Korean Culture

Heritage and Culture of South Korea

Korean culture has as many nuances as the topography of South Korea. This beautiful peninsula, dotted with approximately 3,000 islands, has a long history that has shaped a unique people. Koreans differ from other Asian groups in their language, cuisine, clothing, and culture.

To understand the history and culture of South Korea, we must go far back in time, around 5,000 years. The Gojoseon Kingdom marks the starting point of Korean history, which has been stained by long periods of wars and invasions from Asian dynasties and Western governments.

Korea’s strategic location has often been a disadvantage to its security. Powerful governments sought to dominate it, prompting South Korea to almost completely isolate itself from other Asian countries as a defensive measure. This isolation has undoubtedly contributed to the uniqueness and special nature of Korean culture.

A clear example of this uniqueness is its language. Although classified as an Altaic language, linguists recognize it as an isolated language. In reality, it is unrelated to any other language. All Korean traditions and diverse ancestral art coexist today with the modernity of populous South Korea.

National flag of the Republic of Korea,

The national flag of the Republic of Korea, known as Taegeukgi, is an important symbol that represents the identity and history of the country. Its unique and meaningful design reflects Korean philosophy and culture.

The Taegeukgi features a white background with a red and blue circle at the center. The circle is divided into two symmetrical parts, one red and the other dark blue. At the center of the circle is a symbol called “Taegeuk”, representing the concept of yin and yang, a traditional philosophy symbolizing duality and harmony between opposing forces in the universe.

The red color symbolizes positivity, passion, and energy, while the dark blue represents negativity, serenity, and tranquility. The combination of these colors on the flag highlights the importance of balance and harmony in Korean society.

The Korean flag has a long history dating back centuries. Its current design was officially adopted on March 6, 1883, and it has been Korea’s national symbol ever since.

The Taegeukgi is a source of great pride and patriotic love for Koreans. It is widely used on various occasions, such as national festivals, sporting events, and significant celebrations. Additionally, it is considered a symbol of unity and solidarity among the Korean people, regardless of their origins or beliefs.

Korean culture is captivating. Anyone seeing a Korean dance for the first time is sure to be left speechless—it’s a true display of art, harmony, and color. One of these dances, perhaps the most popular, is the crane dance. This performance was created in imitation of these beautiful birds that have wintered in South Korea for centuries.

Traditional Music (Gugak)

Traditional Korean music, along with other arts such as singing and dancing, is collectively referred to as “Gugak”. This term was coined by the governmental agency Jangagwon, established during the Joseon Dynasty to preserve Korean music and distinguish it from foreign influences.

Gugak is classified according to the type of music:

• Legitimate Music (Jeongak or Jeongga)
• Folk Music (Pansori, Sanjo, Japga)
• State Event Music (Jeongjae)
• Traditional Buddhist Music (Salpuri, Seungmu)
• Poetic Songs (Gagok, Sijo)

In 2012, the Korean folk song “Arirang” was inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It is one of the most beloved songs among Koreans, valued for its touching melodies and lyrics. This and other international recognitions prove that King Sejong’s passion for culture is shared by the Korean people.

Traditional Dance (Folk Dance)

Dance is a fundamental part of South Korea’s cultural heritage. Traditional dance dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty and has undergone modifications over the centuries. Nevertheless, it continues to combine movements that imitate animals as a ritual to promote well-being, health, and fortune.

Of all folk dances, the crane dance is the only one where masks resembling birds are used. This dance is a ritual for longevity and includes prayers for the well-being and health of the royal family. It is one of the most striking, thanks to the descriptive movements of the dancers imitating cranes with their extended wings.

Traditional dance is deeply intertwined with Korean life, from metropolitan Seoul to rural communities. Its performances can be seen across the peninsula, whether at fairs, grand theaters, or simple farming fields.

Painting and Calligraphy

Painting has been one of the most distinguished genres in Korean culture. Artistic representations can be traced back to the Goguryeo Dynasty, where the bond between humans and the cosmos was sensitively depicted.

The depiction of people with natural elements like flowers and animals is typical of ancestral Korean painting. Landscape idealizations persisted in painting until the 18th century, eventually transitioning to more realistic depictions of daily life.

If one art form stands out, it is Korean calligraphy, which is based on Hangul, making it uniquely Korean. This art blends history, philosophy, and the free thought of each writer. Among the styles of this delicate art, the following stand out:

• Panbonche (Goche)
• Honseoche
• Gungche

Korean calligraphy has evolved since the days of King Sejong, developing its own artistic patterns. Today, Korea is known as the cradle of prominent calligraphers. The basic elements for Korean calligraphy are known as Munbangsau: paper, brush, ink stick, and ink stone. Additionally, a dropper is used.

Korean Craftsmanship

Traditional Korean Craftsmanship. Photo: Korea.net

Korean craftsmanship is incredibly rich and is a blend of art and balance, evident even in the simplest everyday items. Ancient artisans relied on natural elements to create symmetrical furniture, cabinets, drawers, and wooden tables.

Bamboo and wisteria were used to craft harmonious baskets and mats. Dyes and varnishes extracted from plants and animals were utilized to add color and durability to household furniture. One standout element of Korean craftsmanship is beaded tassels, commonly seen on clothing, ornaments, and home decor.

Korean craftsmanship has also been closely tied to ceremonial rites. For this reason, masks and other ceremonial objects are still observed as part of Korea’s traditional craftsmanship today.

Korean Ceramics

Traditional Korean Ceramics. Photo: Korea.net

When it comes to ceramics in Korea, it’s impossible not to think of celadon. This type of ceramic, known as cheongja, is highly valued in Korean culture. It is characterized by its engraving technique, considered unique in style, with black clay inlays.

In addition to bluish-green celadon ceramics, other types of Korean ceramics can also be found:

• Buncheong (clay with a white layer)
• Baekja (white porcelain)

Both Buncheong porcelain and Baekja feature a variety of designs painted with highly prized pigments, such as cobalt blue imported from Persia. Korean ceramics are appreciated by major collectors worldwide for their beautiful designs created with ancient techniques.

Contemporary Korean ceramics display three main styles. One adheres to traditional techniques, another is highly modern and original, and the third is known as the traditional-creative style. This last style is gaining great success both within South Korea and internationally. It involves creating pieces inspired by ancient works but with a touch of originality.

South Korea is a hub of technological advancement; however, traditional lifestyles endure in modern South Korea. A visit to Seoul is enough to understand how ancient palaces, thousands of years old, can coexist with the most modern skyscrapers.

Any visitor can perceive that Korean traditions remain as vibrant as they were millennia ago—in their homes, food, clothing, and religious practices.

Viviendas tradicionales Hanok

Traditional Korean Homes – Hanok

The Hanok is a traditional Korean house that exists in perfect harmony with nature. Typically built at the foot of a hill or mountain, these homes are protected from cold winds, and a stream or river often flows in front of them, providing easy access to water.

In Korean culture, architecture is notable for its adaptation to the natural environment. Always faithful to the connection between humans and the universe, Koreans have prioritized constructing homes that harmonize with their surroundings. The Hanok is the quintessential traditional Korean home.

What makes these homes special? Their heating and ventilation systems are both efficient and highly natural. Ondol is the heating system created with stone slabs that radiate heat, while maru is the mechanism for ventilating or cooling the home.

Hanok houses are built with wood, and their roofs are made of tiles crafted from dried straw. These homes are extremely durable and can withstand the passage of centuries. One example is the Geungnakjeon Hall, built in the 18th century and still standing strong today.

An interesting detail is that modern Korean buildings utilize a heating system based on the functionality of the ondol from these traditional homes.

Learn more: Korean Cultural Center in Spain

Traditional Clothing

Traditional Clothing – Hanbok

Traditional Korean attire is a reflection of their love for life and respect for values. They are modest garments that embody good taste and decorum, known as hanbok. According to Korean history, this attire has preserved its basic design for about 5,000 years.

Nowadays, the hanbok is worn with beautiful colors and designs, although their Korean ancestors preferred the color white. Currently, traditional Korean attire is worn only for special occasions like weddings or certain traditional festivals.

Koreans are known as the “people dressed in white” due to their preference for white clothing and their admiration for the color white. However, Koreans have also enjoyed colorful clothing with complex designs depending on the age and social status of the wearer.

This traditional attire consists of a blouse with long, wide sleeves and a skirt that reaches just below the bust, finished with a ribbon. The colors of these dresses are very varied, and most feature delicate embroidery. The men’s hanbok consists of a blouse (jeogori) and wide pants called baji.

South Korea is the cradle of great fashion designers. This has led to the creation of modern styles that combine the traditional hanbok with new patterns, giving rise to the modernized hanbok.

Learn more: Korean Cultural Center in Spain

Popular Festivals

Popular Festivals. Chuseok and Songpyeon. Photo: Korea.net

Details of Korean Holidays

• January 1 (Lunar Calendar): Seollal. First day of the lunar year, celebrated for three days.
• March 1: Independence Movement Day. Commemorates the March 1st Movement of 1919, a non-violent public resistance against Japanese colonial rule and the declaration of Korea’s independence.
• May 5: Children’s Day. A day to celebrate love for children with events across the country where parents and children enjoy activities together.
• June 6: Memorial Day. A day to honor the fallen in wars. A commemorative ceremony is held at the National Cemetery.
• August 15: Liberation Day. Celebrates Korea’s independence from Japanese colonization in 1945.
• October 3: National Foundation Day. Marks the founding of the Korean nation by Dangun in 2333 BCE.
• October 9: Hangul Day. Commemorates the promulgation of the Hunminjeongeum (the original manuscript of Hangul) by King Sejong, promoting research and dissemination of the Korean alphabet.
• December 25: Christmas. Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. As in the Western world, both Christians and non-Christians celebrate this day.

Learn more: Korean Cultural Center in Spain

Korean Weddings

Korean Wedding Ceremony. Photo: Korea.net

Worship and Religion

Religion in South Korea. Photo: Korea.net

Delving into the past, we find that Buddhism is the oldest form of worship in South Korea. However, it cannot be claimed as the country’s official religion. The truth is that the diversity of worship and forms of devotion is so extensive in Korean society that there is no single official religion.

The worship of Buddha and the moral code of Confucianism are intrinsic parts of life in South Korea. At the same time, religious freedom has allowed for various forms of worship, such as Christianity, Protestantism, and a wide range of local cults, including:

• Cheondoism
• Daejongism
• Won Buddhism
• Shamanism

Catholicism has been gaining ground in South Korea. Today, it is the religion with the largest number of adherents, surpassing Buddhists and other religions.

The influence of Confucianism remains present in Korean culture. This can be clearly seen in the rituals performed at Seonggyungwan in honor of Confucius and other renowned Korean Confucian scholars.

1. Kimchi

Considered the national dish of South Korea, kimchi is a preparation of fermented napa cabbage with various seasonings. It’s a spicy and flavorful side dish that is served with almost every meal. This traditional Korean dish is well-known worldwide for its taste and nutritional value.

There are approximately 180 different types of kimchi in Korean cuisine, showcasing its incredible variety. The flavor of kimchi is intense, salty, and spicy, and its aroma is particularly strong due to the fermentation process.

Benefits of kimchi include its high vitamin content, obesity control, and antioxidant properties.

2. Bibimbap

It is a rice dish mixed with a variety of sautéed vegetables, meat, fried egg, and gochujang (fermented chili paste). Served in a bowl, it is mixed before eating. This dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

It is considered one of the three signature dishes of Korean cuisine, alongside kimchi and bulgogi.

3. Bulgogi

A popular dish in South Korea, bulgogi consists of thin slices of beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce and other ingredients like pear, garlic, and onion.

It is grilled and served with rice and kimchi, making it a flavorful and well-loved Korean dish.

4. Japchae

A dish of stir-fried sweet potato glass noodles with a variety of vegetables, meat, and soy sauce. It is a colorful and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed either hot or cold.

5. Samgyeopsal

It consists of grilled pork belly. The strips of pork belly are grilled at the table and served with lettuce leaves, garlic, soy sauce, and ssamjang (soybean and chili paste).

Diners create their own wraps with the ingredients, enjoying a delightful combination of flavors.

6. Kimbap

Similar to Japanese sushi, kimbap is a rice roll wrapped in nori seaweed and filled with ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and eggs. It is a popular take-out option, perfect as a snack or a light lunch.

7. Sundubu JJigae

A spicy and comforting stew made with soft tofu, seafood or meat, vegetables, and soup broth. It is served hot in a clay pot and can be enjoyed with rice.

These are just a few examples of the rich and diverse cuisine of South Korea. Korean food is known for its balance of flavors and its focus on fresh and healthy ingredients. Explore these dishes and let yourself be amazed by the unique flavors of Korean cuisine!

Traditional Korean Beverages

Korean beverages are particularly strong. The alcohol content of one of these traditional drinks, soju, is around 19% ABV, a very high percentage considering it is the most common drink to accompany meals at any time of the day.

Another popular drink in Korean culture, slightly milder than soju, is makgeolli, known as Korea’s rice wine. This highly nutritious and delicious drink, with a milky white color, is the result of a rice fermentation process in an onggi. Its flavor is unique—a thick, sweet-and-sour liquor with bitter notes. It pairs perfectly with a variety of jeon.

Nongju, as this traditional beverage was formerly called, has undergone some changes over the years. Variations of makgeolli can be found throughout Korea. The base remains fermented rice, but other predominant flavors can be found, such as banana, peach, and cream cheese.

We must also mention cheongju among the most popular Korean beverages. This is another rice wine but clearer than makgeolli and served cold. Also known as chongchu, it is commonly consumed during Korean cultural rituals.

Traditional Korean Medicine

Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), also known as Oriental Medicine or Traditional Oriental Medicine, has a long history dating back thousands of years. It adopts a holistic approach to health, considering the interaction between the body, mind, and spirit.