Hello, dear readers - seekers of knowledge and truth!

We continue the series of articles about the amazing and not yet fully explored Asian corners of our planet. Today, imagination will take us straight to Korea, and this article will help in such a difficult task.

We will learn a lot of interesting things about the traditions of South Korea: how a traditional family is built, what holidays the people love the most, how to behave in a decent society, what impudent old women are called and what vice many Koreans suffer from. Good luck!

Family

South Korean habits and customs have evolved over centuries. With the growth of urbanization, Europeanization, informatization and other complex words, everything has changed somewhat, but the basics have remained the same. They may seem logical, sweet, correct, or, conversely, strange, paradoxical - you decide.

Family values

Family ties are something that for many in Korea is the highest value. An unmarried man is not considered a full-fledged man.

Previously, three or four generations could coexist in a house. The older man was at the head. In general, a man had more rights than a woman, but in order to avoid gender disputes in the second half of the last century, a bill was passed, according to which the son and daughter had equal rights in the inheritance.

Now married couples usually live separately from their parents. The average young family is a mother, father, one or two children. Relationships between spouses are strong, because when they divorce, they dishonor not only themselves, but also their relatives.

The wife usually keeps her maiden name, but the children take their father's surname. The names and surnames of Koreans are short, sonorous and do not differ in phenomenal diversity.

Most popular surnames:

• Kim - worn by every fifth Korean;
• Li - every seventh;

dwelling

The house of Koreans is referred to as "hanok". It is built in such a way that households can enjoy the unity with nature as much as possible and at the same time comfortably hide from the vagaries of the weather: summer heat, humidity and winter coolness.

Life is arranged in such a way that the family spends most of the time at home on the floor: here they eat, sleep, work, and have fun. Therefore, the interior is unpretentious: mats or thin mattresses for sleeping, flat cushions for sitting, folding small tables for meals. The main feature of the structure of the house is the built-in “warm floor” system, which is indispensable in Korea.

Behavior in society

respect for elders

Position in society is very important in social contacts. Therefore, do not be surprised if unfamiliar Koreans start asking embarrassing questions: who are your parents, how old are you, where did you study, are you married. Do not take it for arrogance or tactlessness - this is how the locals determine how to communicate with you.

The main postulate of interpersonal communication is respect for elders, unquestioning obedience to them.

Elderly people, on the other hand, can not deny themselves anything, behave as they please. Sometimes such behavior leads to absurdity, which, however, is considered the norm in Korea. The name of this "absurdity" is ajumma.

For example, representatives of the older generation are allowed everything. They will give odds to grannies in Russian public transport: they push, interrupt, climb out of line, without a twinge of conscience they can speak out about the young, and if they don’t like something, even spit at them. And what do young people do - just endure.

Bad habits

It cannot be said that Koreans lead a healthy lifestyle: many devote all day to sedentary work, and then go to bars, restaurants, cafes, where they indulge in conversations with friends over a glass or two of something alcoholic. In general, for the country, an impressive figure is obtained, which sometimes elevates Korea to the top positions in the world in alcohol consumption.

However, even when drunk, young people behave surprisingly quietly, decorously and nobly.

Food in Korea is very spicy, and the most popular meat here is pork. It is usually fried right on the table, and eaten with a variety of snacks. You can read more about Korean cuisine.

Moral standards

In Korea, obscenely short skirts are considered decent, which, when climbing the stairs, cover almost nothing. But at the same time, the slightest hint of a neckline will be the subject of a girl’s condemnation.

The concept of morality is rather vague: ordinary girls sacredly honor their marriage, love the only unique husband. At the same time, history has long known about the existence of local geishas - kisen.

They entertained the audience with musical instruments and acting skills, their knowledge of literature and art, served food and drinks. It was considered better for a kisaeng to be smart and have excellent conversational skills than to be beautiful. Probably, kisaeng could provide sex services in exchange for money, but no one considered them to be prostitutes.

Kisaeng have played an important role in Korean culture: they were the heroines of many novels, and in turbulent times they became nurses.

Some more interesting facts

• In Korea, you need to get used to bowing - this gesture accompanies greetings, farewells, gratitude.
• Touching should be treated with caution - it is not allowed to touch unfamiliar people, women, only a slight handshake is allowed.
• Shoes are taken off almost everywhere.
• Blowing your nose in public is considered bad manners, while slurping is considered a compliment for the cook.
• Here they do not apologize for trifles, for example, if one accidentally hit another with a shoulder.
• When talking, it is not customary to hide your hands.
• Red pens simply do not exist in Korea - writing in red entails trouble.
• Nine out of ten residents have vision problems, which is why there are so many people wearing glasses around.
• The time that the mother was carrying the fetus is counted in the age of the child - so, the baby is already born at nine months old.
• Plastic surgery has become a new, “widespread” fashion, especially for eyelid correction. Often, parents give the operation to young people - both girls and boys - for the age of majority.

Favorite holidays

wedding procession

Despite all the progressive thinking of today's youth, they do not cease to reckon with the opinion of their elders, therefore, for a wedding, they need the blessing of their parents. Moreover, a few days before the celebration, a feast is held, reminiscent of matchmaking.

European traditions, having seeped into Korean wedding fashion, only made it more unique and inimitable. Now ceremonies are held in two stages: Western and traditional.

The wedding takes place in the European style. In a special hall for rituals, where the guests have already gathered, the groom dressed in a suit enters, and behind him is the bride with her father, dressed in a wedding dress. The ceremony, which lasts about thirty minutes, is conducted by someone you know, for example, a close friend of the groom.

The main musical accompaniment is not the usual march of Mendelssohn, but the march of Wagner.

Later, the newlyweds change into national costumes - hanboks, which cause a flurry of admiration among the representatives of the West. The action continues with a meal in honor of the newly-married spouses, they are given gifts, mostly money. Then the young go on a joint journey.

First birthday

This event is called "tol chanchi". They begin to prepare for it much in advance, sometimes even before the baby is born. Many acquaintances come to the banquet, which is rarely held at home, and give generous gifts to the baby.

On this day, the fate of the new little man is determined to some extent. Objects are placed in front of him, and his life depends on which one he chooses. For example, choosing grain, the child will always be full, a book - smart, a skein of thread - a long-liver.

New Year - Sollal

Koreans celebrate the first day of the year with the onset of the first lunar day of the first month. This date is never static, so every year is celebrated on a new day.

At this time, the people are left to themselves and their families for three days. They put on hanboks, go to their parents even if they live far away, and celebrate the new year.

In Sollal, a rite of chere is often held - a holiday of commemoration of ancestors.

Rite of Remembrance

Chere is arranged on the day of the new year, the day of harvest and on the anniversary of death. According to Korean beliefs, after death, the soul of the deceased does not leave the earth, but protects relatives for another four generations, as if being nearby.

Celebrating this event, people buy gifts, food in advance, serve a rich table or go to the cemetery. The event is accompanied by dancing girls and parade of kites in the sky.

Conclusion

Thank you very much for your attention, dear readers!

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Held on June 23, 2018 in Chelyabinsk, the keynote speaker was Chairman of the Council of the OKC, culturologist Moses Kim. Attached below is the material on which the message was based.

Moses Kim

There are wonderful traditions - there is a people, a nation,
no traditions - no people, no nation.

ancient wisdom

Traditions (lat. traditio - transmission) - the experience of the life of the nation and the rules, norms and stereotypes of behavior, forms of communication between people that are firmly rooted in everyday consciousness. The meaning of national traditions, customs, habits, their content are valuable and different for individual peoples.

The Koreans of Russia, the Soviet Union, and the CIS have been mostly atheists for many decades. However, they always observed their national traditions, customs and rituals. Probably the basis of Korean customs is the desire for order, harmony, love of life, which should be in the soul, in the family, society, state. Koreans, wherever they live, are very sensitive to their traditions, customs, tastes, ideas and try not to violate them.

National traditions and habits are manifested not only in actions, deeds, clothes, food, behavior, communication style, etc., but also in movements, gestures and other barely noticeable manifestations of people's psychology. This is fundamentally important, because each person has an unconscious mechanism that fixes the situation "one's own" - "alien" even by barely perceptible manifestations of behavior, psyche.

A characteristic feature of Korean rituals is their family nature. They were originally borrowed from Chinese prescriptions for the Confucian ritual, where their own Korean features were introduced. For Russian Koreans, in order to preserve their originality and special flavor, due to their difficult fate, the originality of the Korean people, it is important to follow deep-rooted traditions and customs. After all, they are a spiritual bond, which is associated with history, culture, worldview, psychology, i.e. the foundation of the Korean nation. This is clearly expressed, for example, in the cult towards ancestors, older people, in the cult of education, which stands out among the peoples of the world. Hard work, perseverance in achieving goals, respect for elders, every possible desire for education have been and remain the main virtues among Koreans today. Respect for the elders is manifested even outwardly, for example, the youngest always greets the elder, holding the other hand in the elbow, always gives objects with both hands, and politely gives way. Customs and rituals have undergone significant changes over time, but their essence and spirit have always remained original. Here, sincerity in the execution of custom and ritual is important, and not the meticulous accuracy of their execution. In many places of residence of Koreans in different countries, families, rituals (their performance) may differ from each other, but the main reasons that force them to observe them remain unchanged.

Korean folk wisdom says: a person is good where he himself is good. The history of Koreans living in Russia and in particular in the South Urals confirms this. The first Koreans came to the Chelyabinsk region after they were allowed to leave the places of deportation in Central Asia and Kazakhstan after Stalin's death. Young men then received the right to serve in the army. Koreans appeared in the universities of the Southern Urals, more and more often young Korean specialists who graduated from Russian universities and arrived by distribution came here. The second wave is associated with the collapse of the USSR and the migration of Koreans from Central Asia to Russia.

Koreans are prominently represented here both in industrial and agricultural production, in science, education, culture, trade, sports... Well-known in the Chelyabinsk region: Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences Victor Ni, Doctor of Chemistry, Head of Department at SUSU Dmitry Kim, Doctor of Economics, Professor of the Chelyabinsk Pedagogical University Natalya Kim, Doctor of Historical Sciences Valery Kim (ChelSU), Dmitry Yun, boxer, multiple winner of the championship of Russia and international tournaments. Illarion Son worked as the director of the Gipromash Institute. Koreans live in Chelyabinsk, Kopeysk, Yuzhnouralsk, Miass, Uvelsky district and other places. The approximate number of Koreans in the area is now about 1000 people.

Signs, beliefs, features of Koreans

Koreans spend more than half of their lives studying. Therefore, one of the most “logical” beliefs is not to wash your hair before the exam, as this will wash away all the knowledge accumulated with difficulty, and you can’t cut your nails so as not to “cut off” your memory. Also, certain foods should not be eaten before important tests or exams. Superstitious Koreans try to avoid slippery foods at this time, such as: miyok kuk(seaweed soup) and kuksu ( Korean noodles ) . Because of these slippery algae and long noodles, all knowledge can quickly slip out of your head. Also, students do not use a red pen (red ink) on the exam. You should especially not write your name with it, because it is associated with death.

But in order to attract good luck and knowledge, you can eat delicious Korean rice sweets before an important day yota or chaltog. Koreans not only eat them, but also stick them outside to the institution where they want to stay. They say that all these strange rituals help them pass the most difficult exams.

red ink

Every nation has its funny superstitions. For example, for Koreans, writing in red ink is like meeting a person with an empty bucket for Russians. Many Koreans believe that if you write someone's name in red ink, something very bad will inevitably happen to that person. The names of the dead are written in red ink on special banners during the funeral ceremony. It is believed that the dead can be protected from demons in this way, but for the living, red ink is not protection, but, on the contrary, a curse.

Rules of conduct and gestures

Traditionally, Koreans sit, eat and sleep on the floor. Therefore, when entering a Korean house, you should always take off your shoes. In Korea, it is considered indecent to be bare-legged in the presence of elders, so it is recommended to always wear socks or stockings when visiting a Korean family. Words of gratitude for delicious dishes and good service are always accepted with joy. Moreover, it is more appreciated when they thank that they ate a lot. Indeed, for many decades, Koreans often simply starved. It is considered indecent to blow your nose at the table. But sipping tea with noise and even a small burp will be in the order of things. In Korea, it is not customary to call a person with an upturned hand or beckon with a finger. In Korea, dogs are usually called with such gestures. If you want to call a person, do it with your hand with your palm facing down.

Aigoo!

This is a phrase with which Koreans convey a fairly wide range of emotions: from “oh”, “ah”, “oh”, “wow” - to “oh my god”, “wow!”, “Wow !”, “full tryndets”.

"Aigoo!" - Korean aunts chatter indignantly when you come to visit them - they give you a cup of kuksi the size of a basin, and you say that you are on a diet and can I have half of this portion, please. Better yet, half a half.

"Aigoo!" - Korean grandmothers lament when the damned osteochondrosis or rheumatism enters their backs.

"Aigoo!" - Korean grandfathers are unhappy when they watch the news on TV or hear that the dollar has risen again. And they add: “Aygu, kichada!” The last word means "deafening", "horror" and together with "aigoo" expresses its extreme degree. This word expresses emotions about something more than it has a specific lexical meaning. In addition, such exclamation words are used mainly by women.

Handshake

When shaking hands in greeting, Koreans follow special rules. So, people of the same social status and close friends use only one hand to shake hands. But if the boss and the subordinate shake hands, or if there is a big difference in age, then the elder extends one hand, and the younger shakes it with both hands, most often holding it in the elbow with the first second hand.

Names

The most common Korean surnames are: Kim (21% of all Koreans), Lee (14%), Park (8%), Choi (or Choi), Chon, Chan, Han, Lim, etc. But each surname also has a certain genealogy (numerous genera - Mon). It is believed that people from one pona(even now) cannot be husband or wife. A Korean given name is made up of a surname mostly of one syllable and a first name usually consisting of two syllables. Last name comes first. Women in Korea do not take their husband's surname after marriage, but their children take their father's surname. The continuation of the family goes on the paternal line.

Fate팔자 (phalchja, phaltya)

The literal translation of the Korean word for this word means "eight letters". They mean the year, month, day (exact date) of a person's birth. Many Koreans believe that these eight letters determine fate. Fortunetellers repeat the same thing, combining these data. Frustrated people sigh: phaltya". When life becomes completely unbearable, difficult, they exclaim: “A dog has better things” phaltya" or "It's better to throw out your" phaltya"dog". But on the other hand, “to change your eight letters” means to change your life. For a woman, this often means getting married again. For a man - get rich. So let's adopt this Korean proverb, instead of the Russian hopeless saying - "You can't escape fate."

Fast, fast!빨리 빨리 (pally, pally)

Koreans are impatient, but that doesn't mean just being hasty. Life forced them in the second half of the twentieth century, when after the war the country lay in ruins (both the North and the South of Korea) tirelessly to work hard. Faster, even faster. Each construction site, the plant set the task "To hand over the object ahead of schedule!". The president and the clerk, the businessman and the worker were hurried with one word - “ pally, pally". The great race came to a head during the reign of Park Chung-hee, who, with his dictatorial methods, urged the entire South Korea to quickly achieve high results. In North Korea, they quickly built socialism with Korean specifics ... So dispersed that " pally, pally has become in many ways the norm of Korean life. Today, the Koreans seem to have begun to catch their breath a little. But the times will not return soon when the Korean nobles " yangbans considered haste below their dignity. Inertia ' pally', fast is unlikely to stop now.

Politeness in Korean

The culture of relationships among Koreans is built vertically - as a set of higher norms of wisdom and ethics, in which a hierarchical subordination of values ​​and virtues is established. It reflects five principles of relationship: emperor and subject, father and son, elder brother and younger brother, husband and wife, two friends. According to these principles, a father should treat his son kindly, and sons should treat their father with filial piety; The older brother should treat the younger one with kindness, and the younger brother should treat the older one with respect. Further, the husband should treat his wife fairly, and the wife to her husband - obligingly; the ruler should treat his subjects kindly, and the subjects should treat the ruler with loyalty. Confucian ethics created a solid foundation for relationships between Koreans. The social world, in accordance with the Confucian teaching, is divided into clear structures: seniors - juniors, leader - subordinate, etc. At the same time, the socio-socio-political structure of society is also strictly hierarchical - the connections in it are mainly vertical. These features of Confucian ethics and traditions are manifested in Korea in the behavior of interlocutors, in their specific gestures, bows, special manners of greeting, in written and oral forms of expressing politeness, courtesy and respect. Therefore, it is important for Korean language learners to know and understand the appropriate degrees of politeness and the styles of written and spoken communication used by Koreans. It must be remembered that in dealing with unfamiliar people, especially with women, one cannot change communication styles. For example, from a polite official style, abruptly switch to a familiar or friendly style. This can be misinterpreted and perceived as an insult or harassment.

filial piety

Korean traditions also require the expression of respect in speech when referring to the interlocutor or the object of the conversation, if such is parents, grandparents, older brothers and sisters, officials, guests, etc. Now often children no longer have the opportunity to constantly communicate with older relatives on a daily basis, to learn different styles of communication with their elders. Expressions of politeness used by Koreans emphasize the difference in social status and age of the interlocutors. Korea has long been a Confucian country, and this ideology gave the family a very special place. The most important and best of all human qualities in Confucianism was considered hyo - a term that is slightly roughly translated into Russian as “filial piety”. A person was judged in many ways by how he treats his parents. Unlike Europeans, unquestioning obedience to parental will was required even from adult sons (married daughters had to obey, first of all, their husband and father-in-law with mother-in-law).

The language gives an idea of ​​what the ancients meant by filial piety. The hieroglyph hyo consists of two parts. The first one means "old". In its depth lies the meaning of veneration, literally “carrying behind the back”, which in Russian is equivalent to “carrying on the hands”. The second part of the hieroglyph is “son”. It turns out a kind of definition: "carrying the son of his parents on his back is filial piety." Numerous Confucian theorists have repeatedly refined the meaning of hyo over the ages, adapting it to modern standards. As they say today, “honoring your parents means accepting their instructions, pleasing their souls, and pampering their bodies.” In Korean history, a truly respectful son or daughter was considered those who, without deviation, without contradiction, followed the will of their parents, maintaining harmony in the family, no matter how difficult it was for them. Who does not condemn the parents, even if they were wrong, and who has never appeared before them with a displeased look, keeping a calm face. He served them selflessly, with modesty and obedience! A person's duty to his parents was higher than his duty to the state, which was (reluctantly) recognized by the state itself. Traditions say that Confucius, when he was an official in the principality of Lu, more than once forgave the guilty if they committed crimes out of love for their parents.

Relationships in the family, between a man and a woman

In matters of marriage, a suitable couple was selected by parents and other relatives (sometimes with the help of matchmakers), and no one was interested in the opinion of the bride and groom. In the families of the rich and noble, in most cases, the bride and groom first met at their own wedding. True, many still checked for compatibility according to the signs of the eastern zodiac. In general, the old Korean family was based on an all-pervading hierarchy. It is no coincidence that in Korean, as well as in the languages ​​of other Confucian countries, there is simply no word for “brother” or “sister”: brothers or sisters can be either “older” or “younger”. For a wife, theoretically, her husband was the highest authority, but men rarely delved into intra-family and economic affairs, so that in practice, in the initial years of family life, the young wife had to obey her mother-in-law. From the age of seven, boys and girls were brought up separately from each other. In noble families, women really almost never went outside the estate, and if they still occasionally went to visit relatives or to a Buddhist temple, they were always accompanied by servants. Husband and wife, especially if they belonged to the upper class, slept and ate separately. This behavior was called neve-hada(literally: spouses keep their distance from each other). In wealthy estates, women's and men's chambers were often separated from each other by a high stone wall with a gate, and even male family members were forbidden to enter the women's quarters without special need. In such families, there could be no question of independent movement of women around the city. As a rule, women of the noble family were allowed to go outside the estate only in the evening, wrapped from head to toe in a special blanket. chan'ot- a remote Korean analogue of the Muslim veil. Peasants and small merchants could not comply with these prohibitions with all strictness, because a woman in such families had to work in the field, go for water, and look after the goods in the shop. However, even in the families of the common people, it was believed that the husband should not, without extreme necessity, discuss his affairs and worries with his wife. Women, too, should not have drawn men into all sorts of domestic problems that they had to deal with themselves. However, there was a relationship between them, as much as a woman depended on her husband, who represented her in public, so much a man depended on a woman who represented him inside the house.

Suffering in Korean고생 (kosen)

Every Korean knows the word - the concept kosen(difficulties, sufferings, sorrows, torments, hardships, pain, hardships). Kosen - it is an integral part of the life of a Korean person, his inner attitude, outer expression. They don’t hide it, on the contrary, they often even put it on display (it’s just natural for them). Even a well-to-do and successful Korean businessman, official, professor, politician, office worker, wealthy person will often show others how unhappy he is. How hard and uneasy it is for him that he is the same as everyone else: he doesn’t get enough sleep, he works until late at night, his head “swells”, “his mouth is full of worries”, “there is no health and personal life” ... And all this does not look theatrical at all , but so naturally and sincerely that they begin to feel sorry for him. When the interlocutor does not have suffering or he does not share it with him, then such a person automatically becomes indifferent to him, not interesting, therefore the conversation itself and further communication cease. It can be said that kosen- a truly purely national feature, part of the social, cultural and psychological life of the image of the Koreans.

In this sense, we can say that suffering is a reflection (however strange it may seem at first glance) of Eastern modesty and in some way a compensation for success. Kosen mobilizes the strength of a person in overcoming difficulties, in an effort to reach the required standard of living.

Rapid success, quick wealth, too positive human behavior often leads to attacks by envious people and hidden enemies, and therefore a Korean does not hesitate to talk about his problems, worries, difficulties, shortcomings, “headaches”.

Sudden obstacles, a difficult life situation, grief, illness, poverty and much more - this is also suffering. They rush to help such a person out of sympathy, understanding him kosen. Suffering also acts as a philosophical, religious culturological "cushion" for the Korean. Actually kosen is a unique way of experiencing, understanding, comprehending objective reality, an opportunity to find in compassion the value bases of self-development of a person. It turns out that kosen(suffering) is not only and not so much a simple feeling, but an abstract phenomenon that has a huge impact and plays a major role in the life of every Korean and Korean communities. At the same time, depending on the country, region, metropolis, city or village, variations of the concept kosen Koreans will be very different.

Here, only the most characteristic features of the traditions, customs, and rituals of Koreans are briefly touched upon, which, despite their constant changes, remain basic for Russian Koreans.

What's in a name?

When a young couple meets their parents, the elders never give their names, but simply and clearly introduce themselves as “mom” and “dad”.

This is due to the fact that one of the main signs in South Korea is the one that says that the name has a lot of weight, affects fate, makes a person weak and vulnerable. Therefore, Korean residents call their name extremely rarely, limited to nicknames.

Did you know?

Despite the closeness of the relationship, the wife cannot call her husband by name, thereby she insults and belittles his dignity. If such a scene occurs in a crowded place, in 99% of cases the woman will be reprimanded.

Family customs of South Korea

Family values

After the news of pregnancy, a young mother is surrounded by hyper-concern, grandparents, uncles, aunts, sisters and the whole large Korean family are involved in the process.

Immediately after childbirth, it is customary to feed a woman in labor with a special seaweed soup in beef broth. It is believed that Miyok-guk soup improves lactation and restores strength.

Did you know?

Traditional holidays in Korea are usually celebrated with family. Koreans gather with their parents, the grandson, together with his grandfather, makes kites, and in the evening he launches them on the street. At this time, grandmothers pass on their family kimchi recipe to their granddaughters, which they keep behind 7 locks.

Family customs of South Korea

Sons in honor

According to Confucian teachings, the birth of a son is a necessity for every family. "Why? Really, from the girl there is no use? - you ask, and the Koreans will answer you that you know nothing about the afterlife.

Only a son can commemorate the spirits of deceased parents, thereby opening a passage to the afterlife for them. A family deprived of a son is doomed to “starve” forever in the afterlife, and this explains the special love of Koreans for the birth of boys.

Did you know?

Approximately 30-40 years ago, only boys' birthdays were celebrated in the Korean family, while girls remained in the shadows. However, the girls were never given any indulgence, and they performed their duties at home and at school on an equal basis with the boys.

Interesting Family Customs in South Korea

“You can’t clap your hands with one hand,” says a Korean proverb. This expression perfectly describes the attitude of Koreans to the family and, you see, reminds us of our Russian fairy tale - do you remember when the father asked the three brothers to break the broom? In general, sit back, call moms and dads, grandparents to the monitor - they will definitely like the customs of a South Korean family.

In 2010, the capital of South Korea, Seoul, 10 million, received the honorary title of capital with the best design. This city, whose age is confidently approaching two and a half thousand years, is really very beautiful and every year attracts crowds of tourists from all over the world.

The Koreans themselves are an amazing people who have managed to preserve many unique traditions, despite the onslaught of globalization erasing any national differences. Many of these traditions and features may seem very, very specific to European tourists coming to the country.

1. Toilet humor is very popular in South Korea.


Jokes, funny and not so funny, about the toilet in South Korea can be found at every turn. The process of defecation is considered so funny that an entire open-air park is dedicated to it with all kinds of highly realistic sculptures and installations. It is not uncommon to see biscuits and other sweets shaped like poop in pastry shops, and gift shops cover this topic in great detail. None of the locals are outraged or shocked. No one gets sick of such jokes. Everyone is having fun.

2. Friendly hugs.


Europe has long been completely indifferent to kissing, hugging and other violent displays of affection in public places, if this is done by representatives of different sexes. If a man does the same with a man or a woman with a woman, then they will be perceived only as a homosexual couple. South Korea has its own logic in this respect. Caresses of young people of the opposite sex in public places are considered the height of indecency, but friends of the same sex can walk holding hands, sit on each other's laps, gently touch each other's hair - and this will not be considered a manifestation of disrespect for society or a sign of non-traditional sexual orientation .

3. Plastic surgery is literally sweeping South Korea.


Today, South Korea has the fame of one of the leaders in the number of plastic surgeries per capita. There are so many good plastic surgeons here that even foreigners come to see them, combining exciting tourism with changing their appearance. In addition, prices in Korea for such services are much lower than in Europe and the United States, so the business is only gaining momentum every year.

One of the most common surgeries in South Korea is eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). Both girls and boys, almost without hesitation, risk their health and go under the surgeon's knife only to acquire a "European" eye shape.

4. Motels for love pleasures.


For young people from decent families in this country, any manifestation of tender feelings in public places is considered unacceptable. Parental control in families is also unusually strict. Nothing can be done - this is a tribute to centuries-old traditions. But the Koreans came up with a very cunning way to combine both external observance of Puritan traditions and modern emancipation (or, as retrogrades call it, “licentiousness and moral degradation”). Young couples go to kiss not on the benches of the nearest park, as they do in Europe, but in mini-motels, of which there are a great many in South Korea.

5. K-Pop music


K-Pop is the name given to Korean pop music. It has quite a few specific features and is very popular not only in South Korea itself, but also in other Asian countries. Performers gather an audience of many thousands at concerts, and fans often experience real tantrums up to fainting.

Groups working in this musical genre usually consist of several boys and girls between the ages of 16 and 24. K-Pop's musical compositions combine rhythm and blues, hip-hop and electropop, and the lyrics are often not in Korean, but in English. There are so many fans of this music that it is already considered a full-fledged international youth subculture.

6. Ajumma.


Ajumma is the name given to older ladies in South Korea. One of the specific features of Korean culture is the extremely respectful attitude of the younger members of society towards the elders. At the same time, ladies of advanced age acquire a surprisingly high status and can literally do whatever they want. Ajumma use this very actively. In crowded public transport, they, as they say, “break through” - after all, everyone must give way to them, so why stand on ceremony. They consider it their duty to make loud remarks about the behavior of all those who belong to the younger age category, and if young people have the audacity not to listen to their words, then the ajumma may even spit on them. And no one dares to object or be indignant.

7. Alcohol abuse.


In South Korea, this evil has truly cyclopean proportions - the country chronically ranks first in the consumption of strong drinks. In the evening, after the end of the working day, the streets of cities are literally clogged with citizens barely able to stand on their feet. Drunks behave, however, extremely peacefully and decently, and fights occur extremely rarely. Some bring themselves to such a state, resting after hard work, while for others, late feasts with irrepressible libations, surprisingly, are a kind of continuation of the working day. According to Korean "corporate culture", if the boss invites his subordinates to drink after work, then it is absolutely impossible to refuse. So the recruits have to drink first by force, and then by irrepressible desire.

8. Matching outfits are a Korean youth trend.


If the meeting of several fashionistas in exactly the same outfits in Europe is perceived as a fiasco, then in South Korea this is a popular trend. Young people deliberately try to dress up as twins. This is how they show everyone else that they are good friends. Boutique owners are well aware of this fashion fad and do their best to help their customers to purchase exactly the same sets of clothes.

9. Incredible speed of food delivery from restaurants.


The delivery of various food in all developed countries works very well, but in South Korea it has been brought to a virtuoso level. The customer barely has time to put down the phone, as the courier who delivered the treat is already ringing at the door. You also don’t have to worry about returning dishes to the restaurant at all - after the meal is over, they simply put them out the door. A little later, the courier will call in and pick up the dirty dishes without any questions.

10. Ultra-short skirts.


Miniskirts today, it would seem, can not surprise anyone, but the residents of South Korea still manage to do it. For many young women, they are so short that when fashionistas walk up the stairs, they have to cover themselves with handbags or newspapers so as not to disturb passers-by too much. At the same time, the Korean public treats such outfits quite calmly. But if a girl decides to wear even a very moderate neckline, then she cannot avoid disapproving glances and offensive remarks. And if she, being in such an outfit, is not lucky enough to run into someone from the Ajumma, then she will not only be loudly cursed with the last words, but also spit after her.

The cultural component of a particular country is a very serious subject for study, especially before traveling. Each nation has its own traditions and customs, its own prohibitions and beliefs. The same gesture in different countries can be interpreted in completely different ways, and if you can put up with comical situations, no one will tolerate insults from visitors. If you are planning to spend your vacation in, it's time to get to know its culture.

Fundamentals of South Korean culture

In 1948, one large state of Korea was divided into the DPRK and the Republic of Korea. After that, 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 back in China, in 500 BC.

Koreans instill in their children love and respect for parents, family and those in power from a young age. Great importance is attached to such concepts as justice, honesty, humanism, peace and education. In the modern culture of South Korea, on this basis, a model of behavior has developed, called the Rule of Five Relationships. In particular, it provides for certain norms in communication between father and son, husband and wife, older and younger generations, ruler and subject, between friends.

Tourists who come to rest in this country often fall out of this pattern of behavior. Therefore, sometimes it seems that Koreans are rude and ignorant. In fact, until you enter into one of the types of relationships, you may simply not be noticed.

It is because of the Rule of Five Relationships that Koreans can sometimes ask somewhat uncomfortable 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 just trying to determine what rules to interact with you.

Separate manifestations of the culture of South Korea

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:

1. Respect for elders. In Korea, it is accepted that young people and those who are below in rank are obliged to follow the wishes and instructions of their elders without any objection.
2. attitude towards marriage. Koreans consider marriage to be the most important event in life. Divorce, on the contrary, is interpreted as a huge and indelible shame.
3. Names. Among residents of the CIS countries, it is a common practice for a wife to take her husband's surname. In South Korea, they adhere to other traditions - the spouse retains her last name, but their common children inherit the father's family name.
4. Public quarrels. Angry and offended women are everywhere. Such a mixture is especially explosive if such a woman is also elderly. In South Korea, there are quite often such types of grandmothers who can express their dissatisfaction not only verbally, but also physically. No matter how insulting it may be, you cannot react to it, even if you are provoked. It's best to just step aside.
5. Handshake. People who are equal in status to each other, or who are on friendly terms, use the form of a handshake that is familiar to everyone. But if one of them is lower in 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 the status of a person, the deeper they bow to him.
6. 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 a refusal.

Traditions of South Korea

The culture and traditions of South Korea are closely intertwined, because one follows from another. However, with the passage of time and globalization moving by leaps and bounds, any open society is subject to one or another change. But there are fundamental beliefs that are honored at all times. In relation to South Korea, such traditions, customs and are especially distinguished:

1. Chere, or rite of remembrance of ancestors. According to Korean beliefs, after death, the soul of a person 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, takes care of and protects the whole family from bad weather.
2. Hanbok, or traditional clothing. It is in her that Koreans put on such solemn days as the Lunar New Year, Harvest Day, or the marriage ceremony.
3. In relation to marriage, Koreans have skillfully created a model that combines both modern trends and traditional rites. Today, the Korean wedding is divided into two parts: first, there is a ceremony in the Western European style, with a white dress, veil and tuxedo for the groom, and after the newlyweds put on traditional outfits and go to a special room for dinner with their parents.
4. Sollal, or Lunar New Year. This holiday is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar. It is customary to meet with the family, remembering the ancestors, preparing special dishes and dressing up in hanbok.
5. Chuseok, or Harvest Day. Koreans devote the fifteenth day of the eighth month according to the eastern calendar to the remembrance of their ancestors and gratitude to the gods for food.

Note to the tourist

In order not to get into trouble when communicating with a Korean, or not to incur the wrath of representatives of the order, a tourist in South Korea should remember a few rules:

1. Follow the gestures. Calling a person palm up or beckoning with a finger is considered offensive.
2. When entering a Korean home, one should take off one's shoes, but it is bad manners to walk on the floor without socks.
3. Public displays of affection between a couple, whether kissing or hugging, are considered indecent in Korean society, but the display of friendly relations is quite acceptable.
4. Smoking in public places is strictly prohibited, and the enforcement of this rule is closely monitored by the police.
5. You can’t pierce food with chopsticks and leave them directly on the plate, especially at a party - the hostess may take this as an insult.