Korean Culture

Culture is a blend of moral values, ethics and social behavior, and for same people it is a way of
living together peacefully for uplift of their nation. But for me culture is the past, present,
future of a nation. It includes their beliefs, custom, practices and materialistic things such as
shelter, food, clothing, sports, literature, infrastructure and festivals etc. culture also includes
spiritual beliefs.

Every landscape in the world has unique culture, so a cultural landscape is the pail of a people‘s
environment that they have shaped it. Korea is TAEHAN-min’guk is land of unparalleled charm
and beauty located on the far eastern side of the world, with its deep roots in culture Korea has
an ancient distinctive culture, philosophy and religion have played important roles in the
culture of Korea.

Taonism, Buddhism and Confucianism have been important to Korean culture and art .the
Taonism emphasis on living in harmony with nature, which reflected on the Korean flag with
Taoist symbol called yin and yang. Buddhism became the chief religion of three kingdoms,
KOGURGO, SILLA, and the PAEKCHO during 300s and 400s. Confucianism became an important
part of Korean thoughts and culture after Silla absorbed the other two kingdoms in 660 A.D .All
the three were introduced into Korean from China.

People of Korean have a unique way of living, which show great significance in the
Korean culture. Like the outdoor is a popular activity in Seoul. Their favorite dished include
Kimchee, a highly spiced mixture of Chinese cabbage, onions, white radishes and other
vegetables. Housing is also a part of culture. Most Korean houses have andal-floor of tough
stone slabs covered by oil paper or mats. Like Jeonju-Si is historical city of Korean that holds the
cultural heritage of Korean people, with special curved roofs, patterns that make it more
beautiful and attractive.

Music is significant element of Korean culture. Traditional Korean court music

developed largely under Chinese influence. Traditional folk musicians used a variety of special
instruments, including an hour-glass, drum called ‘Changgo’ and a 12-stringed zither called
‘Kayogun’.

Korean poetry traditionally the most admired form of writing often has a religious
theme. Nature has also served as an inspiration in both Korean literature and painting.

Art in Korea was closely associated with Confucian scholarship, which emphasize poetry,
calligraphy and painting. Korean art generally includes landscape, animal, “four gentlemen”,
and Bamboo, Chrgsathemum, Orchid and plum blossom. Many historians believe that Korean
art reached its greatest heights in ceramics. The blue green pottery, known as ‘Coladon’, is
particularly admired for its graceful line and depth of color.

In short, Korean distinction in culture expresses itself in each component of a culture;

food, clothing, housing, music, religion, poetry, pottery, and arts. The most intriguing fact is that
Korean people are infallible in conserving and promoting their culture, keeping pace with
modernity, in these dynamic era of globalization.