1. UNDERSTANDING KOREAN CULTURE Kim Eungi Professor Division of International Studies Korea University

2. For prosperity For marital harmony
Example 4:
Bujok (talisman; amulet) for good luck and protection from evil spirits

3. For getting a job For conception

4. For acing the exam

5. Talisman comes in two types:
1) one acts as a good luck charm; and
2) the other works to protect from evil or bad luck.
It commonly has a yellow background with red symbols or characters.
It is believed that evil spirits dislike the colors of gold and yellow.
Red represents blood or fire, and psychologically it means the color of life and emotion.

6. An Omamori, a Japanese amulet
Of course, talisman is a universal phenomenon, including those found in cultures of the economically advanced nations.
Examples are as follows:
An Omamori,
a Japanese amulet

7. A crucifix, considered in Christian tradition as a defense against demons.

10. Four-leaf clover is believed to bring good luck to their finders, especially if found accidentally. Approximately 1 in every 10,000 clovers has the four-leaflet form

12. LUCKY DICE, W-BONE & CLOVER CHARM

14. It is believed that a horseshoe hung on a door with the two ends pointing up will bring good luck

16. These modular bracelets, popular in Europe and N. A
These modular bracelets, popular in Europe and N.A., consist of a chain onto which different beads or 'charms' can be put.

17. Other variants of amulets in Korea:
남녀간의 영원한 사랑을 바라는 부적입니다.
For everlasting love

34. Example 5:
Tiger: Represents vigor, chivalry

42. Example 6:
Buddhist Swastika: Auspiciousness

43. The Buddhist symbol (卍) represents an auspicious sign in Buddhism.
It is considered to have omnipotent godly power, as well as the meaning of the whole universe.

53. Seokgatap

54. Dabotap

55. Interior of a Buddhist Temple

56. Gagwonsa, known as the Temple of Bronze Sitting Buddha, near Chenon-Asan 

57. Three Buddha statues within Jogyesa Temple

60. Electric candles in Jogyesa Temple 

61. Yeonjuam, one of the temples atop Gwanaksan.

62. Example 7:
The Cross

68. Out of these symbols, the most important cultural symbols are those of Buddhism and Christianity, which are two largest religions in Korea.
According to 2005 census, Buddhism is the largest religion with nearly 11 million adherents, followed by Protestantism with 8.6 million followers and Catholicism with 5.1 million adherents.

69. Table 1. Religious Population in South Korea (in
thousands; percentage of total population)
Buddhist 10,321 (23.2) 10,726 (22.8)
Protestant 8,760 (19.7) 8,616 (18.3)
Catholic 2,951 (6.6) 5,146 (10.9)
Confucian 211 (0.5) 105 (0.2)
Won Buddhist 87 (0.2) 130 (0.3)
Other Religions 268 (0.6) 247 (0.5)
No Rel. Affiliation 21,953 (49.3) 21,865 (46.9)
Source: National Statistical Office (1997, 2006).