Facts about Korea

1. 한
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F A C T S A B O U T K O R E A
www.korea.net
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3. 한
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F A C T S
A B O U T
K O R E A
FACTS ABOUT KOREA
Copyright © 1973
Published by
Korean Culture and Information Service
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
2020 Edition
408, Galmae-ro, Sejong-si, Government Complex-Sejong,
Republic of Korea
Tel 82.44.203.3300
Fax 82.44.203.3592
All rights reserved
Printed in Seoul
ISBN 978.89.7375.634.6(03910)
For further information about Korea, please visit:
www.kocis.go.kr ┃ www.korea.net
COVER STORY
Gyesangjeonggeodo, one of the works in the Manuscript
Treasure 585, is a painting of Jeong Seon (pen name: Gyeomjae),
a well-known landscape painter from the Joseon dynasty.
This particular work depicts the life and philosophy of
Yi Hwang (pen name: Toegye) and the beautiful nature of Korea.
The painting, currently depicted on the obverse side of the South Korean
1,000 bill, has been reinterpreted by artist Lee Cheol-min through pointillism.

4. 005
Contents
section 01
Life
006
• Clothing and Fashion
• Food
• Housing
• Festivals, Celebrations, and Holidays
• Religion
section 03
Culture
058
• UNESCO Heritage in Korea
• Traditional Arts
• Hallyu (Korean Wave)
section 05
Sports
174
• History and Development of Korean Sports
• Infrastructure for Promoting Sports
• Growth into a Sports Powerhouse
• Higher Status as a Host for International Competitions
• Professional Sports, a History Written in Sweat
• Transforming into an Advanced Sports Country
section 02
Society
036
• South Korea – Summary
• Education, Research, and Industry
• Labor and Social Welfare System
• Becoming a Society that Respects Cultural Diversity
section 04
Tourism
122
• Harmony between Tradition and Modernity
• Gourmet Travel
• Nature and Its Healing Power
• Travel Activities
• Popular Places (Attractions)
• Medical Tourism
• Local Festivals
section 06
History
196
• The Beginnings of Korea’s History (Prehistoric Period – Gojoseon)
• Three Kingdoms and Other States
• Northern and Southern States Period: Unified Silla and Balhae
• Goryeo Dynasty
• Joseon Dynasty
• The Fall of Joseon: Imperial Japan’s Annexation of Korea
• Independence Movement
• Transition to a Democracy and Transformation into an Economic Powerhouse
section 07
Government
238
• Constitution
• Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary
• Independent Organizations
• Local Governments
• International Relations
section 08
Economy
250
• The Korean Economy - the Miracle on the Hangang River
• Korea’s Open Market Capitalist Economy
• Industrial Brand Leaders and Korean Industrial Standards
• Efforts to Grow as a Global Power
section 09
Inter-Korean Relations
270
• Peace, A New Start: The Panmunjeom Declaration
• Historical Background
• Inter-Korean Exchanges and Cooperation
• Efforts for Lasting Peace
Appendix
• UNESCO Heritage in Korea
• National Museums in Korea
• Major Local Festivals in Korea
• Local Governments
• Relevant Websites
• Sources of Photos
282
section 10

5. Life
Clothing and Fashion
Food
Housing
Festivals, Celebrations,
and Holidays
Religion
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Life
Facts
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KOREA

6. Clothing and Fashion
The Korean people learned to use various clothing materials, such as sambe
(hemp), mosi (ramie), cotton, and silk, to make a range of clothing that was not
only attractive but also provided them with effective protection even during the
harshest winters and the hottest summers. They made warm winter clothes
using the technique of wadding soft cotton between two pieces of cloth, silk, or
cotton fabric, and stitching them in fine lines, and produced cool summer clothes
with hemp and ramie. Hanbok is the traditional Korean attire made with these
materials, typically featuring graceful lines and forms with a serene aura.
Korea’s traditional clothing, hanbok, has maintained its basic traditional features
throughout Korea’s 5,000-year history while its styles and forms have evolved in
various ways based on the lifestyle, social conditions, and aesthetic taste of the times.
History reveals that in general, Korean people in the past tended to prefer
simple, white clothes to fancy ones. That is why they were often referred to as “the
white-clad people” among their neighbors who admired them for being peaceful
people. Nonetheless, Korea has also had a long tradition of enjoying colorful clothes
with complex designs depending on the period and the wearer’s social status.
Today, South Korea is in the global spotlight because of a variety of hanbok
designs that reinterpret traditional Korean designs and patterns in a modern
Life A fashion show marking Hanbok Day takes place showing
rich colors and various designs of hanbok.
·
Korea, surrounded by waters on three sides, features four distinct seasons
and more mountains than plains. In these natural conditions,
Korean people have developed unique and remarkable food, clothing,
housing, and lifestyles. To survive a harsh winter and the intense heat of
summer, they developed distinctive clothing made of diverse materials,
and various healthy dishes made with the mindset that health comes
directly from food. To adapt to the natural environment,
they also developed a unique housing setup called hanok.
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7. artistic sensibility. The music videos of K-pop singers such as BTS and BLACKPINK
also contribute to the higher global recognition of hanbok as an attractive costume
for its unique style and beauty. In addition, its value is getting admitted popularly
thanks to increasing attention even to the ornaments such as gat (Korean
traditional hat) that appeared in the Korean drama, Kingdom, which was released
for streaming on Netflix, the world’s largest over-the-top (OTT) platform.
Korean people today seem to prefer clothes inspired by modern Western
styles to their traditional clothes although some people still insist on wearing
the latter on traditional holidays or special family occasions such as weddings.
Their love of tradition and yearning for the new sometimes led to the creation of
attractive “modernized hanbok.”
Gangnam-gu in Seoul, which is now a household name across the world
thanks to “Gangnam Style,” a K-pop song that shook the world in 2012, is a large
district where wealthy residential areas sit alongside high-end art facilities and
the busiest fashion streets. This special fashion zone attracts numerous fashion-
minded tourists from around the world with special fashion events by inviting
global designers and holding contests for emerging talents to show their designs.
Another fashion district in Seoul that enjoys an international reputation is
Dongdaemun-gu, now a hub of the regional fashion industry, which provides
creative, affordable fashion items for the young at heart. With its fully developed
distribution and sales networks, highly efficient production facilities, and a throng
of talented, aspiring designers, this district is now a must-visit attraction in Seoul
for foreign tourists.
Food
Since ancient times, the Korean people have believed that food and medicine
share the same origin and hence perform the same function, following the adage
that “food is the best medicine.” They believe that health and illness alike come
from the food they consume and how they eat it, and this idea has played a crucial
role in the development of traditional Korean medicine whose basic principle is
that we should use medicine only after food has failed.
Traditional Fermented Foods
One of the key words to understanding traditional Korean food is fermentation,
a metabolic process that helps food to “mature” so that it can be stored for a
longer period. The Korean foods that best represent the tradition of fermentation
developed in Korea include doenjang (soybean paste), ganjang (soy sauce),
gochujang (chili paste), and jeotgal (fermented fish sauce). The fermentation can
take anywhere from several months to several years.
Doenjang (Soybean Paste) and Ganjang (Soy Sauce)
Two of the most important items of traditional fermented food in Korea are
doenjang and ganjang. To make them, it is necessary to soak soybeans in water
and boil them until fully cooked. Then, they must be pounded and formed into
brick-shaped lumps, and left to dry and ferment. Then, they are placed in salted
water in a large pot along with dried red chili and heated charcoal, which help
remove impurities and odors during the fermentation process. The beans thus
prepared are then left for about two to three months until they become fully
fermented. This product should then be divided into two, solids and liquid, of
which the former needs to be brewed for over five more months and the latter
for over three months to develop a full flavor and taste. Just like wine, soy sauce
tends to have a richer flavor and taste when brewed for a longer period.
Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
Gochujang is a traditional Korean condiment made by fermenting a mixture of
soybean malt, salt, and chili pepper powder with a blend of powdered rice, barley,
flour, and malted barley. Gochujang has long been one of the most important
traditional condiments among Korean people, whose palates have evolved
toward a preference for hot and spicy foods since they were introduced to chili
several hundred years ago. Chili and gochujang are now often regarded as a
symbol of the vibrant, energetic disposition of Korean people.
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8. ···
Saeujeot (Salted Shrimp)
Saeu-jeot is a variety of jeotgal, salted and fermented
food, which is the most consumed jeotgal along with
myeolchi jeot (salted anchovies)
in South Korea. Salted fermented shrimp is used to
improve the taste of dishes, including kimchi.
·
Doenjang Jjigae
(Soybean Paste Stew)
This stew-like Korean
dish is made by
boiling an assortment
of ingredients
such as meat,
clams, vegetables,
mushrooms, chili,
tofu, and soy paste.
··
Jangdokdae
(Soy Jar Terrace)
An area outside the
kitchen used to store large
brown-glazed pottery jars
containing soy paste, soy
sauce, and chili paste.
Korean pottery jars allow
for proper ventilation,
so they are perfect for
preserving fermented
food. The ideal location for
Jangdokdae would be a
well-ventilated area with
sufficient sunlight.
Jeotgal (Salted Seafood)
Jeotgal is almost an indispensable kimchi seasoning and a very popular condiment
used to enhance the taste of food. It is made by mixing one of a variety of seafood
(such as anchovy, shrimp, oyster, or clam) with salt, or with other condiments in
addition to salt, and fermenting it in a cool place. It is said that the longer it
is fermented, the better it tastes. The tradition of making fermented fish sauce
yielded several special delicacies including sikhae, which is made by fermenting
fish mixed with rice and condiments.
Kimchi
Kimchi, which is gaining a worldwide reputation as one of the representative
Korean dishes, has been praised for its anti-carcinogenic properties and
nutritional value, as well as numerous variations that create excitingly diverse
flavors and tastes. The most common type of kimchi is made by mixing salted
white cabbage with kimchi paste made of chili powder, garlic, spring onion,
Korean radish ginger, fish sauce, and other ingredients like fresh seafood. Kimchi
can be eaten fresh but is normally consumed after fermentation for several days.
Some prefer mugeunji, which is fully fermented for over one year.
The ingredients of kimchi vary according to regions and special local produces
and traditions. Seoul, for instance, is famous for gungjung kimchi (royal kimchi),
bossam kimchi (wrapped kimchi), chonggak kimchi (whole radish kimchi), and
kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi), and Jeolla-do is well known for godeulppaegi
kimchi (Korean daisy kimchi) and gat kimchi (leaf mustard kimchi).
Kimchi is getting well-known and well-received around the world. In 2001, the
Codex Alimentarius Commission designated Korean kimchi as an international
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9. standard instead of Japanese kimuchi, and in 2012 officially published the term of
cabbage made in Korea as “kimchi cabbage,” which had previously been referred
to as “Chinese cabbage” until then. In 2003, when severe acute respiratory
syndrome (SARS) was spreading throughout the world, foreign media reported
that the Korean people were safe from SARS because they eat kimchi, which
triggered global attention to its efficacy. In 2006, Health Magazine, an American
monthly, selected kimchi as one of the world’s five healthiest foods.
Bibimbap
Bibimbap (literally “mixed rice”) is a Korean rice dish served after mixing it with
an assortment of fresh and seasonal vegetables, fried egg, minced beef, and
Making Baechu
(Cabbage) Kimchi
01. Ingredients
for kimchi
02. Cut the cabbage
lengthwise through
the stem into quarters
and soak them
in salted water.
03. Rinse well-brined
cabbages in cold water
and drain them.
06. Fold the cabbages in
half and wrap around
into firm bundles
and store them in
a cool place.
04. Mix seasonings
with fermented fish
sauce to make fillings.
05. Spread fillings
evenly between
the cabbage leaves.
·
Bibimbap
Cooked rice served with fresh and seasoned vegetables, minced beef, and chili paste
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10. ·
Bulgogi
Stripped or shredded beef marinated
with soy sauce–based condiments and grilled
other ingredients. It is also served in a sizzling hot stone bowl, which is called
dolsotbibimbap (Hot Stone Pot Bibimbap). The dish is closely related to Jeonju, a
UNESCO-designated Creative City of Gastronomy, where food festivals such as
the Bibimbap Festival are held every autumn, thereby attracting gastronomes
from across South Korea and beyond.
Bibimbap, along with kimchi and bulgogi, is considered one of the three
representative dishes of Korean cuisine. It is getting more preferred as an airline
meal, and more efforts have been put into the development of different bibimbap
products to popularize Korean cuisine as a universal global food.
Bulgogi
Bulgogi, which literally means “fire meat,” refers to a traditional Korean dish made
by grilling meat after marinating slices of beef or pork in sweet soy sauce mixed
with a great variety of condiments mainly made with soy sauce, sugar, and pear
juice. Bulgogi is also popular among foreigners, so many South Korean fast-food
restaurants serve bulgogi-flavored fast food such as bulgogi hamburgers and
bulgogi pizza.
Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles and Vegetables)
Japchae is one of the most popular traditional celebration dishes. Japchae is a
mixture of various ingredients, creating a unique taste. It is made by mixing
boiled glass noodles, fried vegetables such as spinach, carrots, and mushrooms,
meats, and other ingredients. It was first served at a royal banquet in the Joseon
dynasty in the 17th century. For this reason, japchae is considered a luxurious
and elegant dish and always served on special occasions such as a birthday, a
wedding reception, and a 60th birthday party.
Jeon (Pancakes)
Jeon, also known as Korean pancakes, refers to all kinds of food made by cutting
ingredients into slices and coating them with wheat flour and an egg wash before
frying them in oil. It can be made with different ingredients such as meat, fish,
and vegetable. Some jeon called hwajeon is made out of glutinous rice flour and
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11. edible petals from seasonal flowers such as azalea and chrysanthemum.
Jeon is eaten itself, but the taste becomes richer with soy sauce. Preferred by
all people of ages, it is served on feasts, holidays, and other important occasions.
Tteok (Rice Cake)
Tteok, or Korean rice cake, refers to a range of sticky cakes made by steaming
powdered rice with other grains, usually beans, or by pounding boiled rice into
different shapes and textures. While eaten as a staple food, rice is sometimes
served as a variety of rice cakes on special family or communal occasions such as
birthday parties, wedding receptions, memorial services, and traditional holidays.
Rice is the main ingredient of tteok, but it is often mixed with other grains, fruits,
nuts, and herbs such as mugwort, red bean, jujube, soybean, and chestnut.
Korean people serve different varieties of traditional rice cakes with various
symbolic meanings on special occasions. For instance, one is baekseolgi (white
steamed rice cakessnow-white rice cake) served on the first birthday of a baby as
it symbolizes a long life. Another is patsirutteok (red-bean-coated rice cake) used
when they start a business as the red color is believed to help repel evil forces.
They celebrate New Year’s Day with tteokguk (rice cake soup), which consists of
a broth with rice flakes, and Chuseok (the 15th Day of the 8th Lunar Month) with
songpyeon, bite-sized half-moon shaped rice cakes stuffed with honey, chestnut,
soybean, or sesame mixture. Nagwon-dong is famous for a cluster of rice cake
houses still operating downtown in Seoul.
Juk (Porridge)
Juk, cooked in water for a long time with various grains, is a Korean-style porridge
that was usually used to treat children, the elderly, or people suffering from
digestive problems. In recent years, juk houses have sprung up in many parts
of South Korea. They usually prepare the dish with a wide range of ingredients,
mostly grains and vegetables, developing numerous varieties, some of which are
now served at small specialty dinners. Even more, companies present different
instant porridges for commercial sale.
·
Gyeongdan
Gyeongdan (sweet rice balls) is a type of small rice cake made by
kneading glutinous rice powder with hot water, shaping the dough into balls,
boiling them in hot water, and coating them with powder such as bean or sesame seed powder.
These days, sponge cake crumbs are also used to coat the sweet rice ball.
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12. of South Korea to meet the needs specific to local communities during holidays,
festivals, memorial rites, and other commemorative occasions. Currently, some
300 traditional beverages have survived, including Munbaeju (pear-flavored
liquor) and Songjeolju (pine knot liquor) in Seoul; Sanseong Soju (distilled
liquor) in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do; Jindo Hongju (red liquor) in Jeollanam-do and
Jeonju Igangju (distilled liquor) in Jeollabuk-do; Hansan Sogokju (rice wine) in
Chungcheongnam-do; Geumsan Insamju (ginseng liquor) in Chungcheongnam-
do; Gyodong Beopju (rice liquor) and Andong Soju (distilled liquor) in Gyeongju,
Gyeongsangbuk-do; and Okseonju (distilled liquor) in Hongcheon, Gangwon-do.
Makgeolli (rice wine) is one of the most popular traditional alcoholic beverages
·
Hanjeongsik (Korean table d’hote)
This traditional Korean-style full-course meal typically consists of a separate appetizer,
a staple food mainly made of grains, an assortment of side dishes, and dessert.
This meal is often divided into subgroups according to the number of side dishes added:
3 cheop, 5 cheop, 7 cheop, 9 cheop, and 12 cheop bansang.
Noodles
Korean people have developed a wide range of noodle dishes with different
symbolic meanings. One of such dishes is janchi guksu (noodles in broth), which
is served in a hot anchovy broth to the guests at a wedding reception. This dish is
so closely related to the idea of a happy marriage in Korea that a question such
as “When can we eat noodles?” would readily be understood to mean, “When
do you plan to get married?” It is also eaten to celebrate birthdays because
it symbolizes a long, healthy life. Korean people also have a long-established
tradition of eating naengmyeon, cold buckwheat noodles. There are two main
varieties: Pyongyang-style and Hamheung-style cold buckwheat noodles. The
former is served as a cold soup containing noodles while the latter with a spicy
dressing and eaten all mixed.
Hanjeongsik (Korean table d’hote)
Hanjeongsik, also known as the Korean table d‘hote, normally consists of cooked
rice, soup, and three to five (largely vegetable) side dishes. Although the higher
standard of living contributes to the creation of more new side dishes and thus
the Korean table d‘hote becomes more luxurious involving tens of dishes, it
always consists of three basic dishes: rice, soup, and kimchi. Two cities in the
southwestern part of South Korea, Jeonju and Gwangju, are particularly famous
for this traditional Korean-style full-course meal.
Korean Temple Cuisine
Korean Buddhist temples have maintained their own culinary traditions,
creating a wonderful range of vegetable dishes and ingredients and developing
recipes to provide proteins and other substances required for the monks and
nuns to remain healthy while refraining from flesh meat. Temple cuisine is
now preferred by vegans and other people who follow special diets for health-
related reasons.
Alcoholic Beverages
A wide variety of alcoholic beverages have been developed across different parts
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13. Housing
Korean people have developed unique architectural techniques to build housing
that is properly adapted to the natural environment, providing dwellers with
better protection. One of the distinctive features of the hanok (traditional Korean
house) is an underfloor heating system called ondol. Ondol, which literally means
“warm stones” and was developed during the prehistoric period, refers to the
system of channels running beneath the stone floor of a room through which
heat is delivered from the fireplace in the kitchen. It is also designed to effectively
draw out the smoke through the under-the-floor passages connected to the
chimney.
Another architectural feature is the board-floored room called maru located
at the center for multiple purposes. The room is usually larger than other rooms
and is raised from the ground to allow warm and cold air to freely circulate under
it. This creative natural air-conditioning system ensures a cool living environment
during the summer. In other words, the traditional Korean house is scientifically
designed to incorporate these smart ondol-maru systems in harmony. The roof
is typically covered with either giwa (tiles) with different colors or byeotjib (rice
straw). While most of the roof tiles are dark gray, some exhibit more vibrant
colors as demonstrated, for example, by Cheongwadae, the official residence
of the South Korean President, which literally means “Blue House” because it is
covered by blue roof tiles.
While traditional Korean houses are generally wooden structures, they can
survive as long as other buildings made with other materials if properly taken
care of. Presumed to have been built in the early 1200s, the Geungnakjeon
Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is Korea’s oldest
extant wooden building. The ideal location for hanok is believed to have hills or
mountains at the back of the house to prevent the cold wind and a stream or
river in front to ensure easy access to water. Houses built in such a place create
a great harmony with the surroundings, attracting more and more admirers at
home and abroad.
These days, over 60% of Seoul’s population live in modern apartments, but,
interestingly, these tall, multistoried buildings are almost without exception
·
Makgeolli
Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine, made by fermenting steamed rice, barley,
or wheat mixed with nuruk, a traditional Korean fermentation starter.
across South Korea. It is also known by other names such as nongju (farmer’s
wine), takju (cloudy wine), and dongdongju (rice wine). It is made by a process in
which steamed rice, barley, or wheat is mixed with nuruk and left to ferment, and
has an alcohol content of 6%–7%, making it a fairly mild drink. Recognized as a
healthy fermented liquor, it is gaining popularity among foreign tourists visiting
South Korea.
Another hugely popular alcoholic beverage is soju, which is made by adding
water and flavorings to alcohol extracted from sweet potatoes and grains.
Although its alcohol content varies but is significantly higher than makgeolli, it is
widely loved by ordinary people for its affordable prices in South Korea and is also
rapidly gaining enthusiasts abroad.
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14. ·
Hanok, traditional Korean houses
Myeongjae Gotaek, the ancient house of a Confucian scholar of
the late Joseon (1392–1910) dynasty, in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do
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15. furbished with a heating system inspired by the age-old ondol system. Similarly,
newly built detached houses are also reliant on its legacy to heat the floor,
although the traditional heat passages are now replaced with under-floor metal
pipes with running water heated either by gas or electricity. This traditional
Korean heating system has been gaining more popularity not only in South Korea
but also in other countries with wide variations in daily temperature.
Festivals, Celebrations, and Holidays
Festivals
Until the mid-20th century, Korea was primarily an agricultural society, and the
seasonal rhythms of daily life were organized by the lunar calendar. Because
farming was hugely important for the subsistence of the members, such society
developed a great variety of semi-religious events intended to pray for a good
harvest and abundant food. Those events gradually evolved into communal
celebrations and festivals.
Korean people celebrate the Lunar New Year’s Day (Seol or Seollal), with a
special festival dish called tteokguk or rice cake soup. They believe they can grow
one year older after consuming a bowl of rice cake soup on that day. In addition,
younger people make a deep traditional bow to their elders and wish them a
happy new year, which is called sebae (New Year’s bow). Then, the elders typically
reward this gesture by giving New Year’s gift money to their juniors.
Another important seasonal festival called Daeboreum (Greater Full Moon) is
celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the year by the lunar calendar.
On that day, people eat special festival food called ogokbap, a dish made with five
grains and served with an assortment of cooked vegetables, play games aimed
for the unity of the local community, and perform rituals for a good harvest.
Along with the Lunar New Year’s Day, Chuseok, also known as hangawi, is one
of the biggest and most important holidays in Korea, which is held on the 15th
day of the 8th lunar month. On this day, all family members gather together and
hold a ritual with newly harvested crops and fruits to express their appreciation
·
Sebae (New Year’s Bow)
Korea has a long tradition of starting the New Year (by the lunar calendar) with
the deep traditional bows made by children to their elders.
··
Chuseok and Songpyeon
Family members gather together and make songpyeon (half-moon shape rice cake),
one of representative Chuseok delicacies.
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16. ·
Traditional Wedding
The traditional Korean wedding ceremony largely consists of three stages:
Jeonallye, in which the groom visits the bride’s family with a wooden goose;
Gyobaerye, in which the bride and groom exchange ceremonious bows; and Hapgeullye,
where the marrying couple shares a cup of wine.
The photo shows a bride and groom exchanging ceremonious bows
during the Gyobaerye stage of their wedding ceremony.
to their ancestors and to nature. As it falls in the harvest season, a time of
abundance, there is a Korean saying that goes, “May things be just like hangawi,
no more, no less.”
Celebrations
Korean parents mark the 100th day anniversary (baegil) and the first birthday
(dol) of their baby with special big celebrations in which their families, relatives,
and friends participate. They generally hold a large celebratory banquet for their
baby with a ritual prayer for the baby’s health, success in life, and longevity, and
the participants give the baby gold rings as a special gift.
Weddings have also been a very important family celebration in South Korea.
It was not until the 20th century when most Korean people began to choose
their spouse in person, not getting married by the arrangement of their parents
or matchmakers.
In the past, a wedding ceremony in Korea was more like a village festival.
Families, relatives, and villagers would gather together to celebrate the couple.
The groom wore samogwandae, which refers to the uniforms of government
officials, and the bride was dressed in a lavishly embroidered bridal robe, such
as hwarot or wonsam, and a bejeweled headdress or a coronet named jokduri.
Today, the Western style of a wedding ceremony is widely regarded as
the norm, but there are some remaining traditional rituals such as Pyebaek
(traditional custom where the bride pays respect to the groom’s family right after
the wedding ceremony) and Ibaji (wedding food that the bride presents to the
groom’s family).
In South Korea, babies are one year old as soon as they are born because the
period when they are in their mother’s womb is also considered for calculating
age. A person’s 60th birthday used to be celebrated with a grand party as that
age was regarded as enough to have experienced all the principles of heaven
and earth. However, today, the average life expectancy of South Koreans is more
than 80 years, so people celebrate their 70th birthday in such a grand manner
rather than their 60th birthday.
National Holidays
In South Korea, there are five national holidays designated by the government.
First, March 1st Movement Day commemorates the Korean independence
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17. Public Holidays in Korea
Jan. 1
New Year’s Day
The first day of the year.
Jan. 1
(Lunar Calendar)
Seollal
The first day of the year
by the lunar calendar.
It is a three-day
celebration where people
eat rice cake soup and
make a deep traditional
bow to their elders.
Mar. 1
Independence
Movement Day
Intended to commemorate
the declaration of the
Korean Independence
Movement in 1919, it was
a massive, nonviolent
public protest against the
Japanese colonial rule.
Apr. 8
(Lunar Calendar)
Buddha’s Birthday
Intended to celebrate
the birth of Shakyamuni
Buddha, a variety of
celebratory events are
held in Buddhist temples
across the country.
May. 5
Children’s Day
It is designated to raise
awareness of love for
children, with various
events held for parents
and their kids to enjoy
together across the
country.
Jun. 6
Memorial Day
It is intended to honor
and commemorate the
achievements of war
heroes and veterans,
with a national memorial
service held at the
National Cemetery.
Aug. 15
Liberation Day
It is intended to celebrate
the liberation of Korea
from Japanese colonial
rule in 1945. Also, on
August 15, 1948, the
Republic of Korea was
formally established.
Aug. 15
(Lunar Calendar)
Chuseok
Chuseok, also known as
hangawi, is a seasonal
festival. Families gather
together to hold a
memorial service for their
ancestors at home or at
family graves, and they
make wishes under the
full moon at night.
Oct. 3
National
Foundation Day
It is intended to
commemorate the
foundation of Gojoseon,
the first Korean state,
by Dangun in 2333 BCE.
Oct. 9
Hangeul Day
It is intended to
commemorate King
Sejong’s promulgation of
Hunminjeongeum (The
Hangeul Manuscript) and
promote the research
and dissemination of
hangeul.
Dec. 25
Christmas
It is intended to celebrate
the birth of Jesus Christ
with a great variety
of religious and secular
events enjoyed by
all the people regardless
of their religion.
PUBLIC
HOLIDAYS
IN KOREA
movement, which was held by the public on March 1, 1919 to show resistence
against the Japanese occupation of Korea. Second, Constitution Day or Jeheonjeol
is observed on July 17th, the day that the South Korean constitution was
proclaimed in 1948. Third, National Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol, August 15),
celebrated annually on August 15th, is to commemorate Victory over Japan Day
at the end of World War II. Fourth, National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol),
celebrated annually on October 3rd, is to mark the foundation of Gojoseon, the
first state of the Korean nation, on the 3rd day of the 10th lunar month, 2333 BCE.
Fifth and last, Hangeul Proclamation Day (Hangeul Day), celebrated annually on
October 9th, is to commemorate the invention and proclamation of the Korean
writing system.
Public Holidays
The public holidays during which work is suspended by law in South Korea include
New Year’s Day, Seollal (or Lunar New Year’s Day, celebrated for 3 days), Chuseok
(Mid-autumn Festival on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, celebrated for 3
days), Buddha’s Birthday (on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month), Children’s Day
(May 5), Memorial Day (June 6), and Christmas Day. There are 15 public holidays
in total on which businesses are closed by law and employees have a day off, from
which Constitution Day is excluded.
Religion
South Korea is a country where all the world’s major religions, Christianity,
Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam, peacefully coexist with shamanism.
According to the 2015 statistics, 44% of South Koreans identified with a religion.
Among them, Buddhism and Confucianism have been more influential than
any others upon the life of the Korean people, and over half of the country’s listed
cultural heritage is related to the two religions. Since Buddhism arrived in Korea
in 372, tens of thousands of temples have been built across the country.
AdoptedasthestateideologyoftheJoseondynasty(1392–1910),Confucianism
is more of a code of ethical conduct that emphasizes the importance of loyalty,
031
Facts
about
KOREA
Life

18. filial piety, and ancestor worship. Based on the concepts of Confucianism, the
Joseon Dynasty established a code of conduct to settle the manners and customs
of the people’s lives. It stresses the importance of chung, the loyalty of subjects
to their king, hyo, filial, the obedience of children to their parents, and yeol, duties
between the husband and the wife.
Catholicism was introduced to Korea during the late Joseon dynasty period by
diplomats who returned from China and Catholic priests who were invited by the
Korean Christians. The early Roman Catholics in Korea were subjected to severe
persecution, but the religion continued to spread among the common people
·
Chungdong First Methodist Church in Seoul
Korea’s first Protestant church founded in 1897
··
Lotus Lantern Festival
The festival is held to celebrate the birth of
Shakyamuni Buddha on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month.
Diversity in Religious Life *
South Korea is rapidly changing into a multiethnic, multicultural, and multireligious society, protecting
religious diversity by law. People in South Korea are free to lead a religious life according to their
own choice and convictions, whether as followers of one of the major religions, namely, Christianity,
Buddhism, Catholicity, Confucianism, Islam, and ethnic religions or as adherents of Korean native
religions such as Won Buddhism and Cheondogyo.
[Unit: 10,000 people / Statistics Korea, 2015]
Size of Religious Groups
※ “Others” include Confucianism, Won Buddhism,
Jeungsangyo, Cheondogyo, Daejonggyo, and Islam.
44%
56%
Those with no religion
2,750
Those with a religion
2,155
Protestants
968
2015
45%
35%
18%
2%
Buddhists
762
Catholics 389
Others 37
033
Facts
about
KOREA
Life

19. across the country. Through the persecution many Christians were martyred by
the rulers at that time, which led Korea to yield the world’s fourth-largest number
of Christian saints.
Protestantism was brought to Korea during the late Joseon dynasty period
and quickly won people’s hearts through school education and medical services.
Even today, Protestants in South Korea operate a great number of educational
institutions, middle and high schools, colleges and universities, and medical
centers.
In addition to these, there are a rich array of native religions such as
Cheondogyo, Won Buddhism, and Daejonggyo, which are still active in increasing
the number of their adherents. Cheondogyo, founded on the basis of the Eastern
Learning (Donghak) of the 19th century, maintains the doctrine that “Man is
Heaven,” which exerted a strong influence upon the process of modernization in
Korea. Daejonggyo was established in the early 20th century to worship Dangun,
the founder of the first Korean state. In 1955, the Korea Muslim Society was first
established, which elected the first Korean imam (Islamic leader), later growing
large enough to become the Korea Muslim Federation in 1967.
Still, shamanism has also played an important part in the daily life of the
Korean people. Some believe shamans can predict their future or they can
console the spirit of the deceased. Others visit fortune-tellers when they start a
business or get married.
Seoul Central Mosque in Itaewon, Seoul
··
Interior of Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul
·
035
Facts
about
KOREA
Life

20. Society
South Korea – Summary
Education, Research,
and Industry
Labor and Social Welfare System
Becoming a Society
that Respects Cultural Diversity
Facts
about
KOREA
Society
037

21. Society
South Korea – Summary
Geographical and Topographical Features
The Korean Peninsula (lat. 33˚–43˚; long. 124˚–132˚) lies in the middle of Northeast
Asia, flanked by China to its west and Japan to its east. The peninsula is 950 km
long longitudinally and 540 km wide latitudinally. The total area of South Korea is
100,364 km2
. Excluding the northern end, which is joined to the Asian continent,
the peninsula is surrounded by water on three sides, with flat land and mountains
accounting for 30% and 70% of the entire territory, respectively. Mountains over
1,000 m above sea level make up only 15% of the mountainous areas, while
mountains lower than 500 m account for 65%.
Baekdusan
Russia
China
East Sea
Myohyangsan
Geumgangsan
Seoraksan
Gaeseong
Pyongyang
Incheon
Ganghwado Seoul
Daejeon
Daegu
Ulsan
Taebaeksan
Busan
Geojedo
Gwangju
Hallasan
Jeju Strait
Korea Strait
Jeju Island
Jindo
Japan
Jirisan
Sejong
Ulleungdo
Island Dokdo
Island
West Sea
Baengnyeongdo
Korea has a unique language and its own writing system,
“Hangeul,” which was invented by King Sejong (1397–1450)
during the Joseon dynasty. Korean are very proud of
this remarkable achievement. Hangeul is a very efficient
and easy script to learn and use, and most of all,
its promulgation was exactly recorded, which is unique in the world.
Hangeul is composed of 14 consonant letters
and 10 vowel letters. It can express virtually all the sounds
produced by nature and humans.
Legend
Demarcation line
City
Mountain
Scale 1:6,000,000
Facts
about
KOREA
Society
039

22. The Taebaeksan Mountain Range forms the backbone of the peninsula, with
the eastern part of the range rising higher than the western part. Rivers, both
small and large, originate from the high mountainous areas in the east and flow
toward the West and South Seas, forming plains suitable for grain cultivation.
The climate created by the mountainous areas in the east has an impact
on people’s lives. The easterly wind’s passage across the mountainous areas
is subject to the Foehn effect, creating a warm and dry wind in the western
downwind side of the mountain range. People living in the areas to the east
of the high mountains experience considerable inconveniences with regard to
transportation, as these areas have undergone very little development compared
to the area to the west of the high mountains. However, the slow pace of
development has brought at least one advantage to local residents: the natural
scenery has remained unspoiled, and many people now choose these areas as
travel destinations.
The East Sea has a relatively straight, featureless coastline, and the difference
between high and low tide is only 30 cm. However, the sea along the coast is
generally deeper than 1,000 m. According to the result of a sonar measurement
carried out by the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency, the deepest
part of the East Sea lies in the area north of Ulleungdo Island (2,985 m deep). In
contrast, the sea along the West Sea is shallow, which has led to the formation
of wide tidal flats.
During the summer holiday season, Haeundae Beach in Busan attracts around
1 million visitors per day. Gyeongpodae Beach in Gangneung and Daecheon
Beach on the West Sea are also popular holiday destinations during the summer.
In winter, people enjoy skating and skiing across the country. There are
many ski slopes in Gangwon-do. Winter snowfall in the mountainous areas of
Gangwon-do sometimes reaches 50–60 cm in a day or two. The average daytime
temperature in spring and fall is maintained at 15˚C–18˚C. In these seasons, the
sky is clear and the weather is pleasant and agreeable, encouraging many people
to engage in outdoor activities or go on a trip.
13.
President
Moon Jae-in (since 2017)
14.
Economic Indicators
· GDP: USD 1,646.3 billion
· Per Capita GNI: USD 32,115
· GDP Growth Rate: 2.0%
· Currency: Won (USD 1 = KRW 1,156.4)
South Korea Overview (As of 2019)
1.
Country Name
Republic of Korea
2.
Capital City
Seoul
(since 1394)
3.
National
Anthem
Aegukga
4.
National Flag
Taegeukgi
5.
National Flower
Mugunghwa
(Rose of Sharon)
6.
Language
Korean
7.
Land Size
100,364 km2
8.
Official Script
Hangeul
9.
Geographical
Location
The Korean
Peninsula
(lat. 33˚–43˚;
long. 124˚–132˚)
10.
Standard Time
9 hours ahead of
Greenwich Mean
Time
11.
Population
51.71 million
12.
Political
System
Liberal
democracy;
presidential
system
Facts
about
KOREA
Society
041

23. Recently, the Korean Peninsula has shown signs of transition to a subtropical
climate amid the phenomenon of global warming. In summer, the temperature
rises above 35˚C. In spring, azaleas and forsythias bloom earlier than in the past.
Over the past 4–5 years, many new and extraordinary climate-related records
have been reported.
Summer heat waves have become more common, and precipitation patterns
are also changing. During the monsoon seasons in the past, rain used to fall
nationwide because of the influence of a wet front. Today, torrential downpours,
which bring rain to a concentrated area, are often observed. In winter, heavy
snow also tends to fall in concentrated regions. Only 10 years ago, it was usual
for cold and warm weather to succeed each other on the peninsula every three
or four days, but that pattern has almost completely disappeared as well.
Population
Archaeologists think that people started settling in the Korean Peninsula around
700,000 BCE during the Paleolithic Age. South Korea’s 2019 population was
estimated at 51.71 million, and according to the 2018 Population and Housing
Census, 49.8% of the population resided in the Seoul metropolitan area. This was
up by 0.7% from 49.1% in 2010, showing a distinct trend toward the concentration
of the population in the capital.
Meanwhile, the country’s low birth rate has emerged as a serious social
problem. In 2019, the total fertility rate, meaning the average number of
childbirths by fertile women, stood at 0.92, with the number of newborns
reaching 3,02,700, all of which were the lowest ever recorded. Meanwhile, the
life expectancy of South Koreans reached 82.7 years (as of 2018), higher than the
OECD average (80.7 years).
The international migration of South Koreans began at the end of the 19th
century and the early 20th century, with people leaving for China and Russia.
Around the mid-20th century, after the 1945 Liberation of Korea, the United
States was their main destination, though Koreans also started to emigrate to
diverse regions around the world including Europe, the Middle East, and South
America. As a result, the number of overseas South Koreans amounted to 7.49
million (2019). Statistics showed that the largest number of Korean expatriates
was in the United States (2.54 million), followed by China (2.46 million), and Japan
(820,000).
Since 2011, the net inflow of population has outnumbered the net outflow.
The number of foreign nationals residing or working in the country has increased
dramatically, particularly since 2000. Despite fluctuations every year, the number
of inflows of foreign nationals has been increasing as a whole. According to
Statistics Korea, the number of foreigners entering Korea reached 293,000 in
2010, 373,000 in 2015, and 438,000 in 2019, respectively. With respect to the
purposes of their entry into the country, a short-term stay (34.5%) topped the list,
followed by employment (26%), study (14.9%), and arrivals of overseas Koreans
(12%). Although not included in the major rankings, the number of people
entering the country because of permanent residence and marriage increased
by 7.7% year on year (as of 2019).
Language and Letters
Korea has a unique language and its own writing system, “Hangeul,” which was
invented by King Sejong (1397–1450) during the Joseon dynasty. Koreans are
very proud of this remarkable achievement. Hangeul is a very efficient and easy
script to learn and use, and most of all, its promulgation was exactly recorded,
which is unique in the world.
Hangeul is composed of 14 consonant letters (ㄱ ㄴ ㄷ ㄹ ㅁ ㅂ ㅅ ㅇ ㅈ ㅊ ㅋ ㅌ
ㅍ ㅎ) and 10 vowel letters (ㅏ ㅑ ㅓ ㅕ ㅗ ㅛ ㅜ ㅠ ㅡ ㅣ). It can express virtually all
the sounds produced by nature and humans. Every year, UNESCO presents the
King Sejong Literacy Prize to people who have made a distinguished contribution
to the elimination of illiteracy. The inclusion of “King Sejong” in the name of the
prize may be said to be a tacit recognition of his greatest accomplishment, the
creation of Hangeul, which is easy to learn and use.
Facts
about
KOREA
Society
043

24. ·
King Sejong the Great
Sejong was the fourth king of the Joseon dynasty. He made many great accomplishments
in the spheres of science, economy, defense, art, and culture. One of his greatest accomplishments was
the creation of Hangeul in 1443, an easy-to-learn, efficient, and scientific writing system.
He is respected as one of the country’s greatest kings among Koreans.
··
National Hangeul Museum
The museum was established to preserve, disseminate,
and recreate the value of Hangeul and its culture.
The picture shows the Hangeul photo zone in the exhibition hall of the museum.
Facts
about
KOREA
Society
045

25. National Flag (Taegeukgi)
The Taegeukgi consists of a red and blue taegeuk pattern in the center with four
black trigrams located at each corner against a white background. The Taegeukgi
was first used as the national flag when the Korean Empire was proclaimed in
1897. Today, the pattern has somewhat changed from the flag used at that time.
Mainly designed around the taegeuk pattern that Koreans have long
enjoyed using in their lives, the national flag represents the Korean people’s
ideals of endless creation and prosperity in harmony with the universe. The
white background symbolizes brightness, purity, and peace-loving ethnic
characteristics. The taegeuk symbolizes harmony between yin (blue) and yang
(red), which embodies the truth about Mother Nature: All things in the universe
are created and evolved through the interaction between yin and yang.
The four trigrams indicate the mutual changes and development of yin and
yang through the combinations of horizontal lines (yin: “ ” and yang: “ ”). Among
them, geongwae symbolizes the sky; gongwae the earth; gamgwae
water; and rigwae fire. The four trigrams represent movement and harmony
centered around the taegeuk.
National Anthem (Aegukga)
Aegukga, the national anthem of South Korea, was composed in 1935 by Mr. Ahn
Eak-tai, who added a melody to the lyrics written in the early 1900s. Initially, the
national anthem was sung to the tune of the Scottish folk song Auld Lang Syne. It
was officially adopted with the establishment of the government of the Republic
of Korea in August 1948.
National Flower (Mugunghwa)
The Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) is the national flower of South Korea, literally
meaning “eternal blossom that never fades.”It is deeply associated with what is
regarded as the most typical Korean characteristics: a sincere heart, inwardness,
and tenacity. The national anthem includes the line: “Three thousand ri of splendid
rivers and mountains covered with mugunghwa blossoms.” The emblem of the
government and the National Assembly contains the shape of a mugunghwa.
National Symbol
Moderato
Until the day when the waters of the East Sea run dry and Baekdusan Mountain is worn away,
God protects and preserves our nation; Hurray to Korea
Great Korean people, stay true to the Great Korean way!
(Refrain) Three thousand ri of splendid rivers and mountains covered with mugunghwa blossoms.
Ahn Eak-tai
Aegukga
“Patriotic Song” (National Anthem)
Facts
about
KOREA
Society
047

26. Political System
The country has adopted a Presidential system in which the President is elected
by the direct vote of the people for a five-year term. President Moon Jae-in was
sworn in as the 19th president of South Korea on May 10, 2017.
The government is composed of three independent branches: the Executive
branch; the Legislative branch composed of 300 four-year term members of
the National Assembly; and the Judiciary branch, which includes 14 six-year
term Supreme Court justices. There are 17 upper-level local governments and
226 lower-level local governments. The heads of the local governments and the
members of local councils are each elected for a four-year term.
Division
In 1948, the two Koreas established their respective governments: the Republic
of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North
Korea). Defined as two different countries under international law, they joined
the United Nations simultaneously. The Constitution of South Korea, however,
regards North Korea as part of the Republic of Korea.
Education, Research, and Industry
Education System
The Korean people have long regarded education as very important. In the
process of industrialization, human resources emerged as an important factor
in connection with the need to cope with scarce capital and resources more
efficiently. Parents’ fervor regarding their children’s education has resulted in the
production of a large number of well-educated people, which, in turn, has helped
the country achieve rapid economic growth. The basic school system is composed
of kindergarten (1–3 years), elementary school (6 years), middle school (3 years),
high school (3 years), and university (4 years). There are also junior colleges (2 or
3 years) and graduate schools (for masters and PhD degrees).
All South Koreans are required to finish middle school under compulsory
education. Since 2013, the government has provided child care subsidies for
young children aged up to five years.
High Educational Competitiveness
Thanks to the remarkable education system and the high regard for education,
the country has many skilled people in virtually all sectors. Korea’s universities
produce talented young people specializing in basic science, including physics,
and other major sectors, such as electronics, mechanical engineering, business
management, economics, and accounting. Many educated adults can make
themselves understood in English, some of whom can speak another foreign
language. At present, the widespread availability of vocational education sessions
at high schools helps students obtain qualifications in specialty areas.
According to the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment
(PISA), South Korean students display a high level of academic achievement in
reading, mathematics, and science. The PISA 2018 results showed that Korea was
among the highest ranked OECD countries, ranking 2nd to 7th in reading, 1st to
4th in mathematics, and 3rd to 5th in science.
National Flag
Taegeukgi
National Flower
Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon)
Geon
(Sky)
Ri
(Fire)
Gam
(Water)
Gon
(Earth)
Blue: Yin
Red: Yang
Facts
about
KOREA
Society
049

27. [Unit: Schools / Ministry of Education, 2020]
Number of Schools in Korea
6,120
3,223
2,367
182
136
191
45
1,124
8,705
Kindergarten
Elementary
School
Middle
School
High
School
Special
School
Junior
College
University
Graduate
School
University
Graduate
School
R&D Investment
South Korea has a large number of talented people engaged in cutting-edge
research. Government-funded research institutes for basic science research,
universities, and many world-leading corporations are dedicated to a vast range
of projects from basic research to the development of advanced technologies
and new commercial innovations.
In recent years, more research and development projects have focused on
the fields of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including artificial intelligence (AI),
electronics, computers, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data.
As of 2018, the total number of researchers in South Korea stood at 514,000,
showing a high-level equivalent to 14.7 per 1,000 of the economically active
population. Their activities result in numerous patent applications, both at home
and abroad.
Sophisticated Information Society
South Korea is a leading powerhouse in information and communication
technology. It is a country full of dynamism. It became the first country in the
world to commercialize the CDMA and WiBro technologies as well as established
nationwide 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks. In March 2019, South Korea
launched the world’s first nationwide 5G mobile networks.
These sophisticated information and communication technologies have
led changes in diverse social sectors, including the innovation of government
administration. With the help of such advanced technologies, the procedures
for reporting a baby’s birth, moving home, or registering a person’s death are
handled more efficiently.
In addition, two-way communication systems based on social networking
services (SNSs) allow the government to provide useful information for the people,
who, in turn, can report any inconveniences in their lives to their government. In
2018, the number of exports of South Korea’s e-government systems totaled 201,
whose value reaches USD 258 million.
According to the 2020 UN E-Government Survey, South Korea ranked second,
following Denmark. In the same survey of 2010, 2012, and 2014, South Korea
ranked first.
The expansion of advanced communication infrastructure and the increased
distribution of mobile devices have actualized global communication in real time,
thus drastically transforming the conventional exchange information systems.
KakaoTalk, a smartphone messenger app developed in South Korea, is an
indispensable platform when it comes to digital communication among South
Koreans. Also, many of them actively utilize social networking services such as
Instagram and TikTok.
·
Social Network Service
A social networking service (SNS) is a service system that helps
people strengthen their existing personal networks and create
relationships, thereby further broadening their human networks.
Facts
about
KOREA
Society
051

28. Changes and Vision
South Korea is rapidly changing into a knowledge-based society, thus prioritizing
human resources. In a knowledge-based society, human capital is more important
than natural resources or industrial production, and humans are the barometer
of national competitiveness.
In South Korea, the development of creative good-quality cultural products,
in which human resources are combined with cultural resources, is viewed as an
industrial sector that will play a leading role in the 21st century. The representative
examples of the country’s successful items as cultural products include not only
K-pop, enrapturing the world, but also TV dramas such as Kingdom and Crash
Landing on You, and TV animations for infants such as Pororo.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the
country’s Human Development Index (HDI) is rising, apparently as a result of the
growing emphasis on investment and the development of human resources as
key actors of creative industrial sectors. The Human Development Index (HDI) is a
composite statistic of the life expectancy, education, and income indices used to
rank countries into four tiers of human development. In 2018, South Korea’s HDI
came to 0.906, ranking 22nd among 189 countries.
Labor and Social Welfare System
Korean Social Security System
South Korea operates a labor and welfare system that meets international
norms. It guarantees the three basic rights of labor. Public officials also have
their basic rights guaranteed as workers despite some restrictions on their right
to collective action.
In 1988, the country adopted the minimum wage system, whose purpose is
to protect the rights and interests of workers. There has been a gradual increase
in the statutory minimum wage, and the hourly minimum wage for 2020 was
set at KRW 8,590. Other relevant acts have been enforced, such as the Equal
Employment Opportunity and Work-Family Balance Assistance Act, which realizes
·
A Digital Reading Room at the National Library of Korea
This is a space where people can access and use a vast corpus of
digital materials while engaged in media editing, documentation, and research.
··
Pororo, the country’s
representative character
for infants, plays a leading
role in the progress of the
future cultural industry by
introducing a variety of
products using educational
animations and characters.
A podcast, another form of social networking service, is establishing a
new area in the communication (broadcasting) sector. Now, social networking
services are exerting influence even over politics through the formation of public
opinion, in addition to its inherent functions such as the delivery of information
or entertainment.
Facts
about
KOREA
Society
053

29. With an increasing number of senior citizens, welfare for the elderly has
emerged as an important social issue. To address this, the country adopted a
national long-term care insurance system for the elderly and a basic old-age
pension system.
In 2018, the government launched a new program named State Responsibility
for Dementia, which lowers the financial burden for patients with severe dementia
and covers the cost of dementia diagnoses made via neurocognitive tests and
imaging (MRI, CT, etc.) and so on, through national health insurance.
In 2001, the Ministry of Gender Equality was established, and its name was
later changed to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. It also covers policies
for teenagers and multicultural families. In 2013, Park Geun-hye became the first
woman President in South Korea’s 65-year history.
According to the 2018 Gender Inequality Index (GII) released by the UNDP,
South Korea ranked 10th among 189 nations, which shows the global recognition
of South Korea as a leader in the realization of gender equality. The percentage
of female ministers in the Moon Jae-in administration set a government record
of 30%.
Information Systems of Administrative Agencies *
The administrative agencies utilize information and communication technologies to carry out their
administrative businesses more efficiently by providing information services relating to individual
sectors such as customs clearance, patents, budget accounting, disaster management, immigration
control, mail classification, public complaints, employment, transportation, civil affair documents, the
registration of residence, etc.
The Four Social Insurance Schemes *
Relevant individuals, businesses, and the government share the burden of four major social insurance
schemes: National Pension, National Health Insurance, Employment Insurance, and Industrial Accident
Compensation Insurance Scheme.
equal employment for both genders by guaranteeing equal opportunities and
treatment in employment between men and women, in addition to the mandatory
employment quota for people with disabilities, which requires companies to hire
workers with disabilities above a certain rate.
In addition, social insurance schemes are carried out against contingencies
relating to disaster, disease, unemployment, and death. Workers are covered
by industrial accident compensation insurance against work-related accidents,
diseases, or deaths. All of the people shall be covered by national health insurance.
As of the end of 2018, 51 million people or 98.6% of the entire population
enjoyed the benefits provided under the state-run national health insurance
system. The Korean national health-care system, which provides a high-quality
medical service for reasonable service fees, has been appraised as an exemplary
case by other countries.
Workers are covered by employment insurance. When an insured worker is
dismissed voluntarily, he/she is entitled to half of his/her wage for a given period
and to job transfer training. Workers are also subject to retirement pension and
national pension plans.
In addition, workers are entitled to take partially paid parental leave for one
year. Pregnant employees are eligible for 90 days of maternity leave before and
after giving birth. Male employees are also allowed to request paternity and child
care leave in relation to their child’s birth and child rearing.
Elementary students are provided with the Dolbom (care) class service. The
whole-day care program is to be expanded to all elementary school grades.
23rd
[UNPAN, 2020]
United Nations E-Government Survey
E-Participation
Index (Overall)
1st
Telecommunication
Infrastructure Index
4th
E-Government
Development Index
(Overall)
2nd
Online Service
Index (Overall)
1st
Human Capital
Index
Facts
about
KOREA
Society
055

30. Becoming a Society that Respects Cultural Diversity
South Korea has long been a culturally homogeneous society, but the number
of migrant workers and foreign students has rapidly increased since the end of
the 20th century. According to the Population and Housing Census conducted in
November 2018, the number of foreign nationals residing in the country stood
at 1.65 million, accounting for nearly 3.2% of the total population, and 46.0% of
these were Chinese nationals.
Recently, the rapidly growing number of multicultural households has reached
330,000, which is largely attributed to increasing international marriage. The
government launched an office dedicated to providing support for foreign citizens’
social activities within the country and enacted the Multicultural Families Support
Act. Under the act, 228 multicultural family support centers (www.liveinkorea.kr)
are in operation as of 2020 across the country to provide the following services:
Korean language education sessions designed to help foreigners adapt to life in
Korea; psychological counseling; events for experiencing the cultures of foreign
spouses; and employment support programs with affiliated agencies such as
Saeil Center (Career Development Center for career interrupted women).
The South Korean government has recognized the importance of disparate
foreign cultures and thus is taking diverse measures to avoid social problems
arising from the inflow of foreign cultures. One of those measures is to support
the transformation of multicultural villages into tourist destinations.
Chinatown in Seollin-dong in Incheon is one of the representative examples
of a unique foreign culture in South Korea. Its history began when ethnic Chinese
settled there to do business by taking advantage of the geographical proximity
to China during the modernization in the late 19th century. Nowadays, serving
as a forward base for exchanges with China, this area has also emerged as a new
cultural tourism destination for enthusiasts as its history and culture are drawing
public attention.
Another example is the Ansan Multicultural Village Special Zone in Gyeonggi-do.
People from China, India, and Pakistan living in the zone can purchase specialties
of their home countries. Seoul is well-known for its global villages: the Japanese
Village in Ichon 1-dong and the Muslim village around the Seoul Central Mosque
in Itaewon-dong, both of which are located Yongsan-gu; the French village called
Seorae Village in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu; the Vietnamese town in Wangsimni,
Dongdaemun-gu; and the Nepalese town in Changsin-dong, Jongno-gu.
In 2013, the Seoul Metropolitan Government chose Daerim 2-dong in
Yeongdeungpo-gu, in which a large number of foreigners reside, as a trial area
for a project to invigorate multicultural village communities. Subsequently, a new
cultural complex center, Dadeurim Cultural Center, was opened in the area in
March 2018.
Currently, a number of foreign-born Koreans are serving as public officials
in the central or local governments. Foreign residents with various cultural
backgrounds are also actively working in the broadcasting industry. Their
participation will greatly contribute to the creation of an environment where
diverse cultures coexist in harmony, and even to social integration.
[Statistics Korea, 2019]
Foreign Nationals Residing in South Korea
2019
16.0% Others
45.2%
Chinese (including
ethnic Koreans)
10.2% Vietnamese
9.1% Thais
4.0% Americans
3.5% Uzbeks
2.8% Filipinos
2.7% Cambodians
2.3% Indonesians
2.2% Nepalese
2.0% Mongolians
Facts
about
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Society
057

31. Culture
UNESCO
Heritage in Korea
Traditional Arts
Hallyu (Korean Wave)
Facts
about
KOREA
Culture
059

32. Culture
Korea’s vibrant cultural legacy, comprising music,
art, literature, dance, architecture, clothing,
and cuisine, offers a delightful combination of tradition and modernity.
South Korea preserves a wealth of priceless cultural heritage,
the majority of which have been inscribed on
UNESCO’s World Heritage List to be protected for future generations.
Since the earliest settlements during prehistoric times, the people of Korea have
developed a unique culture based on their outstanding artistic sensibility. The
geographical conditions of the peninsula provided Koreans with opportunities
to receive both continental and maritime cultures and ample resources, thereby
forming original cultures of interest to and value for the rest of humanity, both
then and now. Korea’s vibrant cultural legacy, comprising music, art, literature,
dance, architecture, clothing, and cuisine, offers a delightful combination of
tradition and modernity.
At the present time, Korean arts and culture are attracting many enthusiasts
around the world. Korea’s cultural and artistic achievements through the ages
are now leading many of its young talents to the world’s most prestigious
music and dance competitions, while its literary works are being translated
into many different languages for global readers. Recently, Korean Dansaekhwa
(monochrome paintings) have become the talk of the global art world.
The world’s craze for K-pop reached its zenith in August 2020, when the South
Korean boy band BTS achieved its first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart
with its first all-English-language single entitled “Dynamite.” BTS has become the
·
Gyeongju Historic Areas
Gyeongju was the capital of Silla for about one millennium. The city still contains a wealth
of archaeological remains from the kingdom, and hence is often dubbed as “a museum without
walls or roof.” The photo shows a scene of the Silla mound tombs located in the city.
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about
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Culture
061

33. first all-South Korean act to top the Billboard Hot 100, as well as the first one
in Asia since 1963. This outcome reflects the popularity of K-pop throughout
the world, including the United States, South America, and Europe, as well as
Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, rather than just a feat of a specific group. It is
in the same context that music videos of K-pop stars such as BLACKPINK, a South
Korean girl group, have recorded explosive views on YouTube and become more
popularized.
As such, the artistic excellence of globally recognized Korean culture was not
built overnight. The original artistic sensibility reflected in the diverse artifacts and
tomb murals of the Three Kingdoms Period became richer and more profound
as Korea progressed through the periods of Unified Silla (676–935), Goryeo (918–
1392), and Joseon (1392–1910). In addition, the DNA of this artistic sensibility has
been handed down through the generations to today’s Korean people.
South Korea preserves a wealth of priceless cultural heritage, the majority
of which have been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List to be protected
for future generations. As of 2020, a total of 50 South Korean heritage items are
listed either as World Heritage Sites or Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,
or included in the UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
UNESCO Heritage in Korea
World Heritage Sites
Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung Palace, located in Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, is one of the
five Royal Palaces of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), and still contains the original
palace structures and other remains intact. It was built in 1405 as a Royal Villa
but became the Joseon dynasty’s official Royal Residence after Gyeongbokgung,
the original principal palace, was destroyed by fire in 1592 when Japanese
forces invaded Korea. Thereafter, it maintained its prestigious position until
1867, when Gyeongbokgung was renovated and restored to its original status.
Changdeokgung was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.
·
Injeongjeon Hall in Changdeokgung Palace
Injeongjeon Hall is the throne hall of Changdeokgung Palace,
where important state affairs were conducted, including the coronation of a new king,
an assembly of officials, and the reception of foreign envoys.
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34. Although it was built during the Joseon dynasty, Changdeokgung shows
traces of the influence of the architectural tradition of Goryeo, such as its location
at the foot of a mountain. Royal palaces were typically built according to a layout
planned to highlight the dignity and authority of its occupant, but the layout of
Changdeokgung was planned to make the most of the geographical features of
Eungbong Peak of the ridge of Bukakdan Mountain. The original palace buildings
have been preserved intact, including Donhwamun Gate (the main gate at
the entrance of Changdeokgung), Injeongjeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and
a beautiful traditional garden to the rear of the main buildings. Located inside
Changdeokgung Palace, Nakseonjae is a compound of exquisite traditional
buildings set up as a residence for members of the royal family.
Jongmyo Shrine
Jongmyo, located in Hunjeong-dong, Jongno-gu in Seoul, is the royal ancestral
shrine of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). It was built to house 83 spirit tablets of
the Joseon kings and their queen consorts, and direct ancestors of the dynasty’s
founder who were posthumously invested with royal titles. As Joseon was founded
based on Confucianism, the rulers considered it very important to put Confucian
teachings into practice and sanctify the institutions where ancestral memorial
tablets were enshrined.
ThetwomainbuildingsattheRoyalShrine,JeongjeonHallandYeongnyeongjeon
Hall, exhibit a fine symmetry, and there are differences in the height of the
raised platform, the height of the eaves and the rooftop, and the thickness of
the columns according to their status. The entire sanctuary retains its original
features, including the two shrine halls, which exhibit the unique architectural
style of the 16th century. Seasonal memorial rites to commemorate the life and
achievements of the royal ancestors of the Joseon dynasty are still performed at
the shrine.
Hwaseong Fortress
Located in today’s Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Hwaseong Fortress is an
impressive structure stretching for 5.7 km and was built in 1796 during the reign
··
Hwaseong Fortress
This fortification was built for defensive purposes,
based on military construction techniques from both the East and West, at that time.
·
Jongmyo Shrine
Central Confucian shrine of the Joseon dynasty,
which houses the spirit tablets of Joseon kings and their queen consorts
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35. of King Jeongjo (r. 1776–1800) of the Joseon dynasty. The construction of the
fortress was begun after the King moved the grave of his father, Crown Prince
Sado, from Yangju in Gyeonggi-do to its current location near the fortress. The
fortification is structured rationally and practically to effectively perform its
function of protecting the city enclosed within it. The fortress and related facilities
are well-known for having been constructed by means of scientific devices
developed by the distinguished Confucian thinker and writer Jeong Yak-yong
(1762–1836), including the Geojunggi (a type of crane) and Nongno (pulley wheel)
used to lift heavy building materials such as stones.
Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
Seokguram, located on the middle slope of Tohamsan Mountain in Gyeongju,
Gyeongsangbuk-do, is the representative stone temple which was completed
in 774 to serve as a dharma hall. This grotto is the product of outstanding
architectural techniques. It is placed in such a way that the first rays of the sun
rising over the East Sea would strike the forehead of the seated Buddha statue
in the rotunda.
Completed the same year as Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple consists
of exquisite prayer halls and various monuments, including two stone pagodas,
Dabotap Pagoda and Seokgatap Pagoda, standing in the front courtyard of
the temple’s main prayer hall called Daeungjeon. The two pagodas are widely
regarded as the finest extant Silla pagodas: the former is admired for its
elaborately carved details, the latter for its delightfully simple structure.
Dabotap, or the Pagoda of Abundant Treasures, is marked by a unique
structure built with elaborately carved granite blocks. It also features the face of
the Korean 10 won coin. By contrast, Seokgatap, or the Pagoda of Shakyamuni,
is better known for its delightfully simple structure, which exhibits fine symmetry
and balance. This pagoda is now generally regarded as the archetype of all the
three-story stone pagodas built across Korea thereafter.
Among the other treasures preserved at the temple are the two exquisite
stone bridges, Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge) and Baegungyo (White Cloud
Bridge), leading to Daeungjeon, the temple’s principal dharma hall. These bridges
··
Seokguram Grotto
The principal Buddha
seated on a lofty lotus
pedestal at the center
of the grotto
·
Bulguksa Temple
This Silla temple is architecturally known for being one of
the finest examples that embody the Buddhism doctrines.
The photo shows Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge) and Baegungyo (White Cloud Bridge).
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36. symbolize the journey every Buddhist needs to make to reach the Pure Land of
Bliss.
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
The Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) left behind a total of 44 tombs of its kings and
their queen consorts, most of which are located in and around the capital area
including the cities of Guri, Goyang, and Namyangju in Gyeonggi-do. Some of
these royal tombs are arranged in small groups in the Donggureung, Seooreung,
Seosamneung, and Hongyureung. Of these, 40 tombs are registered as UNESCO
World Heritage sites.
The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty are highly regarded as tangible
heritage reflecting the value of Joseon funeral customs, which were derived from
Confucianism and geomancy. It is worth noting that these historical remains
have been preserved in their original conditions.
Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon,
the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks
The Printing Woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana, which was made during the
Goryeo period (918–1392), are housed in the Janggyeong Panjeon complex
specially made for that purpose in 1488 at Haeinsa Temple. As the oldest
remaining buildings at the temple, the Tripitaka depositories are marked by the
The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty feature one or more
semispherical mounds protected with curbstones set around the
base and elaborately carved stone railings and stone animals such as
a lamb and a tiger, in particular, both of which represent meekness
and ferocity. In the front area is a rectangular stone table that was
used to offer sacrifices to the spirits of the royalty buried there. On
both sides of the table stand tall octagonal stone pillars, which can be
seen in the distance. In addition, stone lanterns are located in front
of the stone animals. One or more pairs of stone guardians (civil and
military officials) stand on both sides of each stone lantern, with
their horses being behind them. The mound is further protected by
a low wall standing at the back and on both sides.
Stone Warrior, the Guardian of the Royal Tombs
·
Donggureung
A cluster of 9 neung-
type tombs of 7 kings
and 10 queen consorts
and concubines who
reigned during the
Joseon dynasty period
··
Yeongneung
The tombs of King
Sejong and his consort
Queen Soheon
···
Mongneung
The tombs of King
Seonjo and his
consorts, Queen
Uiin and Queen
Inmok
Facts
about
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Culture
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37. ·
Namhansanseong
A mountain fortress that served as a temporary capital
during the Joseon dynasty, showing how the techniques for building
a fortress developed during the 7th–19th centuries
uniquely scientific and highly effective method of controlling ventilation and
moisture to ensure the safe storage of the age-old woodblocks. The buildings
were built side by side at the highest point (about 700 m above sea level) in
the precincts of Haeinsa Temple, which is located on the mid-slope of Gayasan
Mountain.
What makes these depositories so special is their unique design, which
provides effective natural ventilation by exploiting the wind blowing in from
the valley of Gayasan Mountain. The open lattice windows of different sizes
are arranged in upper and lower rows on both the front and rear walls of the
depositories to promote the optimum flow of air from the valley. Similarly, the
floor, which was built by ramming layers of charcoal, clay, sand, salt, and lime
powder, also helps to control the humidity of the rooms.
Namhansanseong
Namhansanseong located about 25 km southeast of Seoul, was originally
constructed in 672 as Jujangseong Fortress in the Unified Silla era, and later was
restructured in 1626 during the reign of King Injo of the Joseon dynasty to create
a refuge for the King and his people in the event of a national emergency.
The defensive position of the fortress was reinforced by exploiting the rugged
topography of the mountain (average height: at least 480 m). The perimeter of
its wall is about 12.3 km. According to a record dating back to the Joseon period,
about 4,000 people lived in the town built inside the fortress, which also served
as a temporary capital for the royal family and military commands to take refuge
in during emergencies. Accordingly, temporary palaces, the Jongmyo shrine, and
Sajikdan Altar were built in the fortress in 1711 during the reign of King Sukjong
of Joseon.
This fortress is also understood as the important evidence of the wide-ranging
exchange of architectural techniques used for fortification through wars between
Korea (Joseon), Japan (Azuchi-Momoyama Period), and China (Ming and Qing),
which lasted during the 16th–18th centuries. The introduction of cannons from
western countries brought many changes to the weaponry inside the fortress
and the way the fortress was built. The fortress is a “living record” that shows
the changes in the fortification technique methods by era from the 7th–19th
centuries.
Baekje Historic Areas
Baekje, one of the three ancient kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula, existed
for 700 years from 18 BCE to 660 CE. Baekje Historic Areas comprise the eight
cultural heritages located in Gongju-si, Buyeo-gun, and Iksan-si. They are
the Gongsanseong Fortress and the Royal Tombs in Songsan-ri in Gongju-si,
Chungcheongnam-do; the Archeological Site in Gwanbuk-ri, Busosanseong
Fortress, the Royal Tombs in Neungsan-ri, the Jeongnimsa Temple Site, and the
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38. ·
Gongsanseong Fortress
A fortress, which was built along the mountain ridge and valley near
the Geumgang River, initially called Ungjinseong during the Baekje period but
later renamed Gongsanseong after the Goryeo period
Naseong City Wall in Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do; and the Archaeological
Site in Wanggung-ri and the Mireuksa Temple Site in Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do.
These archaeological sites represent the historical relationships among the
East Asian ancient kingdoms of Korea, China, and Japan from the 5th to the 7th
centuries, and the resulting architectural development and spread of Buddhism.
The Buddhist temples, ancient tombs, architecture, and stone pagodas are a
testament to the culture, religion, and aesthetics of the Baekje kingdom.
··
Royal Tombs in Songsan-ri
The Songsan-ri tombs contain the graves of kings and royal families during the Ungjin period (475–538),
seven of which have been restored including the Tomb of King Muryeong.
···
Jeongnimsa Temple Site
Located in Dongnam-ri, Buyeo-eup, the temple site has a five-story stone pagoda
and a stone seated Buddha from the Baekje period
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39. Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies
Seowon were educational institutions intended to teach Neo-Confucianism, which
was introduced from China and flourished greatly during the Joseon dynasty.
Most were established from the mid-16th to 17th centuries. It comprises nine
representativeseowon:Sosuseowon,Namgyeseowon,Oksanseowon,Dosanseowon,
Piramseowon, Dodongseowon, Byeongsanseowon, Museongseowon, and
Donamseowon Confucian Academies, all of which are located across the central and
southern parts of South Korea. They are recognized as an exceptional testimony
to the excellent Neo-Confucianism and educational culture of Korea.
The local literati led seowon and made a significant contribution to the
development and prosperity of seowon-centered culture in the Joseon dynasty.
The local literati at seowon created educational systems and tangible structures
so that their younger scholars could devote themselves to learning. Learning,
veneration, and interaction were the essential functions of the seowon, which are
closely reflected in their design.
Memory of the World
Hunminjeongeum (The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People)
Hangeul is the name of the Korean writing system and alphabet, which consists
of letters inspired by the shapes formed by the human vocal organs during
a speech, making it very easy to learn and use. Hangeul was promulgated in
1446 by King Sejong, who helped devise it and named it Hunminjeongeum, or
The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People. It was also in that same
year that he ordered his scholars to publish The Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon
(Hunminjeongeum Manuscript) to provide detailed explanations of the purpose
and guiding principles of the new writing system. One of these manuscripts
is currently in the collection of the Kansong Art Museum and was included in
UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 1997.
The invention of the Hunminjeongeum opened up a broad new horizon for
all the Korean people, even women and those in the lowest social class, enabling
·
Dosanseowon Confucian Academy
Dosanseowon is a Confucian academy, which was built in 1574 to commemorate
and honor the learning and virtues of Yi Hwang (1501–1570), a scholar of the mid-Joseon dynasty
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40. ·
Yongjarye in the Hunminjeongeum Manuscript
The pages shown here contain the examples of the Korean
language at that time in 94 words for the three sounds, first,
middle and last, that form the sound of a Korean character.
them to learn to read and write and express themselves fully. Hunminjeongeum
originally consisted of 28 letters, but only 24 are used now.
The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty
The Joseon dynasty left behind a vast collection of annual records of Joseon rulers
and their officials spanning the 472 years from 1392 to 1863. The records, Joseon
wangjo sillok (also known as the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty), consist of a total of
1,893 chapters in 888 books, which are housed by the Kyujanggak Institute for
Korean Studies at Seoul National University and the Busan Repository under the
National Archives of Korea.
The annals of each Joseon ruler were usually compiled after his death during
the early phase of his successor’s rule based on the daily accounts, called
“historical drafts” (sacho), made by historiographers. The annals are regarded
as extremely valuable historical resources as they contain detailed information
about the politics, economy, culture, and other aspects of Joseon society.
Once the annals had been compiled and placed in the “history depositories”
(sago), they would not be opened to anyone except in special circumstances where
it was necessary to refer to past examples with regard to the formal conduct of
important state ceremonies such as the memorial rites for royal ancestors or the
reception of foreign envoys.
Originally, there were four history depositories, one in the Chunchugwan
(Office of State Records) at the royal court, and three more in the main regional
administrative hubs in the south, namely, Chungju, Jeonju, and Seongju. However,
these were destroyed in 1592 when Japan invaded Korea, and the Joseon dynasty
was compelled to build new depositories on some of the remotest mountains in
the country: Myohyangsan, Taebaeksan, Odaesan, and Manisan Mountains.
Seungjeongwon Ilgi: Diaries of the Royal Secretariat
This collection of documents contains the records of the Joseon rulers’ public life
and their interactions with the bureaucracy; they were made on a daily basis by
the Seungjeongwon, or Royal Secretariat, from the third month of 1623 to the
eighth month of 1910. The records are collected in 3,243 diaries and include the
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077

41. details of royal edicts, reports, and appeals from ministries and other government
agencies. The diaries are currently kept in the Kyujanggak Institute for Korean
Studies, Seoul National University.
Ilseongnok: Records of Daily Reflections
This vast collection of daily records made by the kings of the late Joseon period
(from 1760 to 1910) is compiled in a total of 2,329 volumes. The records provide
vivid and detailed information on the political situation in and around Korea and
the ongoing cultural exchanges between the East and the West from the 18th to
the 20th century.
Uigwe: The Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty
This collection of beautifully illustrated books contains official manuals recording
the details of court ceremonies or events of national importance for the purpose
of future reference. The most frequently treated subjects in these books are royal
weddings, the investiture of queens and crown princes, state and royal funerals,
and the construction of royal tombs, although other state or royal occasions
such as the “Royal Ploughing,” construction or renovation of palace buildings,
are included. As for the latter, those published to mark the construction of
Hwaseong Fortress and King Jeongjo’s formal visit to the new walled city in the
late 18th century are particularly famous. These publications were also stored
in the history depositories, sadly resulting in the destruction of early Joseon
works by fire during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592. The remaining 3,895
books of Uigwe were published after the war, some of which were stolen by the
French Army in 1866 and kept in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France until 2011,
when they were returned to South Korea following an agreement between the
governments of South Korea and France.
Printing Woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana
and Miscellaneous Buddhist Scriptures
The collection of Tripitaka woodblocks stored at Haeinsa Temple (established 802)
in Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, was made during the Goryeo period
(918–1392) under a national project that started in 1236 and took 15 years to
complete. The collection is generally known by the name Palman Daejanggyeong,
literally “the Tripitaka of 80,000 woodblocks,” as it consists of 81, 258 blocks of wood.
The Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks were made by the people of Goryeo who
sought the Buddha’s magical power to repel the Mongol forces that had invaded
and devastated their country in the 13th century. The Tripitaka Koreana is often
compared with other Tripitaka editions produced by the Song, Yuan, and Ming
dynasties in China, and has been highly praised for its richer and more complete
content. The process of manufacturing the woodblocks played an important role
in the development of printing and publication techniques in Korea.
·
Ilseongnok (Joseon, 18th–20th Centuries)
Private journals concerning personal daily
activities and state affairs kept by the rulers
of late Joseon from 1760 to 1910
··
Protocol on the Marriage of King Yeongjo
and Queen Jeongsun (Joseon, 18th century)
Garye refers to a royal wedding or
enthronement of the king, and particularly,
garye dogam uigwe refers to records about
a wedding or formal installation of a crown
prince or his eldest son, or the prince
imperial or his son. This is a manual of
the state ceremony held for the marriage
between King Yeongjo, the 21st ruler of
Joseon, and Queen Jeongsun in 1759
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42. Human Rights Documentary Heritage 1980 Archives for
the May 18th Democratic Uprising against Military Regime, in Gwangju
The May 18 Democratization Movement was a popular uprising that took place
in the city of Gwangju from May 18 to 27, 1980, during which Gwangju’s citizens
made a strong plea for democracy in Korea and actively opposed the then military
dictatorship. This pro-democracy struggle in Gwangju ended tragically but
exerted a powerful influence on similar democratic movements that spread across
East Asia in the 1980s. This UNESCO records consist of the documents, videos,
photographs, and other forms of records made about the activities of Gwangju’s
citizens during the movement, and the subsequent process of compensation
for the victims, as collected by the May 18 Memorial Foundation, the National
Archives of Korea, Republic of Korea Army Headquarters, the National Assembly
Library of Korea, and various organizations in the United States.
·
Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks
A total of over 80,000 woodblocks carved with the entire canon of Buddhist scriptures,
showing the flow and aspects of politics, culture, and philosophy during the Goryeo dynasty
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Royal Ancestral Ritual in the Jongmyo Shrine and Its Music
The Royal ancestral ritual (Jongmyo Jerye) in the Jongmyo shrine is now held on
the first Sunday of May to honor the deceased Joseon kings and their queen
consorts at the Jongmyo shrine in Seoul. It was the most important state
ceremony designed to maintain the social order and promote solidarity and the
practice of duties as a human after the establishment of Joseon as a Confucian
state in 1392.
This ritual consists of performances of ceremonial orchestral music (Jerye-ak)
and graceful and fancy dance moves (munmu and mumu) praising the civil and
··
Jongmyo Jeryeak (Royal ancestral ritual music in the Jongmyo shrine)
The Royal ancestral ritual held seasonally at the Jongmyo shrine involves
the performance of the civil and military dances munmu and mumu.
The former features quiet and gentle moves while the latter strong and powerful ones.
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43. ··
Gangneung Danoje Festival
A masked couple dancing at the Gwanno Mask Dance during the Gangneung Danoje Festival, a traditional
local festival held from the fourth month to the fifth month of the year according to the lunar calendar
·
Pansori Epic Chant
Performance of a solo artist assisted by a drummer, which symbolically expresses
a story using chang (traditional narrative songs), aniri (descriptive speech), and ballim (gesture)
military achievements of the royal ancestors of Joseon. This age-old Confucian
ritual combining splendid performances of music and dance is widely admired
not only for the preservation of the original features for over 500 years but also
for its unique syncretic and composite art form.
Pansori Epic Chant
Pansori is a genre of musical storytelling performed by a vocalist and a single
drummer in which he or she combines singing (sori) with gestures (ballim) and
narrative (aniri) to present an epic drama conceived from popular folk tales and
well-known historic events. The art form was established during the 18th century
and has generated enthusiastic performers and audiences ever since.
Gangneung Danoje Festival
This festival is held in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, for about 30 days until Dano Day
on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. It is one of Korea’s oldest folk festivals
and has been preserved more or less in its original form since its emergence
many centuries ago. The festival starts with the traditional ritual of honoring
the mountain god of Daegwallyeong and continues with a great variety of folk
games, events, and rituals during which prayers are offered for a good harvest,
the peace and prosperity of villages and individual homes, and communal unity
and solidarity.
The first event of the Danoje Festival is related to the preparation of “divine
drinks” (sinju) to be offered to gods and goddesses, thus linking the human
world with the divine world. This is followed by a variety of festive events such
as the Gwanno Mask Dance (Korea’s unique nonverbal performance by masked
players), swing riding, ssireum (Korean wrestling), nongak (traditional Korean
music performed by farmers) contests, changpo (iris) hair washing, and surichwi
rice cake eating. Of these, the changpo hair washing event is particularly widely
practiced by women who believe that the extract of changpo will give them
glossier hair and repel the evil spirits that are thought to bear diseases.
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44. ·
Namsadang Nori
Performance
presented by the
namsadang, an
itinerant troupe
of about 40 male
performers led by
a percussionist called
kkokdusoe (the head of
the troupe).
It was popular among
common people
during the late Joseon
period.
··
Yeongsanjae
A Buddhist memorial ritual performed on the 49th day after one’s death to
guide the spirit to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss
Ganggangsullae
This traditional event combining a circle dance with singing and folk games
was performed by women around the coastal areas of Jeollanam-do during
traditional holidays such as Chuseok (Harvest Moon Festival/Thanksgiving) and
Jeongwol Daeboreum (the first full moon of the New Year on the lunar calendar), in
particular. While today, the dance part is selected to be performed by professional
dancers, the original performance included several different folk games such as
Namsaengi nori (Namsadang vagabond clowns’ play), deokseok mori (straw mat
rolling), and gosari kkeokgi (bracken shoot picking). The performers sing the Song
of Ganggangsullae as they dance, and the singing is done alternately by the lead
singer and the rest with the tempo of the song and dance movements becoming
faster and faster toward the end.
Namsadang Nori
Namsadang nori, generally performed by an itinerant troupe of male performers,
consists of several distinct parts including pungmul nori (music and dance),
jultagi (tightrope walking), daejeop dolligi (plate spinning), gamyeongeuk (mask
theater), and kkokdugaksi noreum (puppet theater). The performers also played
instruments while they dance, such as the barrel buk (drum), janggu (hourglass-
shaped drum), kkwaenggwari (small metal gong), jing (large metal gong), and
two wind instruments called nabal and taepyeongso. It was intended to reduce
fatigue and increase cooperation during hard work such as weeding, weeding a
rice paddy, rice-planting, etc.
Yeongsanjae
Yeongsanjae is a Korean Buddhist ritual performed on the 49th day after one’s
death, which is to guide the soul of the deceased to the Pure Land of Ultimate
Bliss (Buddhist paradise). The ritual, known to have been performed since the
Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), aims to enlighten both the dead and the living about
Buddha’s teachings so that they can be freed from all defilement and suffering.
Its value as a Buddhist ritual lies in the engagement of the public rather than a
unilateral performance. It is also performed as a Buddhist ceremony to pray for
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45. the peace of the country and the well-being of the people.
Jeju Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut
This age-old shamanic ritual was at one time performed in almost all the towns
and villages in Jeju Island, with worshippers praying for a good catch and the
safety of fishermen working at sea. According to the traditional folk belief of Jeju
islanders, the second lunar month is the month of Yeongdeung, during which
Grandma Yeongdeung, a wind deity, visits all the villages, farming fields, and
homes across Jeju Island, bearing tidings about the harvest in the oncoming
autumn.
Taekkyeon, A Traditional Korean Martial Art
One of the surviving traditional martial arts developed in Korea, Taekkyeon,
which is different from taekwondo historically and technically, used to be known
by several different names such as Gakhui (“sport of legs”) and Bigaksul (“art of
flying legs”). Such names suggest that it is related with the movement of kicking.
Like most other martial arts in which weapons are not used, Taekkyeon is aimed
at improving one’s self-defense techniques and promoting physical and mental
health through the practice of orchestrated dance-like bodily movements, using
the feet and legs in particular. Compared to other martial arts, Taekkyeon focuses
more on defensive techniques than on offensive ones, characterized by fluid,
dynamic foot movement. The way of playing the match is simple. To be a winner,
the fighters knock the opponent down with their hands and feet or jump up and
kick the other on the face, while maintaining a stance where one foot is placed in
front of the other, pointing to the opponent.
Jultagi, Tightrope Walking
In the traditional Korean art of jultagi (tightrope walking), a tightrope walker
performs a variety of acrobatic movements, as well as singing and comic
storytelling, as he walks on a tight rope. He is generally assisted by an eorit
gwangdae (clown) on the ground who responds to his words and movements
with witty remarks and comic actions intended to elicit an amused response from
·
Taekkyeon
A traditional Korean
martial art marked by
elegant yet powerful
physical movements
··
Jultagi
Traditional Korean performance of tightrope walking combined
with jokes, mimicry, songs, and dance along with acrobatic movements
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Culture
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