all About Korea....

Art image

Korean art possesses several distinguishing characteristics that create a unique style quite distinct from other Asian art. It respects nature, and the extensive use of quiet and subdued colors is manifested in Korean paintings and ceramics. Humor is another characteristic of Korean Art. Bold exaggeration, the acceptance of non-symmetrical cubic objects, and unique spatial beauty conveyed by imperfect roundness are examples of humor in Korean art.

A sense of quiet harmony is other characteristic of Korean art, meaning that there is no excess, the right materials being selected in scale with the surroundings. With all these characteristics, the Korean arts have been imbued with a unique aesthetic sense which depicts beauty with honesty and simplicity that is free of artifice.



History is made at summit of Korean leaders.

A look back at the 5,000 years of Korean history reveals triumphs and tragedies, successes and struggles -- all of which have been instrumental in shaping the Korea and Koreans of today. It is unclear as to exactly when human habitation began on the Korean Peninsula, but the Korean foundation myth dates back to 2333 B.C. when Tan-gun, a mythical half-divine, half-human being, supposedly founded the nation from which all Koreans are descended, providing Koreans with a sense of identity as one people. It seems clear that it was during the Neolithic Age (c. 5000-1000 B.C.) that the nomadic tribes from the continent who were the racial and ethnic ancestors of the modern Korean people came to the Peninsula, although these original tribes intermingled with or were assimilated by other nomadic tribes who were to arrive from the continent later, particularly during the Bronze Age (c. 1000-300 B.C.).

Countless tribal communities and alliances rose and fell until from 18 B.C. to A.D. 668, three highly centralized ancient kingdoms, Koguryo, Paekche and Shilla, emerged and flourished on the Peninsula. Shilla conquered the other two kingdoms to become the sole master of most of the Peninsula. To the north, some survivors from Koguryo established the kingdom of Parhae in 698, which lasted until the 10th century. The Unified Shilla period witnessed a brilliant civilization which achieved rapid developments in the arts, religion, commerce, education and all other fields.


Typical Korean Food

Korean foods are definitely different from foods elsewhere in the world. The one attribute which stands out the most is spiciness. The other is that many dishes are served at room temperature(yest some are served boiling hot). Korean food has a distinctive flavor, with the use of various vegetables and spices to complement the meats. Hanjongshik (한정식) literally means "full course Korean meal" which consists of grilled fish, steamed short ribs, and multiple side dishes. The usual Korean meal is rather elaborate when served in a restaurant even if defined only by the quantity offered.

The staple of the Korean diet is kimchi (김치). It has become, through tradition and enduring style, almost a religious activity to prepare. Kimjang (김장), which occurs in the autumn harvest season, is the most important annual social event of Korea, at which time the dish is composed in great quantities. The ingredients are trucked in in huge piles. The women gather in groups to spend hours cutting, washing and salting the cabbage and white radishes. Then they are dosed with red pepper, then garlicked and pickled. The concoction is then buried in huge earthenware crocks to keep it fresh yet fermenting though the winter months. By the time comes to feast upon the final product, it is fiery hot. Some kimchi is milder, such as a light brine kimchi, usually prepared in the summer months when kimchi is difficult to retain its freshness. There is also a type of light kimchi soup, fermented water with vegetables which is usually served aside a variety of other side dishes.



Korean Customs - Respect

Respect for others according to seniority is a pillar of Korea's Confucianist traditions. Seniority is based on age, position in the family, job position, being a teacher, and the list goes on.

* When drinking with a much older person, it is customary to turn your head away to take a drink. Some Koreans may feel strange about a foreigner doing so, and they will tell you if that's the case.
* If you are smoking while walking along and you approach an older person, either hide or put out your cigarette. Korean teens that smoke typically do so in stairways and basement levels of buildings, away from adult's eyes. To westerners it seems sexist, but Korean women who smoke are seen as women of loose morals (if you get my meaning).
* Koreans believe that direct eye contact during conversation shows boldness, and out of politeness they concentrate on the conversation, usually avoiding eye-to-eye contact.
* Out of respect for the elderly, young people usually give up their seats for an aged person on a crowded bus or subway train. Nowadays some young people do not but most still do. Most Koreans wouldn't expect a foreigner to do this, but if you do it will make you look like a well-mannered guest in their country.
* Koreans shake hands and bow at the same time. The depth of the bow depends on the relative seniority of the two people.
* When you receive something (a present, a cup, a pen, etc.) from an older person, you should use two hands when receiving it, with a bow. If it's small enough for one hand, use one hand to receive it and the other under your forearm or your lower chest (for support). When you are shaking hands with an older person, use two hands. If the person receiving the gift is younger or lower in stature, passing with one hand is acceptable.
* Confucian tradition also demands that the elderly be treated at all times with the utmost respect. When elders are present, young Koreans would never lounge around, wear sunglasses, or expect to eat first.
* Relationships with friends are the one area where Koreans can view each other as equals. Friends, however, really means those born the same year who are, therefore, the same age and capable of being equal.