Culture of Korea

Korea has a long and distinguished cultural history.

The Koreans are one of ethnic family speaking one language.

Linguistic and anthropological studies as well as legendary sources clearly distinguish Koreans from the Chinese and the Japanese.

Koreans were a homogeneous people by the beginning of the christian era.

The Korean people struggled successfully for millennia to maintain cultural and political identity despite the influence of neighboring countries.

Koreans all speak and write the same language , which has been a crucial factor in strong national identity .

Korean arts possesses several distinguishing characteristics that create a unique style of its own.

Korean art respects nature .

In traditional korea , the typical family was large with several generations usually living together.

With modernization , however , such large families are disappearing.

Koreans have traditionally believed that a man must first cultivate himself and manage his family properly before he can govern the nation.

Order at home is maintained through obedience to superiors that is , children obeying parents, the wife the husband, the servants the master, and so on.

This Confucian decorum has dominated Korean life and way of thinking over the centuries and is still respected in all forms of human relations.

Koreans still place great emphasis on filial piety to parents and ancestors, fidelity to spouse and faithfulness to friends, loyalty to the ruler and respect for teachers.

Korea's most ancient religions are Shamanism, Buddhism and Confucianism.

All these played an important role in the country's early cultural development and have greatly influenced thought and behavior.

During the Three Kingdoms period, the Korean people were actively acquiring classical cultural traditions of both the East and the West.

Confucianism and Taoism were being introduced from China, and Buddhism from far away as India and Central Asia.

Because of its unique geographical location, Chinese culture filtered into Japan through Korea; a common cultural sphere of Buddhism and Confucianism was thus established between the three countries.

Ethnically , Koreans belong to the Mongolian race , but for centuries the people have maintained their own unique language , culture and customs.

Culture

Korean culture has blossomed during her long history. Though affected by other Asian cultures, its roots lie deep within the creative Korean psyche, and it has tended to spread rather than be encroached upon. Japan especially has adopted many Korean ideas and customs. The delicate styling and fine craftsmanship of celadon pottery well illustrates the refinement of the culture, even from as far back as the Three Kingdoms period. Korea has also spawned some great inventors; its first printing systems predate Gutenberg's, the famous 'Turtle Ship' was the first ever iron-clad battleship, and the Korean alphabet, devised by a group of scholars in the 15 century, was so effective that it remains largely unchanged today. The reasons behind Korea's rapid economic development can be found in this innate creativity.

Buddhism has played a powerful role in Korean art. A large number of excellent examples of Korean artwork and architecture can be found in Buddhist temples and paintings. During the Choson Dynasty, Confucianism became a leading inspiration for the noblemen to whom the arts of calligraphy and painting were essential. They have left a legacy of fine brush work from which contemporary artists have benefited from.

Traditional Art

Korea has a long and distinguished cultural history. The current trend in Korean art is the harmonious combination of traditional and modern styles, revealing the historical roots and influences of Korean art.

Painting

Tomb murals from the Three Kingdoms Period are the earliest examples of Korean painting. Mythological beasts such as dragons and flying horses show an imaginative and creative spirit. Throughout the Unified Shilla and Koryo Periods, Buddhism prevailed in every field of life, thus leaving a rich collection of icon paintings. In the late Koryo Dynasty, ink and brush paintings of the four "noble plants", (the cherry blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo), which symbolized traditional virtues, became popular. The artists of the Choson Dynasty produced innovative embodying the Korean spirit and perspective. There are humorous animal pictures, scroll paintings of dreamlike, mist-clad mountains, and insightful sketches of everyday life done in brush and ink. Paintings with folk custom and nature themes flourished in the latter half of the 18th century.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy, the art of brush writing, is a traditional art form in Korea which has exerted a strong influence on social and cultural life and is still highly respected today.

Architecture

Four factors have shaped traditional Korean architecture : religion, the availability of materials, the natural landscape, and an aesthetic preference for simplicity. Gently sloping roof lines and sturdy, undecorated pillars characterize its simplicity, harmony, and practical utility. Korea has many original wooden and stone structures, some dating back over a thousand years. There are also many skillful reproductions. Traditional architectural designs are also incorporated in many modern buildings throughout the country.

Pottery

One of the most significant achievements in Korean art, the perfection of celadon, was accomplished during the Koryo Dynasty. Korean artisans developed a superbly controlled glaze that was both beautiful and unique because it fully utilized the properties of Korea's rich clay. The highest praise is given to the color of the glaze - a delicate kingfisher green celadon inlaid with a pictorial underglaze which is called sanggamch'ongja and occupies a central position in Koryo celadons. The motifs and decorations found on the celadon are additional reasons for its great popularity among art lovers.

Modern Art

With its characterisitic blend of the traditional and modern, and the balance of influences from east and west, Korean contemporary art has surged in popularity. Most artists try to be accessible to their audience, and there are many exhibitions and galleries in any major city.

Museums

Visiting the museums of a country is a valuable opportunity to see its historic treasures and cultural legacies. As in other countries with long histories, many national, municipal and university museums, as well as a number of private institutions, preserve Korea's colorful past.

Traditional Performance

Koreans have always had a deep love for music and dance. Traditional Korean dance and musical performances can be a memorable part of visiting Korea.