Korean culture

Although the current division of the Korean Peninsula into North and South Korea has led to significant differences in the modern culture of both countries, the traditions and customs of the Korean people and the culture of Korea as a whole are the same for both countries. Let's take a closer look at the main components of Korean culture.

• Dance

Since ancient times, since the reign of the Goryeo dynasty, in Korea great value had a dance. There are a huge variety of traditional dances, such as sword dance, fan dance, monk dance, jester dance, peasant dance, etc. They were performed both at the emperor's court and in the villages, villagers staged performances. Now dance is not such an important part of life in modern Korea, but there are many schools in many universities in Korea folk dance taught as an academic subject.

Pakjeommu - dance of the fluttering wings of a butterfly

• Painting

Painting is an integral part of Korean culture. It contains the influence of culture, but in itself it is specific and original. Of particular interest is the still painting that was formed during the reign of the Joseon Dynasty. They painted on silk, paper, special fabrics with vegetable, mineral paints or ink. If artistic painting reflected an unusual vision of the world through the eyes of an artist, then folk painting showed everyday life and problems everyday life. We can say that painting existed and developed in two directions, and left behind immortal creations.

Cat and butterfly. XVIII century. Artist: Kim Dong Ho

• Korean garden

Few people know, but the traditional Korean garden has existed for more than two thousand years. It looks like a landscape park; people take little part in its formation. All gardens include features such as streams, circular ponds, shaped trees, waterfalls, a rock garden, and hills resembling mountains. Harmony dominates here, regardless of a particular detail. Harmony is created by all the variety of shapes and sizes present here. Traditional Korean gardens are located in France (Nantes), Mexico City (Chapultepec Zoo), Turkey (Ankara), Germany (Berlin), etc.

• Hanbok

Hanbok is a national traditional costume consisting of a jeogori (blouse) and a chima (skirt) for women and paji for men. This is clothing for official receptions, holidays and festivals. But there are also hanboks that can be worn as casual wear. They are made from cheaper fabrics and are easy to care for.

• Kitchen

It is known that modern Korean culture borrows more and more every year more elements crops European countries, but something remains unchanged, namely the national cuisine. The basis, as in most Asian countries, is rice. But, nevertheless, traditional Korean cuisine has a number of distinctive, even specific features. For example, many dishes are replete with spices, especially red pepper, and all because Korea is a warm and southern country, and pepper allows you to keep food fresh longer, and over time, the concepts of “tasty” and “spicy” have become synonymous. Along with pepper, seasonings such as soy sauce and soybean paste are used. But in Koryo-saram, to give dishes a special taste, I use coriander in large quantities.

Kimchi – spicy pickled vegetables

Holidays in Korea

Like many countries, Korea has its own national holidays, which are usually celebrated on a special, Korean scale.

• Seollal - Korean New Year

Traditionally, this holiday is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar. The weekend lasts three days, and during this time it is customary to dress up in hanbok, visit parents or go to hometown, go to the seashore to meet the first rays of the sun there. Also on these days, deceased ancestors are remembered by preparing special dishes and performing a ritual called chare. In Sollal, children congratulate their parents, always bowing to the floor, and the person also becomes a year older.

• Liberation Day

This holiday is celebrated annually in North and South Korea on August 15th. On this day, Japan liberated Korea from colonial rule. On this day, an official ceremony is held, in which many high-ranking officials of the country participate. The country's flags are hung everywhere, and according to tradition, several prisoners are given amnesty on this day.

• Chuseok – a festival of harvest and remembrance of ancestors

The holiday falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the eastern calendar. Weekends – the day before and the day after the holiday. A few days before the holiday, Koreans buy food and gifts, buy train and plane tickets to go to their hometown. On a holiday, they set the table in the morning and commemorate their ancestors, or take food to the cemetery. They tie sheaves of cereals to poles, thanking the gods for the harvest, and treat the brownie. Girls and women perform national dance Kankansulle, and children with their fathers fly kites into the sky.

• Korean wedding

A modern Korean wedding is neither a traditional Korean nor a European wedding. New traditions and customs among the Korean people developed only about fifty years ago, but they are firmly entrenched and widely used by all Koreans.

Wedding traditions and customs of the Korean people have changed a lot in recent years. Since the sixties, wedding ceremonies have been traditionally held in so-called “ritual” halls. But most often weddings are held in restaurants or in hotel conference rooms. Guests arriving for the ceremony must bring a gift to the newlyweds, usually money. The bride and groom also have their own waiting rooms where guests can take photos with them. The traditional hanbok was replaced by “traditional” European outfits - a wedding dress and suit. Wedding - open event. Often, in addition to the photographer, there is a videographer. Instead of the familiar Mendelssohn march, Wagner's wedding march is played, which is extremely rarely used in other countries. The groom enters the hall first, then the father leads the bride to the altar. The most important role in a wedding ceremony is played by the person performing the ritual. Usually this is a close relative or friend of the groom. The whole ceremony lasts about half an hour, after which the young couple and guests go to the gala banquet. After it begins, the young people put on traditional clothes and go to a specially designated room, where they have dinner with their parents. Usually, immediately after the wedding, the couple goes on a trip.

• Tol chanchi - first birthday

A child's first birthday is a special date. Often, preparation for this holiday begins even before the baby is born. On this day you are invited large number guests, and the ceremony itself is often held outside the home. Guests bring gifts to the baby, congratulate him, after which a traditional ritual begins that determines the fate of the child. Various objects are placed on the table in front of a child dressed in hanbok, each of which carries a special meaning. His fate depends on what the baby picks up. For example, if it is a handful of cereal, then he will never go hungry. Threads promise long life, and the book is a rich mind. After this, a traditional banquet begins, before which the child’s parents bow to the floor, thanking the guests for coming. This is how the first birthday goes!

Thus, even today, in today’s rapidly changing world, the traditions and customs of the Korean people fill the lives of Koreans with meaning and are passed on from generation to generation. After all, the economic situation can be restored, but no one can return lost traditions and culture.

For a long time, Korean culture was in the shadow of Japan and China. Indeed, Koreans have learned a lot from their illustrious neighbors. However, the development included three stages: partial borrowing, transformation in its own way and unification with local customs. IN lately Europe and the USA became such a “donor”. The country continues to be filled with a synthesis of cultures, acquiring a new modern look.

For example, Korean music has a lot in common with Japanese and Chinese. But she has a triple rhythm, while her “colleagues” have a double rhythm. Chinese motifs are strong in traditional painting, as in calligraphy. But the paintings stand out for their expression and bright colors. Pottery was borrowed from China, but in Korea it received in-depth and expanded development. Products began to be made more elegant, giving them a delicate bluish-green color.

Communication with Europe and America influenced clothing. Before this, hanbok was worn: for men - a jacket and trousers, for women - a blouse and skirt. Today, this national clothing is worn only on holidays, but is still called the “face” of the people. Modern Korean culture has changed and is relatively wedding traditions. Nowadays, ceremonies are held in a church or wedding palace, followed by a traditional part with classical outfits.

The close interweaving of religion and culture of Korea

Religion has had a strong influence on the country's traditions. IN early period people worshiped Heaven and animals - this is how totemism was born, and myths arose. This belief became the basis for shamanism, which significantly influenced early culture. During the Ancient Joseon period, people believed in the spirits of ancestors, sky, water and sun. South Korean culture still conveys echoes of these beliefs.

Koreans believe that the soul does not immediately go to another world; it stays with its family for some time. IN modern country Several thousand shamans still practice. One of the simplest shamanic rituals is rubbing palms together for good luck before a trip or to improve health.

The behavior of the residents is largely determined by Confucianism, enriched by the national spirit. Strict hierarchy is used. Already at the first meeting they ask about age, education, marital status and positions. This is how one’s own place is determined in relation to a new acquaintance.

Society is based on the principle of five relationships: there are certain standards of behavior between subjects and the ruler, spouses, father and son, old and young, and friends. Many Koreans believe that the state is successful thanks to this approach. Only 1% of the population will say that they profess Confucianism, but its principles have largely determined habits, traditions and behavior styles.

The cultural features of Korea were also influenced by Buddhism. Its echoes can be found in the peaceful and non-aggressive nature of the residents, a deep philosophical attitude towards life and people. Buddhism penetrated China in the 4th century AD. e. During the Goryeo Dynasty he was official religion, therefore influenced all areas. Thanks to Buddhism, thousands of temples, icons, statues, literary works. Religion influenced painting, architecture, and music. The most famous historical monument– Seokguram Cave Temple. Buddha's birthday is still celebrated in the spring - noisy and bright.

Taoism also had its influence. Like other religions, it was changed into the Korean way. Taoism reflected a strong desire for longevity, happiness and health. Its symbolism is still used in everyday life. For example, hieroglyphs symbolizing longevity and happiness are applied to household items.

Origins of national traditions

The cultural history of Korea is intertwined with the Korean Peninsula, but its earliest inhabitants are not considered the ancestors of the Koreans. The birth of the nation is associated with the Neolithic era. Many cultural features were laid down in ancient times. The formation of the nation took place under the constant threat of invasion, and this was also reflected in traditions.

Thanks to hunting and gathering, a belief in animals and spirits arose - this is how totemism appeared. Its reflection is in myths that have survived to this day. A surge in development came with the appearance of bronze, which came from Manchuria. Later, settlers arrived from the north, thanks to whom the culture of Korea was enriched - they surprised us with unusual ceramics and successes in production. The Iron Age era came from China - coins, smooth ceramics, metal mirrors, elegant daggers, and figurines appeared.

Later development occurred independently, but when significant influence neighboring China. Class stratification played a big role: wealthy people wore luxurious jewelry and used expensive items. This time is associated with the technology of creating household items from bronze, which could compete with the Chinese.

Development path

Since the emergence of the Three States, which later united into one, the continuous history of Korean culture begins. Initially, the people still believed in spirits and were confident in their responsibility for different directions. Later, Confucianism appeared, which was adhered to regardless of religion - it regulated relations between people.

Then Buddhism came from China, and society favorably accepted the religion. Only in Silla (one of the three states) was the new trend treated with hostility. But through the efforts of the ruler, it was established as another national religion. Buddhism had a positive influence on architecture - they began to build temples and pagodas that served as educational centers. Hieroglyphic writing began to spread, which was also borrowed from China. It was adapted: conversations were conducted in the native language, and hieroglyphs were used to write it. Since Chinese and Korean are different language groups, the task turned out to be difficult.

"Golden Time" of Korean Culture

South Korean culture has received significant development during the unified Silla (VII-X centuries). For two centuries, the state was not affected by war or other external conflicts. This made it possible to focus on the development of culture. Royal palaces and Buddhist temples appeared in the capital. Some famous monuments(such as Seokguram Cave Temple and Bulguksa Temple) were created by craftsmen who had deep religious beliefs. The role of Confucianism increased. Achievements can be considered the casting of copper bells, the oldest printed edition, cave temple and the work of the first famous poet– Choi Chiwon.

The Koreans preserved the idea of ​​a national-cultural community, embodying it in the 10th century - the state of Koryo appeared. For the first time the country became united, items began to be produced to glorify the country on Far East. Goryeo was famous for its celadon-coated porcelain, bronze mirrors and vases. Despite its dependence on the Mongol dynasty, the country managed to preserve its traditions. However, many art monuments were destroyed and craft skills were lost.

Peter's era in Korean

The next turning point occurred in the 15th century. This is a period of intensive development of Korean culture - it is compared with the era of Peter I in Russia. In the XV century. created the Korean alphabet - almost universal literacy occurred. Already in our time it was included in the list of masterpieces of world heritage. Koreans consider language a form of art and are proud of its script. Positive changes affected art, literature, printing and music.

There was even a special department at court that helped organize the life and work of artists. The first acquaintance with the achievements took place European culture. With the help of Chinese sources, translations of European scientific books were carried out. This gave impetus to the development of various sciences: astronomy, geography, history.

At the turn of the XVI-XVII centuries. Christianity began to penetrate into the country - representatives of the ruling class were interested in it. Later, conflicts arose with the Europeans and the “closed borders” policy was strengthened. The state maintained close ties only with China and traded with Japan. Locals rejected Western culture.

Culture becomes widespread

In the 17th-18th centuries, social and economic changes occurred, the status of common people. South Korean culture has become more popular. Singing stories (pansori) became widespread, and folk tales began to be written down. The same trends affected painting - artists began to depict the terrain and scenes from the life of ordinary people, and their own style was invented in calligraphy.

Western canons

In Korea, the period from XVII to mid-19th centuries are considered “the transition to modern society.” One of important points– the emergence of modern agricultural technology. Productivity increased, which gave impetus to the growth of cities. As a result, the demand for artisan products increased. The production of fabrics and the creation of metal utensils began to develop.

IN XIX century The idea gained popularity that the experience of technology and production should be adopted from the West. But at the same time it is necessary to maintain the ideological basis public life. There was even a slogan: “Eastern way, Western technology.” There was still European influence, but borrowings were adapted to local conditions.

Test for the culture of a nation

The cultural characteristics of Korea were tested during Japanese colonization. The conquerors declared the Korean language and traditions to be only a branch of Japanese. In 1937, the Korean language was banned from being used in government institutions. Japanese began to be called the “native” language. Koreans were forced to give up their names and call themselves in the Japanese manner. Most publications were banned and even wearing national clothes was not allowed. It was an era of humiliation for the nation, and Korea still cannot fully forgive Japan for this. Indeed, as a result of the confrontation, the country was divided into two parts.

Cultural life of the country today

One of the echoes of the past that is intertwined with modernity is the holidays. Lunar New Year and Chuseok, which traditionally continue to be celebrated, occupy an important place in the cultural history of Korea. There are other holidays associated with the cult of nature, agriculture or work.

Customs fill the lives of Koreans and continue to be passed on from generation to generation. The influence of religion on culture turned out to be very strong and remains a powerful incentive for its development and preservation. Shamanism, Confucianism and Buddhism are closely intertwined, exerting a creative influence on traditions. The culture is not only rich, but also resilient. Thanks to borrowing, she only became richer. Residents love the country and its features very much; this is a matter of national pride.

Cultural achievements

South Korean culture is at high level, and confirmation of this can be observed in various examples of art. The delightful products made from celadon and ceramics with a grayish-greenish glaze are famous throughout the world. Porcelain items with blue designs are interesting. In painting - paintings with ink on silk or mulberry paper. Folk and court dances (cheongjemu, ilmu) were invented . The national costume, Hanbok, is also impressive, with its smooth lines. Women's outfit - with rich embroidery and a luxurious bright skirt. In ancient times, norige decoration was invented, which was attached to clothing. This decor was selected depending on social status or season. Unusual architectural monuments have been preserved:

• Astronomical Tower of the Silla capital Gyeongju.
• Seokguram Cave Temple.
• 8th century Buddha statue.
• The ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace.

These objects are famous throughout the world and are considered national landmarks of South Korea. Modern culture Korea is also home to original gardens. The principles of shamanism play a large role in their creation. When creating gardens, local craftsmen try to avoid anything artificial. Koreans try to bypass nature itself, giving green corners a natural look. One example is Phosokchon, built during the Silla era.

TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS OF KOREANS Basically, Koreans living in Russia today are descendants of Koreans who migrated at one time from the northern part of Korea to Russia in search of better life. This happened, according to documents, around 1864, although there is evidence that Koreans settled before this date. Russia in general treated Korean settlers very favorably. Seeing the hard work and peacefulness of the Koreans, Russia not only allowed them to settle and cultivate the lands of the Primorsky Territory, but also gave them its citizenship. Koreans who accepted Russian citizenship began to consider it their Motherland. What exactly makes people Koreans and identify themselves as such? There are three signs by which a Korean can be identified: surname, cuisine and adherence to traditions. To feel like a Korean, you must first of all preserve the spirit of the people. And it lies in observing the traditions, customs and rituals of this people. Not in carefully observing them, but in preserving the spirit. Koreans, brought up on Confucian norms in relation to the country, when they find themselves in Russia, consider these states to be their homeland. Ancestors and parents. The veneration of ancestors among Koreans has changed from veneration of ancestors up to the fourth generation to veneration of only parents. Spouses. Despite the fact that women, sometimes earning more than their husbands, have acquired economic independence and are gradually playing a leading role in the family, they still, at least for now, consider the husband to be the main one in the family. Children. Today, Koreans love their children equally, whether they are boys or girls, unlike in the past. If there is no boy in the family, then this is no longer considered a tragedy and is perceived by people calmly. But just 40 years ago everything was different. The birth of a girl was perceived by some as a tragedy. “A daughter upsets her parents twice: when she was born and when she gets married” - there is a Korean saying. Today, the birth of a girl is celebrated no less than the birth of a boy, at least among Koreans. Funeral and funeral ceremonies. They also suffered strong change: from throwing corpses into the field, wrapped in straw mats, and complex Confucian norms, mourning and burial ceremonies in the recent past, to simplified versions adapted to modern realities Today. From burial vaults and tombs to small granite, marble monuments and cremation. From wooden memorial plaques to photographs and paper memorial leaves (chiban), which are burned at the end of mourning. From remembering ancestors up to the fourth generation - to remembering only parents. Koreans mourn for three years. If there are no sons in the family, then mourning ceremonies for ancestors and parents are performed by daughters. Holidays. Celebrations of “sollar”, “hansik”, “tano”, “chuseok” no longer play such an important role. social role what before. Previously, rituals showed the connection between production activities and social relations, today this is not the case. In conclusion, I would like to say to those who, due to various circumstances, did not know anything about customs and rituals before, so that they become imbued with the spirit of our people and finally feel like who they are and feel a connection with their fellow tribesmen, receiving harmony and tranquility. "The ancients said that any country can perish, but its history will live forever. Therefore, a country is a shell, and history is its spirit. If the spirit is immortal, then the shell can be reborn again. For example, as long as Judaism exists, there are Jews scattered throughout do not mix with other peoples. India also ceased to exist as a state, but as long as the Brahmins observe the precepts of Hinduism, India will live forever." To paraphrase it, we can say: ...we will feel like Koreans as long as we observe the customs and rituals bequeathed to us by our ancestors. Hard work, respect for elders, and the cult of education were and are considered today the most important virtue, including among Koreans, and this is known all over the world. The feeling of respect for elders is so strong in every Korean that, whether he wants it or not, it sometimes manifests itself unconsciously. At the heart of Korean customs and rituals is the desire for Order and Harmony. They must reign in the soul, in the family, in society, in the state. After thousands of years of such upbringing, it is natural to assume that every Korean unconsciously strives for order and harmony.

In the past, in traditional Korean society, 3~4 generations lived together in one family. In those days people preferred to live big family and have many children.

However, when in 1960-70 Korea Industrialization and urbanization began to occur at a rapid pace, as well as restrictions on the birth rate of children, the culture in the country began to change, and since the 1980s, one Korean family has an average of two children or less.

In Korean society, Confucian traditions have been preserved to this day, according to which preference is given to the eldest son. To combat gender discrimination, the government passed a law according to which the son and daughter are equal heirs when dividing property.

Young married couples now mostly live separately from their parents. Therefore, families now usually consist of only parents and children.

Names

Most Koreans have surnames, the most common of which are: Kim (approximately 21% of all Koreans), Lee (14%), Park (8%), Choi (or Choi), Jeon, Chan, Im, etc. Korean name consists of a surname, as a rule, it is always one syllable, and a given name, usually two syllables following the name (but it happens that the name also consists of one syllable). Women do not take their husband's surname when they marry, but children will bear their father's surname.

Marriage

Koreans consider marriage the most important stage in a person’s life, and have an extremely negative attitude towards divorce, as a manifestation of disrespect not only for each other, but also for parents - although, despite this, the number of divorces has recently been growing at a rapid pace.

Weddings today are somewhat different from what they used to be. First, a regular Western-style ceremony is held, in a church or city hall, with the bride dressed in white wedding dress and the groom in a tuxedo, and then follows a traditional ceremony, in another room, where the bride and groom, dressed in Korean national costumes and following tradition, they bow to their parents.

A Korean wedding is, first of all, a union of families, and not just a decision of two people to create a new unit of society. It just so happens that in this country young people rarely choose a mate for themselves; in most cases, the father makes the decision for them. In some families, the newlyweds do not even know each other until the moment of marriage. From time immemorial, Korean families have been dominated by patriarchy, and the head of the family has been and remains the unquestioned authority for the household. And rich men can now afford to have several wives and, accordingly, several families.

Wedding ceremonies in Korea , despite the progressive views of modern youth, still have many forms and a colossal number of rules and recommendations. A few weeks before the celebration, the man's matchmakers come to visit the woman's parents with gifts and offerings, by which time all her acquaintances and friends also gather in the bride's house.

This ritual is similar to a dress rehearsal for the upcoming wedding. In Korean it is called "chenchi". The traditions of mini-weddings “chenchi” in Korea have undergone significant changes over the past ten years, and now they bear little resemblance to the ancient event, however, newfangled European trends have not taken root among these people. Around the middle of the last century, it was decided that “chenchi” would henceforth be held only during daylight hours, on the last day of the week. In rare cases, rather exceptionally, on Saturday morning. The number for the wedding is chosen very carefully, guided by ancient esoteric knowledge and the lunar calendar

Chere (rite of remembrance of ancestors).

According to Korean belief, a person's soul does not leave immediately after his death, but remains with his descendants for another four generations. All this time, the deceased person is still considered a member of the family, and Koreans perform a special ceremony in his honor, Chere on Seollal ( New Year By eastern calendar), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day), and also on the day of death anniversary. Koreans also believe that their life here in this world can be happy and prosperous if their ancestors bless them.

During Japanese colonial rule, the tradition of holding Jongmyo began to fade away, and was interrupted in 1946. But in 1969 the ceremony was held again, and since 1971 it has been regularly held once a year on the first Sunday in May. Today this event is very popular among both Koreans and guests of the country. So, several thousand people came to watch the ceremony, which was held quite recently - on May 3, 2009.

Traditionally, the ritual was performed by the wang, the crown prince and his brothers, and other members of the royal family (but only men). They were also helped by some courtiers who had high status. Today, the ritual is performed by the descendants of the royal Li clan of Jeongju.

Body language

When you call someone to you, place your palm down and wave it, moving all your fingers. Never call anyone with your palm up, and especially with one finger - this is how Koreans call dogs.

You cannot step over an older person if he is lying down and resting, especially in the head area.

You can't lie down if your elder is eating at the same time.

When sitting down at the table, you cannot take a spoon before the elder.

You need to give something to your elder and accept something from him with both hands. In general, this gesture is universal for all occasions in life when you give or receive something from someone older in age or position. For example, a store clerk always takes money and gives change with only two hands. According to the rules of etiquette, this gesture should be accompanied by a slight bow.

A widespread custom is the ban on smoking in front of the “elder,” even if the “younger” is himself older. If a “junior” drinks alcohol at the same table as a “senior”, bringing the glass to his mouth, he usually turns away and covers it with his hands.

It is considered rude to pour your own drink. This way you deprive the host of the table of the opportunity to show hospitality. When you are poured, you should hold the glass in your right hand and hold your right hand with your left hand. It's the same when you pour: the bottle is in your right hand, left hand holds the right one.

In Korea, it is considered offensive to blow your nose in public.

At the same time, it’s not at all shameful to slurp at the table. This way you show the owner that everything is very tasty.

It is unacceptable to stick chopsticks into food at the table. This is a gesture related to death.

If you are talking to someone, keep your hands visible. It is indecent to hide them behind your back or in your pockets.

In Korea, it is not customary to call someone with your palm facing up or beckon with your finger. Dogs are usually called with such gestures in Korea. To call a person, you need to do this with your hand with your palm facing down.

There is also a purely Korean gesture showing good location to you. This is a friendly gesture. Make a heart shape with your hands (over your head, for example).

It’s impossible not to mention spreading your fingers in front of the lens, bringing your fists to your cheeks and other aegyo.

Women often cover their faces when laughing. It is considered indecent for them to show their teeth. Now this gesture, however, is somewhat outdated.

While in Korea you need to get used to bowing. You can't live without it in Asia.

No touching! Koreans consider it disgraceful to be touched by anyone other than close friends. Don't hug anyone, don't pat them on the back, don't put your hand on their shoulder. It is absolutely unacceptable to touch elders or people of the opposite sex.

Koreans often laugh to hide their embarrassment. Laughter can also mean fear, anger or surprise. Korean women cover their mouths when they laugh. Men don't do this.

Close Korean friends of the same sex may walk hand in hand or with a hand on the shoulder. Foreigners should not do the same.

You cannot sit with your legs crossed or stretch them out in front of you. Feet should be on the floor. Under no circumstances should they be placed on a table or chair.

You can give and receive objects only with your right hand (with your left hand, grab your right wrist) or with both hands.

You should cover your mouth with your hand when you yawn or use a toothpick.

Familiar people stand close to each other and walk nearby. It is very rude to force a person to walk behind you.

You need to sit and stand straight, without slouching.

When a person throws his head back and sucks air through his teeth, it means “no” or “this is very difficult.”

Ondol

Traditional Korean rooms are very multifunctional. They have no special purpose; the same room, for example, can be both a bedroom and a dining room, etc. Almost all Koreans sit and eat on the floor, and therefore simply bring a mattress or dining table into the room as needed.

The floor is usually stone or concrete, and hot air is specially blown under it to heat the room. The top layer can be clay or cement, protecting people from harmful gases. This heating method is called “ondol” (literally from Korean: “hot stone”).

Currently, hot water circulates under the floor, and the floor itself is usually covered with linoleum.

Korean cuisine

Korean cuisine is famous for its wide variety of dishes and food products, used in them. In ancient times, Korea was an agricultural country that mainly grew rice, which served as the main food product for the population. Currently, in Korean cuisine, along with herbs and vegetables, various types meat and fish. Korean foods such as kimchi (sauerkraut), jeogal (salted shellfish, fish or shrimp) and twanjang (soybean paste) are famous for their distinctive flavor and high nutritional value.

The most distinguishing feature Korean table is that all dishes are served at the same time. Traditionally, the number of appetizers varied from 3 for the lower classes to 12 for royalty. The table setting varies depending on what is served: noodles or meat dish. Formal table setting rules show the attention Koreans place on food and the eating process. Compared to neighboring China And Japan, a spoon is used more often in Korea, especially when serving soups.

Gimjang

Gimjang is the time to prepare kimchi for the winter, a special method whose secrets are passed down from generation to generation. Since vegetables practically do not grow in Korea in winter, Gimjang is held in late autumn, supplying Koreans with their staple food - kimchi - for the entire winter, since Koreans simply cannot imagine a table without it.

National clothing (hanbok)

Hanbok has been traditional Korean clothing for thousands of years. All its beauty and grace can be seen in photographs of women wearing hanbok.

Hanbok was everyday wear in Korea until Western style arrived in the country about a hundred years ago. Men wore "jeogori" (jackets) with "paji" (pants), and women wore "jeogori" with "chhima" (skirt). These days, hanbok is worn for holidays such as Seollal (Oriental New Year), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), or weddings.

Hanbok It is distinguished by its simple lines and lack of pockets. Women's hanbok consists of a loose skirt that wraps around the body and a bolero-like jacket. This is called chhima-chogori. The skirt is called chhima in Korean, and the jacket is called jeogori. A man's hanbok consists of a short jacket and loose trousers, called paji in Korean, which must fit snugly around the ankles. Both ensembles can be complemented by long outerwear, similar in cut to jegori, called turumagi. Since ancient times, representatives of both sexes have worn poson - thick, quilted socks, as well as komusin - wide shoes with curved toes that can be easily taken off and put on when entering and leaving the house. The last circumstance is important, given that until now Korea It is not customary to wear shoes indoors, even indoor ones.

The traditional hanbok, still worn today, is modeled after clothing that was common during the Confucian-oriented Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Representatives of the yangban (hereditary aristocratic class, relying more on education and social status than on material values) they wore hanbok in bright colors, made from plain silk, and hand-woven silk in cold weather, and from light, permeable materials in hot weather. People of humble birth were prohibited by law (as well as people who owned capital) from bleaching hemp and cotton in order to wear white and sometimes pale pink clothes. Therefore, they could only wear light green, gray or jet black hanbok.

Traditional Korean house

A traditional Korean house is called a "hanok". When building such a house, a place is selected where people can coexist with nature. Therefore, the natural conditions of a traditional Korean home include from internal structure to the building materials used. Other unique feature traditional houses - their special layout, which allows you to cool the house in the summer and heat it in the winter. Hot summer and cold winter led to the invention of the Ondol Gudeul floor heating system and the Daecheon ventilated terrace. Thanks to such inventions, Koreans were able to endure the cold of winter and stuffy, humid summers. Such simple heating and air conditioning systems are so effective that they are used in many homes even today.

Despite the fact that world society has recently changed significantly and is no longer the same as it was just a century ago, the traditions of Korea are still determined depending on the traditional Confucian structure of social relations.

The role of Confucianism in the country is still very important. Age and position in society are of great importance. The traditions of South Korea regarding relations in society are very clearly defined - the younger ones follow the wishes of the elders, and people from high social strata are authorities among ordinary citizens. This has always been the case in this country, and now such simple laws also apply, although it is worth noting that, compared to the earlier stages of the development of Korean culture, the features of such rules are now a little blurred. Therefore, before making acquaintance with a new person, South Koreans try to find out as much as possible about him. In order to determine their behavior with a certain person, Koreans learn about his marital status, age, and status. And they don’t ask these questions out of ordinary curiosity, although, of course, not everyone answers them honestly or even prefers to remain silent.

To more clearly understand Korean culture, you need to know their attitude towards marriage.

A wedding is, without a doubt, the most important event in the life of every resident of this country. Divorce is a shame and a stigma for the rest of your life, and not only for spouses, but for all members of their families. Although, modern society is taking its toll and, despite harsh criticism from society, more and more married couples are officially breaking off their relationship.

Residents of Korea are not very emotional people and it is not customary for them to hug or kiss when meeting. Usually, everything is limited to a handshake. However, once the relationship becomes closer, some familiarity is possible. It should be noted that Koreans have an extremely negative attitude towards girls who walk holding hands. So, in order to avoid misunderstandings when visiting Korea, it is better not to do this.

People who are in close relationships with each other may well touch their faces in a busy place - public morality in this country allows this. Although passionate kisses and hugs are still very obscene and well-mannered Koreans will not allow themselves to do this in crowded places.

Meals in Korea take place on the floor, so be sure to take off your shoes when visiting.

In the country it is not polite to be bare-legged in the presence of older people. In this case, you should always wear stockings or socks.

The norm of behavior in society is that when visiting any establishment, everyone pays for themselves (shared), although if someone expresses a desire to pay for everyone, no one will object. Not so long ago, lunch or dinner in Korea had to take place in silence, but modern society It is acceptable to discuss something and laugh while eating.You always need to thank the hostess or owner for food, which is very highly valued.In Korea, you should not lure a person to you with your finger or palm facing up, since in this way only dogs attract attention in the country.

Holidays in Korea.

Thanksgiving is in mid-September.

Sokhonje is celebrated in March and September. A huge number of people come to Confucian chapels these days. There you can see costumed rituals and hear traditional orchestras. Best place to attend such a holiday is Sungkyunkwan (Seoul University).

On the birthday of Buddha (May), lantern parades are held - a very spectacular spectacle. At the beginning of September, another significant Korean holiday falls - the Lunar Harvest Festival.Also this month you can visit National Festival Folk Arts and see how Hanjongshik is celebrated there - a cultural holiday of Korea.