Cultural Literacy: The Culture of Korea By: Kara Donahoe

Shelter: Farmhouse Traditionally farmhouses are selected by using geomancy, which is the belief that any geographic figure generates invisible forces of good or ill. A house is typically built against a hill facing the south to receive the most amount of sunlight. Geomancy dictates the shape, direction, and materials of the home.

Shelter: House of Scholar A traditional Korean house can be structured into an inner and outer wing consisting of heated floors that have been used for centuries. The layout of the home is determined by the region and wealth of the family. It is forbidden for any family besides the king himself to have a home more than 99 kan, which is the distance between two pillars used in a house of scholar.

Clothing: Hanbok The traditional dress known as hanbok, which is a shirt, pants, and hat known as a gwanmo, has been worn for centuries. Today the hanbok is used for only formal occasions and not everyday wear. In the past Koreans used to dress according to their social status. While royal families wore costumes and jewelry, common people were restricted to only solid colored clothing.

Food: Rice Rice is the primary food of Korea. For ceremonies and rituals rice cakes are always included. Until recently Korea was almost entirely used for farming. The main crops in Korea are rice, barely, and beans. Fish and other types of seafood are also used in cooking because Korea is a peninsula. The common five flavored ingredients include garlic, spring, onion, wild rocambole leek, and ginger. Temple food does not use these strong ingredients plus meat.

Religion: Buddhist North vs. Christian South The religion in includes a number of different traditions. Religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, and traditional shamanism are all a part of Korea’s religious tradition. 40% of Koreans associate themselves with religion. Of this, 34% of Korea practices Buddhism, while 21% practice Christianity. Today the separation between of Korea into North and South Korea have contributed to different religious followings. Mainly North Korea is Buddhist, while South Korea Christian.

Meeting Customs and Etiquette The person of lower status bows to the person of higher status. However, the older person indicates the handshake. When meeting a person for the first time details about the other person will be given prior to the actual meeting. At social gatherings a person is suppose to wait to be introduce plus bowing to individuals when exiting. Always remove shoes before entering a home.

Education K-3 focuses on math, science, social studies, English, and Korean. School year is divided into two semester, where one begins in March and the other in August. Students typically only have one month off from school. English is a mandatory subject from third grade through high school. High school is not mandatory for Koreans. 97% of South Koreans do complete high school, which is the highest percentage in any country. Many Koreans continue their post-secondary education by attending universities throughout different areas of Korea and other countries around the world.

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