The cultural component of a particular country is a very serious subject to study, especially before traveling. Each nation has its own traditions and customs, its own prohibitions and beliefs. The same gesture different countries can be interpreted in completely different ways, and if you can put up with comical situations, but no one will tolerate insults from visitors. If you are planning a holiday in , now is the time to get acquainted with its culture.
Fundamental principles of South Korean culture
In 1948, one large state, Korea, was divided into the DPRK and the Republic of Korea. After this, the culture of each country began to develop in different ways, but they have the same origins and roots. In particular, the behavior of society is based on the principles of Confucianism, which were developed in China in 500 BC.
From a young age, Koreans instill in their children love and respect for parents, family, and those in authority. Great importance is attached to such concepts as justice, honesty, humanism, peace and education. In modern South Korean culture, a model of behavior called the Rule of Five Relationships has developed on this basis. In particular, it provides for certain norms in communication between father and son, husband and wife, older and younger generations, ruler and subject, and between friends.
Tourists who come to this country on holiday often fall out of this pattern of behavior. Therefore, sometimes it seems that Koreans are rude and ignorant. But in fact, until you enter into one of these types of relationships, you may simply not be noticed.
It is because of the Rule of Five Relationships that Koreans can sometimes ask somewhat awkward and personal questions. But if a local resident is interested in your marital status or age, do not rush to be rude in response - he is simply trying to determine by what rules he should interact with you.
Selected manifestations of South Korean culture
Understanding the fundamental principles of building relationships between Koreans, it will be interesting to consider more specific manifestations of their behavior patterns. In particular, these are:
- Respect for elders. In Korea, it is customary for young people and those of lower rank to follow the wishes and instructions of their elders without any objections.
- Attitude towards marriage. Koreans consider marriage to be perhaps the most important event in life. Divorce, on the contrary, is interpreted as a huge and indelible shame.
- Names. Among residents of the CIS countries, it is common practice for a wife to take her husband’s surname. IN South Korea adhere to different traditions - the wife keeps her surname, but their common children inherit family name father.
- Public quarrels. Angry and offended women are everywhere. This mixture turns out to be especially explosive if such a woman is also elderly. In South Korea, there are quite often these types of grandmothers who can show their dissatisfaction not only verbally, but also physically. No matter how offensive it may be, you cannot react to this, even if you are provoked. It's best to just step aside.
- Handshake. People who are equal in status or who are on friendly terms use the familiar form of handshake. But if one of them is of lower rank or younger, then he is obliged to shake the outstretched hand with both hands. Quite often, the greeting is supplemented with a bow. The older and the higher in status a person is, the deeper they bow to him.
- The boss is always right and cannot be denied. Surprisingly, this rule applies to almost all areas of life. You can't even refuse an offer to drink. Therefore, if the boss is an alcoholic, it is easier to change jobs than to give them a refusal.
South Korean traditions
The culture and traditions of South Korea are closely intertwined, because one follows the other. However, with the passage of time and globalization moving by leaps and bounds, any open society undergoes some kind of change. But there are fundamental beliefs that are revered at all times. In relation to South Korea, the following traditions, customs and:
- Chere, or rite of remembrance of ancestors. According to Korean beliefs, after death, a person’s soul goes to another world only after a change of 4 generations. And throughout this period he is a full member of the family, who, according to legend, cares for and protects the entire family from bad weather.
- Hanbok, or traditional clothing. It is what Koreans wear on such solemn days as Lunar New Year, Harvest Day, or wedding ceremony.
- In relation to marriage, Koreans have skillfully created a model that combines both modern trends and traditional rituals. Today, a Korean wedding is divided into two parts: first there is a ceremony according to Western European style, with a white dress, veil and tuxedo for the groom, and after the newlyweds dress in traditional outfits and go to a special room for lunch with their parents.
- Sollal, or Lunar New Year. This holiday is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar. It is customary to celebrate it with family, remembering ancestors, preparing special dishes and dressing up in hanbok.
- Chuseok, or Harvest Day. Fifteenth day of the eighth month eastern calendar Koreans devote it to remembering their ancestors and thanking the gods for food.
Note to tourists
In order not to get into trouble when communicating with a Korean, or to avoid incurring the wrath of law enforcement officials, a tourist in South Korea should remember a few rules:
- Watch your gestures. Calling someone with your palm up or beckoning with your finger is considered offensive.
- You should take off your shoes when entering a Korean home, but walking on the floor without socks is considered bad manners.
- Public displays of affection between a couple, be it kissing or hugging, are considered indecent in Korean society, but displays of friendship are quite acceptable.
- Smoking in public places is strictly prohibited, and enforcement of this rule is closely monitored by the police.
- You cannot pierce food with chopsticks and leave them directly on the plate, especially when visiting - the hostess may take this as an insult.
Korea is very ancient country. Despite historical changes, the culture and life of Koreans is determined by the Confucian system of relations.
Respect for elders
Social status and age mean a lot to Koreans when communicating. The wishes of elders must be fulfilled unquestioningly. That is why Koreans who are younger in age or social status fulfill the requests of their elders without objection. It is not surprising that when meeting people, questions are often asked about their personal life, work, age, and education. They are needed to determine the status of the interlocutor. Respect for elders is common among Koreans of all ages, including children and youth.
Names
A Korean's full name consists of a surname and a given name. The surname usually has one and the given name has two syllables. Married women they do not change their surname, but their children are given their father’s surname.
Rite of remembrance of ancestors (chere)
Koreans believe that after death, the soul lives in this world for four generations. During this time, the deceased person is considered a family member. The ceremony is carried out for Lunar New Year or Harvest Day and definitely in day of death. Koreans believe that the deceased protect their loved ones from misfortune.
Marriages
An important event for a Korean is marriage. A single man cannot be considered an adult. Divorce- This is a shame for the families of the husband and wife. The wedding ceremony is first performed in Western style. The bride and groom put on the toxido and Wedding Dress. The traditional wedding ceremony takes place on the same day. The newlyweds dress in national wedding costumes.
Rules of conduct, gestures
Words of gratitude are always pronounced with a bow. The degree of bow depends on the status of the interlocutor. Koreans are very reserved; they do not accept hugs, only a polite handshake. Touching between Koreans of the same sex is acceptable. For example, female friends walking down the street and holding hands are not surprising. Showing affection and kissing in public is considered indecent behavior. When entering a house, Koreans always take off their shoes. According to tradition, they sleep, eat and sit on the floor. When visiting, be sure to wear socks. Showing bare legs to elders is indecent. In a restaurant or cafe, someone pays for the food alone, but young people pay together. It is indecent to blow your nose at the table, serve something with one hand, or leave chopsticks in a bowl of rice. You can call a person only with your hand, the palm of which is facing down. With the palm of the hand facing upward, they call the dogs; it is indecent to beckon with a finger. Koreans are very hard-working people. They are often late at work. Many shops, markets and restaurants are open 24 hours a day. After work, colleagues go to dinner somewhere. It's cheaper than cooking at home. Koreans don't drink a lot of hot drinks. This is mainly local low-alcohol vodka. They never get rowdy and are not late for work in the morning. In Korea, it is not customary to apologize. If a Korean accidentally pushes someone or steps on someone’s foot, he will not apologize, but will simply move on. The point is that he doesn't want the person to feel awkward. After all, in response to an apology, he will have to say something.
Hanbok
Hanbok- this is Korean National Costume. Before the arrival of Western fashion on the peninsula, hanbok was casual wear. Men wore trousers and a jacket, and women wore a skirt and jacket. Modern Koreans wear hanbok for holidays and weddings.
Ondol
Ondol- This is a heating system built into the floor. At home, Koreans prefer to sit, sleep and eat on the floor. The rooms are universal. If it’s time to sleep, they lay out a mattress or mats, and it’s time for dinner, they put up a folding table. Previously, hot air was used to heat the house, which passed through pipes built into the clay floor. IN modern houses use water heating. Circulating through pipes in the floor, hot water heats the room. The floors are covered with linoleum and other modern materials.
Kimchi
Kimchi- This ancient tradition preparing kimchi for the winter. It is impossible to imagine Korean cuisine without kimchi. This dish consists of pickled vegetables. Chinese cabbage is most often fermented. Kimchi is very spicy snack, like all Korean cuisine.
Eastern medicine
The principle of Eastern medicine is the harmonization of the human biofield. It is believed that if any organ hurts, it means that the balance of energies in the body is disturbed. Treatment is aimed at increasing immunity and restoring energy channels. Eastern medicine treats with herbs, aromas of essential oils, acupuncture, massage. Koreans have a very peaceful character. They are friendly, have a philosophical approach to life, and know and respect their traditions.
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 also changed regarding 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. Several thousand shamans still practice in the modern country. 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 style of behavior.
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 through 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. Most famous historical monument – cave temple Seokguram. 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 with significant influence from 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.
Way of development
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, and items began to be produced to glorify the country in the 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. They created the Korean alphabet and there was almost universal literacy. 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. Local residents 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 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 the important points is 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. 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.
In Korea they say that a family is born a second time with the birth of a child. Everyone is expecting the birth of a baby. Not only future parents, but also grandparents, uncles and aunts are involved in this event. Shopping, discussions, and preparations are often done together. Expectant mother It is customary to protect and cherish, especially if this is the first child. When I was pregnant, my Korean relatives surrounded me with such frantic care that at first I was even taken aback. I'm not used to such signs of attention. They fed me, clothed me, and let me listen to some classics.
At the same time, the husband’s mother-in-law and sister showed such zeal that even the husband somehow found himself on the sidelines. It is not for nothing that Koreans consider the year a child spends in the womb to be a full year of a person’s life. Therefore, age is calculated by adding a year to the date of birth.
The guardianship intensified at the hospital before the birth, where throngs of staff, including interns and other students, ran back and forth to ensure “my stay was comfortable.” Dads are now supposed to be with moms all the time. Therefore, there is a special couch for them in the ward so that they can spend the night in the hospital with the woman in labor.
After giving birth, the young mother is necessarily fed a special seaweed soup in beef broth. It is believed that Miyok-guk improves lactation and restores strength. Koreans say that female whales eat this algae after giving birth to their babies. People noticed this and decided to do the same. By the way, I really noticed the effect. I was fed this Miyeok-guk in the hospital. And when we were discharged, a huge pot of soup from my hospitable mother-in-law was already waiting for me at home.
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A young mother and newborn baby are always visited in the hospital. Relatives, friends and colleagues come and bring flowers, fruits and gifts. But the extract doesn’t really matter. They go home quietly, without unnecessary fanfare. The mother is supposed to rest for three weeks after giving birth. Eat, feed and sleep. Everything else will be done by other family members: parents, sisters, aunts. They also tried to send me to rest while my mother-in-law washed the diapers. However, here I will make a reservation: not every Korean mother-in-law will wash diapers. Usually, of course, it is the mother and sisters from the wife’s side who help, not the husband’s. But since my relatives were far away, my husband’s family considered it their duty to replace them for me.
Upbringing
Respect for elders and hard work are two basic principles on which Korean education is based. Life in a Korean family is unthinkable without observing a clear hierarchy. The younger ones obey the elders, the children obey their parents, the woman obeys the man. No matter how emancipated modern Korean women may be, they are last years have achieved considerable success in this area (suffice it to say that the recently elected president of Korea is a woman), but the head of the family remains a man.
There are many wives in Korea who find a lot of ways to twist ropes out of their husbands, but in public, the man-woman hierarchy will still be respected. From the early age Children are taught to address older family members using special forms of respect. The younger one cannot call the older one by name, much less address him as “you.” Even older brothers and sisters are usually called by the corresponding words: big brother (in Korean this is one word: women say “oppa”, men “hyung”) or big sister (women say “unnie”, men “noona”).
Calling by name is considered extremely impolite and even offensive. My children are the same age - they are 3 and 4 years old, but they have already been taught this rule. If a daughter calls her son by name, he immediately cuts her off and demands that she call him “oppa” (elder brother). Grandma, grandpa and dad do the same: “What are you doing? Is it possible to call your older brother by his name?”
By the way, I also never call my husband by name. He is a year older than me. And if I just call him Taegyu, I will insult both him and his family like crazy. As for the children, here we have a clear division: when they speak Russian, the daughter calmly calls her brother by name and he is not indignant. Once they switch to Korean, the use of a personal name becomes taboo. This does not mean that Koreans are some kind of ideal nation where the younger ones do not quarrel or argue with the elders. As in any human society, anything can happen here. And yet, for Koreans it is not easy speech etiquette, it's a way of thinking.
Korea has a lot of rules of politeness that express respect for elders. It is also very important that the child knows from an early age how important family is. “You can’t clap your hands with one hand,” the Koreans say. To be together, to maintain family ties and relationships, even if it is not easy, to realize that people need each other - they try to teach this in the family, in the garden, at school. Perhaps sometimes this turns into excessive “collectivism”, incomprehensible to Europeans, a depressing pressure of the public over the personal. Excess, even in what is good and right, can become a vice. But it seems to me that too often we try to make others fit our standards. What is difficult for a European may be a natural state for a person raised in Asia. In addition, respect for parents is considered something of a social duty. In Korea they say that those who treat their parents well will serve their country well.
In Korea, it is customary to pamper, praise and indulge children. It is a rare Korean mother who will teach her child to sleep in his own crib, allowing him to cry for several nights in a row. Even if there is nothing wrong with it. They would rather be carried in their arms or in slings and rocked. They try to calm the child by any means. Korean children (with the exception of very poor families) always have mountains of toys. Parents are selflessly turning their living rooms and bedrooms into one big playroom. Slides, swings, and children's playhouses are bought for home.
I know a couple of cases when mothers and fathers even agreed to spend the night in these houses, at the insistence of their kids. Although this is unlikely to help healthy sleep. Such preoccupation with the child, the absence of any healthy division of space in the house into children's and non-children's, is not very clear to me. On the other hand, on the contrary, they do not understand my boundaries. I often hear from Korean acquaintances that our house “does not look like a house where children live.” And all because we keep toys in the nursery and do not set up a branch of a kindergarten from the apartment.
However, with all this, Korean parents demand a lot from their children. First of all, in terms of studies. Already in kindergarten, children have quite a lot of activities. At school, a cloudless childhood ends abruptly. After about 5th grade, the average Korean student's "routine" looks like this: school at 7:30 (school starts vary from school to school), after school additional classes and courses until 9-10 pm. Many children continue to study during the holidays.
In Korea, there have been discussions for many years now that schoolchildren are overworked, deprived of their childhood, etc. But most parents still believe that this is all for the sake of the children and that it is necessary for them to succeed in life. Constant competition and constant struggle for survival. Is it possible to achieve success in life at the cost of your own health? The question in this case is rhetorical. However, the endurance and ability to work of Korean children is amazing. And besides, from such an upbringing they carry into life one clear and worthy rule - in order to live, you have to work.
According to the Confucian tradition, which established itself in Korea many centuries ago and still largely determines the way of thinking of Koreans, the birth of a son is simply a necessity for every married couple. Among other things, this, oddly enough, is connected with ideas about the afterlife. Only the son can perform memorial rites for the spirits of deceased parents. In modern Korea, this is a tribute to respect and memory. Few people believe in spirits. But in ancient times this was the most important ritual action - making sacrifices. Sacrifice is food for the spirits of ancestors. And a person who does not have a son may be doomed to eternal hunger in another world. Hence the special love of Koreans for boys. What good is a girl?
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About 30-40 years ago, only the birthdays of sons were celebrated with big holidays in the family, while girls remained in the shadows. I will never forget how I was struck by an old family photo from my father-in-law’s album. In the photo, taken about 60 years ago, everyone is wearing traditional clothing. Grandfather (father-in-law) is a bearded and very respectable father of the family. Nearby are his wife and their children, almost all adults by then. Daughters hold their little sons on their laps. The babies are about a year old and all have a slit in their pants and their legs spread apart. That is, children sit with their genitals directly at the camera. Why? To proudly demonstrate to everyone that everyone already has a son!
Korean doctors are officially prohibited from telling parents the sex of their unborn child. It is believed that this is a kind of precautionary measure so as not to tempt people to get rid of unwanted daughters. However, in modern Korea this is an absolute exaggeration. Everyone I know adore their daughters, were waiting for them, and I simply cannot imagine someone having an abortion because of the sex of the child. Perhaps somewhere in a remote village. Yes, and there it is doubtful.
When I was pregnant with my second child, my husband really wanted a daughter and even told me, “You’ll keep giving birth until you give birth to a daughter.” I was lucky: we had a daughter. Older people view this somewhat differently. Our Korean grandparents love their grandchildren equally, but it feels like the grandson is more significant to them. They are more interested in his successes and activities. And they are clearly more proud of him. In addition, the boy is the successor of the family. They try to pass on family history and traditions to him. After marriage, a girl will belong to another family. Otherwise, the principles of raising boys and girls are not much different now.
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Family celebrations and rituals, even those in which women traditionally did not participate, now include everyone. In school and work, boys and girls are asked the same.
Just 10-15 years ago, most Korean mothers were housewives. The man was working and the woman was looking after the children. Considering that working in Korean means leaving home at 6-7 in the morning and returning late in the evening, and with virtually no vacations, dads see their own children much less often than their work colleagues. Therefore, the main burden of worries associated with raising children fell on the mother. Today this situation is changing. A lot of Korean women work. This means that children are raised by kindergarten and grandmothers. In this sense, everything here is the same as everywhere else. The disadvantages of this state of affairs are obvious. But even if mom works, she always communicates more with the children and is closer to them than dad.
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There is such a “family tradition” in Korea - to send the child to the mother for all questions, as soon as she appears at home. In Korea, there is a lot of talk about the fact that due to constant work and due to the frequent reluctance of fathers to tinker with their children during rare hours of rest (which is quite understandable), children practically do not know their fathers. Rarely does anyone have a truly close relationship with their dad. This is despite the fact that a lot depends on the father in the family. The final verdict on important family issues is usually made by dads. The better you know your child, the more likely it is that the decisions you make will benefit him. What if the father doesn’t actually know the child? How many right decisions will he make? However, here everything depends very individually on people, especially on mothers, who also have their own voice. My husband, for example, although he pushes all the everyday fuss with the children onto me, he does not believe that “children are a mother’s business.” In the evenings and on weekends, he tries to talk with them, read their diaries from the garden, build a construction set with his son, or ride a bike with him. Anything is possible if you have the will.
Grandparents by default occupy the highest position in the Korean family hierarchy. They are always addressed (or should be addressed) using only special respectful forms of speech. Even for very common words like "home", for example, in Korean there are several variations depending on who you are talking about. When we say about ourselves that we are going home, we say “zhip.” When we go to grandma's house, we say "tek".
In front of grandparents, you should not yell at the child or swear. In general, you should behave with restraint and dignity. This is not always observed, but according to tradition it should be so. Korean grandparents tend to take an active part in the lives of their grandchildren. Everyone, one way or another, helps in education. The grandparents of my husband's generation, who are now in their 80s, are clearly more interested in grandchildren from their sons. My husband's grandmother has six children and twelve grandchildren. But it’s immediately clear that she is much less interested in her daughters’ grandchildren.
Until now, grandparents on mom’s side and dad’s side are called differently. On my father’s side they are called “natural grandparents,” and on my mother’s side, literally translated, “external,” that is, those who do not belong to this family. However, in modern Korea, it is precisely these same “external” grandmothers who sit with their grandchildren more - they help their daughters.
In addition to all the everyday fuss, grandparents always give wise instructions to their grandchildren during traditional holidays, they say family stories. In addition, it is grandmothers who preserve one of the most important Korean traditions - the family recipe for making kimchi. This is a traditional dish made from very spicy sauerkraut(we call this variety Beijing salad) with the addition of daikon, garlic and spices. For Koreans, kimchi is the heart and soul of their entire cuisine! It is simply impossible to imagine a daily table without kimchi in Korea. This dish is prepared once a year. And it is the grandmothers who rule the action.
I often wonder what will happen to this tradition when the grandmothers are gone. It seems very unlikely that modern Korean women, at least in cities, accustomed to good supermarkets and other amenities, would bother themselves with such work.
Globalization, computerization, education - very effective ways fight against superstitions. Traditional beliefs now seem ridiculous to many. Surely some new types of superstitions are emerging, but they are not so interesting. For example, will you ever see a mirror in front of the entrance to a yard or a house? And in the past they often did this to scare away evil spirits. The spirit will see itself in the mirror, how scary it is, will get scared and fly away. Oh, if only evil people could also be scared away.
Most Koreans today are practical modern people and there are few superstitions in their lives. One of the most common is the fear of the number “4”. The fact is that Chinese character denoting the number "4", is read the same as the word "death". Together with the hieroglyphs from China, this superstition also came to Korea. Until now, in many buildings, instead of “4th floor”, they write “F floor”. Some superstitions are associated with gifts. Let's say you can't give shoes to your beloved (or lover). He will run away. Children must be protected from evil eyes. My mother-in-law once taught me that I shouldn’t say that a child is heavy. This will make him sick.
It is made from tteok rice cakes in a broth made from beef bones and brisket. Koreans say that whoever ate tteokguk on New Year’s Day “ate another year,” meaning he became a year older. Therefore, a person’s age does not change on his birthday, but with the onset of the new year. lunar calendar.
Each holiday has its own fruit. In Seollal, it is customary to eat apples and tangerines; a special variety of tangerines from Jeju Island is especially good. They are called hallabung (after the name main mountain islands - Halla volcano). In the fall, during the Juseok celebration, people usually eat bae, a type of pear. The most important meal during Seollal (Lunar New Year) is the festive breakfast. “Sebe” is performed in front of him - bows of all family members to older relatives. They must be performed by dressing in traditional Korean clothing “hanbok”. But usually only children wear it. Today, few adults change into hanbok at home. Although Koreans love their traditional costume very much and always wear it on special occasions.
After a bow and a few parting words, the elders give the children “sebeton,” that is, “New Year’s money.” Giving children gifts for the Lunar New Year is not very common. But they definitely give money. In ancient times in Korea there was a belief that on New Year's Day the spirits of deceased ancestors visit their relatives. Therefore, on this day, all members of the family, including those who have already died, gather around the family hearth. This is where the tradition of holding the rite of ancestor worship - “chesa” - took place on the first day of the new year. Today, not everyone does it. In Christian families like my family, Seollal is usually greeted without this ritual. But we observe all other traditions, as expected. On holidays, people often gather for traditional games. Children chase Pyongyi tops through the streets (they are spun using special whips). My Korean family loves it very much card game grab. They can sit behind it until the morning. And I love “yunnori”. It is played in teams. Participants take turns throwing special dice and moving chips on the playing field in accordance with the points received. It would seem that it could not be simpler. But the game is very exciting. Because of unusual shape Rolling the Yunnori dice is not that easy.
During traditional holidays, many people go out to fly a kite. Very often I see grandfathers flying kites with their grandchildren. Making such a kite is an art.
In Korea, it is also customary to celebrate a child’s first birthday in a grand manner (more details -). And there is a lot to do with this family traditions. Baby and parents change into clothes traditional clothes"hanbok". Many guests are gathering. Usually holidays are held in special centers where everything is prepared for this. There are specially decorated halls, hosts, and refreshments. The culmination of the holiday is the determination of the child’s fate. However, today this is just a symbolic game. Various objects are placed on the table in front of the child: threads, rice grains, money, a pencil or notebook. Each item is a symbol of the future that awaits the child. The child is asked to choose and take one of them. If he grabs the money, it means he will be rich; if he grabs the threads, there will be long life, choosing a book, notebook or pencil means that the child will be capable of science and become a scientist, rice cereal is a “full cup”, life is prosperous. We celebrated our children's birthdays at home, but we did not give up this tradition. In addition to the birthday, an important date in the life of a Korean baby is 100 days. On this day they do family photos, give gifts and order special rice cakes “tteok”. They are treated to relatives, acquaintances, and neighbors. It is believed that if one hundred people eat this tteok, the child will have a long and happy life.
The population of South Korea is more than 51 million people, of which the vast majority are Koreans. Only the Chinese minority became a noticeable inclusion in the ethnic picture of Korea - according to the latest data, about 35 thousand people. So unique to modern world the situation in which the ethnic group is equal to the state has developed due to the special idea of the Koreans about the world: in it, the main thing for them is not citizenship, not the territory of residence, but belonging to their people.
However, there are prerequisites that the homogeneity of the population will soon be disrupted: Koreans are increasingly marrying foreigners, mainly Chinese, Vietnamese, and women from the Philippines. However, Europeans are unlikely to be able to distinguish between Koreans and Vietnamese, because long years To tourists and guests of South Korea, its inhabitants will seem surprisingly similar to each other, as if the whole state is a big family.
Peoples inhabiting South Korea
Koreans
Until recently, scientists could not answer the question of how and when the Koreans appeared. Only modern genetics and DNA research have solved the mystery: the Korean people come from the eastern environs of the Sayan Mountains and Lake Baikal.
Today Koreans speak own language, their self-name is “hunguk saram”. Characteristic Koreans are hard-working: work for them is more than a way to earn a living, labor collective, the company is an extension of the family, often its most important part.
Korean hospitality is very reminiscent of Russian and Chinese: for them it is important to feed the guest, so the first question you will hear in a Korean home or when meeting is: “Are you hungry?” Another feature similar to us is high alcohol consumption, more than 9 liters per year for each person.
The ethnic characteristic of Koreans was good singing ability, but poor dancing ability. Scientists have not yet figured out what the reason is. An important national trait is a penchant for learning: more than 93% of school students graduate from universities, which gives them good chances for a career and a prosperous life. In the world, South Korea ranks 2nd in the number of people who read regularly.
The most important korean tradition- politeness. They say “thank you” and “hello” to everyone - the seller, the courier, the janitor, the cleaning lady, etc. Koreans are very respectful towards their elders, even if the difference is 1 year. Therefore, at the first meeting, they immediately find out how old you are and whether you are married. Marital status for a Korean is also a sign of maturity: an unmarried man until a very old age will be considered a youth and... a little “out of his mind.”
Chinese
“Huaqiao” is the name given to the Korean Chinese. Most of them are citizens of Taiwan, but they live permanently, for many generations, in South Korea. They even came up with a special term for them - “permanent foreigners.” The Chinese appeared in South Korea in the 40s of the twentieth century, during civil war in China. Many years have passed, but they do not become South Korean citizens due to government policies. They are not allowed to serve in the army or hold government positions; they experience great difficulty in finding employment in large companies. The primary activity of the Korean Chinese is trade.
Life of Koreans
90% of Koreans are middle class. The country ranks 13th in terms of living standards in the world ranking: there is no clear division between rich and poor, the vast majority of people live prosperously.
More than 80% of city residents live in “apatas” - houses of the same type - comfortable high-rise buildings with 20 - 30 floors. There is a free parking lot under the house, and nearby there are playgrounds and sports grounds, where the most common games are chokku (Korean football) and badminton. Each microdistrict has a tennis court and often a swimming pool.
Inside the houses there are always working elevators, in which a small bench is installed under the panel: for children. Children even in major cities often walk alone, because the level of danger in the country is extremely low: something like this was the case in best years THE USSR.
Houses often don’t have number “4”—no fourth floor, no fourth apartments—because “4” is an unlucky number for Koreans. But everywhere and in large quantities- video cameras. There are so many of them that you can safely leave bags, exercise equipment and anything else in the courtyard of the house, in the entrance: it is unlikely that anyone will encroach on someone else’s property. And the reason for this is not only cameras, but traditions and upbringing.
In each apartment, a special device is installed on the ceiling in the kitchen to notify residents about important events, events. It is impossible to turn it off. Next to the “sounder” is a fire safety device, which is mandatory for all premises in Korea.
The apartment begins with a tiny hallway, where it is customary to leave shoes and hats. The floor level in the hallway is 7 - 10 cm lower than the floor level in other rooms, so that less dirt and dust enters the rooms.
The kitchen is usually not separated from the main apartment in any way and is a standard kitchen set with cabinets, a sink, an extractor hood, a stove, a washing machine, etc. All this is a normal component of an apartment that is rented out by a developer, and therefore is the same for everyone. The most commonly purchased refrigerators are a standard one and a refrigerator for kimchi - Korean “bread” made from vegetables (Chinese cabbage, radish, onions, cucumbers, etc. Kimchi is called “bread” because Koreans eat it at every meal.
A typical Korean apartment has a bedroom - a small room where there is often not even room for a bed: most Koreans sleep on the floor. When they wake up, they carefully fold the blanket and bedding into a corner. All this is possible thanks to the “ondol” system - a heated floor.
“Ondol” is a modernized thousand-year-old tradition of heating a house through the floor, an analogue of the Russian stove with a stove bench, in which the floor is the “bed”. In ancient times, for its construction, chimneys were diverted from the stove under the floor, but today the smoke is replaced with ordinary water or electricity. There are 5 heating levels, the owners themselves choose what temperature they require.
Warm floors have largely determined the life of Koreans. They sleep on the floor, sit on the floor - have lunch, work, relax. The same thing happens in Korean restaurants, where diners take off their shoes in the “hallway” and sit on the floor at low tables.
Korean family
Traditionally, in a Korean family, the man is the breadwinner (earns money), the woman is the housewife and teacher of the children. Before marriage, young people do not live together - this is not encouraged, and they get married on average at 27 - 30 years old.
Korean families are very active. There you don’t have to cook, wash, or clean the house yourself: catering, dry cleaning, and cleaning companies are very accessible. That’s why families often spend weekends and hours after work going to parks, going to the movies, theaters, and going on short trips.
Traditions and customs
One of the most ancient traditions of South Korea is the celebration of the Lunar New Year - Seolyal. The weekend lasts three days and people dress up in hanbok, a traditional costume. For women, it consists of a jegori blouse, a chhima skirt, and a jacket. For men - from jeogori and paji pants. On holidays, Koreans go to their relatives, to the seashore, and congratulate each other.
Chuseok is another ancient holiday that also requires 3 days of rest. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month and is called the festival of the harvest and remembrance of ancestors. On this day, Koreans go to cemeteries, decorate their homes and yards with cereals, fly kites, and organize festivals. national dance kankansulle. At the cemetery, Koreans bring fruits of the new harvest, traditional and simple delicious dishes. If the cemetery was nearby, then it was customary for the table to be set at home, and the woman to carry it on her head to the grave.
A special date in the life of a Korean is considered to be the celebration of the first birthday - tol-chanchi. Many guests gather with gifts, a special ritual is performed, which should determine the fate of the one-year-old baby. For girls, the holiday begins in the morning so that they get married quickly, for boys - from about 12 o'clock, so that they do not get married early.
This holiday is part of the “four tables” tradition. The first two parents arrange for the child are the first birthday and the wedding. The second two children give their parents a 60th birthday and a funeral, a wake. In ancient times, the absence of one table canceled all subsequent ones.
There are few public holidays in South Korea, these are:
- Independence Day (March 1st),
- Constitution Day (July 17),
- Liberation Day (August 15),
- Founding Day of the country (October 3),
- Day of Hangeul - the national alphabet (October 9).