introduction to south korea essay

Essay on South Korea

Students are often asked to write an essay on South Korea in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on South Korea

Introduction.

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia. It’s known for its green, hilly countryside, centuries-old Buddhist temples, and high-tech cities.

South Korea is located on the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. It is surrounded by the Yellow Sea to the west, and the East Sea to the east.

Capital City

The capital city, Seoul, is a bustling metropolis with modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, and pop culture alongside historic palaces, and street markets.

Korean culture is rich with tradition, including the popular Korean music, K-pop, and Korean dramas that are famous worldwide.

250 Words Essay on South Korea

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. Its rapid economic growth, technological advancements, and rich cultural heritage make it a fascinating subject of study.

Economic Growth and Technological Advancements

South Korea’s economic growth, often referred to as the “Miracle on the Han River,” transformed it from a war-torn nation to an economic powerhouse. It is home to renowned multinational corporations like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG. Moreover, the country’s technological advancements, particularly in the fields of IT and robotics, have positioned it as a global leader in innovation.

Culture and Heritage

South Korea’s rich cultural heritage, embodied in its traditional music, dance, and art forms, coexists with its modern pop culture. The global phenomenon of K-pop and Korean dramas (K-dramas) has significantly increased its cultural influence, a phenomenon known as the “Korean Wave” or “Hallyu.”

Political Landscape

The political landscape of South Korea is marked by its democratic system and ongoing tensions with North Korea. Despite these challenges, South Korea has maintained political stability, contributing to its economic and social progress.

South Korea’s journey from devastation to prosperity, its technological prowess, and cultural richness offer valuable insights into the transformative power of innovation, cultural preservation, and resilience. It stands as a testament to the potential of human endeavor in shaping a nation’s destiny.

500 Words Essay on South Korea

Economic development.

South Korea’s economic narrative is one of the most compelling stories of the 20th century. From the ashes of the Korean War, the nation rose to become the 10th largest economy in the world, a phenomenon often referred to as the “Miracle on the Han River.” South Korea’s economic model, heavily reliant on chaebols (family-controlled conglomerates), has been instrumental in this rapid development. Companies like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG have become global powerhouses, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.

Technological Advancement

South Korea is a global leader in technological innovation and digital connectivity. With the highest internet speed in the world and a tech-savvy population, the nation is at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. South Korea’s commitment to research and development, coupled with a robust education system, has fostered an environment conducive to technological advancement. The country is also home to the city of Songdo, one of the world’s first smart cities designed from the ground up.

Cultural Exportation

Despite its economic and cultural prowess, South Korea faces a complex and challenging political landscape. The nation is technically still at war with North Korea, as the Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. This geopolitical tension, coupled with the pressure of being sandwiched between China and Japan, presents unique challenges for South Korea.

South Korea is a nation that has successfully navigated the path from war-torn poverty to economic prosperity and global cultural influence. Despite the geopolitical tensions that persist, the country continues to forge ahead, driven by innovation, cultural richness, and an indomitable spirit. South Korea’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic planning, and cultural vibrancy. It serves as an example for other nations aspiring to similar heights of development and global impact.

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Korean Culture – Guide to History, Customs, People, and Modern Day

Last modified: Jul 05, 2024 | 19 min read | By Joseph Gerocs

Are you curious about  Korean culture ?  Many people are since the culture in South Korea is becoming more popular all across the globe.

Perhaps you’ve heard about  K-Pop , K-Dramas , Korean food , or Korean movies  but don’t know much about them. Or maybe you’ve just heard a lot about South Korea in general, and you’re curious what the country is all about .

Rest assured; you’ve come to the right place! This page is chock full of everything you’ve ever wanted to know about South Korean culture .

Read on to find out more!

• 1 History of Korean Culture
• 2 Basic Facts about Korea
• 3 Korean Beliefs
• 4.1 Korean Ancestral Rites
• 4.2 Korean Burial Sites
• 5.1 Korean dance
• 5.2 Korean painting
• 5.3 Korean Pottery
• 5.4 Korean music
• 6.1 Korean cinema
• 6.2 Korean dramas
• 7.1 Korean traditional homes
• 7.2 Modern Korean House
• 7.3 Korean clothing
• 8 Korean cuisine
• 9 Korean Concept of “Face”
• 10 What is South Korean culture like?
• 11 What is the History of Korean culture?
• 12 What does the dragon mean in Korean culture?
• 13 Korean Holidays
• 14 Understanding Korean Culture

History of Korean Culture

The Korean culture is one of the oldest continuous cultures in the whole wide world. Today, starker cultural differences exist in today’s Korea, which has been split into North and South Korea. However, originally this cultural and historical heritage was shared quite identically across the entire Korean peninsula and even southern Manchuria.

Korean culture comprises all of its history, customs, traditions, and beliefs . It has been shaped by each of its different dynasties, wars, changes in religious beliefs, the modernization of the world as a whole, and many other customs and traditions that have been passed on between generations, experiencing slight changes with each generational pass. The lasting tensions between North and South Korea, which were split into their separate countries in 1945, continue to shape up both countries today.

On a perhaps more visible surface, Korean culture also consists of its food, holidays, national sports, and societal norms, as well as its popular culture in the form of music, movies, dramas, and fashion. And those are just some of the small pieces of what the culture is as a whole.

Basic Facts about Korea

The Korean peninsula, consisting of North and South Korea, is one of the most homogeneous regions in the world. Meaning that almost everyone residing in any part of the region is ethnically Korean. In South Korea, the population of Korean people is estimated to be a little over 51 million, and a little over 25 million in North Korea.

Additionally, there are around 7.4 million ethnic Koreans living all around the world. The native language is Korean, which you can read all about  here . Lastly, their government type is a republic, with a president as the head of state.

Korean Beliefs

The spiritual ground and beliefs of Koreans are built mainly around the religions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity. Of these, especially Confucianism has a long record of influence in Korea, and its political and social philosophies can still clearly be seen in today’s Korea.

However, Buddhism and Christianity are also highly visible in the society where Buddhist South Koreans account for 46% of the population, and a lot of the areas in South Korea that are listed as world heritage sites are Buddhist temples.

For example, the concept of hierarchy in Korea comes from Confucianism. The hierarchy is built based on a person’s age , job status, education level, and general social rank. Thanks to Confucianism, a lot of emphases is put upon respecting one’s elders and ancestors .

And although especially the younger generations of South Koreans are becoming more and more individualistic, Korea is still a largely collective society, with the family, workplace, business, and others’ perception of you holding a lot of importance. Therefore, it is not rare to still see the type of family dynamics where the eldest son of the family holds additional responsibilities over the family. He is also expected to take care of the parents when they reach retirement age.

Korean traditions and customs

There are two major holidays in South Korea every year: Lunar New Year’s Day (설날, seollal) in January-February and Korean Thanksgiving (추석) in September-October. Both holidays are celebrated together with family, with respecting ancestors, certain holiday foods and family games playing a big part of the day. These are all part of Korean traditions and customs .

One of the most important parts of 설날 (seollal), both traditionally and today, is to perform a ritual called 세배 (sebae). In it, the whole family, dressed in 한복 | hanbok | Korean traditional dress), performs a traditional deep bow while wishing for the year to bring in a lot of luck. For food, it is normal to eat rice cake soup, savory pancakes, and stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables.

On 추석, on the other hand, it is 차례 (charye), an ancestral memorial rite, that is the most important part of the holiday. It involves a whole lot of preparation in order to create a table of offerings, and on the table will also be two candles at the edges, an incense holder in the middle, and the memorial tablet, symbolizing the spiritual presence of the ancestors, at the very center. For food, stuffed rice cakes (called 송편, songpyeon) are made as to the most traditional one, with a whole lot of others being enjoyed as well.

Korean Ancestral Rites

Koreans hold their ancestral rites for their ancestors through a memorial ceremony called 제사 (jesa) on different occasions, such as on holidays or on the death anniversary.

There are different kinds of Korean ancestral rites that are observed. They are 기제사 (gijesa), 차례 (charye), 성묘 (seongmyo), and 묘사 (myosa).

기제사 (gijesa) is held during the death anniversary of one’s ancestor. 차례 (charye) is done during the traditional holidays in Korea in each of the family’s homes to pay respect to their loved ones.  성묘 (seongmyo) is when Koreans visit the tombs of their ancestors to show love and respect to them. And finally, 묘사 (myosa) is done at the tomb site in the lunar month of October.

Korean Burial Sites

There are 2 common types of Korean burial sites where they enshrine and commemorate the remains of the deceased. One is called 묘지(myoji), which means burial ground. Cemeteries are called 공동 묘지(gongdong myoji).

The other one is called 봉안당 (bongandang), a place where the remains are enshrined after cremating the deceased. There is also 봉안담 (bongandam), which is an outdoor wall-style version of 봉안당 (bongandang).

Korean traditional arts

There are a variety of traditional arts in South Korea that can still be seen and enjoyed today. Thanks to the Korean people who are mastering these arts for many of us to enjoy. You can see them being performed in the country at special events and celebrated in exhibits around the world.

Korean dance

Based on Korean history , dances in Korea were formed as a part of shamanistic rituals an impressive five thousand years ago. Over time and the different dynasties, varieties of folk dances have evolved from these ritualistic dances. There were more than 12 types of Korean dances that were popular to perform in the court in front of royals, for example.

Some of the most popular and common traditional dances, well-known even today, are as follows:

• 탈춤 (talchum) = a dance performed while wearing a mask
• 가인전목단 (gainjeonmokdan) = a calm dance where a vase of flowers is placed at the center of the stage, and the dancers will dance around the vase, picking out flowers from the vase
• 농악 (nongak) = an energetic dance also including drums
• 부채춤 (buchaechum) = a fan dance

Korean painting

Painting is a type of Korean art that has been a part of Korean culture since prehistoric times. In its earliest form, Korean painting was a form of rock art, where images were created by carving out parts of a rock surface. Once Buddhism arrived in Korea, new painting techniques were introduced, quickly becoming the common and popular way to paint. This includes, for example, calligraphy .

Korean Pottery

The history of pottery and ceramics in Korea goes back thousands of years. The dominant ingredient used in Korean pottery and its style have changed over the dynasties (Goryeo dynasty to Joseon), ranging from coils and clay to pottery to porcelain. Korean ceramics have also had a strong influence on shaping Japanese ceramics.

Korean music

Besides K-pop songs , Korean music is made up of traditional Korean songs ranging from folk and court to religious.  This aspect of culture comprises the music in the Korean peninsula (North and South). As a whole, this genre that is made up of traditional Korean songs is known as 국악 (gukak).

Korean Folk Music

The Korean folk song or music is typically referred to as 판소리 (pansori), which has even been designated as an intangible cultural property by UNESCO. Pansori is performed by one singer and one drummer. Some pansori songs also include dancers and/or narrators. Another type of folk music is 풍물 (pungmul), which involves drumming, singing, and dancing; it is traditionally called 농악, which has been mentioned above.

Korean Court Music

Besides folk music, Korean court music is another traditional Korean music. It was developed at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty, getting some of its influences from Chinese court music. There are also similarities to Japanese and Vietnamese court music.

There are three types of court music. The first form is 아악 (aak), which was drawn directly from the Chinese, performed in state sacrificial rites, and still exists today as music performed in some Confucian ceremonies. The second form is 향악 (hyangak), which was created entirely by Koreans. 향악 was often accompanied by traditional country dances, with the dances being performed for an audience. The third one is 당악 (dangak), which mixes Chinese and Korean court music styles into one style. There are specific types of dances that go along with 당악.

Korean popular culture

Often referred to as “ hallyu ” or the Korean wave, the Korean popular culture is no longer only famous and popular in Korea but becoming widespread across the globe.

Korean wave mainly includes Korean pop music, dramas, and movies. In fact, although K-Pop, through acts like BTS , is a hot topic these days, it was originally Korean dramas that became famous for watching in other countries.

Korean cinema

When speaking of Korean cinema , it usually counts the time from 1945 onward. The movies take a lot of influence from Korea’s own past, featuring a lot of material from the Japanese occupation, the Korean War, the road towards democratization and globalization, and so on. Although there is still present some shyness to putting certain materials on film, simultaneously Korean filmmakers are bold in expressing their views of society through internationally well-received movies like The Handmaiden  and  Parasite .

Korean dramas

Korean dramas differ from a lot of Western TV content, as they are typically only made to last for one season, with one overarching plot lasting 12 to 16 or so episodes. Historical stories and sitcoms may last longer, even up to 200 episodes, but the majority of prime-time television is set up this way. The dramas range on a variety of topics, from history and action to school and work life.

However, many of the most popular dramas have had a romantic story as their main element. Love stories on screen in Korea often play out quite differently from what is common in the West, with bedroom scenes and even deep kisses still remaining relatively rare to see. In the past few years, Korean dramas have also become more interested in tackling today’s societal issues, such as classism, mental health, bullying, spy cameras, corruption, and so on.

K-Pop is short for Korean pop, Korea’s response to Western mainstream music. The music itself samples different genres, from rock and jazz to hip-hop and techno, influenced by worldwide trends.

However, despite the influences, K-Pop is also quite different from Western pop, with idol groups being its leading force. The K-pop groups are formed by entertainment agencies from hoards of young trainees, who have been signed to the agencies in hopes of debuting as an artist at a young age, often years before getting lucky. In each group, each member plays their own role: there’s a dancer, a rapper, the main singer, a pretty face, and so on.

And although the songs themselves are important, the entire concept of each “comeback” – the term used whenever a group or an artist releases new content – is carefully crafted. From hair styling to dance moves and music videos, there is often a specific theme behind each single or album release, which also influences the mood and tune of the songs.

Korean homes and clothing

As with other aspects of South Korean culture, traditional homes and clothing continue to be visible in today’s Korea, and you’ll be able to see them in your daily life in South Korea. For example, in neighborhoods like Seoul’s Gwanghwamun, it is possible to see modern Korea’s glassy high-rise buildings blend in seamlessly with historical Korea’s traditional palaces, all in one spot, complete with locals and tourists walking about wearing traditional attire.

Korean traditional homes

A traditional Korean home is called 한옥 (hanok). It was thought that they could not be built on any random spot, but the site to build the house on needs to be carefully selected. In detail, this means that the houses should be built against a hill so that they’d receive as much sunlight as possible, a way of thinking that is still shared in modern Korea as well.

These traditional houses typically comprise an inner wing and an outer wing. How these “wings” are used depends on the wealth of the family, and in general, the size of the house was also directly correlated with how rich the family was. However, even if it was the richest family in Korea, the right to the largest house was reserved for the king.

A basic design of the inner wing would include a living room and a kitchen, as well as a central hall. The richer families may have some more rooms attached to this layout. Meanwhile, the poorer families would use the outer wing for their cattle. The most common building materials were wood and clay, followed by tile, stone, and thatch. That is one large reason why so many of these houses are no longer preserved in today’s Korea.

For heating, 온돌 (ondol) was used. 온돌 means floor heating. It has been in use in Korea since prehistoric times, and it is still the main form of heating today, in modern apartments as well, typically heated up using gas.

Modern Korean House

The majority of Koreans live in a modern Korean house . And there are many types of modern Korean houses: apartments, villas, officetel or studios, service residences, and private houses. 

A few common characteristics of these houses are having an area where sunshine can come in, open areas, lots of windows, and crystal doors.

Apartments are usually high-rise buildings that you’ll commonly see around the country, especially in Seoul.

Villas are low-rise buildings that typically don’t exceed 5 stories. Officetel, on the other hand, is also known as one-room. This house is inexpensive and is mostly located near subway stations. 

Service residences are apartment buildings that have facilities and services similar to a hotel. 

Private houses, also known as stand-alone houses, are the most expensive type of house among all the types of houses mentioned above. And you’ll not often see this type of house in urban areas.

Korean clothing

The traditional outfit in Korea is called 한복 (hanbok). It consists of a long-sleeved shirt and a long wide hemmed skirt. The specific styles and colors of each 한복 differ. Even today, it is normal for 한복s to be worn during the big holidays of 설날 and 추석. In addition to which they’re often also worn at weddings by the bride and groom’s parents, as well as the bride and groom at some point after the ceremony. Or even during the ceremony if it’s held in a traditional Korean style. It can also be worn on special events in the family, in the company, or on business events.

There were different types of 한복s in use. There was the kind used for every day, the kind for ceremonial events, and the special kind, which was usually restricted for the use of shamans, officials, and the like.

In general, clothing used to be an important mark of someone’s social rank, with people of different ranks dressing differently. Those of lower ranks typically wore plain clothes of plain colors, whereas upper classes and royals wore heavy and flashy outfits, complete with jewelry.

Korean cuisine

At the very center of Korean cuisine is rice. Korea has a long history of being nearly exclusively an agricultural country, with this having changed only recently, and you can still clearly see this in today’s cuisine. Fish and other seafood also play an integral part in shaping Korean cuisine.

Besides them, fermented dishes are largely important, kimchi being the most famous of them, rich in nutrients. The most common ingredients to use for cooking are 된장 (doenjang) which is a fermented bean paste, ginger, chili powder, fermented hot pepper paste, garlic, salt, sesame oil, and soy sauce.

In general, Koreans eat a lot of rice, vegetables , and meats. It’s typical for each meal to consist of multiple different side dishes, called 반찬 (banchan), in addition to the main course. Of them, kimchi is the staple side dish present at every meal.

Pork is perhaps the meat eaten the most in Korea , with 삼겹살 (samgyeopsal), which is grilled pork belly, one of most Koreans’ favorite foods. Several different chicken dishes also exist, including chicken feet. Beef is seen as the meat with the highest value, which explains its comparatively higher price, although since the latter 20th century, it has become more common to eat on a regular day instead of solely on special occasions.

A lot of Korean food is served grilled, steamed, fermented, or pickled. There are also a large variety of soups and stews, as well as noodles. In addition, several specific foods, such as salty pancakes or tofu with kimchi, are commonly eaten while enjoying alcohol.

Korean Concept of “Face”

To fully understand the way of behaving and thinking of Koreans, you need to understand the concept of the face – 체면 (chaemyeon) in Korean . It is among the most integral and important things in influencing how Koreans behave in their daily life and interactions with others.

체면 (chaemyeon) in meaning translates as the appearance a person wants to – or seeks to – offer others of themselves. It is especially prevalent when it comes to one’s status in society. For example, if someone is going through hardships with a relationship, an employment situation, finances, or even something more simple as struggling to do well in school, they will want to disguise that and instead show a more poised version of themselves.

This concept is also important for interactions with interpersonal relationships. Largely because of Confucian influences, Koreans hold maintaining harmony in high regard. And therefore, all conflict with others is to be avoided, and it is even feared that it could lead to saving face. Thus, it is more sought after to keep harmony and hold in negative thoughts and emotions.

This is an age-old concept in Korea. However, due to the hardships that came from being under Japan’s rule and then the war that led to Korea being split into two, it has regained importance in Korean society.

What is South Korean culture like?

South Korea is a unique culture with influences from China , Japan , and the West. When you first come for a visit, you will notice some things that are familiar to your home country. For example, you will likely see chain restaurants and global stores that are popular back home. At the same time, you’ll notice customs, styles, and social norms that are uniquely South Korean.

What is the History of Korean culture?

Korea is one of the oldest cultures in the world. Koreans have passed down their traditions and stories for centuries. The country started to become split between North Korea and South Korea in 1945, and since then, the two Koreas have increased cultural differences.

Some of the South Korean traditional arts are ceramics, music, crafts, dance, and paintings. You can often see these displayed if you’re visiting the cultural and tourist areas of South Korea, such as 인사동 (Insadong) or 명동 (Myeongdong).

What does the dragon mean in Korean culture?

If you visit traditional buildings or  look at Korean artwork , you will often see dragons. For Koreans, the dragon has a positive meaning. It symbolizes water, rain, clouds, and farming. Therefore, Korean dragons are often said to have lived in bodies of water such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. The word for dragon in Korean is 용 (yong).

Korean Holidays

South Korea shares many holidays with the rest of the world but also has some holidays unique to its culture. The most popular holidays are 추석 (Chuseok | Korean Thanksgiving) and 선랄 (Seollal | Korean Lunar New Year). During these two holidays, many Koreans return to their hometowns to visit their families.

During public holidays in Korea, most offices, banks, and government buildings are closed. However, places like museums, restaurants, cafes, amusement parks, and shopping malls remain open. The night before most public holidays, it is usually very busy in Korea with people going out to celebrate and meet friends.

There are some Korean holidays that are culturally celebrated but are not public holidays. Some examples of those are Pepero Day , Valentine’s Day , White Day , and Black Day . Koreans do not get a day off during these holidays.

Understanding Korean Culture

Korean culture is truly full of history, tradition, and uniqueness. If you want to properly learn about Korea, it is important to educate yourself on its basic pillars, which you have just done by reading our article. Korea’s speedy rise from a war-ridden and undeveloped country to one of the global economy’s high hitters is one reason that allows for South Koreans, and for us, to enjoy such a blend of tradition and modernism in their culture today.

What aspect of the culture are you most excited to get to explore once you’re in Korea yourself one day: the food, the music, the history, or something else?

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41 thoughts on “Korean Culture – Guide to History, Customs, People, and Modern Day”

I have been into K-pop for such a long time (probably about 7 years), now I am a senior in High School doing a research based essay on the history of Korean culture and this article was extremely helpful to me. It provided a lot of information about the history of Korea (both South and North Korea).

Awesome! Glad to hear that, Ella! ^^

Thank you for sharing information about Korea. It was amazingly informative and interesting!

It’s our pleasure, Tetyana! ^^ I appreciate your kind words! If you want to know more about the Korean language and culture, you can also check our blog and visit our YouTube channel for articles and videos with great Korean content.

ALWAYS GREAT INFORMATION…THANK YOU!

Awesome, thanks for your comment, Tim!^^ If you want more lesson on Korean, you can also check our check our blog and visit our YouTube channel for articles and videos with great Korean content.

Quite informative article. Thanks for sharing it!

Awesome, thanks for your comment! I’m glad that our article has been helpful to you. ^^ If you want more lesson on Korean, you can also check our check our blog and visit our YouTube channel for articles and videos with great Korean content.

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South Korea: History, Facts and Culture

South Korea is a developed country in East Asia with a population of 51 million people. It is located on the Korean Peninsula with a capital in Seoul, the 5 th largest megapolis in the world. Having a rich history that has started in the 7 th century, along with rapid modernization in the last few decades, the country has developed a unique culture that blends traditional and modern elements. I would like to briefly discuss South Korean history and then delve into some of the cultural features that led to South Korea being one of the most prosperous countries in the world.

South Korea was not an independent country until the Korean War that lasted from 1950 to 1953, which resulted in the Korean Peninsula being divided into North and South Korea. Throughout its history, South Korea was a part of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, which were united later and ruled by Goryeo and Joseon dynasties of emperors. In 1910 Korea was colonized by Japan and was only freed after World War II when the tension between North and South of Korea started to escalate., The end of authoritarian rule in 1987 established the country as a thriving democratic republic (Central Intelligence Agency, 2020). The economic growth of the country has been steady since then.

The Korean entertainment industry is one of the most influential ones the world. The so-called Korean Wave which has started in the 90s, after Korea became a democracy, signified the rise of Korean cinema, TV, and music. South Korea has been successfully exporting its national goods abroad and making a profit. By now, there are very few people who do not know about K-pop. The first time K-pop won over the whole world was when a Korean artist PSY released his song “Gangnam Style,” which held the first place in the charts for a long time. Now we are witnessing the second coming of K-pop, as the obsession over the groups, such as BTS and BLACKPINK takes the Western world by storm. K-pop industry is centered on making as much money as it can while producing cheap content, so the stream of new music is endless. The music business has also helped South Korea battle the stereotypes about it in recent years, further establishing it as a progressive country in the eyes of the public from around the world.

Another part of the Korean Wave is its TV shows. Even though this type of media has not gained worldwide popularity as K-pop did, Korean television defines the preferences of the whole Asian region, mainly distributing its product there (Ganghariya & Kanozia, 2020). Korean cinema, on the other hand, had a breakthrough in the last few decades, which led to Parasite becoming the first foreign film to win an Oscar. Directors such as Bong Joon-ho and Pak Chan-wook are now very well-known abroad and some Korean films, for example, Oldboy and Train to Busan , have earned cult status.

Korea is also famous for its food and especially for kimchi, a side dish of salted vegetables, that has become the country’s signature specialty. Korea was an isolated country, and it was hard to trade with it, so Koreans got their food from fishing and hunting, and preserving food was always their main priority. Isolation also caused the cuisine to be very simple, as there was no input from neighboring countries (Patra et al., 2016). Kimchi embodies just that – it is simple and can be stored for a very long time.

In conclusion, South Korea has only become independent less than a hundred years ago, but it managed to have a renaissance in the recent decades, developing new cultural staples and preserving the ones that Koreans kept for thousands of years.

Central Intelligence Agency. (2020). East Asia/Southeast Asia: Korea, South . Web.

Ganghariya, G. & Kanozia, R. (2020). Proliferation of Hallyu wave and Korean popular culture across the world: A systematic literature review from 2000–2019. Journal of Content, Community & Communication , 11 , 177–207. Web.

Patra, J. K., Das, G., Paramithiotis, S., & Shin, H. S. (2016). Kimchi and other widely consumed traditional fermented foods of Korea: A review. Frontiers in Microbiology , 7 , 1493.

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South Korea

Korea is a 750-mile-long (1,200-kilometer-long) peninsula located in the easternmost part of the Asian continent.

Korea is a 750-mile-long (1,200-kilometer-long) peninsula located in the easternmost part of the Asian continent. Today, the country is split into South and North Korea , but in the minds of most of its citizens, it remains a single nation that cannot be divided.

South Korea has many mountains, but they are small compared with others around the world. Over millions of years, their peaks have been worn down by rain and wind. Most summits are below 3,300 feet (1,000 meters).

On South Korea's Jeju Island and along a narrow strip in the south, high humidity and rainfall give rise to tropical evergreen jungles. The peninsula is also surrounded by about 3,000 volcanic islands.

Map created by National Geographic Maps

PEOPLE & CULTURE

South Korea is a crowded country, with 1,294 citizens for every square mile (499 per every square kilometer) of land. Koreans' lives are heavily influenced by Confucianism, a Chinese philosophy that teaches respect and morality.

South Korea is a small country with a lot of people, so there is a huge demand for space. As a result, many of the country's natural habitats have been squeezed into smaller areas. There are 21 national parks, but the only areas of true wilderness left are the mountain forests.

Tigers used to roam the Korean peninsula, but today there may be none left at all. Some think a few may live in the dangerous Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. Korea's tigers were wiped out by hunters who wanted their bones to use in traditional medicines.

GOVERNMENT & ECONOMY

The official name of South Korea is the Republic of Korea (ROK). That is because its government claims to be in charge of the whole of Korea and does not recognize North Korea as separate. The ROK government is headed by a president, who is elected to a five-year term.

South Korea has one of the strongest economies in Eastern Asia. Most of its wealth comes from manufacturing and service industries, such as banking. It exports ships, cars, computers, and other electronic items.

People have been living in Korea for at least 10,000 years. Archaeologists believe the ancestors of today's Koreans came from Mongolia and Siberia.

Korea's first kingdom was Old Chosun, which ruled the northwest and parts of China for more than 22 centuries. In 108 B.C. it was overthrown by Chinese armies, and three new kingdoms emerged: Koguryo, Paekche, and Silla. In the A.D. 660s, the Silla, with the help of Chinese troops, won control of the country.

By A.D. 901 Korea had once again broken into three kingdoms. In 936, a powerful noble named Wang Kon unified the country under the name Koryo. This kingdom lasted until 1392, when the Yi family seized the throne and began the Choson dynasty, which ruled until 1910.

The first Europeans to reach Korea were sailors on a Dutch merchant ship that ran aground on Jeju Island in 1656. They were held prisoner for 13 years, but one man escaped and returned home. His tales inspired European traders to go to Korea, but their ships were banned from Korean ports until the 19th century.In 1894, Japan and China sent soldiers to put down an uprising in Korea. Afterward, they and Russia fought for control of Korea, which Japan won in 1910. When Japan lost in World War II, its territories, including Korea, were taken over by the Allies. Soviet troops occupied the north while U.S. troops stayed in the south.In 1950, the communists in the north invaded the south, sparking the beginning of the Korean War. The war raged until 1953, and more than 2.5 million Koreans, Americans, Chinese, and others died. The war was never officially ended, and the Koreas remain divided.

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• Countries and Their Cultures
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South Koreans

PRONUNCIATION: sowth kaw-REE-uns

LOCATION: Republic of Korea (South Korea)

POPULATION: 40 million

LANGUAGE: Korean

RELIGION: Mahayana Buddhism; Christianity (Protestantism and Roman Catholicism); Ch'ondogyo (combination of Christianity and native pre-Christian beliefs)

1 • INTRODUCTION

The Korean peninsula is located between China, Japan, and Russia. It has been subject to foreign invasions throughout recorded history. Korea was ruled by the Chinese for several hundred years in the early centuries AD . During this time, China established a lasting influence on Korean culture, especially through its language.

In 1876 the Kanghwa Treaty opened Korea to Japan and to the West. After many wars, Korea was taken over by Japan, which brutally ruled it from 1910 to 1945. During this period, Koreans were treated terribly by the Japanese. Women were kidnapped and used as sex slaves, and many innocent people were horribly murdered. Many Koreans still mistrust the Japanese because of this.

After World War II (1939–45), the peninsula was divided by the Soviets and the Americans. The thirty-eighth parallel became the line separating the zones. Eventually, the line separated two distinct countries: North Korea and South Korea. They have fought one war (1950–53) and have been preparing for another ever since. The border is one of the most heavily armed borders in the world. The United States has maintained troops in South Korea for about fifty years in case of an attack by North Korea. The two countries are still technically at war with each other. South Korea's government has an elected legislature and a strong executive branch.

2 • LOCATION

South Korea is one of the most densely populated countries both in Asia and in the world. The population is over forty million people, roughly twice that of North Korea. Over ten million people—nearly a quarter of the total population—live in Seoul, the capital and South Korea's largest city.

The Korean people are one of the world's most ethnically homogeneous nationalities. This means that almost all the people in the country are of the same ethnicity. They are almost exclusively descendents of the Han, a people believed to be related to the Mongols of Central Asia. There are no numerically significant ethnic minorities in South Korea.

3 • LANGUAGE

Korean is generally thought to belong to the Altaic language family, along with Turkish, Mongolian, Japanese, and other languages. Until the fifteenth century, Korean was written using Chinese characters. Then, in 1446, a Korean alphabet, called Han'gul, was developed. It has been used ever since.

Some common Korean words and expressions are:

4 • FOLKLORE

Korean folklore celebrates human longevity and the survival of the Korean people. A number of folktales involve either animals or heavenly beings who either become human or want to do so. Others celebrate the figure of the wise hermit living a simple, secluded existence on a mountaintop. One tale tells how the locust, ant and kingfisher came to have their unique physical characteristics. The three got together to have a picnic. For lunch, the locust and kingfisher were to supply some fish and the ant was to provide the rice. The ant got the rice by biting a woman carrying a basket of rice on her head. When she dropped the basket, the ant carried it off. The locust sat on a leaf floating in the pond, and soon a fish came along and gobbled both the locust and leaf right up. The kingfisher swooped down and caught the fish and carried it back to the picnic site. The locust popped out of the fish's mouth and began congratulating himself on catching the fish. The kingfisher flew into a great fury, arguing that HE had caught the fish. The ant laughed so hard that his middle became quite thin, just as it is today. The locust grabbed the kingfisher's bill and wouldn't let go, so that the kingfisher's bill grew long, just as it is today. And the kingfisher crunched his long bill down onto the locust's head, forever giving it the flattened shape that it has today.

Koreans have traditionally used special drawings called pujok as charms in and around their houses to bring them luck and ward off evil.

5 • RELIGION

There is a great deal of diversity in South Korean religious life. Koreans have traditionally combined elements from different belief systems, such as Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Today, the majority of South Korea's religious population are either Buddhist (over 11 million followers) or Christian (more than 6 million Protestants and almost 2 million Roman Catholics).

The South Koreans also have many newer religions that combine Christianity with native pre-Christian beliefs. The most widespread is Ch'ondogyo (the Heavenly Way), founded in 1860.

6 • MAJOR HOLIDAYS

The New Year is one of South Korea's most important holidays. Three days are set aside for family celebrations. These include honoring parents and grandparents, shooting off firecrackers to frighten away evil spirits, and eating holiday foods. Although New Year's Day legally occurs on January 1, many Koreans still celebrate the traditional lunar New Year, which usually occurs in February.

The birthday of the Buddha (usually early in May) is an important holiday for Korean Buddhists. They hang lanterns in the courtyards of Buddhist temples throughout the country. These lanterns are then carried through the streets in nighttime processions.

Tano, held in early June, is a major holiday in rural areas. It is the traditional time to pray for a good harvest. It is celebrated with a variety of games and competitions, including wrestling matches for men and swinging contests for women. The holiday is also called Swing Day.

Other national holidays include Independence Movement Day (March 1), Arbor Day (April 5), Children's Day (May 5), Memorial Day (June 6), Constitution Day (July 17), Liberation Day (August 15), National Foundation Day (October 3), and Christmas (December 25).

7 • RITES OF PASSAGE

Traditionally, Korean marriages were arranged, especially among the rich and powerful. Today, however, the popularity of arranged marriages, particularly in urban areas, has declined, although many Koreans still follow the practice in a modified form. Parents and other relatives locate prospective marriage partners, but the young people have the final say in approving their choices. Among the urban upper classes, the services of highly paid semiprofessional matchmakers are also becoming increasingly popular.

Ancestor worship plays a prominent role in Korean folk belief. This system regards death as a rite of passage to a new state rather than an ending. Christian, Buddhist, and Confucian concepts also affect Korean attitudes toward death.

8 • RELATIONSHIPS

Respect for parents, and for elders in general, is a central value for Koreans. There are detailed and elaborate rules governing one's speech and actions in the presence of older persons. These rules, however, are less rigidly observed now than in the past.

Even when not in the presence of their elders, Koreans are generally very courteous and emotionally reserved. Proper etiquette forbids strong displays of either happiness, distress, or anger.

When at home, Koreans traditionally sit on the floor, although today chairs are common. The most formal and polite posture when seated on the floor is to kneel with one's back kept straight and one's weight on the balls of both feet.

9 • LIVING CONDITIONS

Most South Koreans in urban areas live in high-rise, multistory dwellings. Most homes are built of concrete. Houses are generally built low, with small rooms. In order to keep out the cold, there are few doors and windows.

The Koreans have a unique heating system called ondal . Heat is carried through pipes installed beneath the floors. This is geared toward the traditional Korean custom of sitting and sleeping on mats or cushions on the floor.

Health care in Korea has improved substantially since the 1950s. Average life expectancy has risen from fifty-three to seventy-one years. Traditional causes of death, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, have been replaced by conditions more typical of industrialized societies, such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

10 • FAMILY LIFE

The typical South Korean household consists of a nuclear family with two children. Young children are nurtured and indulged. Respect for one's parents—and one's elders, generally—is a central value in Korean life. Fathers in particular exercise a great degree of authority over their sons. Although divorce was not tolerated in the past, today it has become quite common.

11 • CLOTHING

The majority of South Koreans wear modern Western-style clothing most of the time. Historically, people wore clothes in colors that reflected their social class. Kings and other royalty wore yellow, but common people indicated their modesty by wearing mainly white.

The traditional costume or hanbok is a two-piece outfit for both men and women. Women wore a chogori, or short top, with long, rectangular sleeves. This was accompanied by a ch'ima, or wrap skirt, made from a large, rectangular piece of fabric with long sashes attached to the skirt to form a waistband. The skirt was traditionally tied high around the chest, just under the arms. Women would carry babies and small children in a cho'ne, a large rectangle of quilted fabric with two long sashes. The ch'one is wrapped around the baby on the mother's back and the sashes are tied securely around the mother's body.

The traditional costume for Korean men was a chogori top similar to the one worn by women. Loose-fitting pants, known as paji, accompany the chogori. Men who rode horses for hunting preferred paji with narrow legs, but looser paji were preferred for sitting on the floor at home.

Kimchi must ferment for at least two days to develop its full flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup coarsely chopped cabbage
• 1 cup finely sliced carrots
• 1 cup cauliflower florets, separated
• 2 Tablespoons salt
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon garlic granules
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• Combine cabbage, carrots, and cauliflower in colander and sprinkle with salt. Toss lightly and set in sink for about one hour and allow to drain.
• Rinse with cold water, drain well, and place in a medium-sized bowl.
• Add onions, garlic, red pepper, and ginger. Mix thoroughly.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least two days, stirring frequently.

Yields about four cups.

On their first birthday, Korean children are dressed in bright clothing. Their outfit often includes quilted socks with bright red pompons on the toes.

The Korean national dish is kimchi, a spicy, fermented pickled vegetable mixture whose primary ingredient is cabbage. It is prepared in large quantities in the fall by families throughout Korea and left to ferment for several weeks in large jars buried in the ground.

A typical Korean meal includes soup, rice served with grains or beans, and kimchi served as a side dish. (A recipe for kimchi follows.) Other common dishes include bulgogi (strips of marinated beef), kalbi (marinated beef short ribs), and sinsollo (a meal of meat, fish, vegetables, eggs, nuts, and bean curd cooked together in broth).

Koreans eat with chopsticks and a spoon, often at small, collapsible tables that can be moved to any room of the house.

13 • EDUCATION

Koreans have a great reverence for education and 90 percent of South Koreans are literate. Education is free and required between the ages of six and twelve. The great majority of students go on to six more years of middle school and high school. Discipline is strict, and children attend school five-and-a-half days per week.

South Korea has over 200 institutions of higher education, including both two-and four-year colleges and universities. Ewha University is one of the world's largest women's universities. The leading public university in South Korea is Seoul National University.

14 • CULTURAL HERITAGE

Chinese art, Confucianism, and Buddhism have all had a major influence on the arts in Korea. About 80,000 art objects are collected in the National Museum. Outstanding examples of Korean architecture can be seen in historic palaces and Buddhist temples and pagodas.

The National Classic Music Institute trains its graduates in traditional Korean music. Korean folk painting (min'hwa) is still popular. Western art forms have been very influential in South Korea. The Korean National Symphony Orchestra and the Seoul Symphony Orchestra perform in Seoul and Pusan. Western-style drama, dance, and motion pictures have also become very popular among South Koreans.

15 • EMPLOYMENT

About 15 percent of South Korea's labor force are employed in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, and 25 percent in manufacturing. Various types of government employment supply most of the nation's remaining jobs.

South Koreans have traditionally expected to have jobs for life. In 1997, however, the economy suffered a drastic collapse. For the first time in a generation workers are facing massive layoffs.

16 • SPORTS

Koreans enjoy a variety of internationally popular sports, including baseball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, tennis, skating, golf, skiing, boxing, and swimming. Baseball is especially popular. South Korea has a professional baseball league. Its games are broadcast on television, as are competitions at the college and high school levels.

The best-known traditional Korean sport is the martial art of tae kwon do, taught by Koreans to people throughout the world as a popular form of self-defense.

The 1988 Summer Olympic Games were held in Seoul.

17 • RECREATION

Both traditional Korean forms of recreation and modern Western pastimes are enjoyed in South Korea. Age-old games and ceremonial dances are still performed at festivals and other special occasions. These include mask dances (Kanggangsuwollae) and the Chajon Nori (juggernaut) game, in which participants ride in wooden vehicles. Also popular are mass tug-of-war games involving as many as a hundred people.

Make a Shield Kite

• five 2-foot bamboo sticks
• butcher paper or other strong paper at least 18 inches wide
• kite string
• strong packing tape
• crepe paper or plastic grocery bags for streamers
• Cross two of the bamboo sticks at the center to make an X and tie with string.
• Connect two sides of the X with two more of the sticks and tie the four corners. (Shape will resemble an hourglass.)
• Tie the fifth stick across the top of the shield and fasten at the corners.
• Cut a piece of paper at least 2 inches larger than the frame. (Two pieces may be required to cover the frame completely.)
• Mark a circle in the center of the paper to allow the air to pass through. The circle must be one-half the total width of the kite. (Twelve-inch circle for a 24-inch wide kite, for example.) Cut the circle out.
• Decorate the kite paper with your name, birth date, and a good-luck wish.
• Attach the paper to the frame by wrapping the paper neatly around the frame and fastening it securely. Strong packing tape works best.
• Cut streamers of crepe paper or plastic grocery bags and attach to the lower edge of the kite using tape or glue.
• The kite may be launched or hung on the wall. (To prepare for launching, cut four 18-inch lengths of string. Tie one to each corner of the kit. Tie the four ends together, and attach them to the flying string.)

Children and adults enjoy kite-flying. On the first full moon of the year, home-made kites were launched to bring good luck for the new year. Each kite-maker would write his or her name, birthdate, and good luck wishes on his or her kite, and launch it into the air.

Among modern forms of entertainment, television is enjoyed throughout the country. Outside the home, South Koreans enjoy gathering in the country's numerous coffeehouses and bars.

A traditional Korean instrument, the kayagum, is played by a musician sitting on the floor. The strings are made of twisted silk, and pass through the bridges on the body of the instrument. Modern Koreans enjoy Western music—especially classical music—and their country has produced many fine performers. They are especially fond of singing. It is common for Koreans to sing for each other at dinners and other social occasions.

18 • CRAFTS AND HOBBIES

Fine Korean furniture is valued by collectors worldwide. Korean craftspeople are also known for their celadon ceramics, a term that refers to a type of greenish glaze that originated in China.

19 • SOCIAL PROBLEMS

The most pressing social concern today is the collapse of the South Korean economy that occurred in 1997. It is expected that the huge companies that dominate the economy will have to lay off hundreds of thousands of workers.

In the 1980s, growing numbers of Koreans began to use the illegal substance crystalline methamphetamine, known as "speed" in the United States. By the end of the decade there were thought to be as many as 300,000 using the drug. This included many ordinary working people attempting to cope with high-pressure jobs and long work hours.

20 • BIBLIOGRAPHY

Faurot, Jeannette, ed. Asian Pacific Folktales and Legends. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1995.

Gall, Timothy, and Susan Gall, eds. Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations. Detroit, Mich.: Gale Research, 1995.

Hoare, James. Korea: An Introduction. New York: Kegan Paul International, 1988.

McNair, Sylvia. Korea. Chicago, Ill.: Children's Press, 1994.

Oliver, Robert Tarbell. A History of the Korean People in Modern Times: 1800 to the Present. Newark, N.J.: University of Delaware Press, 1993.

Embassy of Korea, Washington, D.C. [Online] Available http://korea.emb.washington.dc.us/new/frame/ , 1998.

Samsung SDS Co., Ltd. Korean Insights Kidsight. [Online] Available http:korea.insights.co.kr/forkid/ , 1998.

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Introduction: What Is South Korea?

Toward Democracy

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About South Korea

South Korea is an extraordinary country filled with beautiful beaches, thriving cities, ancient temples, remarkable natural scenery and most importantly, friendly people. South Korea has come a long way since The Korean War ended in 1953. Almost all of South Korea was completely leveled during the war which is hard to imagine if you have seen Korea recently.

Summary of an Extraordinary Country

Korea’s dense urban centers, developed parks and recreation facilities, high tech infrastructure and ultra modern public transportation systems are just some of the things that have made Korea a recognized hotspot for international business and travel.  Seoul Olympic Park , located in the capital city of Seoul, preserves the spirit of the 1988 Summer Olympics and is open all day providing multipurpose areas for sports, leisure and a variety of cultural activities.

To this day, South Korea remains one of the world’s most ethnically homogenous countries. It is believed that the people of South Korea are direct descendants of several migratory Mongol tribes who ventured into the Korean Peninsula about a half million years ago. Today South Korea is home to approximately 49 million people making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. South Korea currently maintains diplomatic relationships with over 170 different nations.

What is South Korea Famous For?

High speed trains, k-pop, broadband internet, hi-tech manufacturing, taekwondo.

South Korea is home to an endless number of world class attractions and annual festivals that foreigners and locals alike enjoy each year. There’s something for everyone in Korea and a person could easily spend years traveling around the country exploring all that it has to offer.

South Korea boasts one of the world’s largest international airports , the third largest subway system and the third fastest land train, the KTX, carrying people from one end of Korea to the other in less than 3 hours at speeds in excess of 360km/hour.

South Korea is one of the most law abiding countries in Asia, leaving foreigners to the country, men and women alike, feeling quite safe in rural and metropolitan areas . Koreans are interested in you but not aggressive in nature; however, one should always use caution when travelling alone in a foreign place.

Per capita, South Korea has the highest number of broadband internet users in the world; a token to its achievement as a high-tech economy. South Korea is also the world’s largest cargo ship builder which is part of the reason why Korea is now one of the world’s 12 biggest economies.

At times, Koreans may stop and stare at westerners, this isn’t meant to intimidate them, it’s simply because they find westerners intriguing and they’re interested in their appearance, culture and attitudes. It’s not unusual for Koreans to offer you food or drinks at a bar or restaurant in order to hear you speak and practice their English.

What is the climate of South Korea?

The climate in South Korea is temperate with 4 distinct seasons. There are heavy monsoon rains in the summer months June through September with temperatures exceeding 35°C. The winter months can see temperatures dropping to -14°C in the northern provinces.

TaeKwon-do is South Korea’s national Martial Art

The World TaeKwon Do Federation

Interesting facts about Korea

• Land Mass In Korea – South Korea occupies 98,477 sq kilometers of land mass.
• National Holidays In Korea – Korea celebrates 12 Korean national holidays . As an English teacher in Korea you have the benefit of enjoying these days off of work.
• Official Language In Korea – The official language of South Korea is Hangul. If you would like to learn more about their official language, or you’re interested in learning how to read, write and speak Hangul, there are various online courses to help.
• South Korea Government –South Korea is a republic nation with shared power between the president, legislature and the courts. In 2012, the Korean people elected the first ever female president – Park Geun Hye.
• South Korea Sports – South Korean people are very active and many sports that westerners are familiar with are common place. You will find Koreans practicing and playing baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, scuba diving, fishing, dance, mountain biking, bowling, table tennis and badminton…just to name a few. South Korea also has an active break-dancing and salsa culture.

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Narrative Essay: My Trip to South Korea

I had always wanted to visit South Korea and I recently had the chance to spend a week in this amazing country. Unlike its northern neighbor which is pretty much closed to visitors, South Korea is a welcoming and hospitable country. It is an interesting place with a unique culture and a highly developing economy.

I flew into the capital Seoul. On arrival in the city, it was the marked contrast between modern skyscrapers and high design shopping malls and shanty towns that was immediately striking. Wide streets lined by fancy boutiques lead to a labyrinth of narrow alleyways with tiny traditional shops and eateries and there is a clutch of great tourist attractions.

My tour itinerary began on Seoul’s main boulevard, Sejongro, because I wanted to see the Royal Palace (Gyeongbok), the President’s residence, known as Cheongwadae or the Blue House, and the American Embassy. From here it’s a fairly short walk to Bukchon where there is the city’s largest collection of privately owned traditional wooden houses. It’s a charm with beautiful architecture and small courtyards, with the houses interspersed with quaint cafes and art galleries.

Taking the same route the next day, I took a trip into the mountains that peak behind the President’s House, and climbed the one known as Bugaksan. This affords the opportunity to pass through the Sukjeongmun Gate and through the city’s ancient fortress wall. From here the Seoul Fortress is easily accessible and there are also amazing views of Seoul.

Shopping in the Orient is an amazing experience so I made sure to pay a visit to the Shinsegae downtown department store. This huge emporium sells probably everything you can imagine and is a complete charm in the way the bottom floors sell all the basic staples of daily life – including the ubiquitous kimchee (fermented cabbage) and are frequented by Korean housewives while the upper floors cater to the well-heeled and brand conscious. As fascinating as it is, the new rooftop garden is a welcome respite. But, if you are going to shop in Seoul, it’s a must to visit the street stalls and hawkers of the Namdaemum Market where the wares seem to be spread out in a blanket of never-ending stalls. Be prepared to be seriously jostled by the crowds, but it’s also the chance to feast on the best street food.

One of the most surprising sights and a rue delight is the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Running for just under 4 miles through the city, the stream is remarkably quiet given its location, because it is 15 foot below street level. The serene setting, accentuated by waterfalls and bridge is a favorite strolling spot for romantic couples.

With a flying visit to Itaewon, the popular ex-pat neighborhood near to the main US army base, my time in Seoul came to an end. I was enthralled and captivated and hope I get to return one day.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Korean — South Korean Culture

My Culture Shock from South Korean Culture

• Categories: Korean Tradition

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Published: Sep 19, 2019

Words: 440 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Works Cited

• Chang, T. (2018). Why Korean work ethic is so strong. The Korean Herald.
• Chung, S. K. (2011). Understanding cultural relativism in a multicultural world. Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective, 5(1), 25-38.
• Encyclopædia Britannica. (n.d.). Ethnocentrism. https://www.britannica.com/topic/ethnocentrism
• Goffman, E. (1967). Interaction ritual: Essays on face-to-face behavior. Pantheon Books.
• Kim, S. Y., & Oh, K. (2018). Cultural differences in bowing frequency and duration between Korean and Japanese. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 42(3), 301-315.
• Lee, S. (2019). South Korea: The racism that cannot be spoken. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2019/9/23/south-korea-the-racism-that-cannot-be-spoken
• Lee, Y. (2018). The impact of Confucianism on interpersonal relationships and communication patterns in East Asia. International Journal of Communication, 12, 24.
• Park, H. (2018). South Korea's unique age-calculating system. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46133263
• Stewart, E. C., & Bennett, M. J. (1991). American cultural patterns: A cross-cultural perspective. Intercultural Press.
• Wolff, E. (2020). Cultural shock: Adjustment to new cultural environments. In M. H. Bornstein, M. E. Arterberry, K. L. Fingerman, & J. E. Lansford (Eds.), The SAGE encyclopedia of lifespan human development (pp. 666-670). SAGE Publications.

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Seoul , city and capital of South Korea (the Republic of Korea). It is located on the Han River (Han-gang) in the northwestern part of the country, with the city center some 37 miles (60 km) inland from the Yellow Sea (west). Seoul is the cultural, economic, and political center of South Korea.

Except for a brief interregnum (1399–1405), Seoul was the capital of Korea from 1394 until the formal division of the country in 1948. The name itself has come to mean “capital” in the Korean language . The city was popularly called Seoul in Korean during both the Joseon (Yi) dynasty (1392–1910) and the period of Japanese rule (1910–45), although the official names in those periods were Hanseong and Gyeongseong, respectively. The city was also popularly and, during most of the 14th century, officially known as Hanyang. Seoul became the official name of the city only with the founding of South Korea in 1948. Area 234 square miles (605 square km). Pop. (2020) 9,586,195.

The area on the Han River that is now occupied by Seoul has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, and it acquired strategic importance to the various kingdoms that controlled the Korean peninsula and grew to become a city during the early historic period. Seoul was founded as the capital of a unified nation in 1394 by Gen. Yi Seong-Gye , the founder of the Joseon dynasty . The site was a militarily defensible natural redoubt that was also an especially suitable site for a capital city, lying at the center of the peninsula and adjoining the navigable Han River, one of the peninsula’s major rivers flowing into the Yellow Sea. The contact afforded by this riverine site with both inland waterways and coastal sea routes was particularly important to Yi because these were the routes by which grain, taxes, and goods were transported. In addition to the practical advantages, the site was well situated according to pungsu-jiri-seol , the traditional belief in geomancy. The district chosen by Yi remains, more than 600 years later, the center of Seoul. It is located immediately north of the Han River in the lowland of a topographic basin surrounded by low hills of about 1,000 feet (300 meters) in height. The natural defensive advantages of the basin were reinforced two years after the city’s founding by the construction of an 11-mile (18-km) wall along the ridges of the surrounding hills.

Today the remains of the fortifications are a popular attraction. Likewise, the Cheonggye Stream—a small tributary of the Han that drains the old city center but was covered over by streets and expressways in the mid-20th century—has been uncovered and restored; once a focus of everyday activities for many residents, it is now a river park and a tourist attraction. The original city district served to contain most of the city’s growth until the early 20th century. Although the population had grown to approximately 100,000 by the census of 1429, it had risen to only about 250,000 by the time of the Japanese annexation in 1910, almost five centuries later. The modernization program initiated by the Japanese began the first of several cycles of growth during the 20th century that extended the city limits by successive stages, so that they now contain both banks of the Han River, as well as the banks of several tributary rivers.

The city’s boundaries now form a ragged oval about 8–12 miles (13–20 km) distant from the original site, except to the northwest, where they are indented to approximately half that distance; that northwestern edge lies only about 25 miles (40 km) southeast of the demilitarized zone that divides North and South Korea. Seoul has grown rapidly since the Korean War (1950–53). The present boundary of Seoul is largely that established in 1963 and encompasses an area about twice what it was in 1948. Suburbs have sprung up in the rural areas surrounding the city, and such satellite cities as Seongnam , Suwon , and Incheon have undergone considerable expansion as the capital has grown.

Since the 1970s the area of Seoul south of the Han River has been extensively developed. Known as Gangnam (“South River”), or “South City”—as opposed to Gangpuk (“North River”), or “North City,” north of the Han—the affluent area contains more than half the city’s population and, correspondingly, supplies half the local tax income. Gangnam is characterized by high-rise apartment blocks and new office buildings and is traversed by Teheran Street (named for the Iranian capital in 1977 when Seoul and Tehrān became sister cities). Gangnam has developed into a second central business district of Seoul and attracts economic activity in such areas as tourism, design and fashion, information technology, and other new technology industries.

A greenbelt around a large part of the city’s perimeter, first established in the 1970s, prohibits the further extension of the built-up area. As a result, urban sprawl has extended to places outside the greenbelt, creating new residential areas in suburbs and satellite cities, mainly along the Seoul- Busan expressway to the south and along the Han River to the east and west. A new phenomenon of urbanization began in the mid-1980s: people of the upper middle class began moving to the remote suburbs amid rural landscapes, extending their one-way commutes each day to an hour or more.

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Safety Management of Marine Biotoxins in South Korea: Analytical Methods, Occurrence, and Risk Assessment

• Published: 11 September 2024
• Volume 59 , article number  41 , ( 2024 )

Cite this article

• Seongjin Hong 1 ,
• Hyun-Ki Hong   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6646-3417 2 &
• Kwang-Sik Choi 3  

Over the past few decades, various marine biotoxins, including paralytic shellfish poison, diarrheal shellfish poison, neurotoxic shellfish poison, and amnestic shellfish poison, have become international oceanographic concerns. These toxins are closely linked to global warming and the subsequent northward migration of toxic marine organisms, such as microalgae, fish, and benthic invertebrates, from tropical and subtropical regions. In South Korea, the bioaccumulation of marine biotoxins and incidents of seafood poisoning have also emerged as critical issues. Clear evidence indicates that the presence of toxic marine organisms in Korean coastal waters has increased, likely due to recent increases in seawater temperature. Since 2020, supported by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the R&D project ‘Establishment of the Safety Management System for Marine Biotoxins’ has been carried out. This project aims to identify various regulated and unregulated marine biotoxins present in Korean coastal waters and seafood. This comprehensive project encompasses: (1) analytical methods, (2) causative organisms, (3) seafood contamination status, (4) novel and rapid detection method, (5) alternative toxicity testing method, (6) standard materials, and (7) risk assessment. The purpose of this special issue is to share the accumulated knowledge and technological advancements related to marine biotoxins by Korean researchers. The issue includes nine papers covering various types of marine biotoxins, as well as innovative bioassays and rapid detection kits. Additionally, it covers topics such as risk assessment and biotoxin management to ensure the safety of marine products.

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Marine biotoxins, produced by certain microalgal species of dinoflagellates and diatoms, pose serious health risks when these organisms are stressed by environmental factors such as changes in water temperature, salinity, and pH (Rigby et al. 2022 ). Biological stressors, including competition for nutrients and trace elements between species and the threat of predators, also promote toxin production (Tatters et al. 2013 ; Brandenburg et al. 2020 ). These biotoxins can accumulate in marine organisms such as bivalves, crustaceans, and fish, with accumulation patterns being species-specific and toxin-specific (Liu et al. 2019 ; Zhao et al. 2022 ). Poorly metabolized and excreted toxins can persist in organisms, including bivalves, for extended periods, sometimes several months (Kim et al. 2022 , 2023 ).

Shellfish toxins are categorized based on their symptoms into paralytic shellfish poison (PSP), diarrheal shellfish poison (DSP), neurotoxic shellfish poison (NSP), and amnestic shellfish poison (ASP) toxins (Chen et al. 2017 ). They are also classified based on chemical properties into hydrophilic and lipophilic toxins. Hydrophilic marine algal toxins include saxitoxin (STX) and gonyautoxin (GTX) (Gerssen et al. 2010 ). Lipophilic toxins include okadaic acid (OA), dinophysis toxin (DTX), yessotoxin (YTX), pectenotoxin (PTX), brevetoxin (BTX), azaspiracid (AZA), and cyclic imines (CIs) (Wang et al. 2015 ). Over recent decades, marine biotoxins have become an international oceanographic concern due to increasing reports of poisoning worldwide (Nicolas et al. 2017 ; Hallegraeff et al. 2021 ; Accoroni et al. 2024 ).

In South Korea, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has established standards for managing PSP, DSP, ASP, and tetrodotoxin (TTX) (Table  1 ). However, numerous other biotoxins remain unregulated. Meanwhile, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) acknowledge the potential risks posed by a broader range of biotoxins and have established standards to ensure the safety of marine products. With global warming, toxic marine species from tropical and subtropical regions, including microalgae, fish, and benthic invertebrates, are migrating northward (Gobler et al. 2017 ). This trend necessitates more comprehensive toxin management due to the potential introduction of new toxins. The diversification of seafood import sources further underscores the need for enhanced biotoxin regulation. Consequently, in South Korea, the bioaccumulation of marine biotoxins and incidents of seafood poisoning have emerged as significant issues. Recent observations confirm the presence of more toxic marine organisms in Korean coastal waters, correlated with increasing seawater temperatures (Kim et al. 2023 ). Recent advancements in cutting-edge analytical instruments have enabled more sensitive and high-resolution quantitation of these marine biotoxins (Panda et al. 2022 ).

In response, the MFDS initiated the “Establishment of Safety Management System for Marine Biotoxins” R&D project (20163MFDS641) for 2020–2024, with a total budget of 16,793,000,000 KRW. This project involves 14 institutions and 124 researchers, focusing on:

Enhancing the management of currently regulated marine biotoxins;

Developing analytical methods and conducting surveys for unregulated toxins;

Developing rapid detection techniques for marine biotoxins;

Developing standard materials for marine biotoxins; and

Advancing marine biotoxin toxicity evaluation techniques.

This initiative aims to improve technology and understanding of marine biotoxin contamination characteristics and analytical methods in South Korea. Expected outcomes include establishing infrastructure for marine biotoxin analysis and training specialized personnel.

In this special issue of the Ocean Science Journal , we aim to disseminate accumulated knowledge and technological advancements related to marine biotoxins by Korean researchers for both domestic and international readers. The special issue comprises nine papers covering topics such as analytical methods for lipophilic biotoxins and cyclic imines, distribution characteristics of toxic microalgae along Korean coasts, bioaccumulation of TTX, PSP production mechanisms, separation for quantitative accuracy of palytoxin, and toxicity testing methods for biotoxins. These results will serve as baseline data for future research on marine biotoxin contamination, causative organisms, and newly introduced toxins in coastal waters and seafood in South Korea. We extend our gratitude to the editors and reviewers of the Ocean Science Journal for their support in publishing this special issue.

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Seongjin Hong

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Hyun-Ki Hong

Department of Marine Life Science (BK21 FOUR), Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea

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Hong, S., Hong, HK. & Choi, KS. Safety Management of Marine Biotoxins in South Korea: Analytical Methods, Occurrence, and Risk Assessment. Ocean Sci. J. 59 , 41 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12601-024-00168-9

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Received : 23 June 2024

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Published : 11 September 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s12601-024-00168-9

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