NAME : SRI VISHVA LINA A/P MANMARAN

MATRIC NUMBER: 320204291

PROGRAM: DIPLOMA IN PSYCHOLOGY CD3

COURSE: INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION

COURSE CODE: SSD2153

LECTURER: PROF.DR.MOHD ZAIDI BIN MOHD HAJAZI

TITLE: KOREAN CULTURE

 Since the earliest settlements in prehistoric times, Koreans have developed a unique culture
based on their extraordinary artistic sensibilities. The geographical condition of the peninsula
provides an opportunity for Koreans to embrace continental and maritime cultures as well as
ample resources, thus forming an indigenous culture that has importance and value for all human
beings, past and present. Korea’s vibrant cultural heritage, consisting of music, art, literature,
dance, architecture, clothing and cuisine, offers an interesting blend between tradition and
modernity. Korean culture is very unique culture and full of interesting traditions. Korean uses
Hangul characters instead of Chinese characters. Korea is located between China and Japan.
Korea is a divided country. The northern part is a communist country known as North Korea.
South Korea is a democracy. North Korea and South Korea use the same language. Hangul is
considered a very organized language. It is easy to write in Korean because of its well -planned
structure. Today, many Koreans learn English. It is almost considered a second language in
Korea. The Korean language is growing rapidly. Economic growth is exponential. However,
rural areas are still relatively poor compared to urban areas.

Currently, Korean art and culture attracts many fans around the world. The achievements of
Korean culture and art throughout the ages now bring many young talents to the world’s most
prestigious music and dance competitions, while his literary works are translated into multiple
languages for a global audience. Recently, Korean Dansaekhwa (monochrome painting) has
become the talk of the global art world. The world’s craze for K-pop reached its peak in August
2020, when South Korean male group BTS reached No. Her first 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
chart with her first English -language single titled "Dynamite." BTS has become the first South
Korean artist to top the Billboard Hot 100, as well as the first in Asia since 1963. These results
reflect the popularity of K-pop around the world, including the United States, South America and
Europe, as well as Japan, China, and Southeast Asia not just the success of a particular group. In
a similar context, music videos of K-pop stars like BLACKPINK, a South Korean girl group,
have recorded explosive views on YouTube and are growing in popularity.
Education is very important in Korean society. Education is considered the path to a successful
life. It has become a habit to see young children spend all day in school and have many tutors.
Primary and secondary school students staying in school for more than 12 hours are also
common in Korea. The family is the most important part of Korean society. Traditionally, the
father is the head of the family, but that is changing as many Korean women also work outside.
Koreans are more concerned with the welfare of the family than the welfare of the individual.
This culture is heavily influenced by Confucianism. As Korea became more westernized,
traditional values and dress also changed. For example, it used to be very important to celebrate
the birthdays of ancestors and the day they died. However, today many Koreans refuse to
celebrate the birthdays of their ancestors.

Rice is very important in the Korean diet. Although many Koreans prefer a western -style diet,
rice is still a staple food in Korean cuisine. Rice is usually included with many side dishes. Often
Kimchi, vegetables, and soups are side dishes. Kimchi is the most important food in Korea. It is
a fermented cabbage with a mixture of various vegetables and spicy pepper powder. Most
Kimchi is very spicy. It is an acquired taste. In November or December, most Koreans make
Kimchi to last several months. They used to keep kimchi underground to maintain temperature
and flavor. Nowadays, Koreans have a dedicated Kimchi refrigerator to store Kimchi for a long
time. Often, making Kimchi is done by women. However, many Korean women work today, and
do not have time to cook. It is common to buy Kimchi from a grocery store. It used to be
considered very bad to buy Kimchi instead of making it. Besides Kimchi and rice, Doenjang and
Gochujang are a very important part of the Korean diet. It is made from soybean paste. It takes
time to make this sauce because it needs to be fermented for months or years. It usually takes six
months to a year. Beef and pork are expensive in Korea. Korean food is usually made from
vegetables. Fish is a big part of the Korean diet because Korea is surrounded by oceans. Koreans
like to drink alcohol. It is common to drink alcohol when they eat. The alcohol name ‘Soju’ is
Koreans ’favorite alcohol to drink.
Changdeokgung Palace, located in Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, was one of the five Royal
Palaces of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), and still contains the original palace structure and
other remains intact. It was built in 1405 as the Royal Villa but became the official Royal
Residence of the Joseon dynasty after Gyeongbokgung, the original main palace, was destroyed
by fire in 1592 when Japanese troops invaded Korea. Although it was built during the Joseon
dynasty, Changdeokgung shows traces of the influence of Goryeo’s architectural traditions, such
as its location at the foot of the mountain. The royal palace is usually built according to a layout
designed to highlight the dignity and authority of its occupants, but the Changdeokgung layout is
designed to take full advantage of the geographical features of Eungbong Peak on the ridge of
Mount Bukakdan. The original palace buildings have been preserved, including the Donhwamun
Gate (the main gate at the Changdeokgung entrance), Injeongjeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and
a beautiful traditional garden behind the main building. Located inside Changdeokgung Palace,
Nakseonjae is a complex of beautiful traditional buildings erected as the residence of members of
the royal family.

In conclusion, Korea has grown too rapidly from a poor and uneducated country to one of the
richest countries in the world. But as the economy and education change rapidly, traditions and
cultural aspects do not change. The culture of Confusion still exists in Korean society and
interferes with the globalization of the country and its education. South Korean parents should let
their children discover themselves and their talents, and education should aim to find a strong
point in their students rather than letting them do everything to the maximum.