- List of South Korean customs and traditions
- The family as a social base
- Arranged marriages still in effect
- Korean society is governed by hierarchy
- Jerye, the rite practiced by families
- Corporal lenguage
- Work is the second most important aspect
- Some types of jobs receive more recognition than others
- Rooms have no single purpose
- About surnames and names
- Traditional medicine is as important as modern medicine
- Other traditions and customs to highlight
- References
The customs and traditions of South Korea collect a compendium of manifestations that combine different cultural expressions of a society with more than three thousand years of history.
At this point, it should be noted that these expressions contain an important traditional content, since they derive from Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Likewise, the cultural influence from China and Japan on the country cannot be ignored.
South Korea is a case where indigenous and national manifestations converge, and those of a western and modern character, which are noted through music, clothing and part of the gastronomy.
List of South Korean customs and traditions
The family as a social base
The traditional family structure continues to be of great importance in South Korea today, as it is pointed out that the well-being of the members is more important than individual happiness. Even the performance of one person can be potentially decisive in others.
Therefore, it is not surprising that marriage and family are natural steps for Korean citizens, in fact, it is a facet that is expected in each of them. The goal is to have a quiet life and under the morally accepted precepts by society.
At this point, it is worth mentioning that the Confucian tradition still persists, which establishes man as the provider and responsible for the decisions made in the clan. Due to this, some scholars have come to describe that this society has a strongly macho tendency.
Arranged marriages still in effect
Marriage is a stage that every citizen must complete to form a family. However, due to the hectic pace of life, dating as well as arranged marriages have become popular.
The latter are commonly found in the highest social strata, since the formation of economic and political alliances that strengthen both families is also sought.
Again, the Confucian principle of the group gains importance: it is not about the individual, it is about honoring and respecting others.
Korean society is governed by hierarchy
Although Korean social structures have undergone changes in recent years, age and seniority set the tone for relationships between people; that is, younger or less experienced people must obey the wishes and demands of their elders without offering resistance.
With this it can be said that this behavior is closely related to the manifestation of the cult towards those who have greater experience and wisdom.
Jerye, the rite practiced by families
By ShalRath, from Wikimedia Commons
Koreans believe that by honoring deceased relatives they will be able to provide them with prosperity and also protection. Therefore, they tend to practice the “jerye”, a ritual that dates back to the Joseon era and was once performed by the king and the court.
Today, it is performed on special days such as Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day), Chuseok (Thanksgiving Day) and also on the anniversary of death.
The "jeyre" is characterized by integrating dances, songs and the preparation of ceremonial meals with the intention of celebrating the presence of the spirit of family members and closest friends.
Corporal lenguage
By Matt Scott (originally posted to Flickr as The bride), via Wikimedia Commons
South Koreans are known to be reserved and very respectful people, so it can be a bit overwhelming for those who tend to be expressive or very physical in their dealings. In fact, expressions of affection between family, friends and partner should be done in private.
An example of this has to do with the way to greet each other: the usual thing is to do it by means of a bow. But, if a handshake is given, it should not be done with one hand as it can be seen as something offensive. Ideally, the one that is free rests on the other.
Work is the second most important aspect
After family, work is an essential part of life for South Koreans. In fact, the hierarchical treatment previously exposed is maintained: subordinates must show respect and submission to their boss at all times, while the latter must maintain seriousness and commitment to those under his command.
This structure is strictly adhered to and is manifested at all times. That is why some examples are cited to better illustrate the point:
-The highest ranking person is the one who must enter a room first.
-If the boss has not left, none of the subordinates can. (It does not matter the day or the hour).
-In the case of having a meeting outside the office, nobody can reject the invitation, so any plan must be canceled.
Some types of jobs receive more recognition than others
In the world of careers and professions it is also subject to constant evaluations by others. According to South Korean society, the best jobs are those related to politics, banking or the business world in general. The reason? They involve greater responsibility and amount of income.
However, because the country is based on the Confucian group principle, being a lawyer, teacher, police officer or doctor also receives recognition because they are professions that are focused on the welfare of others.
Rooms have no single purpose
In the West, it is common to see that homes have well-defined spaces according to their use. This concept, however, is a bit more flexible in the case of Korea, since there is a belief that stays do not have a single purpose.
In fact, the spaces can be ideal for studying, cooking, sharing with friends and even sleeping.
About surnames and names
According to some studies, most Korean surnames are not very varied, the most common being: Kim, Yi (also written as Lee or Rhee), Park (or Pak), Choi (or Choe), Jeong (whose variations are also they meet Chung and Jung), Jang (Chan), Han and Lim.
According to the previous one, it is then that the names consist only of a surname of one or two syllables, this being the one that goes first. Likewise, it is common to call people for it, and in some cases the trade or profession they exercise is also included.
Traditional medicine is as important as modern medicine
The concept of the body and diseases in the field of oriental medicine corresponds to a perception somewhat different from what is had with respect to modern medicine.
In this case, the oriental indicates that the ailments are manifested because there is an imbalance in the balance and, therefore, in the vital energy (the latter being related to the immune system).
When a person falls ill, oriental medicine suggests the preparation of herbs and potions that allow the recovery, as well as the strengthening of the body's defenses.
Other traditions and customs to highlight
At this point, it is important to mention other very common manifestations in South Korean society:
-They usually exchange gifts and even money. When it happens, they receive the present with both hands and do not open it until the person who offered it leaves.
-It is customary to remove shoes when entering a house, since it is a matter of respect and also of hygiene.
-Punctuality is a highly esteemed value among South Koreans. Therefore, half an hour is tolerated as the maximum limit to wait for a person.
- During the meal, it is not usually spoken, in fact, it is something that is left for the after-dinner.
-It is considered rude to reject alcohol (especially if it is someone older who does it), since this is seen as an omen of enmities and bad relationships.
-If you want to call a person with your hand, the gesture must be done with the palm facing down, because Koreans usually do it upwards to attract dogs.
-Kimchi is considered to be the staple food of South Korean cuisine. Its preparation is called "gimjang", an ancestral process used for the preservation of vegetables, in which the necessary nutrients are obtained to cope with the winter.
-In all conversations, talk about the political situation with North Korea should be avoided.
-The invitation is usually invited or accepted, therefore, the custom of dividing the account when paying is not very well seen.
-Korean marriage has two facets: a Western-style celebration and a traditional-style one where the bride and groom dress in the “hangbok”, a traditional costume used for special occasions.
References
- Custom. (sf). At Kublai Tours. Retrieved: September 17, 2018. In Kublai Tours of kublaitours.com.
- South Korean customs. (2018). In Actualidad Viajes. Retrieved: September 17, 2018. In Actualidad Viajes de actualviajes.com.
- Customs and traditions of South Korea. (sf). In Korean Culture Wiki. Retrieved: September 17, 2018. In Korean Culture Wiki from es.coreana-culture.wikia.com.
- Culture of Korea. (sf). On Wikipedia. Retrieved: September 17, 2018. In Wikipedia. In Wikipedia of es.wikipedia.org.
- Culture, Traditions and Customs of South Korea. (2016). On Blogitravel. Retrieved: September 17, 2018. In Blogitravel of blogitravel.com.
- Culture and traditions: (sf). At Universia. Retrieved: September 17, 2018. At Universia de universia.es.
- Jerye. (sf). In Amino. Retrieved: September 17, 2018. In Amino de aminoapps.com.
- The culture of South Korea: a deeply Confucian country. (2017). In Hypertext. Retrieved: September 17, 2018. In Hipertextual de Hypertextual.com.