The hearth warms the hearts of all people. Every person must have a family, regardless of gender and age. It is she who gives reliable support and sincere support, without demanding anything in return. Help is provided from a pure heart on a gratuitous basis. The love and affection of relatives will help to survive even the most difficult life situations and crises.
House
In South Korea (SK), the main priorities are given to those aspects of life that are inextricably linked with the family hearth. Traditions in relationships between relatives have been honored since ancient times. Therefore, in this country, marriage and the creation of a new cell of society are treated so reverently. Previously, friendly families lived in cute private houses, but everything is changing, so they were replaced by multi-storey apartment buildings, skyscrapers, and the country's relations with the statutory rules of existence remained in them.
Traditional housing of Koreans is now almost never found. Perhaps, new buildings are the only thing that distinguishes between new and old South Korea, because family life has not changed at all. The rules and customs in relations between men and women remained the same.
The house is considered a sacred place, where it should always be clean, dirt and disorder are completely unacceptable. Based on this mandatory rule, you can only be in the house without shoes, that is, barefoot (at best, in socks). While this is easy to put up with during the summer months, additional underfloor heating or flooring is required during the cold seasons. Modern technologies used in construction and interior decoration have significantly improved a comfortable existence, and without harm to health.
Marriage
The opinion of the older generation is also considered dominant. Young people will not dare to take an important step, such as creating a new family, without parental consent and blessing. Of course, today young men and women have much more freedom of action than some time ago, but no one in this country can do without the guidance of their mother and father. And parental control is even welcome.
When parents get to know each other, their names are never given, they are introduced as “mother” and “dad”, while in our country and in most other countries it is customary to introduce them by name and patronymic. These are such different attitudes to acquaintance. Such appeals to close relatives are associated with another tradition of South Korea. The meaning of the name there (according to the signs of the South Koreans) has a very large weight, affects fate, makes a person weaker and more vulnerable. Therefore, the inhabitants of this Asian country also very rarely disclose their name.
With the development of the economy, families in the South Caucasus began to live much better. But the attitude to the disposal of finances remained unchanged. This country is considered one of the most economical. South Koreans will never spend money on something they don't need at all. There are very few things used in household use, they serve the owners for a long time. Due to the fact that there is no abundance of certain items in the interior, the houses are always clean and tidy. Excesses that even wealthy families can’t afford can simply not be understood, so they continue to be content with little, without spending money on unnecessary things.
How to eat in South Korea
Another custom concerns eating. Eating is carried out strictly in a sitting position at a miniature table on small legs, of course, on the floor. Around him are all the members of the family.
How do people sleep in South Korea?
South Koreans have long preferred to sleep lying on the floor. But today, more and more often they use modern benefits, preferring comfortable beds or sofas to sleep on the floor, they also use ordinary dining tables and chairs in everyday life. But as a tribute to their national cultural values, they can also be placed on the floor (with conveniences).
About family relationships
In the families of South Korea, relations between the weaker and stronger sex have always been distinguished by enviable mutual understanding and respect for each other. Despite the fact that in the families of this nation a woman has the same rights as a man, the duties between them are clearly demarcated.
The wife provides comfort and coziness in the house, resolves disagreements that arise, keeps the hearth (this, by the way, is her primary task). A man is the head and authority of the family, he solves the most important issues for its existence, but does not interfere in home improvement, conflict resolution, even in the most difficult situations, he still remains on the sidelines.
About children in South Korea
Children in this country are born at the age of one. Because the South Koreans have a kind of chronology. The child spends 9 months in the womb (almost a year), which is why a year is added. But that's not all, on their first new year, another one is added, that is, children born are 2 years older than their actual age. The attitude to the sex of the child (whether it be a boy or a girl) is the same, no particular preference is given.
Families are very hospitable, during a celebration or a general dinner, chic tables are set, despite the frugality of the South Koreans. Women are excellent housewives who are glad to see friends and acquaintances. The head of the family should be located above others during receptions, he is the first to sit down at the table and start the meal. This is a sign of respect for his home and home. It is also not customary to introduce yourself by name among the guests, although they are sincerely happy to share news and learn something new, because they have such an inquisitive nature and mentality.
Despite what is happening in Lately changes, the traditional Confucian structure of social relations still largely determines the behavior of Koreans.
Respect for elders
Age and social position are of great importance. It is believed that those who are younger or who are lower in social position are obliged to follow the wishes of their elders without objection. Therefore, in Korea, people are often interested in the age, marital status of a person in order to determine their position in relation to this person. These questions are not asked out of idle curiosity. However, you can choose not to answer them if you don't want to.
Names
The most common Korean surnames include the following: Kim (21% of all Koreans), Lee (14%), Park (8%), Choi (or Choi), Chon, Chan, Han, Lim, etc. A Korean given name consists of a family name mostly of one syllable and a given name as such usually 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.
marriages
In Korea, marriage is traditionally considered the most important event in life, and divorce is a shame not only for former spouses, but also for their families. Despite this, the divorce rate has been on the rise in recent years. The modern wedding ceremony is somewhat different from the traditional one. First, a Western-style ceremony is held in a wedding palace or church. The bride and groom are dressed in a tuxedo and a wedding dress, respectively. Then on the same day (and usually in the same place) a traditional wedding ceremony is held in a separate room, during which the couple are dressed in traditional Korean costumes.
Chere (rite of commemoration of ancestors)
According to traditional Korean beliefs, when a person dies, his soul does not immediately go to another world, but only after a change of four generations. All this time, the deceased is considered a member of the family. On holidays such as Seollal (Lunar New Year) or Chuseok (Harvest Day), as well as on the day of the death of the deceased, his descendants perform a rite of remembrance for the cher. Koreans believe that they can live happily through the care of deceased ancestors.
Rules of conduct and gestures
Koreans attach great importance to greetings and words of gratitude. They are always pronounced with a slight bow. The depth of the bow depends on the relative position of the speakers. Koreans do not like excessive displays of emotion and usually limit direct physical contact to a polite handshake. However, as your relationship grows closer, there may be more familiarity.
Foreigners in Korea are often surprised to see girls walking hand in hand. Touching between people of the same sex who are in close friendships is perfectly acceptable in Korea. Public displays of affection between different sexes, such as kissing and hugging, are not as rare these days as they used to be, but they continue to be considered obscene.
Traditionally, Koreans sit, eat and sleep on the floor. Therefore, when entering a Korean home, it is always necessary to 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.
Among the younger generation of Koreans, it is considered quite normal to pay a purse, but it often happens that someone from a group of friends or colleagues pays. It used to be considered impolite in Korea to talk while eating, but these days it is acceptable to talk and laugh at the table.
Words of gratitude for delicious food and good service are always accepted with joy. It is considered indecent to blow your nose at the table.
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.
hanbok
Hanbok has been the traditional clothing of Koreans for thousands of years. The beauty and grace of Korean culture is perfectly conveyed in photographs of Korean women dressed in hanbok. Until the advent of Western-style clothing in Korea about 100 years ago, hanbok was the everyday wear of Koreans.
Men wore chogori (jacket) and paji (trousers), women wore chogori and chima (skirt). Nowadays, hanbok is worn only on solemn and festive days, such as wedding day, Seollal (Lunar New Year) or Chuseok (Harvest Day).
Ondol
Rooms in a traditional home do not have a clearly defined purpose. For example, there are no rooms that are used as, say, a dining room or a bedroom. Depending on the need, the same room can be used both as a dining room (in this case, a small folding table is placed there) and as a bedroom (in this case, a mattress is laid in the room).
Most Koreans prefer to sit and sleep on the floor on special mats or mattresses. Rooms in a Korean house have a special heating system ondol built into the floor. Previously, rooms were heated by hot air that circulated through pipes in the earthen floor. Nowadays, water heating is used: hot water circulates through pipes built into the cement floor, covered with linoleum or other material.
kimjang
Kimjang is a centuries-old tradition of preparing kimchi for the winter, passed down from generation to generation. Various pickled vegetables (mainly kale), called kimchi in Korea, are harvested for future use in late autumn. It is simply impossible to imagine a Korean table without this dish.
Oriental medicine
In Eastern medicine, it is believed that all diseases are caused by a decrease in vital energy and a weakening of the body's immune system, i.e. not a dysfunction of any particular organ, but an imbalance of vitality in the body as a whole. Therefore, Eastern medicine seeks to treat diseases by strengthening the immune system and restoring harmony in the body, and not by eliminating pathogenic factors.
The main methods of Oriental medicine include herbal medicine, acupuncture (acupuncture), wormwood moxibustion, and cupping.
The culture of North Korea is both complex and diverse. The fact that communism dominates here has preserved the traditions and customs of the country. At the same time, the state seeks to develop art and culture. At the same time, no matter what is done, the idea is everywhere that the DPRK is the best country. And importantly, the culture of North Korea is not influenced by the West.
Initially, society is based on respect for elders - including parents. Every inhabitant of the country reveres power, justice - it was due to these foundations that communism was rooted. In Korea, all religions are considered a relic of the past, but, nevertheless, Buddhism and Christianity in the country function normally, believers are not oppressed. Respect for elders is manifested in many areas. So, for example, elders have no less authority than local leaders. War veterans are released from household chores, but still they can often be seen in the fields, because. they do not enjoy these benefits.
The ideology of the Koreans says that it is necessary to work for the benefit of children, but what is the reason for this?
Perhaps this is due to the fact that the minimum age for marriage is 22 and 24, but there are a number of restrictive additions. In addition, one of the factors that often prevents marriage is that young people are not ready financially, and without this, the authorities do not allow marriage. To begin with, a minimum capital is accumulated, and then it is already possible to hold a wedding ceremony, although such events are quite ruinous.
Children are treated with respect. Children always look well-groomed and neat - and the wealth of the parents should not affect this in any way. It is worth noting that strollers are not used here - and children are carried on special slings on their backs or chests. In the country you can see a lot of playgrounds operating and under construction, sports complexes. There are many clubs where children can show their creativity. At the same time, they don’t make a show of it, but they really try for the benefit of the children. Children are not punished, as is customary in Western countries. Children are brought up on patriotism, respect for elders. Therefore, in Korea, you can constantly watch how children help their grandmothers cross the road or carry bags. But children are not praised for such good deeds. for them it is considered normal.
Advice
Each passenger gives way to a woman with a child on the bus, everyone is interested in his success and what he plans to do in the future. Children are a favorite topic, do not miss the chance to communicate with these people.
Korean character
Koreans are a reserved nation. People communicate in a calm and even tone, and this is considered a sign of respect. It is not customary to laugh loudly, swear or kiss in public. Especially with the older generation. Koreans are quite friendly and will be happy to chat, but then they may suddenly remember urgent matters. The fact is that direct contact with a foreigner is not particularly approved here.
Greetings
They greet each other in Korea with a slight bow. This semi-bow expresses respect for the interlocutor, and does not detract from self-esteem. At a meeting, they can also shake hands, and it can be either left or right hand. They try not to look into the eyes, because. this can be regarded as psychological pressure. Do not be surprised if someone pushes you or steps on your foot and does not apologize, it is not accepted here. Gifts are not given, but stacked at the entrance to the house - this and the previous moment are connected in order not to embarrass a person. It is also not customary to thank people who do you a favor.
Conclusion:
Communism, patriotism and respect for elders reign in Korea. Children are treated with special respect. Outwardly, it may seem that the Koreans are not a friendly people, because. they do not have the usual traditions, as is customary in most countries. But this happens to them not from the fact that they treat someone badly, but simply so as not to embarrass a person in a given situation.
Interesting about North Korea Korea. Practices to be aware of
Customs to be aware of before visiting Korea
If you want to move to Korea for work or just stay here as a tourist, then knowing certain traditions will help you get used to the culture of this territory.
Korean culture has existed for 5,000 years, despite the best efforts of hostile neighbors to destroy it. If you know and respect Korean culture, you will get the most out of your stay there.
1. Kimchi is a whole culture
Kimchi is a Korean dish consisting of pickled vegetables (mainly sauerkraut) spiced with red pepper, onion, garlic and ginger. Koreans love it and eat it at every meal mostly as a meal on its own, but it is also an ingredient in many other dishes.
Kimchi is a symbol of Korean culture. This dish is quite spicy, so not all tourists will like it. If you try it, then imbued with sincere respect for the locals.
2. Take off your shoes
When you enter a Korean home, be sure to take off your shoes. If a person does not do this, this is a sign of great disrespect.
Koreans have a special relationship with the floor, they sit on it, and many sleep on the floor. A dirty floor is an unacceptable thing in a Korean home, and they look at people who walk around the house in shoes as backward savages.
Koreans love to drink and their national alcoholic drink is soju, a clear drink similar to vodka.
Soju is drunk from shot glasses and, like any other alcohol in Korea, it is served with food. Koreans drink in noisy groups, often clink glasses and say "geonbae!" ("To your health!").
In the evenings you can see men coming out of bars laughing, singing, arguing. The main thing is not to fall into a puddle of vomit that they leave behind.
Koreans have a strict drinking etiquette: never pour yourself a drink, and if you pour someone older than you, you need to put your left hand over your heart as a sign of respect.
Like the Japanese, Koreans eat rice at almost every meal. It's so ingrained in their culture that one of the common greetings is "Bap meogeosseoyo?" which means "Have you eaten rice?"
Koreans, unlike the Japanese, usually eat rice with a spoon and never raise the cup to their mouth while eating.
If you eat with chopsticks, then you can’t pick up a TV remote control, and even more so leave them stuck in rice, because it resembles incense sticks that are placed on deceased relatives.
5. Don't smile
Koreans are kind and generous people, but you will never see a smile on their faces. Sometimes the streets are just full of gloomy faces, and it seems that people are deliberately trying to put on the most stern expression they can. However, this does not apply to children who are always smiling and laughing.
6. Watch out for your elbows
Korea has a very high population density. There are many mountains and not so many valleys and plains suitable for building.
Therefore, you will meet crowds of people and do not doubt that they will push and shove, for example, to get into a bus or an elevator.
You don't even have to bother with an apology. And beware of old ladies. They are deadly.
7. Protests
The people of South Korea in particular have spent a lot of time building their own democratic society, and these are the people who will seize the opportunity to exercise their right to protest.
Dissent is alive and well here. Koreans from all sides of the political spectrum are protesting often and with fervor.
The forms of protest here are completely different: from violent (students often attack law enforcement officers) to absurd (there have been cases when people cut off their fingers, threw manure, etc.).
8. Mountain tourism
Since there are many mountains in Korea, it is not surprising that mountain tourism is a popular form of recreation.
Even near the most crowded cities there are mountains that will help you escape from the city madness for a while.
9. Woof-woof
Yes, some Koreans eat dog meat, despite all the government's attempts to ban dog meat to improve their "international image".
Dog meat is eaten most in the summer and mostly by men who believe it improves stamina.
10. Nationalism
All Koreans are very proud people, and sometimes this pride borders on obvious nationalism.
This is clearly shown at sporting events, where all Koreans will support their teams by waving huge flags, beating drums, shouting in unison.
This nationalism is taken to extremes when it comes to Japan, which has invaded Korea several times. Korea was occupied by it for almost the entire first half of the twentieth century.
And finally, remember two more things:
For Koreans, there is no Sea of Japan. The body of water between Korea and Japan is called the East Sea.
The Koreans have no doubts about the ownership of the disputed Liancourt Islands. They undoubtedly belong only to South Korea.
It is better not to argue on these two issues, for Koreans there cannot be several points of view.
Muz4in.Net - Oleg "Solid" Bulygin
In the Republic of Korea, there are many national holidays that are loved and revered by the people of this country. The history of some began many centuries ago, while others - more recently. Each celebration has its own traditions and customs, which are observed with trepidation by the people of this magnificent country.
National Korean holidays and dates
The most important celebrations of the country are in autumn and winter. During all official holidays, the government provides the population with days off. But this happens if the celebration is state, and not religious.
Major holidays in Korea:
- Chuseok - 14th, 15th, 16th days of the eighth lunar month.
- Christmas - 25 December.
- New Year and Seollal - January 1 and the first day of the lunar calendar.
- Independence Movement Day - 1 March.
- Memorial Day - 6 July.
Of all the celebrations in the country, the most important and revered are the Korean New Year and the Chuseok festival. Officially, they are considered weekends and last for three days. All this time, local residents arrange theatrical performances, performances and festivals, honor the traditions of the holidays and their customs. To get tourists to such national celebrations is considered a great success and joy.
harvest day
Chuseok is one of the most significant Korean holidays in October, which is celebrated on the day of the full moon. All residents of the country are looking forward to the autumn celebration in honor of the harvest and specially come to their parents' houses to meet it together. The Korean holiday Chuseok is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month and lasts for three days in total. At this celebration, people express their gratitude to the earth for its generosity.
All relatives and close people gather at the Korean harvest festival, they cook the national dishes of the country together. But the most important ritual on this significant day is visiting the graves of ancestors and singing them during the entire feast. Also at the autumn celebration, sacrifices and traditional round dances are arranged.
Older generations, unlike young people, treat the Korean harvest festival with special trepidation. They observe absolutely all of its traditions, even despite the fact that many centuries have passed since the founding of this celebration. So, many centuries ago on this day it was customary to wear a new hanbok (Korean festive attire), but the younger generation changed it to ordinary clothes.
National dishes on Chuseok and veneration of ancestors
All solemn events among the Korean people are held in compliance with the rules regarding the festive table. In addition to a variety of dishes prepared according to the preference of the hostess herself, fresh must be present at the bottom of the harvest. It can be fresh or aged for no more than one year.
It is also necessary to prepare rice cakes in advance. Koreans call them songpyeong and cook them with the whole family on the eve of the holiday. Sweet beans or sesame can be added to rice cakes. Jeon cakes are also considered mandatory for cooking. They are baked from rice dough with pieces of various fillings, seasoned with sesame seeds or legumes. There is no exact recipe for this dish, the ingredients may vary slightly in different parts of South Korea.
After the meal, Koreans without fail come to the graves of their ancestors, conduct ceremonies there, including the presentation of treats (sunmyu ritual). At the burial sites, people mow the grass and clear the area of debris.
Korean Christmas
This holiday is considered one of the most important in the Republic of Korea. Christmas is celebrated here on December 25th. It is because of this winter celebration that all streets, shops, houses and public places begin to be decorated with sparkling lights and bright posters. Christmas music plays everywhere, and cafes and restaurants are full of a variety of unusual dishes and drinks.
On the eve of this Korean holiday, a variety of festivals and theater performances are held in parks and city squares. Most often, people celebrate Christmas in the family circle, being at home. The main dish of the feast is a festive pie with a variety of fillings of meat, fish with spices and legumes.
New Year
As in China, this is celebrated twice a year: according to the solar and lunar calendars. Such celebrations immerse the country in a winter fairy tale thanks to their colorful performances. The Korean population celebrates the first New Year, like most other countries, on the first of January. And the traditional celebration of Seollal falls only in February. There, having visited the Republic of Korea during these two months, you can fully experience the whole atmosphere of the holiday of this country and admire its beauties.
They celebrate the New Year in this state not like in Russia, at night, but only at dawn, in the company of close and dear people. To keep the traditions, people go out on the roofs, verandas and balconies, go to the mountains and hills. The weather in Korea also contributes to this. Due to the rather warm climate in the country, New Year's celebrations are held without frost and strong winds.
Holiday features
The surprising thing is that Koreans start decorating the streets and houses from the beginning of December, almost a month before Christmas, and clean it all up only in February, after Seollal. For two and a half months, the atmosphere of a holiday, magic and a wonderful fairy tale reigns in the country, which anyone can get into.
For the celebration itself in Korea, according to tradition, the population launches numerous kites. Such an action can captivate any tourist with its beauty and singularity. Also, many traditional rice dishes are prepared for this Korean holiday. One of them is ttok. This is a Korean national sweet dessert that every guest should definitely eat, as, according to popular belief, such a delicacy attracts good luck and happiness.
National Celebration - Seollal
Korean New Year is officially celebrated by the locals for three days. But earlier the holiday lasted longer, from the new moon to the full moon, for a total of 15 days. Traditionally, the New Year celebration is celebrated in the family circle, with a variety of national dishes and drinks: Korean dumplings, rice wine, tteok. As well as porridge from five grain crops.
In addition, dried fish and fruits should be present on the festive table. On New Year's Eve, the house is decorated with images of a tiger and a chicken. According to popular beliefs, these animals attract well-being, happiness and scare away evil.
It is also customary to wear national clothes for the holiday and give gifts to loved ones, relatives, colleagues and acquaintances. The most common are money and products. You can give festive food and sweets.
Independence Movement Day
Samiljol is a public holiday celebrated in Korea on the first of March. It was on this day in 1919 that the country's independence from the occupation of Japan was proclaimed.
This holiday is celebrated by the whole country. The Korean people take to the squares with the flags of their state. Also on this holiday, concerts, theatrical performances are held, excursions to museums are organized, where outstanding personalities of that time and their biographies are shown.
Even on this significant day, the heroine of the country, Yu Gwang Sun, is honored. The girl fought to the last for the future of her country. She initiated uprisings against Japanese totalitarianism. The girl died in agony due to the torture of the invaders and was subsequently recognized as a national heroine. Yoo Gwang Soon was only 17 years old.
official day of remembrance
The national holiday of Korea is celebrated on June 6, in honor of the end of the Civil War in 1953. Remembrance Day received the status of an official celebration in 1970. At the holiday, Koreans remember the heroes who sacrificed their lives to save the Motherland.
On this memorable day at 10 am, a minute of silence is announced throughout the country in honor of all the dead civilians and soldiers. Flowers are laid on graves and monuments throughout the day - white chrysanthemums, as a sign of mourning. In Korea, concerts are held dedicated to war veterans, songs of those years are performed. Children put on theatrical skits on the subject of battles.
All national Korean holidays and traditions differ from each other in customs and rituals. But one thing remains unchanged in them - respect and reverence for their people. Local residents treat all the celebrations that are held in their country with special trepidation, carefully keep them and pass them on from generation to generation.
South Korea is famous for its special attitude towards the elderly and ancestors. Children and teenagers are taught love and respect for elders and national traditions from an early age. The Korean people are well-educated and respectful customs.
