn?

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

1. Be able to compare ancient and modern Korea.

Ancient and Modern Korea

Korea is located on the

Korea encompasses a total

Figure 1: Map of Modern Korea

Around that time China, unites

Silla attempted to stay in power by

Starvation and famine

History was made on 2018 when

“There will not be any more war on

Kim said the two Koreas are one

People & Lifestyle

A house should be built

Traditional Korean houses

Common people were

During the winter,

Today, the hanbok is still

Kimchi is one of the

For ceremonies and

Traditionally, Korean family hierarchies were defined by the Confucian organization of

Patriarchal lineage is ubiquitous and links ancestors

However, since the Korean War, people have

This technologically aware, highly educated young generation is also overwhelmingly

Dating and Marriage

 Laugh with Koreans whenever possible as they enjoy sharing humour.

Customs & Traditions

1. South Korea Independence Declaration Day (1st of March)

FACTS AND STATISTICS

The elements of the flag symbolize the dual

How much have you learned?

1. Korea’s Creation Myth

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