K-CULTURE

(by Farooq Khan)

Korea’s earliest inhabitants were nomadic, hunters from north and central Asia. About 1500 BC
they adopted rise forming which had been introduced from China. Then in 1080 BC, China
invaded Korea. This invasion marked the beginning of a long period of Chinese influence on
Korean culture. The Chinese introduced their system of examination for government jobs. They
also introduced Buddhism and Confucianism to Korea.

Korea’s original Shamanism continued to be practiced, along with the newer tradition
introduced from China. According to Shamanism, natural places, and ancestors have spirit.
Many mountains are practically sacred to Koreans. Shamanism is still practiced in Korea.
Over the centuries, Korean tribes eventually recaptured most of the Peninsula. In the AD
600s, the kingdom of Silla united the peninsula. Korea’s golden age began. Korea became
known in Asia for its architecture, painting, ceramics, and fine jewelry.
South Korea is densely populated. Most people live in the narrow, fertile plain along the
western coast of the Korean Peninsula. Travel in the peninsula’s mountain interior is difficult, so
few people live there. Seoul is the country’s capital and the largest city. The government, the
economy, and the education system are centered there.
South Korea is technically a democracy, but it was run by military dictators, until the late
1980s. More recently South Korea introduced a multiparty democratic government. The
government controls economic development but does not own businesses and property.
Like Japan’s, South Korea’s population is homogenous. Most Koreans complete high
school. About half go on to some higher education. Women are beginning to hold important
jobs.
Today, Christianity is the most common religion, followed closely by Buddhism.
Whatever their religion, most Koreans take part in ceremonies to honor their ancestors. Most
also follow Confucian values. Many Koreans still ask Shamans for personal advice.Roman
catholic missionaries brought chirstianity to korea during 1830s . Chirstianity modern korea
through its emphasis on learning and social reform.
 Koreans have an ancient and distinctive culture. Philosophy, scholarship, and religion
have played important roles in the culture’s development. Much of the Korean art reflects the
influence of Buddhist teaching. And Buda’s birthday is a national holiday in South Korea.
Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism have been important to Korean culture and art. All
three were introduced to Korea from China. The Taoist emphasis on living in harmony with
nature is reflected on the South Korean flag, which shows a Taoist symbol called ‘Yin’ and ‘Yan’'
that represent balance in the universe between two opposites. Such as male and female, and
life and death.
Traditional Korean court music developed largely under Chinese influence. Today, court
orchestras perform the music throughout the nation and keep this ancient heritage alive.

Folk music is another important element of Traditional Korean music. Traditional Korean
folk musicians used a variety of special instruments, including an hourglass drum, called
‘Changgo’ and a 12-stringed zither called a ‘Kayagum’.
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 culture.