Topic: Cultural

Colourful Asia: Korea - Land of the Morning Calm

South Korea, known as the Republic of Korea, is located in north-eastern Asia in southern part of the Korea Peninsula.

Han Style

Hangeul (Korean Language)
Hangeul was invented by King Sejong in 1446 with assistance from some scholars to give the people an alphabet that was easy to read and write. Throughout the world, there are some 3,000 spoken languages with only about 100 alphabets. Among these, only Hangeul was systematically invented without influence from any other language. There also have not been any other books published by its creators to explain the scientific principles employed or the background to communicate information in the exact manner in which they had intended. For this reason alone, linguists from around the world hold Hangeul with very high regard. It also explains why UNESCO included Hangeul on its list of Memory of the World Heritage in October 1997.


The influence of the “Korean Wave” and the strength of the Korean economy have encouraged a growing number of people overseas to learn and study more about the Korean culture and language. Many universities around the world have recently opened departments for the study of Hanguel

Han bok (Korean Clothing)

More than three decades ago, Hanbok, a traditional form of Korean clothing, was very much a part of every Koreans wardrobe. Like all clothing, Hanbok also changed over the years with changing fashion trends. Hanbok designs underwent many changes throughout Korea's turbulent history. The Hanbok we wear today are reminiscent of the late Joseon Dynasty (early 20th century).

In traditional Hanbok design, curved features are important. As they are not meant to be tight fitting, the inherent beauty of Hanbok is apparent in its elegance and style created by the abundance of material. The curves and vibrant colours of Hanbok have had a significant impact on the Korean fashion industry. By combining traditional dress with modern fashion, a series of fusion in Hanbok designs were introduced. Designs and patterns of Hanbok have even been applied to architecture!

Traditional Korean Music

Traditional Korean music is rife with historical sentiment, typifying the suffering Koreans had endured, and has had a great influence on Korean popular music. As a result of unceasing efforts to renew traditional Korean music, art groups performing fusion music as well as classical Korean music have recently emerged. Many have attempted to integrate traditional style together with modern music. Such examples can be traced to the recent popularity of combining traditional music with B-boy technique. These initiatives have been successful, and traditional Korean music is fulfilling its roles as a cultural code of the Han Style today.

Traditional Korean music enjoyed by the royal families or nobles is quite different from that favoured by the peasantry. While music preferred by noblemen eluded a sense of calm and elegance, peasants were fond of upbeat music with quicker rhythms, reminiscent of songs chanted while working. However, the most popular traditional music, such as the very famous Arirang, is sentimental and has a slow rhythm, symbolic of Korea 's sad, traumatic history.

Hansik (Korean Food)

A diverse array of foods and dishes can be found throughout Korea. Korea was once primarily an agricultural nation, cultivating rice as their staple food since ancient times. These days Korean cuisine is characterized by a wide variety of meat and fish dishes along with wild greens and vegetables. Various fermented and preserved food, such as kimchi (fermented spicy cabbage), jeotgal (matured seafood with salt) and doenjang (fermented soy bean paste) are notable for their specific flavour and high nutritional value.

The prominent feature of a Korean table setting is that all dishes are served at the same time. Traditionally, the number of side dishes varied from three for the lower classes to 12 for royal family members. Table arrangements can vary depending on whether a noodle dish or meat is served. Formal rules have developed for table setting, demonstrating the attention people pay to food and dining. Compared to neighbouring China and Japan, a spoon is used more often in Korea, especially when soups are served.

TV Dramas

Korean TV dramas have been popular throughout Asia in recent years. Some of the more beloved Korean dramas range from Winter Sonata to Princess Hours. There are much more into Korean dramas, everything from their synopsis to the main characters and the cast.

Religion & Beliefs

Buddhism
Buddhism first arrived in Korea in the 2nd year (AD 372) of the reign of King Sosurim of the Goguryeo Kingdom. After its introduction, Buddhism exerted a powerful influence in the Baekje Kingdom and Silla Kingdom. Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, which are designated as World Cultural Heritage sites by UNESCO, are Buddhist creations from the Silla Kingdom.

Buddhism has exercised a far-reaching influence on Korean culture throughout its long history. The nation's invaluable Buddhist heritage abides in buildings, sculptures, paintings and handicraft.

Confucianism
Confucianism became a common philosophy in ancient Korea. When it came into contact with fundamental Korean sentiments, Confucianism brought about profound changes and exerted considerable influence on the Korean people. It has been an indispensable component of the Korean moral system, way of life and national laws.

Confucianism, which was the major philosophy of the Joseon Dynasty, eventually gave rise to Silhak, or practical learning. Confucianism has deeply permeated the consciousness of Korean people as can still be seen today in many forms. This include two ceremonies that continue today: Jongmyo Jerye, the royal ancestral service at Jongmyo Shrine and Seokjeon Daeje, the worship rites at the Seonggyungwan in honour of Confucius, his disciples, and other celebrated Chinese and Korean Confucian scholars.

Protestantism
Korea was first introduced to the protestant religion by western missionaries in the 19th century. In 1884, R S Maclay of the Northern Methodist church received permission to establish educational institutions and medical facilities. This resulted in the establishment of the first hospital, Jejungwon Hospital, and the first modern school known as Baejae Hakdang. Subsequently, American missionaries, H G. Underwood of the Northern Presbyterian Church and H G. Appenzeller of the Northern Methodist Church visited Korea and actively organized missionary activities. Simultaneously, Protestantism created a renaissance of sorts, with more liberal thoughts on issues of equality and woman's rights, which the strict Confucian hierarchical traditions would not permit. This liberalization allowed those oppressed, and even imprisoned, to enjoy new freedoms. These freedoms came to an end during the Japanese Colonial Period (1910-1945) when the Japanese pushed Shintoism on the Korean people and oppressed all other religions resulting in many martyrs. After liberation in 1945, Korea once again began to experience religious freedom. In 1984, Korea celebrated its 100th anniversary of Protestantism in Korea.

Approximately 38% of the population that has a religion is Protestant, with the other two major religions being Catholicism and Buddhism. Branches of the protestant religion in Korea include the Lutheran, Episcopal, Methodist, and the Presbyterian, just to name a few.

Dr Lee Jiesung
Lutheran Church in Korea (LCK)
Director of the Lutheran Hours in Korea