KOREAN PEOPLE AND ITS CULTURE

There are many things to consider when characterizing a country. Its geographic region , population,
political status and foreign relations are all distinguishing marks that make up a country . Those features
however ,are not what make a country unique . The people of a country give that place its identity and
its spirit, they are the physical representation of the place. The people exhibit their country everyday
without even meaning to through their customs , values , traditions and attitudes.

Religion is fundamental to the Korean culture . There are several different religions that are widely
accepted and practiced . some of these include , Taoism, Buddhism , Shamanism and Christianity.

Two of the most common first impressions that foreigners have of Koreans are that they are
enormously polite and that they are incredibly rude.

In fact, the politeness and kindness of Koreans is legendary and attested to by thousands of people who
are fortunate enough to have a Korean friend. Over whelming meals , unexpected gifts , constant and
almost embarrassing attention to your personal whims: all of this and more have been yours if you have
been invited out . This is not a modern invention; traditionally , one of the names of korea was the “
Eastern land of Courtesy”. The obligations of a host are paramount ; the obligation of the guest is to lap
it up.

On the other hand ,the discourtesy and rudeness of Koreans is legendary and to by thousands of people
who are unfortunate enough to have to walk on a Korean street . Overwhelming crowds, unexpected
shoving , constant and almost painful inattention to where the other people are going :all this and more
has been yours if you have gone outside This may be a modern invention: nowadays , one of the names
of Korea might be the “Eastern land of Discourtesy”. The intentions of the individual are paramount; the
obligation of the victim is to get out of the way .

For Koreans, the world is composed of two sets of People –Those they know and they don’t know . If
you know somebody ,then you have a relationship, and are obliged , very obliged ,to treat him or her
politely , kindly , and with every courtesy. But if you don’t know someone ,If you have never formally
“met” that person, then that person doesn’t exist .Such people don’t count and you don’t have to do
anything.

Rice , the staple food of the Korean diet , is eaten at most meals . Millet , wheat , barley, corn and
sorghum are also eaten , especially in the north . The vegetables Koreans eat include Potatoes, Chinese
cabbage , turnips and onions . Garlic and red peppers are used as seasoners . Kunchi ( pickled
vegetables )is favorite dish. Fish and other sea foods are the usual sources of Proteins.

Traditional clothing , made of cotton or synthetic materials , is worn only by some people in the rural
areas and by others on specific occasions . Loose- fitting , long sleeved jackets and oversized trousers
that are tied at the waist and bound or left loose at the ankles are traditional garments for men . Nearly
all men in the cities and most of the farmers have adopted Western-style Shirts, Trousers ,and suits.
Western- style shoes have largely replaced the traditional sandals , which were made of various
materials.

The traditional dress of Korean women includes the chima, a long, high -waist pleated skirt worn over a
slip or loose trousers called paji. The Chogori , a short flared blouse , is worn open infront of a tight –
fitting undergarment.

Most Koreans do not belong to an organized religion. The Confucian ethnical system , however ,has
greatly influenced Korean culture. Buddhism, influenced from China in the 4 th century , has following of
about 13 million person in south Korea . Confucianists number about 4.7 million There are about 6
millions Christians , mostly protestants Chondogyo, a native Korean religion known originally as
Tonghak, had about 815000 adherents . Age is the prime determinant of how one is treated and how
one treats others . of course position is also very important and commands respect .In some respects ,
relationships are vertical sopposed to horizontal “all people are equal” relationships of the west. The
vertical aspect is built into and enforced by the language ,which utilizes different forms depending on
whether one is speaking to an older person , a friend , a colleague or a child . Until the middle of
twentieth century , life expectancy in korea was low . Reaching your 60 th birthday was a great
achievement. Infant mortality was so high that celebrations and festivities attendant upon the birth of a
child were not held until the hundredth day of child’s life . traditional celebrations still continue making
the 100th day and 60th year after birth the two most important birthdays in the life of a Korean, although
given the improved longevity , an increasing number of people are waiting until their 70th birthday
birthday to Celebrate .

On the first birthday, the Child is dressed in traditional costume ,seated amidst piles of rice cakes
,cookies and fruits, and then offered a various objects that include a pen and a coin. The object that a
child grasps first predicts his or future career. For example –if the child holds coin, it’s a business man
and if the child picks a pen he or she is taken as writer.

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