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Cultural Heritage Administration <www.cha.go.kr>, Korea Tourism Organization <www.knto.or.kr> Korean traditional culture is based on the agriculture economy and a foundation of Shamanism, Buddhism and Confucianism throughout its 5,000-year history. Cultural activities are famous for how they harmonize and co-exist with many religions and cultures.
There are 425 national treasures, 1,776 treasures and 1,065 important folklore items. A total number of 690 items in 122 countries were registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. "Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple", "Haeinsa Janggyeong Panjeon," and "Jongmyo Shrine" entered the list in 1995, followed by "Changdeokgung Palace Complex" and "Suwon Hwaseong Fortess" in 1997, and "Gyeongju Historic Areas" and "Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites" in 2000. |
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Traditional Clothing - Hanbok |
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Hanbok is a comprehensive term used to describe
Korean traditional clothing. Today, hanbok is worn mostly on special occasions,
and is divided into categories based on its function. |
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Hanbok
Hanbok is characterized by its simple lines and the fact that it has no
packets. Women’s hanbok is comprised of a wrap-around skirt and a jacket.
It is often called chima-jeogori, chima being the Korean word for skirt
and jeogori the word for jacket. Men’s hanbok consists of a short jacket
and pants, called baji, that are roomy and bound at the ankles. Both ensembles
may be topped by a long coat of a similar cut called durumagi.
Saenghwal hanbok
The use of traditional hanbok follows complex rules,
and requires meticulous attention. Because of this, a simplified version
of hanbok has been introduced for daily use which incorporates simplicity
and convenience. An increasing number of people want to express their
individuality by wearing something that combines traditional beauty and
modern simplicity. The modern version comes in a wide variety of styles
and fabrics. |
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Traditional Food |
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 A
diverse array of foods and dishes can be found throughout Korea.
Korea was once primarily an agricultural nation, and Koreans have cultivated
rice as their staple food since ancient times. These days Korean cuisine
is characterized by a wide variety of wild greens and vegetables.
Various fermented and preserved foods, such as kimchi (fermented spicy cabbage),
jeotgal (matured seafood with salt) and doenjang (fermented soy bean paste)
are notable for their unique flavor and high nutritional value.
The prominent feature of a Korean table setting is that all dishes are served
at the same time. |
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Traditional Korean House - Hanok |
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 A
traditional Korean house is called ‘hanok,’ which is sought to create a
living space based on the coexistenceof nature and humans.
Accordingly, the natural aspects of a traditional Korean house range from
the structure’s inner layout to the building materials which were used.
Another unique feature of traditional houses is their special design for
cooling the interior in the summer and heating the interior in the winter.
Since Korea has hot summers and cold winters, the ‘ondol gudeul,’ a floor-based
heating system and ‘daecheng,’ a cool wooden-floor style of hall, were devised
long ago to help Koreans survive the frigid winters and to make the sweltering
and humid summers bearable. These primitive types of heating and air-conditioning
were so efficient that they are still in use in many homes today. |
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Traditional Arts |
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 Traditional
dance
Korean traditional dance, much
like traditional music, can be divided into court dance and folk dance.
Court dance includes jeongjaemu, dances performed at banquets, and ilmu,
the line dances performed in Confucian rituals. Folk dance can be divided
into religious dances led by monks and secular dances.
Whereas the highly stylized court dances display dimensions of discipline,
grandeur and elegance, folk dances, especially mask dances, exhibit spontaneity,
humor, freedom and satire. |
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 Traditional
music
Korean traditional music can be broadly divided into jeongak (court music), which has an intellectual emphasis, and minsogak (folk music), which is full of emotional expression. The former is closely related to the culture of the royal family and the upper class, the latter belonging more to the common people. Most court music moves at a slow pace, sometimes so slow that a single beat can take up to three seconds.
 As a result, the mood of this music is static, meditative, and reposeful. However, folk music, such as farmer's music, pansori and musok (shaman's ritual music), is characterized by dynamic rhythm patterns. |
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 Paintings
A major characteristic of Korean traditional painting is its unique Oriental lines and colors that are seldom found in orthodox Western painting. Ancient tomb murals manifest traits of early Korean painting. The murals in Three Kingdoms tombs depict the dynamism and lifestyle of Koreans during ancient times. In the Goryeo period when Buddhism blossomed, the arts flourished as well, particularly Buddhist painting and sculpture, and many impressive works from this time can be seen at Buddhist temples today. During the Joseon Dynasty, painting was influenced by Chinese art. Folk paintings, or minhwa, were popular among the masses and abound with satire and humor. |
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 Handicrafts
and ceramics
Handicrafts and ceramics made great headway following the introduction of Buddhism to Korea. In the Goryeo Dynasty, elegant jade green celadon became the mainstream ceramics. Plain celadon reached its zenith of refinement around the first half of the 12th century. Whereas Goryeo celadon has novelty, Joseon ceramics are infused with subtlety and naturalness, evoking the sentiments of humble, common people. Joseon white porcelain embodies the characteristics of the Korean people who prefer simplicity and the color white. |
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Religions |
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 Buddhism
Buddhism was introduced into Korea in the second
century, A.D. 372, during King Sosurim’s government of the Goguryeo Dynasty.
Buddhism soon found its way into the Baekje Kingdom and Silla Kingdom. The
Korean peninsula was governed by three kingdoms at that time: Goguryeo,
Baekje, and Silla. Bulguksa (Buddhist temple) and Seokguram, which have
been appointed world cultural assets, were built during the Silla Dynasty.
Buddhism has had a strong effect on the development of the Korean culture
since it was introduced. Korea has many Buddhism-related cultural assets,
including buildings, sculptures, drawings, and craftworks. |
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 Confucianism
Confucianism became a common philosophy in ancient
Korea. When it came into contact with fundamental Korean sentiments, Confucianism
brought about profound changes and exerted considerable influence on the
Korean people. It has been an indispensable component of the Korean moral
system, way of life and national laws. Confucianism, which was the major
philosophy of the Joseon Dynasty, eventually gave rise to Silhak, or practical
learning. Confucianism has deeply permeated the consciousness of Korean
people and can be seen today in many forms, including two ceremonies that
continue today: Jongmyo Jerye, the royal ancestral service at Jongmyo Shrine
and Seokjeon Daeje, the worship rites at the Seonggyungwan in honor of Confucius,
his disciples, and other celebrated Chinese and Korean Confucian scholars. |
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Protestantism & Catholicism
Protestantism came to Korea after the signing of
the Korean-American Treaty in 1882. Because Christianity challenged the
basic values of Joseon society, its believers were subject to persecution
in the early years, but as Christians took an increasingly active role in
the anti-colonial struggle against the Japanese and churches promoted more
educational opportunities, Christianity gained acceptance.
Today Korean churches evangelize abroad, and approximately twenty-five percent
of the Korean population is Christian.
Catholicism first came to Korea as a western scholarly pursuit. Korean tributary
missions to the imperial court of China took an interest in Jesuit missionary
books and brought them back to Korea. In 1784 the first Korean was baptized
in Beijing and returned to Korea to set up a house of worship. Despite considerable
persecution by the government, numerous people joined the Catholic Church.
Presently, over two million people belong to the church. |
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Shamanism
Various
shamanistic practices are deeply engrained in Korean life. Shamanism is
similar with folk beliefs from ancient times. It is closely related to the
primitive cults that practiced communal rites for the gods of heaven, and
which were uninfluenced by Buddhist tradition. One distinguishing characteristic
of Korean shamanism is that it seeks to solve human problems through a meeting
between humans and the spirits. This can be seen in the various types of
shamanistic rites that are still widely practiced even today. |
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Experiencing Korean Traditional Culture |
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 Korean
daily life
These programs encourage foreigners to experience
Korean culture such as family rituals, etiquette, tea culture, traditional
food, and the arts.
Yoo’s Family
<www.yoosfamily.com>
Tel.
02-722-8543
Experience Dado (etiquette of drinking tea), wearing Korean
traditional clothes-Han-bok, learning greeting etiquette, practice Kimchi
making, folk games-and traditional Korean meals, etc.
- 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of Anguk Station, Line 3
Son’s Home
<www.sons-home.com>
Tel. 02-562-6829
Experience Kimchi (Korean traditional pickled cabbage), Hanbok, musical
instruments, and calligraphy.
- 10-minute walk from Exit 3 of Yeoksam Station, Line 2 |
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 Yejiwon
<www.yejiwon.or.kr>
Tel. 02-2234-3325~6 Learn about Korean traditional customs and other common
Korean practices.
- 15-minute walk from Exit 6 of Dongguk Station.
Tuyosinoie
<www.tuyosi.com>
Tel. 02-774-0351
Cell phone: English 018-471-2250 / Japanese 018-367-2351
Enjoy Korean traditional dishes, folk arts, and a traditional market.
- 7-minute walk from Exit 12 of Seoul Station, Line 1 or 4 |
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SamcheongGak
<www.samcheonggak.or.kr>
Tel. 02-3676-3456
Traditional Culture Academy: Minyo (folk songs), Pansori, crafts of the
women’s quarters, tea ceremony, daegum, Korean traditional music for children
- Shuttle bus from Exit 7 of City Hall Station, Line 2 or Exit 5 of Gwanghwamun
Station, Line 5 |
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 Traditional
Korean village
Namsangol Hanok Village
<www.fpcp.or.kr>
Tel. 02-2266-6937
A traditional Korean-style garden, complete with a flowing stream and a
pavilion in the woods, was constructed in order to revive theclassical feel
of theancient times. Five traditional Korean houses were moved here on a
7,934 squaremeter lot including some of the residences of high government
officials who were known to have eight of the largest mansions in seoul.
- 2-minute walk from Chungmuro Station, Line 3 or 4 |
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Bukchon Hanok Village
<hanok.seoul.go.kr>
Tel. 02-3707-8388 This traditional village features
many Hanok-style homes. The village is located in the area between Seoul
City Hall and Seoseomun’s annex.
- Exit 1 of City Hall Station, Line 1 |
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 Korean
Folk Village
<www.koreanfolk.co.kr>
Tel. 031-286-2111
The village has a folk museum and holds folk festivals, entertainment, and
a traditional market. There are a lot of sightseeing spots including Korean
traditional houses, hanok.
Location: Giheung-eup,Yong-in, Geonggi-do
- Take a Folk Village shuttle
bus at Suwon Station, KNR Line |
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 Oeamri
Folk Village
<www.asan.chungnam.kr>
Tel. 041-544-8290
This traditional village has preserved the village history and culture.
Location: Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
- Take a train at Seoul Station to Onyang, then a city bus to Oeam-ri
(7 times a day, takes 40 minutes)
Naganeupseong Folk Village
<www.nagan.or.kr>
Tel. 061-749-3645 This walled city built on
an open field used to house an old government office and nearly 100 tradional-thatched
houses built during the Joseon Dynasty. The city is like being in ancient
Korea.
Location: Suncheon, Jeollanam-do
-Take a train at Seoul Station to Suncheon,
then transfer to a city bus for Naganeupseong Folk Village |
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 Hahoe
Village
<www.hahoe.or.kr>
Tel. 054-856-5701 The village was designated important
folk asset no 122. The village contains tangible and intangible cultural
assets such as national treasures or folk arts.
Location: Pungcheon-myeon, Andongsi, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Take a train at Cheongnyangni Station to Andong, then city bus no. 46
to Hahoe Village |
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 Jeju
Folk Village Museum
<www.chejufolk.co.kr>
Tel. 064-787-4504 This village also features
all kinds of traditional village styles of Jeju Island, including a mountain
village, a fishing village, a small island town, and a marketplace.
Location: Pyoseon-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Namjeju-gun
- 50 min. by bus from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal |
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 Suaedang
Tel. 054-822-6661
A place for experiencing Korean traditional culture as
well as traditional houses.
Location: Imdong-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Andong bus terminal → get off at Imdong bus station (2 km from the bus
station) |
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Saehwagwan
Tel. 063-287-6300
Jeonju Hanok Living Experience Center Location: Pungnam-dong, Wansan-gu,
Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do
- Take the express bus from Express Bus Terminal to Jeolla Province and
get off at the Jeollabuk-do Art Center
Jirye Artists’Colony
<www.chirye.com>
Tel. 054-822-2590 This place is for those who
want to learn about Korean history and culture.
Location: Imdong-myeon,
Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- 4hrs. from Seoul Cheongnyangni Station to Andong (50 mins. from Andong) |
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Buddhist temple stay |
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<www.eng.templestay.com>
For over 1600 years temples have provided spiritual refuge for Korean Buddhists.
The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism is opening Korean temples where you can
experience the Korean monks life, Korean traditional culture, and its beauty
as well.
Program: Dharma Ceremony in the morning, Seon meditation, tea ceremony,
four bowl meal, introduction of temple, printing Tripitaka, Buddhist martial
arts, making traditional lanterns, making green tea, traditional games,
etc. |
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Korean cooking courses |
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Institute of Traditional Korean Food
Tel. 02-741-5414 <www.kfr.or.kr>
The program consists of a field
tour to the Korean Traditional Kitchen Museum, where you can learn how
to make rice cakes. You may also partake in other Korean cooking activities
.
- 3-minute walk from Exit 7 of Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station, Line1, 3 or 5
Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine
Tel. 02-3673-1122 <www.food.co.kr>
Enjoy dishes intended for the
royal family and traditional folk dishes.
- 20-minute walk from Exit 2 of Anguk Station, Line 3
Seoul Agriculture Technology Center
Tel. 02-3462-5704 <www.agro.seoul.go.kr>
A way for everyone to
learn the old skills of cooking food. Established by the Seoul Agriculture
Technology Center.
- 10-minute walk from Exit 4 of Yangjae Station, Line 3
BokSeon Han ‘s Cooking School
Tel. 02-592-3783 <www.hanboksun.com>
Learn about recipes and seasonings
for traditional dishes.
- 5-minute walk from Exit 4 of Seoul Nat’l Univ. of Education Station,
Line 2 or 3
Han’s Institute of Culinary Arts
Tel. 02-742-3567 <www.hancooking.co.kr>
Kimchi course, kimchi
and bulgogi course, bibimbap (a mixed rice with various vegetables) course,
kimchi stew course and other courses
- 3-minute walk from Exit 4 of Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station, Line 5
Ilsan Wondang Jungang Cooking School
Tel. 031-968-6262 <www.cookinggac.co.kr>
Take a course to learn
how to make Korean dishes: kimchi, bulgogi, samgyetang (traditional chicken
dish), bibimbap, kimchi stew, and so on.
- 10-minute walk from Wondang Station, Line 3
Minkyung Choi’s Cooking School
Tel. 051-464-6000 <www.cook.or.kr>
Participate in courses for learning
to prepare traditional Korean meals. Learn how to make kimchi, bulgogi,
galbi, bibimbap, and other traditional dishes.
- 10-minute walk from Busan Station |
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 Dong-a
Kyungok Kim’s Cooking School
Tel. 051-247-6000 <www.cook3000.co.kr>
Join courses for learning
to cook Korean traditional dishes: kimchi, galbi, bibimbap, jeon(pan-fried
dishes), and namul (vegetables or wild greens)
- 5-minute walk from Nampodong Station |
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 House
Kimchi
Tel. 02-3216-9792 <www.housekimchi.com>
Targets Japanese travelers
- 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Hongje Station, Line 3 |
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Ceramics |
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Korean pottery is famous for its excellent quality
and use of artistic skill. Pottery features Korean traditional art styles,
simple colors and unique molding. The fee for a pottery class is between
5,000 won and 30,000 won.
Icheon Ceramics Village (Icheon, Gyeonggi-do)
- Take an Icheon-bound bus at Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul
Bus Terminal
Yeoju Ceramics Village (Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do)
- Take an Yeoju-bound bus at Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul
Bus Terminal
Gangjin Celadon Village (Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do)
- Take a bus at Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Gangjin, then take a city
bus for Maryang and get off at Celadon Village |
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 Taekwondo
Taekwando, Korean traditional martial arts, is an
international sport that enjoys worldwide popularity. Taekwando teaches
a person self-reliance, not aggression.
Therefore, it focuses on physical training and mental endurance. Character
development is also an important aspect of the sport. Taekwando was first
shown as an exhibition game during the 1988 Seoul Olympics and has since
been adopted as an official Olympic sport, debuting at the 2000 Sidney Olympics.
Korea Taekwondo Tour Information Center <www.taekwontour.com>
- One-day Taekwondo experience,
Taekwondo Camp
Tel. 02-336-6014~5 Fax. 02-336-6045 |
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 Culture
streets
Insa-dong <www.insadong.info>
This traditional street in Insa-dong has shops
that carry traditional goods such as antiques. The street holds various
traditional events as well.
- 2-minute walk from Anguk Station, Line 3
Sagan-dong <www.galleryhyundai.com>
The street has ten modern art galleries, a National Folk Museum, and traditional
museum. You can enjoy modern and traditional art here.
- 5-minute walk from Anguk Station, Line 3
Fashion Street in Donamdong
This street is located in the Gangbuk area and is always crowded with
people who enjoy fashion.
- 1-minute walk from Sungshin Women’s Univ. Station, Line 4 |
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