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Korea Insights

Understanding Korean Culture

Holidays in Korea

Holiday celebrations are a significant aspect of Korean family life, with all festivities, regardless of scale, centered around the home. Preparing traditional dishes can take women many hours, as the quantity and quality of food sometimes reflect on a family's reputation. After the holiday meal, younger family members often bow to their parents and grandparents, reaffirming family connections and receiving gifts of money and advice in return.

Key Holidays:

  • New Year's Day (Sinjeong) - January 1: This day is celebrated with friends, colleagues, and families. A popular event is the bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak in Jongno, Seoul, where the bell is rung 33 times to welcome the new year and wish for peace and prosperity. Many Koreans also travel to see the first sunrise and make New Year's wishes.
  • Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year): One of Korea's most important traditional holidays, Seollal usually spans three days around the first day of the Korean lunar calendar (January or February). It's a time for Koreans to return to their hometowns to visit family. Traditions include ancestral rituals, folk games like yutnori, eating Tteokguk (rice cake soup which symbolizes adding a year to one's age), and sharing stories.
  • Romantic Days (February 14, March 14, April 14): Korea has a unique take on romantic holidays. On Valentine's Day (Feb 14), women traditionally give gifts, often chocolate, to men. Men reciprocate on White Day (Mar 14) with white-themed gifts. Single individuals gather on Black Day (Apr 14) to eat jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles).
  • Independence Movement Day (Samil Jeol) - March 1: This day commemorates the March 1, 1919, Independence Movement against Japanese occupation and honors those who died during the movement.
  • Buddha's Birthday (Seokgatansinil or Bucheonnim Osin Nal): Celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, Buddhist temples are adorned with lotus lanterns, and many offer free meals and tea. Festivities include traditional games and a large lotus lantern parade in Seoul.
  • Labor Day - May 1: While not a government holiday, many banks and businesses may be closed.
  • Children's Day (Eorini Nal) - May 5: A national public holiday to honor children, introduced in 1923 by children's literature writer Bang Jeong Hwan. It's celebrated with various programs for children and their parents.
  • Parents' Day (Eobeoi Nal) - May 8: A national public holiday to celebrate and show respect for one's parents.
  • Teachers' Day (Seuseung-ui Nal) - May 15: A national public holiday to recognize and thank teachers, often with the gift of a carnation.
  • ROK Memorial Day (Hyeonchung-il) - June 6: The nation pays tribute to soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives for the country. A siren sounds at 10:00 for a one-minute silent tribute, and memorial services are held at the National Cemetery in Seoul.
  • Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) - August 15: Marks Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945 and the establishment of the Republic of Korea government in 1948.
  • Chuseok: One of Korea's most significant holidays, falling on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month (September/October) and celebrated for three days. Families gather to honor ancestors through a rite called charye, preparing and offering food like freshly harvested rice, alcohol, and songpyeon (half-moon rice cakes). Visiting ancestral graves is also a tradition. Travel during this period is extremely heavy.
  • National Foundation Day (Dangun Nal or Gaecheonjeol) - October 3: Commemorates the traditional founding of the Korean nation in 2333 BC by the god-king Dangun.
  • Korean Language Day (Hangul Nal) - October 9: Celebrates the invention (1443) and proclamation (1446) of Hangul, the Korean alphabet, by King Sejong the Great.
  • Christmas Day (Gidoktansinil) - December 25: Recognized as a national holiday, but not a major traditional one for most Koreans. It's often spent with significant others rather than extended family. Christmas lights can be seen in various public places, and colorful Christmas cakes are popular.

The Korean Language

The Korean language has a long history, evolving over centuries, and its exact spoken origins are unknown. Despite geographical proximity, Korean is linguistically distinct from Chinese and Japanese. Until the 15th century, Chinese characters were used for writing, but they were difficult to learn and differed significantly from spoken Korean, leading to widespread illiteracy.

In 1446, King Sejong and his scholars introduced Hangul, a unique Korean alphabet based on phonetics, originally consisting of 28 letters arranged in syllable blocks. This allowed writing horizontally or vertically. The modern Hangul alphabet has evolved to 24 letters and follows the Western convention of writing from left to right. Today, Chinese characters are rarely used with the Korean alphabet.

English education in Korean schools has shifted, with instruction now beginning in the first grade since 1998, though historically it started later with an emphasis on grammar over speaking. Many Koreans have a strong grasp of English grammar and vocabulary due to a test-oriented education system but may be hesitant about their conversational abilities.

There are several methods for romanizing Hangul, with Revised Romanization (RR) being the official method used by the South Korean government since 2000.

Useful Korean Phrases:

Learning even a few simple Korean phrases can be very helpful. Koreans generally appreciate the effort made by foreigners to speak their language.

  • Greetings:
    • Good morning/afternoon/evening: An-nyeong-ha-se-yo (안녕하세요!)
    • Hello (on the telephone): Yeo-bo-se-yo (여보세요!)
    • Goodbye (said by host): An-nyeong-hi-ga-se-yo (안녕히가세요.)
    • Goodbye (said by guest): An-nyeong-hi-gye-se-yo (안녕히계세요.)
  • Shopping:
    • How much does it cost?: Eol-ma-ye-yo? (얼마에요?)
    • It is expensive: Bi-ssa-yo (비싸요.)
    • I'll take this: I-geo ju-se-yo (이거 주세요.)
  • Dining:
    • It is very delicious: A-ju mas-iss-eo-yo (아주 맛있어요.)
    • I would like a glass of water: Mul jom ju-se-yo (물 좀 주세요.)
    • Please bring the bill: Gye-san-hae-ju-se-yo (계산 해 주세요.)
  • Conversation Basics:
    • Yes: Ne (네)
    • No: Ah-ni-yo (아니요)
    • Thank you: Kam-sa-ham-nee-dah (감사합니다.)
    • I am sorry: Mi-an-hap-ni-da (미안합니다.)
    • Where is the restroom?: Hwa-jang-si-ri eo-di-e iss-eo-yo? (화장실이 어디에 있어요?)

Note: This is a small selection of phrases. Refer to pages 25-27 of the source document for a more comprehensive list including phrases for taking a taxi, travel, calendar terms, and emergency situations.

Korean Numbers:

Korean uses two sets of numbers: Pure Korean and Sino-Korean (derived from Chinese characters). Pure Korean numbers are used for general counting (1-99), people, hours, things, and ages. Sino-Korean numbers are used for dates, money, minutes, addresses, phone numbers, and numbers above 100.

  • 1: Pure - hah-na; Sino - il
  • 2: Pure - dul; Sino - i
  • 3: Pure - set; Sino - sam
  • 10: Pure - yeol; Sino - sip
  • 100: baek (used for both systems beyond 99 for Pure Korean)
  • 1,000: chon (used for both systems)

Refer to page 29 of the source document for a more detailed list of numbers.

Culture and Customs

South Korea's population shares a common ethnic and cultural background, fostering a strong sense of national community and shared destiny. This nationalism is evident in events like the Olympics and World Cup, reflecting pride in South Korea's global standing. Understanding key traditions, cultural attitudes, and etiquette can greatly enhance interactions with Korean friends.

Non-Verbal Behavior & Etiquette:

Asian customs and attitudes differ from Western ones, and Korea has its own specific courtesies. Observing these can be very rewarding.

  • Meeting and Greeting: While the traditional bow has largely given way to handshakes, overly familiar gestures like back slaps are considered rude. Introductions are often facilitated by a third party. Business cards are very important and are exchanged with a degree of formality; take a moment to read a card before putting it away.
  • Names: Using names correctly is important. Koreans regard their names with reverence. While Westernization has made addressing by family name more common, first names are typically used only by intimate friends and family. Titles (e.g., Sa-jang-nim for company president, Bak-sa for Ph.D., Sun-saeng-nim for teacher or generally anyone) are preferred.
  • Eye Contact: Historically, direct eye contact with an acquaintance was considered impolite, though this is changing; older Koreans might still find it offensive.
  • Hand Usage: Always use your right hand for actions like presenting gifts, paying, or pouring drinks. Your left hand should loosely cup your right forearm as a sign of respect. Using the left hand for these tasks is very impolite.
  • Gestures: Do not point with your index finger or gesture with your foot, as it's insulting. Use your full hand, palm upward, for gesturing.
  • Red Ink: Avoid writing someone's name in red ink, as it traditionally signifies death.
  • Gifts: If invited to someone's home, bring a gift and present it using proper etiquette (right hand, supported by left).
  • Entering Homes/Restaurants: Remove your shoes when entering a Korean house or a restaurant with low tables.
  • Dining Etiquette: Do not start eating before the guest of honor or the most senior person. When offered alcoholic beverages you don't want, it's more polite to say you're not feeling well or are a designated driver, rather than "I don't drink". Always offer food or drink to colleagues if you are having some.
  • Pouring Drinks: Do not pour your own drink; pour for others and allow them to reciprocate.
  • Attire: Conservative dress is generally preferred. Bare shoulders may be considered inappropriate.
  • Seeing Off Guests: Accompany guests to the gate/door and remain there until they have departed.
  • Saying "Yes": "Yes" is often used to acknowledge what is said, not necessarily indicating agreement or understanding.
  • Splitting Bills: It's customary for one person or family to pay the entire bill, with others reciprocating on a future occasion, rather than splitting it.
  • Public Affection: It's common to see two male friends or two female friends walking arm-in-arm; this is a sign of friendship and not an indication of sexual preference.
  • Children: Koreans generally love children and treat them as "everyone's treasures". They may want to touch or hold your children, especially those with rare hair colors like blonde or red. If your children are uncomfortable, politely remove them from the situation.

Traditional Korean Meals/Food

Rice (bap), either plain or cooked with other grains, is the cornerstone of most Korean meals. It's served with a variety of side dishes (banchan). Popular side dishes include bean paste soup, roasted beef and fish, and seasoned steamed vegetables. Essential seasonings in Korean cuisine include soy sauce, soybean paste, red pepper paste, ginger root, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Food is typically eaten with chopsticks and a large spoon. Traditional foods can be found in small local restaurants, large hotels, and gourmet sections of department stores. Korean supermarkets often have sample stations.

Common Traditional Foods and Beverages:

  • Bap (밥): Rice.
  • Bibimbap (비빔밥): Mixed rice, often a Chonju specialty, consisting of a bowl of vegetables, rice, chili paste, and topped with a soft-fried egg.
  • Bulgogi (불고기): Thin strips of beef marinated in sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic, then grilled, often at your table.
  • Kimchi (김치): A staple at every Korean meal, kimchi is made of cabbage, radishes, or other vegetables pickled with garlic, chili pepper, and ginger, then fermented.
  • Kalbi (갈비): Pork or beef short ribs. Bul Kalbi (불갈비) are roasted short ribs marinated similarly to Bulgogi.
  • Chapchae (잡채): Clear noodles, usually mixed with vegetables and a soy-based dressing, served hot or cold.
  • Ddok (떡): Rice cake. Ddokguk (떡국) is a rice cake soup traditionally served on Lunar New Year.
  • Ghim or Kim (김): Paper-thin sheets of salted seaweed.
  • Ghimbap or Kimbap (김밥): Popular Korean "fast food," consisting of sticky rice rolled with assorted vegetables, egg, and meats in a seaweed sheet, then sliced. Different from Japanese sushi as the rice is seasoned with sesame oil.
  • Mandu (만두): Dumplings. Goon Mandu (군만두) are fried dumplings. Jjin Mandu (찐만두) are steamed dumplings filled with minced pork or beef and vegetables.
  • Soju (소주): A distilled beverage native to Korea, traditionally made from rice.
  • Makgeolli (막걸리): A milky, lightly sparkling rice wine, traditionally the drink of farmers.
  • Cha (차): Tea. Boricha (보리차) is barley water, often served instead of tea. In Sam Cha (인삼차) is ginseng tea.

This is a selection of common dishes. Refer to pages 33-35 of the source document for a more extensive alphabetical list of traditional foods and beverages.