Korea Facts and Culture

Korea Facts and Culture

Korea Facts and Culture

Korea is one of the few countries in the world to have continued as a one nation with the same language since its earliest history. For centuries people inhibiting the small peninsula have maintained their uniqueness and culture.

Korea's unity was broken in the 1950's by the civil war that lasted for three years and left the country divided into two parts North and South. The division, a strip of land that stretches form coast to coast and separates into two parts what historically had been one nation is called Demilitarized Zone.

Once the war ended the divided country choose different political ideology and form of government. South Korea, which is also known as the Republic of Korea, chose democratic form of government. North Korea known as Democratic People's Republic of Korea adapt communism as a political ideology.

Korean Languge

The Korean language devised in the middle of 15th century. The creation of its own language brought a significant break from the overpowering Chinese influence on Korean Peninsula. At first Koreans writing system had been based on Chinese characters, however in the 1400s a 24 Hangul characters was created.

The same language is used in both part of Korea, however South Koreans refer to the language as Hangungmal or Hangugeo, while speakers in North Korea refer to the language as Chosonmal or Chosono.

In terms of religion, South Korea officially has no religion, and over 50% of the population does not have faith preferences. However, the other half are divided into Buddhists, and Christian of whom around 7 percents are Catholic. There are still Confucian influences in the society. Koreans in addition believe in spirits. Ancient Koreans worshiped spirits of their ancestors and spirits that represent nature such as mountains. According to legend every Korean village has a mountain spirit called sonang. The head of a village performs rituals to please the spirits, and also ask them for sings to predict the future. One of the rituals involves burning paper. If the ashes of the paper rise above the flames, the village will have a prosperous year. Once the ashes settle to the ground, the future year will be filled with problems and difficulties.

Tigers for Korean are holly animals that represent the mountain gods. These powerful cats were honored for their beauty and bravery. Tiger, which also symbolize good luck, is so important for Korean that when South Korea hosted the 1988 Olympic Games, tiger was chosen as the game mascot. Unfortunately, believe that tiger posses a great power nearly brought the animals to extinction. Since tiger bones are used in traditional medicine, hunters have killed many of the animals to supply the bone demand.

Korea has food for all occasions; the cuisine uses many spices that give Korean's food its characteristic flavor. Rice as well as kimchi is the basic food eaten at every meal. Kimchi is one of the typical Korean foods; an average Korean eats about 40 ponds of the fermented Napa cabbage each year.

Nowadays Korea, South Korea is taking a leading role in developing Asia. This country expends its interaction on the global market, economies and cultural linkages. South Korea's fast economic growth helped the country to get established among Asian Tigers. Korean people were able to well balance tradition and modern technology. South Koreans are proud of their culture, heritage and pass them on their children.

Learning about foreign, exotic cultures expands our horizons. It helps us to understand and appreciate the differences among nations. Being able to communicate in Korean will open a whole new world; will enable you to understand the culture better. If you are looking for more information or translation services, please visit Korean to English Translation Service

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