Confucianism, Buddhism and Christianity are the main formal religions
Many Koreans believe in the ancestral spirit and observe Confucian rituals
Confucianism is a political and social philosophy that pervades Korean culture
Major Celebrations/Secular Celebrations
There are two main national holidays
New Year’s Day (second full moon after winter solstice)
Chuseok (the eighth full moon)
Celebrations for these festivals are based around ancestors, family, games, harvest festivals and food.
The Family
The family unit is an integral part of customs and life in South Korea
Arranged marriages are common
Marriage is regarded as a rite of passage
Divorce was rare but has become more common in recent years
Patriarchal lineage is ubiquitous and links ancestors through the husband’s line
Traditionally, the eldest son inherited, however, this has recently altered and is now equal by law
The eldest son bears extra responsibility to his family and it is supposed that he will care for his parents in their old age
Social Stratification
Since the Kabo Reforms of 1894 there has been no traditional gentry
60% of Koreans considered themselves to be middle class
Class position is often linked to educational attainment
Industrialisation and urbanisation contribute to class difference
Family, upbringing, wealth, education and occupation contribute to social standing
Symbols of status include; large homes, chauffeur driven cars, dress, membership to certain clubs, and higher educational degrees
Urbanisation is 82.5% of total population (2015)
Language is hierarchical and one must address social superiors in a fitting manner
Gender Roles
Equality of the sexes is constitutional
Daily life is dominated by male guidance within a primarily patriarchal society
Social organisation is influenced by gender and age
47.7% of adult females worked outside the home (1998)
Women occupied 2.3% of provincial and local seats in (1999)
Women dominate Shamanism as priestesses but have limited roles within Christian and Buddhist religions
Women are expected to be submissive in public situations and at informal gatherings
Women are considered more independent than their male counterparts
Socialisation
Daily care of infants is primarily parent based for at least the first two years with little, or no, separation from the mother
Patriarchal obedience, cooperation, respect for elders, and familial piety are imbued into early childhood
Gender specific roles are encouraged within the family and education system
Sons generally receive the best education and remain more dependent upon their family, even into marriage
The Economy
South Korea changed from an underdeveloped country, to the 11th largest economy globally, within one generation
South Korea is heavily dependent upon exports for its GDP; almost half of its business is exported through products or services
48% of all exports are electronic
31% of exports are transport related (cars, boats, etc)
Food
Korean cuisine is based on rice, vegetables and meat
‘Kimchi’ is the national dish and is eaten with most meals
Kimchi is made from a variety of vegetables which are then fermented and can be stored for long periods of time
Banchan are side dishes – these are often made in large numbers and are served along with the main dish
Food is used in ceremonies, especially at weddings, birthdays and to honour ancestors
Arts, Humanities & Popular Culture
Historically, Chinese and Japanese influences were seen in South Korean art; aesthetic concepts and motifs were shared
Korean music and arts were linked to natural cycles and religion, giving rise to a folk culture in rural areas that are still considered popular
‘Gangnam Style’ by Psy, a South Korean musician, achieved worldwide fame in 2012. The song refers to the Gangnam District of Seoul, a trendy, classy area, equated with London, Paris or Hollywood
Foreign influences have produced a fast food and coffee culture in recent years, especially within Seoul
Language has altered with the introduction of some Western phrases such as ‘eye shopping’ (window shopping)
KoreaKnow 