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[Overview of Korea]

[Image of Korea]

[Traditional Culture]

Overview of Korea

Taegeukgi (National Flag)

Mugungwha (National Flower)

Geography

Population

Climate

Language (Hangeul-Korean Alphabet)

Religion

History

Taegeukgi (National Flag)

The Korean flag is called Taegeukgi. Its design symbolizes the principles of Eum and Yang in Oriental philosophy. The circle in the center of the flag is divided into two equal parts. The upper red section represents the positive cosmic forces of Yang, while the lower blue section represents the negative cosmic forces of Eum. These two forces together embody the concepts of continual movement, balance and harmony that characterize infinity. The circle is surrounded by four trigrams,one in each corner. Each trigram symbolizes one of the four universal elements: heaven, earth, sun (or fire) and moon (or water). The white background represents peace, and also stands for the purity and homogeneity of the Korean people.

Mugungwha (National Flower)

The national flower of Korea is the rose of Sharon, or mugunghwa as it is called in Korean.
Every year from July to October, a profusion of mugunghwa graces the entire country. They are remarkably tenacious and able to withstand both blight and insects. Mugung means immortality, and hwa means flower, thus it is a flower symbolizing the immortality, determination and perseverance of the Korean people.

Geography

The Korean Peninsula, which lies on the northeastern edge of the Asian continent, shares its northern border with China and Russia and juts toward Japan to the southeast. The highest peak is Baekdusan in North Korea, which rises 2,744 meters above sea level along the northern border facing China. This mountain is regarded as an important symbol of the Korean spirit and is featured in Korea's national anthem.
The second highest mountain is the 1,950-meter Hallasan in South Korea. The peninsula has a significant number of rivers, including the Hangang (514 km) and Nakdonggang (525 km), both in South Korea, and the Amnokgang (Yalu, 790 km) and Dumangang (Tumen, 521 km), both in North Korea. Considering its territorial size, the peninsula has a relatively large number of rivers and streams.
Except for its northern area, seas surround Korea on three sides, with some 3,400 islands dotting the coastline.
Korea is roughly 1,000 kilometers long and encompasses a total of 222,154 square kilometers (South Korea -99,392 sq.km; North Korea -122,762 sq.km). It is nearly the same size as Britain and a little larger than Portugal. Excluding some plains in the southwestern area, approximately 70 percent of South Korea is mountainous. Along the southern and western coasts, the mountains descend gradually to the coastal plains.

Population

The Republic of Korea is populated by 48.0 million people as of 2003.
Administratively, Korea consists of nine provinces, one special municipality - Seoul, and the six metropolitan cities of Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejon and Ulsan. Seoul, the capital of Korea, is divided into 25 gus, or wards

Climate

The Korean peninsula, which is situated at the eastern edge of the Eurasian continent, lies between 33 °and 43 °north latitude. With the Taebaeksan mountain range forming the backbone of the Korean peninsula, Korea has a diverse climate in spite of its small size. It lies in the temperate zone,and has four distinct seasons as well as diverse topography.
Although Korea has the general characteristics of a continental climate, it has monsoonal weather in summer. It is bitterly cold and dry in winter due primarily to the Siberian air mass. Torrential rains fall during the rainy season that begins in late June, often causing severe damage to property and loss of life. It is hot and humid in July and August due primarily to the maritime Pacific high. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, are generally sunny and clear, although they are short in comparison to winter and summer and have distinct weather patterns.

Spring: Mostly clear and dry days.Temperature ranges from 16℃ to 19℃ in May.

Summer: Hot and humid. Temperature ranges from 23℃ to 27℃ in August. Daytime highs are usually over 30℃ in mid-summer.
Also, two to three typhoons usually hit Korea during this season. Fifty to sixty percent of the annual precipitation comes in summer. Monsoon season (heavy rain season) starts in June and lasts about 30 days. High humidity in both July and August.

Fall: A little cooler than spring but still mostly clear and dry days. Temperature ranges from 11℃to 19℃ in October.

Winter: Cold and dry.January is the coldest month of the year. Temperature ranges from -6℃to 7℃ in January. Most of the snowfall occurs in mountainous areas with little snow in urban areas.

Language (Hangeul-Korean Alphabet)

In 1443,King Sejong promoted the creation of an alphabet for writing that could simply and accurately convey the sound of the spoken language. Originally known as Hunminjeongeum, or “the correct sounds for the instruction of the people,” it is an easy-to-learn phonetic alphabet that enabled the common people to express themselves in writing.
Hangeul, as the alphabet has come to be known,is unique among the world's writing systems as its creation is well documented, including the date it originated and the names of the people who invented it. And it was created without any direct influence from already existing writing systems to become the national written language.Hangeul has contributed greatly to enriching Korean literature.

Religion

Freedom of religion is fully guaranteed in the Republic of Korea. There are four broad streams of influence: Shamanism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity.
Christianity has had a large following in Korea since its introduction from the West in the late 18th century. Catholicism and Protestantism have significantly grown under the influence of Europe and the United States. There are also various minor religions based on various combinations of elements from traditional religions.

History

Dawn of Statehood
Although Korea ’s first kingdom, Gojoseon, was founded in 2333 B.C., it is presumed that humans began to inhabit the Korean Peninsula several centuries earlier. The ideology of the Gojoseon Kingdom was characterized by devotion to the welfare of mankind.
Gojoseon’s rule of the peninsula lasted some 2,400 years.

The Three Kingdoms and the Unified Silla Period
Data available to date indicates that the Three Kingdoms-Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla-lasted from 57 B.C. to 668 A.D. Goguryeo, which was the first to be founded, occupied the largest part of the peninsula. Its territory encompassed the northern part of the peninsula, which is now North Korea, and Manchuria. As such, Goguryeo was the most powerful of the Three Kingdoms. Baekje and Silla were established in the central and southern parts of the peninsula that is now South Korea. Wiryeseong, the capital of Baekje, was established in the area that is now Seongnam, a satellite city southeast of Seoul. Silla unified the kingdoms of the central and southern part of the peninsula later, ushering in the Unified Silla period. Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram were built during the Unified Silla period. Meanwhile, Balhae, the kingdom that succeeded Goguryeo in part of Manchuria and the northern part of the peninsula, lasted for some 230 years.

Goryeo Dynasty
Goryeo was founded in 918 after the fall of Unified Silla. The name “Korea” comes from Goryeo, as foreigners began to call the kingdom “Korea” The peninsula suffered frequent foreign invasions after Goryeo developed relations with other countries. Of particular note, Mongols and Khitans invaded on many occasions. Among the many cultural legacies of the Goryeo Dynasty are the internationally renowned blue-green inlaid celadon pottery and the world’s very first metal type.

Joseon Dynasty
The Joseon Dynasty was established in 1392 after the fall of Goryeo.Joseon adopted Neo-Confucianism as the state ideology. It put in place acentralized political structure based on the yangban (noble)class. Class distinction between the upper and lower classes was strictly enforced.
The vast majority of the population belonged to the so-called middle class.
The hereditary system of these people was again divided into peasants, artisans and merchants. Moral, ethical and social principles prescribed by Neo-Confucian codes of conduct were enforced along the extended family system to strengthen the status of the yangban class. The family system and moral and social codes were thoroughly based on Confucian codes of conduct. Under the extended family system, the head of a family exerted absolute control over his family in line with Confucian traditions. The head of the family represented and controlled his family and performed rites for his ancestors.
Because Buddhism was suppressed, few Buddhist works of art, such as those produced during the Silla and Goryeo periods, were created during the Joseon era.
However, Joseon’s political and social stability, along with the buildup of national strength, enabled the kingdom to produce outstanding cultural and academic achievements. Of special note, academic activities in this era made significant headway as Neo-Confucianism became a source of politics, society and culture.

Colonial Rule
After emerging victorious from the Sino-Japanese War, Japan set its sights on taking over Korea. Korea lost its sovereignty with Japan’s annexation of the country in 1910. Korea regained its independence in 1945 with Japan’s defeat in World War II.

Modern-day Korea
Korea’s first President Syngman Rhee ruled South Korea for 12 years until 1960 when he was forced out of the presidency.
Afterward, President Park Jung Hee established an iron rule after suppressing rising popular aspirations for democracy. At the same time, he pushed ahead with economic development.
For instance, he promoted Saemaul (New Community) projects designed to raise income levels and foster long-term national development.
Korea became known globally as it played host to the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Summer Olympics. The Seoul Olympics is remembered as an Olympics that promoted world peace and harmony by all the participating countries. The co-hosting of the FIFA 2002 World Cup with Japan put Korea on the map once again.

Image of Korea

Hanbok (Traditional Clothing)

Kimchi

Bulgogi

Bulguksa Temple

Seokguram Grotto

Taekwondo

Korea Insam (Ginseng)

Talchum

Jongmyo Jeryeak

Seoraksan

World Class Artists

Hanbok (Traditional Clothing)

Hanbok is a comprehensive term used to describe Korean traditional clothing.
The most notable features of hanbok are the lines. Women wear an elegant combination of a short jacket and long skirt while men wear loose trousers, a jacket and a vest, all beneath an outer coat.The color, material and manner of wearing hanbok differ according to the season and social status of the wearer. Of late, hanbok design has been adapted to better suit modern living.

Kimchi

<www.kimchi.or.kr>
A pungent, fermented condiment generally made of cabbage or radish and seasoned with salt, garlic, red peppers, ginger and other ingredients, kimchi is found at virtually every meal served in Korea. Kimchi is low in calories and cholesterol and very high in fiber. Kimchi comes in a variety of types ranging from delicately flavored versions to hearty stuffed cucumber kimchi. To Koreans, any sumptuous meal is meaningless without kimchi. Kimchi contains high levels of protein, calcium and iron that are derived mainly from the seafood such as oysters, squid, shrimps and anchovies that are used for flavoring.

Bulgogi

Another food that Korea is famous for is bulgogi. Usually translated as “Korean barbecue,” the term literally means “fire meat.” Beef and pork are most often identified with bulgogi. Whereas kimchi is served at virtually every meal, bulgogi is usually a treat that Korean hosts enjoy sharing with foreign visitors. Bulgogi tastes best when it is cooked on a pan that is placed over a charcoal grill or gas range.

Bulguksa Temple

<www.bulguksa.or.kr>
Bulguksa Temple is one of Korea’s best known temples, a testimony to both the skill of Silla architects and the depth of Buddish faith at the time. While most of the wooden buildings have been rebuilt over the centuries, all the stone
bridges, trairways and pagodas are original.

Seokguram Grotto

<www.ocp.go.kr>
Seokguram Grotto is one of the world’s finest Bugghist shrines, dating back to the same period as Bulguksa Temple. Surrounded by Bodhisattvas and guardian deities, the serene central statue of Buddha gazes out over the forested hills and across the East Sea to the horizon. The carving of the granite dome of Seokguram was a truly amazing architectural feat.
In 1995, Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto were added to UNESCO’s prestigious World Cultural Heritage List. (Located at the edge of Mt.Tohamsan, Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do)

Taekwondo

<www.koreataekwondo.org>
Korea’s traditional martial art taekwondo is a form of wholesome exercise that has taken its place as a recognized sport in worldwide competitions.
But taekwondo is more than just a sport. It is also a performing art infused with the Korean spirit. The artistic beauty is both stable and dynamic. Stability is expressed in the contemplation that forms the mental component of taekwondo training with its emphasis on stillness in repose. More so than other sports or martial arts, the movement style of taekwondo places mental cultivation above physical skill. It has less to do with offense and defense than with the unity of mind and body that arises from the movement itself.
When the body moves in union with the mind, we experience stillness in motionand movement at rest. Within this movement lies a mind in repose.
Dynamism is the beauty that is manifested in movement. As movement of the body expresses the thoughts of the mind, taekwondo is founded on the same principle as dance.
The taekwondo uniform consists of a white jacket and pants tied with a belt. The belt is an important part of the uniform and comes in five colors indicating levels of achievement: white, yellow, blue, red, and black. Worn in different variations, it forms a large tie-string for the pants.
The dynamic element in the technique of taekwondo lies in the basic movements of the hands and feet. The fist and limbs are used in blocking, punching, thrusting, and chopping, and the feet in kicking, each with various stance postures.
Skill in taekwondo is measured by a grading system in which the learner progresses from an ungraded beginner to a grade holder and then a holder of a dan, or level of accomplishment. The grades are counted in reverse from 10th grade (the lowest) to 1st grade (the highest), while the dan progress from level 1 to level 9. The terms dan and dan holder are applied only to competitors aged fifteen or older, while for younger students who have reached the requisite level, the term pum is used instead.

Korea Insam (Ginseng)

<www.insam.or.kr>
Ginseng is a root vegetable whose shape resembles the human body, and its name (pronounced “insam ”in Korean) contains the Chinese characters for “man.” Korean ginseng is also known by the names of Korea’s last two royal dynasties: Goryeo and Joseon. Its scientific name is “Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer,” panax being a composite term formed from the Greek words pan (all)and axos (medicine), which also give us the English word “panacea" .” Although Korean ginseng belongs to the same botanical genus as the product grown in Japan, China, the U.S., and Russia, substantial differences in quality and efficacy have branded Korean ginseng as the best in the world.

Talchum

The masked dance drama that was popular during the Joseon period (1392~1910) undoubtedly represents the pinnacle of Korean vernacular culture. As its Korean name, talchum, implies, it is a form of play or dance (chum) performed while wearing masks (tal). It is also a way of releasing pent-up frustrations while concealing one’s identity behind a mask. By dressing up as a nobleman or shaman, a wife or concubine, or a servant, the common people would find fun in the tense situations of real life. As a result, there was no need for professional actors like those of China or Japan. Masked dance dramas are also quite different from the masked plays of other countries, which make a clear distinction between the stage and the auditorium, as they are open-air events in which performers and spectators mingle freely together.

Jongmyo Jeryeak

Jongmyo Jerye and Jongmyo Jeryeak are inclusive terms for the music, singing, and dancing used in performing the rites in honor of the successive generations of kings from the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) buried in the Jongmyo Shrine.
Jongmyo Jerye, the Royal Ancestral Rite, is a solemn and reverent ceremony of strict propriety and harmonious music, praising the deeds of former kings, reporting them to the gods, and praying for a happy and prosperous posterity. Designated Important Intangible Cultural Property No.1, Jongmyo Jeryeak, or the Royal Ancestral Ritual Music, consists of two pieces in the form of suites, “Botaepyeong” and “Jeongdaeeop.” The words of “Botaepyeong” praise the civil works of the former kings, while “Jeongdaeeop" ”focuses on their military exploits. “Botaepyeong” is performed during the “first service” when the first cup of wine is offered, and “Jeongdaeeop” accompanies the offering of the second and third cups.

Seoraksan

<www.npa.or.kr>
Seoraksan National Park is considered one of Korea’s most beautiful mountain areas, consisting of Oeseorak, Naeseorak and Namseorak outer, inner and southern. It boasts numerous valleys well-known for their spring bolssom sand fall foliage.The less rugged outer area stretches east to Seorak-dong resort village with inns,hotels, campsites, stores, parking lots, and other public facilities.
A 1,100 meter cable car connects the park entrance in Seorak-dong with Gwongeumseong, an ancient mountaintop fortress of the Silla Kingdom. Other points of interst are Biseondae Rock Flat, named after the legend of an angel ascending to heaven from the rock flat, and Osaek mineral spring, which is thought to bring relief from digestive aliments.
Visitors to the inner area entering from the west via the town of Inje can first visit Baekdamsa Temple, the other gateway to Seoraksan.

World Class Artists

Paik Nam June has led the world in pioneering the new medium of video art. Since making his first work out of television sets in 1963, he has held numerous exhibitions in New York, Switzerland, and Germany as well as Korea, and has won critical acclaim for his creation of a new artistic genre. In 1977 he presented his satellite television show, Good Morning Mr. Orwell, and in 1993 he won the Golden Lion Prize at the Venice Biennale.

In the field of music, composer Yun Yi Sang has created numerous masterpieces including his opera Sim Cheong, composed in celebration of the 1972 Munich Olympics; The Butterfly ’s Dream, composed in prison; and Gwangju Forever, composed as the theme of the Gwangju Democratization Movement of 1980.

Violinist Chung Kyung-Wha invariably captivates her audiences with the explosive power and intensity of her performances, and has been judged a once-in-a-century rare talent. The finest orchestras of the world vie with each other to attract this outstanding Korean musician as a concerto soloist.

Chung Myung-Whun ranks among the top maestros in the world. Though he started out as a pianist, he became the principal conductor of the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra and went on to assume the role of resident conductor for the Paris Bastille Opera.He has won the prestigious title of maestro even in the home of Western classical music, Europe.

Violin prodigy Jang Young-Ju won the hearts of audiences all over the world when she appeared as a soloist with top orchestras after being singled out by conductor Zubin Mehta at the age of 9. Through the dazzling successes of these brilliant artists at home and abroad,Korea has begun to be recognized internationally as a land of art and culture.

Traditional Culture

Traditional Clothing - Hanbok

Traditional Food

Traditional Korean House - Hanok

Traditional Arts

Religions

Experiencing Korean Traditional Culture

City Tour Bus

Cultural Properties Administration <www.ocp.go.kr>,
Korea National Tourism Organization <www.knto.or.kr>

Korean traditional culture is based on the agriculture economy and a foundation of Shamanism, Buddhism and Confucianism throughout its 5,000-year history. Cultural activities are famous for how they harmonize and co-exist with many religions and cultures. There are 425 national treasures, 1,776 treasures and 1,065 important folklore items as of November 1, 2003.
As of April 2001, a total number of 690 items in 122 countries were registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. “Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple,”“Haeinsa Janggyeong Panjeon,”and “Jongmyo Shrine”entered the list in 1995, followed by “Changdeokgung Palace Complex”and “Suwon Hwaseong Fortess” in 1997, and “Gyeongju Historic Areas”and “Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites”in 2000.

Traditional Clothing - Hanbok

Hanbok is a comprehensive term used to describe Korean traditional clothing. Today, hanbok is worn mostly on special occasions, and is divided into categories based on its function.

Hanbok
Hanbok is characterized by its simple lines and the fact that it has no packets. Women’s hanbok is comprised of a wrap-around skirt and a jacket. It is often called chima-jeogori, chima being the Korean word for skirt and jeogori the word for jacket. Men’s hanbok consists of a short jacket and pants, called baji, that are roomy and bound at the ankles. Both ensembles may be topped by a long coat of a similar cut called durumagi.

Saenghwal hanbok
The use of traditional hanbok follows complex rules, and requires meticulous attention. Because of this, a simplified version of hanbok has been introduced for daily use which incorporates simplicity and convenience. An increasing number of people want to express their individuality by wearing something that combines traditional beauty and modern simplicity. The modern version comes in a wide variety of styles and fabrics.

Traditional Food

A diverse array of foods and dishes can be found throughout Korea.
Korea was once primarily an agricultural nation, and Koreans have cultivated rice as their staple food since ancient times. These days Korean cuisine is characterized by a wide variety of wild greens and vegetables.
Various fermented and preserved foods, such as kimchi (fermented spicy cabbage), jeotgal (matured seafood with salt) and doenjang (fermented soy bean paste) are notable for their unique flavor and high nutritional value.
The prominent feature of a Korean table setting is that all dishes are served at the same time.

Traditional Korean House - Hanok

A traditional Korean house is called ‘hanok,’ which is sought to create a living space based on the coexistenceof nature and humans.
Accordingly, the natural aspects of a traditional Korean house range from the structure’s inner layout to the building materials which were used.
Another unique feature of traditional houses is their special design for cooling the interior in the summer and heating the interior in the winter. Since Korea has hot summers and cold winters, the ‘ondol gudeul,’ a floor-based heating system and ‘daecheng,’ a cool wooden-floor style of hall, were devised long ago to help Koreans survive the frigid winters and to make the sweltering and humid summers bearable. These primitive types of heating and air-conditioning were so efficient that they are still in use in many homes today.

Traditional Arts

Traditional dance
Korean traditional dance, much like traditional music, can be divided into court dance and folk dance.
Court dance includes jeongjaemu, dances performed at banquets, and ilmu, the line dances performed in Confucian rituals. Folk dance can be divided into religious dances led by monks and secular dances.
Whereas the highly stylized court dances display dimensions of discipline, grandeur and elegance, folk dances, especially mask dances, exhibit spontaneity, humor, freedom and satire.

Traditional music
Korean traditional music can be broadly divided into jeongak (court music), which has an intellectual emphasis, and minsogak (folk music), which is full of emotional expression.
The former is closely related to the culture of the royal family and the upper class, the latter belonging more to the common people. Most court music moves at a slow pace,

sometimes so slow that a single beat can take up to three seconds. Asa result, the mood of this music is static, meditative, and reposeful.
However, folk music, such as farmer’s music, pansori and musok (shaman’s ritual music), is characterized by dynamic rhythm patterns.

Traditional painting
A major characteristic of Korean traditional painting is its unique Oriental lines and colors that are seldom found in orthodox Western painting.
Ancient tomb murals manifest traits of early Korean painting. The murals in Three Kingdoms tombs depict the dynamism and lifestyle of Koreans during ancient times. In the Goryeo period when Buddhism blossomed, the arts flourished as well, particularly Buddhist painting and sculpture, and many impressive works from this time can be seen at Buddhist temples today. During the Joseon Dynasty, painting was influenced by Chinese art. Folk paintings, or minhwa, were popular among the masses and abound with satire and humor.

Handicrafts and ceramics
Handicrafts and ceramics made great headway following the introduction of Buddhism to Korea. In the Goryeo Dynasty, elegant jade green celadon became the mainstream ceramics. Plain celadon reached its zenith of refinement around the first half of the 12th century. Whereas Goryeo celadon has novelty, Joseon ceramics are infused with subtlety and naturalness, evoking the sentiments of humble, common people. Joseon white porcelain embodies the characteristics of the Korean people who prefer simplicity and the color white.

Religions

Buddhism
Buddhism was introduced into Korea in the second century, A.D. 372, during King Sosurim’s government of the Goguryeo Dynasty. Buddhism soon found its way into the Baekje Kingdom and Silla Kingdom. The Korean peninsula was governed by three kingdoms at that time: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. Bulguksa (Buddhist temple) and Seokguram, which have been appointed world cultural assets, were built during the Silla Dynasty. Buddhism has had a strong effect on the development of the Korean culture since it was introduced. Korea has many Buddhism-related cultural assets, including buildings, sculptures, drawings, and craftworks.

Confucianism
Confucianism became a common philosophy in ancient Korea. When it came into contact with fundamental Korean sentiments, Confucianism brought about profound changes and exerted considerable influence on the Korean people. It has been an indispensable component of the Korean moral system, way of life and national laws. Confucianism, which was the major philosophy of the Joseon Dynasty, eventually gave rise to Silhak, or practical learning. Confucianism has deeply permeated the consciousness of Korean people and can be seen today in many forms, including two ceremonies that continue today: Jongmyo Jerye, the royal ancestral service at Jongmyo Shrine and Seokjeon Daeje, the worship rites at the Seonggyungwan in honor of Confucius, his disciples, and other celebrated Chinese and Korean Confucian scholars.

Protestantism & Catholicism
Protestantism came to Korea after the signing of the Korean-American Treaty in 1882. Because Christianity challenged the basic values of Joseon society, its believers were subject to persecution in the early years, but as Christians took an increasingly active role in the anti-colonial struggle against the Japanese and churches promoted more educational opportunities, Christianity gained acceptance.
Today Korean churches evangelize abroad, and approximately twenty-five percent of the Korean population is Christian.
Catholicism first came to Korea as a western scholarly pursuit. Korean tributary missions to the imperial court of China took an interest in Jesuit missionary books and brought them back to Korea. In 1784 the first Korean was baptized in Beijing and returned to Korea to set up a house of worship. Despite considerable persecution by the government, numerous people joined the Catholic Church. Presently, over two million people belong to the church.

Shamanism
Various shamanistic practices are deeply engrained in Korean life. Shamanism is similar with folk beliefs from ancient times. It is closely related to the primitive cults that practiced communal rites for the gods of heaven, and which were uninfluenced by Buddhist tradition. One distinguishing characteristic of Korean shamanism is that it seeks to solve human problems through a meeting between humans and the spirits. This can be seen in the various types of shamanistic rites that are still widely practiced even today.

Experiencing Korean Traditional Culture

Korean daily life
These programs encourage foreigners to experience Korean culture such as family rituals, etiquette, tea culture, traditional food, and the arts.

.Yoo’s Family
<www.yoosfamily.com>
Tel. 02-722-8543
Experience Dado (etiquette of drinking tea), wearing Korean traditional clothes-Han-bok, learning greeting etiquette, practice Kimchi making, folk games-and traditional Korean meals, etc.
- 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of Anguk Station, Line 3

.Son’s Home
<www.sons-home.com>
Tel. 02-562-6829
Experience Kimchi (Korean traditional pickled cabbage), Hanbok, musical instruments, and calligraphy.
- 10-minute walk from Exit 3 of Yeoksam Station, Line 2

.Yejiwon
<www.yejiwon.or.kr>
Tel. 02-2234-3325~6 Learn about Korean traditional customs and other common Korean practices.
- 15-minute walk from Exit 6 of Dongguk Station.

.Tuyosinoie
<www.tuyosi.com>
Tel. 02-774-0351
Cell phone: English 018-471-2250 / Japanese 018-367-2351
Enjoy Korean traditional dishes, folk arts, and a traditional market.
- 7-minute walk from Exit 12 of Seoul Station, Line 1 or 4

.SamcheongGak
<www.samcheonggak.or.kr>
Tel. 02-3676-3456
Traditional Culture Academy: Minyo (folk songs), Pansori, crafts of the women’s quarters, tea ceremony, daegum, Korean traditional music for children
- Shuttle bus from Exit 7 of City Hall Station, Line 2 or Exit 5 of Gwanghwamun Station, Line 5

Traditional Korean village
.Namsangol Hanok Village
<www.fpcp.or.kr>
Tel. 02-2266-6937
A traditional Korean-style garden, complete with a flowing stream and a pavilion in the woods, was constructed in order to revive theclassical feel of theancient times. Five traditional Korean houses were moved here on a 7,934 squaremeter lot including some of the residences of high government officials who were known to have eight of the largest mansions in seoul.
- 2-minute walk from Chungmuro Station, Line 3 or 4

.Bukchon Hanok Village
<hanok.seoul.go.kr>
Tel. 02-3707-8388 This traditional village features many Hanok-style homes. The village is located in the area between Seoul City Hall and Seoseomun’s annex.
- Exit 1 of City Hall Station, Line 1

.Korean Folk Village
<www.koreanfolk.co.kr>
Tel. 031-286-2111
The village has a folk museum and holds folk festivals, entertainment, and a traditional market. There are a lot of sightseeing spots including Korean traditional houses, hanok.
Location: Giheung-eup,Yong-in, Geonggi-do
- Take a Folk Village shuttle bus at Suwon Station, KNR Line

.Oeamri Folk Village
<www.asan.chungnam.kr>
Tel. 041-544-8290
This traditional village has preserved the village history and culture.
Location: Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
- Take a train at Seoul Station to Onyang, then a city bus to Oeam-ri (7 times a day, takes 40 minutes)

.Naganeupseong Folk Village
<www.nagan.or.kr>
Tel. 061-749-3645 This walled city built on an open field used to house an old government office and nearly 100 tradional-thatched houses built during the Joseon Dynasty. The city is like being in ancient Korea.
Location: Suncheon, Jeollanam-do
-Take a train at Seoul Station to Suncheon, then transfer to a city bus for Naganeupseong Folk Village

.Hahoe Village
<www.hahoe.or.kr>
Tel. 054-856-5701 The village was designated important folk asset no 122. The village contains tangible and intangible cultural assets such as national treasures or folk arts.
Location: Pungcheon-myeon, Andongsi, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Take a train at Cheongnyangni Station to Andong, then city bus no. 46 to Hahoe Village

.Jeju Folk Village Museum
<www.chejufolk.co.kr>
Tel. 064-787-4504 This village also features all kinds of traditional village styles of Jeju Island, including a mountain village, a fishing village, a small island town, and a marketplace.
Location: Pyoseon-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Namjeju-gun
- 50 min. by bus from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal

.Suaedang
<www.suaedang.com>
Tel. 054-822-6661
A place for experiencing Korean traditional culture as well as traditional houses.
Location: Imdong-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Andong bus terminal → get off at Imdong bus station (2 km from the bus station)

.Saehwagwan
<www.saehwagwan.com>
Tel. 063-287-6300
Jeonju Hanok Living Experience Center Location: Pungnam-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do
- Take the express bus from Express Bus Terminal to Jeolla Province and get off at the Jeollabuk-do Art Center

.Jirye Artists’Colony
<www.chirye.com>
Tel. 054-822-2590 This place is for those who want to learn about Korean history and culture.
Location: Imdong-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- 4hrs. from Seoul Cheongnyangni Station to Andong (50 mins. from Andong)

Buddhist temple stay
<www.templestaykorea.net>
For over 1600 years temples have provided spiritual refuge for Korean Buddhists. The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism is opening Korean temples where you can experience the Korean monks life, Korean traditional culture, and its beauty as well.
Program: Dharma Ceremony in the morning, Seon meditation, tea ceremony, four bowl meal, introduction of temple, printing Tripitaka, Buddhist martial arts, making traditional lanterns, making green tea, traditional games, etc.

Korean cooking courses
.Institute of Traditional Korean Food
<www.kfr.or.kr>
Tel. 02-741-5414
The program consists of a field tour to the Korean Traditional Kitchen Museum, where you can learn how to make rice cakes. You may also partake in other Korean cooking activities .
- 3-minute walk from Exit 7 of Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station, Line1, 3 or 5

.Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine
<www.food.co.kr>
Tel. 02-3673-1122
Enjoy dishes intended for the royal family and traditional folk dishes.
- 20-minute walk from Exit 2 of Anguk Station, Line 3

.Seoul Agriculture Technology Center
<www.agro.seoul.go.kr>
Tel. 02-3462-5704
A way for everyone to learn the old skills of cooking food. Established by the Seoul Agriculture Technology Center.
- 10-minute walk from Exit 4 of Yangjae Station, Line 3

.BokSeon Han ‘s Cooking School
<www.hanboksun.com>
Tel. 02-592-3783
Learn about recipes and seasonings for traditional dishes.
- 5-minute walk from Exit 4 of Seoul Nat’l Univ. of Education Station, Line 2 or 3

.Han’s Institute of Culinary Arts
<www.hancooking.co.kr>
Tel. 02-742-3567
Kimchi course, kimchi and bulgogi course, bibimbap (a mixed rice with various vegetables) course, kimchi stew course and other courses
- 3-minute walk from Exit 4 of Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station, Line 5

.Ilsan Wondang Jungang Cooking School
<www.cookinggac.co.kr>
Tel. 031-968-6262
Take a course to learn how to make Korean dishes: kimchi, bulgogi, samgyetang (traditional chicken dish), bibimbap, kimchi stew, and so on.
- 10-minute walk from Wondang Station, Line 3

.Minkyung Choi’s Cooking School
<www.cook.or.kr>
Tel. 051-464-6000
Participate in courses for learning to prepare traditional Korean meals. Learn how to make kimchi, bulgogi, galbi, bibimbap, and other traditional dishes.
- 10-minute walk from Busan Station

.Dong-a Kyungok Kim’s Cooking School
<www.cook3000.co.kr>
Tel. 051-247-6000
Join courses for learning to cook Korean traditional dishes: kimchi, galbi, bibimbap, jeon(pan-fried dishes), and namul (vegetables or wild greens)
- 5-minute walk from Nampodong Station

.House Kimchi
<www.housekimchi.com>
Tel. 02-3216-9792
Targets Japanese travelers
- 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Hongje Station, Line 3

Ceramics
Korean pottery is famous for its excellent quality and use of artistic skill. Pottery features Korean traditional art styles, simple colors and unique molding. The fee for a pottery class is between 5,000 won and 30,000 won.

.Icheon Ceramics Village (Icheon, Gyeonggi-do)
- Take an Icheon-bound bus at Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal

.Yeoju Ceramics Village (Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do)
- Take an Yeoju-bound bus at Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal

.Gangjin Celadon Village (Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do)
- Take a bus at Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Gangjin, then take a city bus for Maryang and get off at Celadon Village

Taekwondo
Taekwando, Korean traditional martial arts, is an international sport that enjoys worldwide popularity. Taekwando teaches a person self-reliance, not aggression.
Therefore, it focuses on physical training and mental endurance. Character development is also an important aspect of the sport. Taekwando was first shown as an exhibition game during the 1988 Seoul Olympics and has since been adopted as an official Olympic sport, debuting at the 2000 Sidney Olympics.
.Korea Taekwondo Tour Information Center <www.taekwontour.com>
- One-day Taekwondo experience,
Taekwondo Camp
Tel. 02-336-6014~5 Fax. 02-336-6045

Culture streets
.Insa-dong
<www.insadong.info>
This traditional street in Insa-dong has shops that carry traditional goods such as antiques. The street holds various traditional events as well.
- 2-minute walk from Anguk Station, Line 3

.Sagan-dong
<www.galleryhyundai.com>
The street has ten modern art galleries, a National Folk Museum, and traditional museum. You can enjoy modern and traditional art here.
- 5-minute walk from Anguk Station, Line 3

.Fashion Street in Donamdong
<www.onclick.co.kr>
This street is located in the Gangbuk area and is always crowded with people who enjoy fashion.
- 1-minute walk from Sungshin Women’s Univ. Station, Line 4

City Tour Bus

Korean Daily Life
Seoul City Tour Bus
<www.seoulcitytourbus.com>
Tourists can buy tickets for the tour in advance at the ticket booth or pay in cash on the bus.
※ KR PASS holders get 20% off tour bus fares.
※ Available Languages: Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese and French by using headset

.Downtown Tour:

Gwanghwamun (DongWha D.F.S)
☞ Deoksugung Palace
☞ Lotte Hotel
☞ Namdaemun Market (Main bldg. of the Bank of Korea)
☞ Seoul Station
☞ War Memorial
☞ U.S Army Post
☞ Itaewon
☞ Crown Hotel
☞ Myeong-dong (Next to Prince Hotel)
☞ Namsangol Hanok Village (traditional Korean house)
☞ Sofitel Ambassador Hotel
☞ National Theater of Korea
☞ Namsan Seoul Tower
☞ Grand Hyatt Hotel ☞ Tower Hotel
☞ Shilla Hotel ☞ Dongdaemun Market
☞ Daehangno
☞ Changgyeonggung Palace
☞ Changdeokgung Palace ☞ Insa-dong
☞ Cheongwadae (The Blue House)
☞ National Folk Museum
☞ Gyeongbokgung Palace
☞ Police Museum ☞ Sejong Center
☞ Gwanghwamun

.Downtown Tour Service Hours:
09:00~21:00 (The bus stops every half hour)

.Palace Tour:
Gwanghwamun (DongWha D.F.S)
☞ Deoksugung Palace ☞ Press Center
☞ Kyobo Building ☞ Insa-dong
☞ Changdeokgung Palace ☞ Daehangno
☞ Changgyeonggung Palace
☞ Changdeokgung Palace ☞ Insa-dong
☞ Cheongwadae (The Blue House)
☞ National Folk Museum
☞ Gyeongbokgung Palace
☞ Sejong Cultural Center
☞ Gwanghwamun

.Palace Tour Service Hours:
09:00~19:00 (The bus stops every half hour)

.Fares

.Where to Buy Tickets

Other City Tour Bus

.Busan City Tour Bus
<http://visit.busan.kr> Tel. 051-851-0600
.Daegu City Tour Bus
<www.daegutour.or.kr> Tel. 053-627-8900
.Daejeon City Tour Bus
<www.metro.daejeon.kr> Tel. 042-253-5960
.Incheon City Tour
<www.inpia.net> Tel. 032-440-3321
.Ulsan City Tour Bus
<www.ulsancitytour.com> Tel. 052-271-6633
.Suwon City Tour Bus
<www.suwoncitytour.com> Tel. 031-224-8300

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