South Korean traditions. Families of South Korea

Despite the fact that world society has recently changed significantly and is no longer the same as it was just a century ago, the traditions of Korea are still determined depending on the traditional Confucian structure of social relations.

The role of Confucianism in the country is still very great. Age and position in society are of great importance. The traditions of South Korea regarding relations in society are very clearly marked - the younger ones follow the wishes of the elders, and people from high social strata are the authorities of ordinary citizens. This has always been the case in this country and now such simple laws are also in force, although it is worth noting that, compared to earlier stages in the development of Korean culture, the features of such rules are now a little blurred. Therefore, the inhabitants of South Korea, before making an acquaintance with a new person, try to find out as much as possible about him. In order to determine their manner of behavior with a certain person, Koreans learn about his marital status, age, status. And these questions are not asked by them out of ordinary curiosity, although, of course, not everyone answers them honestly or generally prefers to remain silent.

To more clearly understand Korean culture, you need to know their attitude towards marriage.

A wedding is, without a doubt, the most important event in the life of every inhabitant of this country. Divorce is a shame and a stigma for the rest of your life, and not only for spouses, but for all members of their families. Although, modern society takes its toll and, despite the sharp criticism of society, more and more married couples officially break off their relationship.

Residents of Korea are not very emotional people and it is not customary for them to hug or kiss when they meet. Usually, everything is limited to a handshake. However, once the relationship becomes closer, some familiarity is possible. It should be noted that Koreans are extremely negative about girls who walk hand in hand. So in order to avoid misunderstandings when visiting Korea, it is better not to do this.

People who are in close relationship with each other may well touch faces in a busy place - this is allowed by public morality in this country. Although passionate kisses and hugs are still very obscene and educated Koreans will not allow themselves this in crowded places.

The meal in Korea takes place on the floor, so when you come to visit, be sure to take off your shoes.

In the country it is not decent to be bare-legged in the presence of older people. Always in this case, you need to wear stockings or socks.

The norm of behavior in society is when visiting any institution, everyone pays for himself (shared), although if someone expresses a desire to pay for everyone, no one will object. Not so long ago, lunch or dinner in Korea had to be held in silence, but in today's society, it is acceptable to discuss something and laugh at food.For food, you always need to thank the hostess or the owner, which is very much appreciated.In Korea, you should not lure a person towards you with your finger or palm facing up, because, in this way, only dogs attract the attention in the country.

Holidays in Korea.

Thanksgiving is in mid-September.

Seokkhonjae is celebrated in March and September. A huge number of people these days come to Confucian chapels. There you can see costumed rituals, hear traditional orchestras. The best place to visit such a holiday is Sungkyunkwan (Seoul University).

On the festival of the birth of the Buddha (May), parades of lanterns are held - a very spectacular sight. At the beginning of September, another significant Korean holiday falls - the Lunar Harvest Festival.Also this month, you can visit the National Folk Arts Festival and see how Hanjongshik is celebrated there - a celebration of Korean culture.

Despite recent changes, the traditional Confucian structure of social relations still largely determines the behavior of Koreans.

Respect for elders

Age and social position are of great importance. It is believed that those who are younger or who are lower in social position are obliged to follow the wishes of their elders without objection. Therefore, in Korea, people are often interested in the age, marital status of a person in order to determine their position in relation to this person. These questions are not asked out of idle curiosity. However, you can choose not to answer them if you don't want to.

Names

The most common Korean surnames include the following: Kim (21% of all Koreans), Lee (14%), Park (8%), Choi (or Choi), Chon, Chan, Han, Lim, etc. A Korean given name consists of a family name mostly of one syllable and a given name as such usually of two syllables. Last name comes first. Women in Korea do not take their husband's surname after marriage, but their children take their father's surname.

marriages

In Korea, marriage is traditionally considered the most important event in life, and divorce is a shame not only for former spouses, but also for their families. Despite this, the divorce rate has been on the rise in recent years. The modern wedding ceremony is somewhat different from the traditional one. First, a Western-style ceremony is held in a wedding palace or church. The bride and groom are dressed in a tuxedo and a wedding dress, respectively. Then on the same day (and usually in the same place) a traditional wedding ceremony is held in a separate room, during which the couple are dressed in traditional Korean costumes.

Chere (rite of commemoration of ancestors)

According to traditional Korean beliefs, when a person dies, his soul does not immediately go to another world, but only after a change of four generations. All this time, the deceased is considered a member of the family. On holidays such as Seollal (Lunar New Year) or Chuseok (Harvest Day), as well as on the day of the death of the deceased, his descendants perform a rite of remembrance for the cher. Koreans believe that they can live happily through the care of deceased ancestors.

Rules of conduct and gestures

Koreans attach great importance to greetings and words of gratitude. They are always pronounced with a slight bow. The depth of the bow depends on the relative position of the speakers. Koreans do not like excessive displays of emotion and usually limit direct physical contact to a polite handshake. However, as your relationship grows closer, there may be more familiarity.

Foreigners in Korea are often surprised to see girls walking hand in hand. Touching between people of the same sex who are in close friendships is perfectly acceptable in Korea. Public displays of affection between different sexes, such as kissing and hugging, are not as rare these days as they used to be, but they continue to be considered obscene.

Traditionally, Koreans sit, eat and sleep on the floor. Therefore, when entering a Korean home, it is always necessary to take off your shoes. In Korea, it is considered indecent to be bare-legged in the presence of elders, so it is recommended to always wear socks or stockings when visiting a Korean family.

Among the younger generation of Koreans, it is considered quite normal to pay a purse, but it often happens that someone from a group of friends or colleagues pays. It used to be considered impolite in Korea to talk while eating, but these days it is acceptable to talk and laugh at the table. Blowing your nose at the table is considered indecent.

Words of gratitude for delicious food and good service are always accepted with joy.

In Korea, it is not customary to call a person with an upturned hand or beckon with a finger. In Korea, dogs are usually called with such gestures. If you want to call a person, do it with your hand with your palm facing down.

hanbok

Hanbok has been the traditional clothing of Koreans for thousands of years. The beauty and grace of Korean culture is perfectly conveyed in photographs of Korean women dressed in hanbok. Until the advent of Western-style clothing in Korea about 100 years ago, hanbok was the everyday wear of Koreans.

Men wore chogori (jacket) and paji (trousers), women wore chogori and chima (skirt). Nowadays, hanbok is worn only on solemn and festive days, such as wedding day, Seollal (Lunar New Year) or Chuseok (Harvest Day).

Ondol

Rooms in a traditional home do not have a clearly defined purpose. For example, there are no rooms that are used as, say, a dining room or a bedroom. Depending on the need, the same room can be used both as a dining room (in this case, a small folding table is placed there) and as a bedroom (in this case, a mattress is laid in the room).

Most Koreans prefer to sit and sleep on the floor on special mats or mattresses. Rooms in a Korean house have a special heating system ondol built into the floor. Previously, rooms were heated by hot air that circulated through pipes in the earthen floor. Nowadays, water heating is used: hot water circulates through pipes built into the cement floor, covered with linoleum or other material.

kimjang

Kimjang is a centuries-old tradition of preparing kimchi for the winter, passed down from generation to generation. Various pickled vegetables (mainly kale), called kimchi in Korea, are harvested for future use in late autumn. It is simply impossible to imagine a Korean table without this dish.

Oriental medicine

In Eastern medicine, it is believed that all diseases are caused by a decrease in vital energy and a weakening of the body's immune system, i.e. not a dysfunction of any particular organ, but an imbalance of vitality in the body as a whole. Therefore, Eastern medicine seeks to treat diseases by strengthening the immune system and restoring harmony in the body, and not by eliminating pathogenic factors.

The main methods of Oriental medicine include herbal medicine, acupuncture (acupuncture), wormwood moxibustion, and cupping.

European culture is fundamentally different from Asian. This is manifested in absolutely all social and everyday nuances, so Asia is incredibly attractive for tourists from all over the world. Of particular great interest is the culture and customs of South Korea, which for a long time was in some isolation from the rest of the world. Today, Europeans find this country incredibly beautiful and original, so we decided to tell you the most interesting facts about the culture of the Koreans.

Korean culture: features

At the beginning of the article, I would like to clarify that the Koreans are an indivisible nation that has common traditions, religion and customs. But due to certain circumstances, the country was divided into parts and now represents two absolutely sovereign states - South and In cases where journalists or sociologists mention Korea, they mean exactly the state called South Korea. We will do the same. Moreover, the cultural heritage of both countries is identical.

South Korea: customs and traditions

Korean culture was formed under the influence of the Chinese and Mongolian people. This can be seen in some elements of the folk costume and musical preferences, surprisingly reminiscent of traditional Chinese chants. If you ever find yourself in Korea, you will be surprised how often music and songs are heard on the streets of cities. They accompany the life of an ordinary Korean from the moment of birth until death.

Religion has greatly influenced the cultural traditions of Korea. Initially, almost all Koreans were bright adherents of shamanism. Only with the arrival of the first Buddhist monks from China to these lands, a new religion began to spread throughout the country. It surprisingly quickly entered the life of Koreans and superimposed on their traditions. In addition, Buddhism gave a powerful impetus to the development of art. Traditional painting, for example, under the influence of a new religion, was enriched with previously unused styles and trends. Silk painting and paintings in the style of naturalism became popular.

In culture, a special place is occupied by the attitude towards the older generation. This tradition can be attributed to the Koreans. Among them, it is still customary to treat elders with great respect and carry out their words without reservation. Quite often, being among strangers, Koreans seek to find out their social status and age. It is from this that they are repelled, building a model of behavior in society.

like this?

Young Koreans respect the will of their parents above all and marry only after their blessing. Indeed, in Korea, divorce is considered a disgrace not only for two people, but also for their families. Now weddings are played mainly in two versions - traditional and Western. Thus, all secular laws and cultural traditions are respected. The most common clothing for any festive ceremonies is the Korean national costume hanbok. It causes admiration among Europeans because this clothing is a riot of colors and simplicity of lines, which together add up to an incredibly attractive image.

Korean folk costume: general characteristics

The costume, which is the national festive dress in Korea, is called hanbok. It has been preserved almost unchanged for several millennia. Korean has three main parts:

• chogori;
• chima;
• open.

Chogori is an overshirt, chima is an A-line skirt, and otkoreum are wide and long ribbons that prevent the shirt from opening open and are a decorative element of the costume.

Korean male costume consists of the following elements:

• chogori;
• paji;

The top chogori shirt in a men's suit differs little from the women's, and paji pants are comfortable baggy trousers tied with two ribbons, which makes them almost universal. In the cold season, a kind of coat, pho, was put on the chogori.

Hanbok colors

In various catwalk photos, the Korean national costume appears to foreigners as something amazingly colorful. Koreans know how to combine bright and rich colors with each other to create unique looks. Usually two or three colors are used in one suit in unusual combinations. Often, chima and jeogori were decorated with gold foil embroidery, which was elevated to the rank of a special art in Korea.

The bright colors of the hanbok have always been reserved for noble Koreans. They had the right to use all sorts of colors, which often played an informational role when meeting with acquaintances. For example, only women with one son could wear deep blue.

Commoners were forbidden to use bright colors: their Korean national costume was replete with shades of gray and beige. The poor could afford some color variety - pink and green. But it has always had very pale shades, as opposed to the pure and rich colors of the aristocratic hanbok.

What material is the hanbok made from?

The Korean national costume was most often sewn from mixed cotton fabrics. They were worn well in the hot season, in other seasons their silk clothes were common. But only the rich could afford such a variety. The main population of Korea wore hanbok made of plain cotton or hemp.

Women's hanbok details

It is worth noting that in the entire history of its existence, the folk costume has changed only its length and design elements. In general terms, he remained holistic, which speaks of his extreme convenience, which Koreans are proud of to this day. The outer shirt of the chogori has always been rather short, in the traditional version it reaches the waist. But over time, its length has changed significantly. For example, in the eighteenth century, the chogori turned into a kind of top that barely covered the chest. In some provinces, it even left the chest open, which indicated that the woman had children.

Chima also did not always have the shape of a bell today. Influenced by Mongolian and Chinese culture, the skirt began to expand towards the hips and narrow towards the legs from the seventeenth century. In the nineteenth century, this form of chima reached its maximum expansion and gradually began to take on a more traditional form. Now the skirt of the national costume begins just below the bust and expands to the floor. The ribbons of the otkoryum were originally very narrow, but over time they were made from a contrasting fabric color to the chogori to create an additional design element from them.

Hanbok: male costume

The hanbok for men hasn't changed much. Chogori and paji were often sewn from fabric of different colors, which made it possible to create unique combinations and combinations. In the men's suit, the chogori reaches mid-thigh and has a loose fit, in contrast to the fitted female version.

As outerwear, men often wore not only the already mentioned pho, but also magoja - and a detachable collar. It was customary to wear it over a chogori and not fasten it. This element of clothing came to Korean culture thanks to the Mongolian princesses. But a few years later, it became so fused with the traditional hanbok that to this day it is considered the main part of the national costume not only for men, but also for women.

Children's traditional clothes

The Korean national costume for girls and boys is not much different from adult models. Parents try to buy costumes of bright colors for their beloved children, which are worn not only on official public holidays, but also in a close family circle. It is also customary to wear hanbok for various festive events in kindergarten and school.

It is difficult to imagine at least one celebration in Korea that would have done without a national costume. He is loved by absolutely all Koreans without exception. And this is not surprising because, in addition to beauty, hanbok is distinguished by extraordinary convenience and practicality. Therefore, if you happen to visit South Korea, be sure to bring hanbok from there as a souvenir. With it, you can make an unforgettable impression at any party.

The culture of North Korea is both complex and diverse. The fact that communism dominates here has preserved the traditions and customs of the country. At the same time, the state seeks to develop art and culture. At the same time, no matter what is done, the idea is everywhere that the DPRK is the best country. And importantly, the culture of North Korea is not influenced by the West.

Initially, society is based on respect for elders - including parents. Every inhabitant of the country reveres power, justice - it was due to these foundations that communism was rooted. In Korea, all religions are considered a relic of the past, but, nevertheless, Buddhism and Christianity in the country function normally, believers are not oppressed. Respect for elders is manifested in many areas. So, for example, elders have no less authority than local leaders. War veterans are released from household chores, but still they can often be seen in the fields, because. they do not enjoy these benefits.

The ideology of the Koreans says that it is necessary to work for the benefit of children, but what is the reason for this?

Perhaps this is due to the fact that the minimum age for marriage is 22 and 24, but there are a number of restrictive additions. In addition, one of the factors that often prevents marriage is that young people are not ready financially, and without this, the authorities do not allow marriage. To begin with, a minimum capital is accumulated, and then it is already possible to hold a wedding ceremony, although such events are quite ruinous.

Children are treated with respect. Children always look well-groomed and neat - and the wealth of the parents should not affect this in any way. It is worth noting that strollers are not used here - and children are carried on special slings on their backs or chests. In the country you can see a lot of playgrounds operating and under construction, sports complexes. There are many clubs where children can show their creativity. At the same time, they don’t make a show of it, but they really try for the benefit of the children. Children are not punished, as is customary in Western countries. Children are brought up on patriotism, respect for elders. Therefore, in Korea, you can constantly watch how children help their grandmothers cross the road or carry bags. But children are not praised for such good deeds. for them it is considered normal.

Advice

Each passenger gives way to a woman with a child on the bus, everyone is interested in his success and what he plans to do in the future. Children are a favorite topic, do not miss the chance to communicate with these people.

Korean character

Koreans are a reserved nation. People communicate in a calm and even tone, and this is considered a sign of respect. It is not customary to laugh loudly, swear or kiss in public. Especially with the older generation. Koreans are quite friendly and will be happy to chat, but then they may suddenly remember urgent matters. The fact is that direct contact with a foreigner is not particularly approved here.

Greetings

They greet each other in Korea with a slight bow. This semi-bow expresses respect for the interlocutor, and does not detract from self-esteem. At a meeting, they can also shake hands, and it can be either left or right hand. They try not to look into the eyes, because. this can be regarded as psychological pressure. Do not be surprised if someone pushes you or steps on your foot and does not apologize, it is not accepted here. Gifts are not given, but stacked at the entrance to the house - this and the previous moment are connected in order not to embarrass a person. It is also not customary to thank people who do you a favor.

Conclusion:

Communism, patriotism and respect for elders reign in Korea. Children are treated with special respect. Outwardly, it may seem that the Koreans are not a friendly people, because. they do not have the usual traditions, as is customary in most countries. But this happens to them not from the fact that they treat someone badly, but simply so as not to embarrass a person in a given situation.

Despite the fact that South Korea is a more open country than its neighbor North Korea, many of the ancient customs, traditions and norms of behavior there have been preserved since time immemorial and are used today. What unusual traditions and social rituals are used in South Korea today?

Family values

Premarital relationships among Korean youth are not uncommon. Young people can date whoever they want, but the spouse is still chosen with the blessing of the parents.

Koreans try to conclude marriage for life. Since divorce will fall on the families of the newlyweds with an indelible stain of shame.

Even in South Korea, the connection between generations is strong. Today, young people live separately from their parents, but they always communicate closely with their numerous relatives.

Koreans seriously consider an unmarried man inferior and unreliable. Not so long ago, a law appeared in South Korean legislation, according to which daughter and son were equalized in inheritance rights.

Special houses

Hanok is a house where Koreans live in unity with nature, having all the necessary amenities. These notorious comforts in the house are completely unpretentious. Most of the time the family in the house spends, located on the floor. There, Koreans eat, play, sleep, communicate, do their homework using mats, pillows and sliding tables.

The floor in such a dwelling must have a heating system. The weather in South Korea is changeable, and without warm floors in the house, it is difficult for families to lead a familiar and comfortable lifestyle.

public behavior

The first milestone of social norms in Korea is respect for elders. Old men and women in South Korean lands behave like small children and no one has the right to reprimand them. Koreans think: “When you live to their age, you’ll start throwing something else away.”

Therefore, elderly people in this state can be rude, push, spit and shout loudly without fear. They will still be shown respect without reference to the behavior of old people.

In Korean society, the following norms are universally accepted:

• Questions about marital status and origins are considered normal. So the interlocutor determines how to communicate with the person;
• Lovers in the country often wear similar clothes to emphasize that they are in a relationship. After all, it is not customary to express love feelings in public in this state;
• A slight bow when greeting and parting is also considered a sign of respect for the interlocutor;
• Even among Koreans, it is not considered shameful to slurp at the table. This is a wordless compliment to the chef;
• It is better not to touch women in South Korea unless absolutely necessary;
• It is customary to take off your shoes not only at home, but also in many establishments;
• When a person is talking to an interlocutor, he should not hide his hands. Hands hidden behind the back or in pockets will be considered a sign of deceit;
• The age of the child includes those 9 months that the fetus was in the mother's womb;
• At the age of majority, many parents give their children plastic surgery. In Korea, a real cult of beauty is developed;
• Women in Korea are forbidden to expose their breasts too much, but you can show your legs. The miniskirt is the standard attire for Korean women.

Many Korean traditions are so unique that they are difficult to meet not only in Western countries or Europe, but also in other Asian countries.

holiday customs

Weddings in the South Korean state are a mixture of two styles. Today the ceremony is divided into two parts: European and traditional. First, the newlyweds put on European wedding clothes, conduct the ceremony in accordance with all the rules. Then they dress in national costumes, receive congratulations, have a meal with relatives, and then leave on a trip.

South Korean wedding ceremony accompanied not by Mendelssohn's march, but by Wagner's march.

Koreans also celebrate the first birthday of a baby especially. They prepare for this day even before the birth of the baby, because it is customary to cover a banquet for all relatives and friends on the holiday. Guests give the child useful gifts. Then objects such as grain, thread, a book and other things are placed in front of the baby. Whatever object the baby grabs first, such a fate awaits him. For example, the grain in this rite symbolizes wealth, and the book means high intelligence.

Seolyal is the Korean New Year. The holiday begins to be celebrated on the first lunar day of the first month. At work, family people are given a three-day day off. In Korea, it is customary to celebrate this holiday with the family. Even if all relatives live far from each other, they try to meet in one place on New Year's Eve.

Chere is the day of memory of ancestors. Humble celebration is one of the rituals of the New Year. According to the faith of this people, the dead 4 generations protect their descendants after death. For them, impromptu banquets are arranged on New Year's Eve, on Harvest Day and on the anniversary of a person's death.

Schooling

Parents in Europe and Russia feel that their half-day students are seriously overburdened in schools. How surprised they would be if their kids went to South Korean classes. After all, there children study from 9 am to 6 pm. High school students spend much more time in the school walls: from 9 am to 10 pm. In addition, they still do additional tasks until one in the morning.

Not everyone can withstand such a load. Children often fall into a state of apathy or go into the virtual world, unable to withstand the high educational requirements.

Complete ignorance of geography

Geography, like the history of other countries, is not held in high esteem in South Korea. Foreign broadcasts are not shown to people, Koreans vaguely imagine that the United States is somewhere there, therefore all tourists are called "Americans".

Attitude towards garbage and public toilets

Garbage bins on South Korean streets are bad manners. But there are fairly clean public toilets on every corner. If you want, throw the garbage there, but if you want, carry it home in a bag or briefcase. This is how Koreans treat garbage problems.

Church propaganda

The South Korean state has many churches from different religions. All of these institutions compete for parishioners in an interesting way. They distribute their advertisements on wet wipes, give the most active parishioners certificates to visit a hairdresser or dentist.

Food tasting

In many shops of the country there are showcases and counters with tasting goods. You can try the presented products in any volume. When the goods are eaten, the window is filled again.

Attitude towards pregnant women

Koreans treat pregnant women quite reverently. When a Korean woman registers for pregnancy, she is given an amount of $ 500 to pay for tests and examinations.

Even pregnant women are given key rings that can be applied to a special button in transport. After this action, all seats intended for pregnant women begin to be illuminated with a pinkish light..

Pregnant women are also often skipped in line and treated kindly.

South Korean gifts

Among Koreans, it is customary to give each other practical things. For example, a Korean might think that a roll of toilet paper would make a great present, and the recipient would agree with it.

Civil servants, doctors and teachers should not be given expensive gifts. This is prohibited by law. Therefore, they are given small presents in the form of coffee and sweets.

dog passions

Some time ago, the Greens spoke negatively about South Korea, because they used dog meat for food there. Today, Koreans do not eat dogs everywhere, and if they do, it is as a delicacy in an expensive restaurant.

Now a zoo cafe has opened in Korea where you can chat with four-legged pets, stroke them and drink a cup of coffee. Anti-stress establishments are popular with those people who, for one reason or another, cannot get a dog in the house.

Workaholism and how to deal with it

There are indeed many workaholics among Koreans. This undermines the health of young professionals. Korean researchers have identified and implemented the following way to deal with this phenomenon: they came up with the idea of ​​automatically turning off all computers in offices at the end of the working day.

Men's cosmetics

Not only women, but also men in the South Korean state use cosmetics. They hide their flaws with tonal foundations, apply eye shadow in pastel and discreet shades, and slightly refresh their lips with soft lipstick. In Korea, there are lines of decorative cosmetics designed only for men. By the way, all over the world, two men holding hands will immediately fall into the category of homosexuals. In Korea, showing friendly feelings towards members of the same sex is completely normal in Korea.

Clothes of TV presenters

In everyday broadcasts, the hosts on Korean channels dress stylishly and modernly. On the days of national holidays in South Korea, you can see an announcer in a national costume, which causes increased public approval, as Koreans greatly honor their traditions, history and roots.