Korea traditions and customs. Korea - customs and traditions

Despite the fact that the world society in Lately has changed significantly and is no longer what it was just a century ago, the traditions of Korea are still defined depending on the traditional Confucian structure of social relations.

The role of Confucianism in the country is still very great. Age and position in society are of great importance. Traditions South Korea relating to relations in society are marked very clearly - the younger ones follow the wishes of the elders, and people from high social strata are the authorities of ordinary citizens. So it has always been in this country and now such simple laws also operate, although it is worth noting that, nevertheless, compared to more early stages development of Korean culture, the lines of such rules are now a little blurred. Therefore, the inhabitants of South Korea, before making an acquaintance with a new person, try to find out as much as possible about him. In order to determine their manner of behavior with a certain person, Koreans learn about his marital status, age, status. And these questions are not asked by them out of ordinary curiosity, although, of course, not everyone answers them honestly or generally prefers to remain silent.

To understand more clearly Korean culture you need to know their attitude to marriage.

A wedding is, without a doubt, the most important event in the life of every inhabitant of this country. Divorce is a shame and a stigma for the rest of your life, and not only for spouses, but for all members of their families. Although, modern society takes its toll and, despite sharp criticism society, more and more married couples are formally ending their relationship.

Residents of Korea are not very emotional people and it is not customary for them to hug or kiss when they meet. Usually, everything is limited to a handshake. However, once the relationship becomes closer, some familiarity is possible. It should be noted that Koreans are extremely negative about girls who walk hand in hand. So in order to avoid misunderstandings when visiting Korea, it is better not to do this.

People who are in close relationship with each other may well touch faces in a busy place - this allows public morality in this country. Although passionate kisses and hugs are still very obscene and educated Koreans will not allow themselves this in crowded places.

The meal in Korea takes place on the floor, so when you come to visit, be sure to take off your shoes.

In the country it is not decent to be bare-legged in the presence of older people. Always in this case, you need to wear stockings or socks.

The norm of behavior in society is when visiting any institution, everyone pays for himself (shared), although if someone expresses a desire to pay for everyone, no one will object. Not so long ago, lunch or dinner in Korea had to be held in silence, but in modern society It is permissible to discuss and laugh at something while eating.For food, you always need to thank the hostess or the owner, which is very much appreciated.In Korea, you should not lure a person towards you with your finger or palm facing up, because, in this way, only dogs attract the attention in the country.

Holidays in Korea.

Thanksgiving is in mid-September.

Seokkhonjae is celebrated in March and September. Great amount people these days come to Confucian chapels. There you can see costumed rituals, hear traditional orchestras. The best place to visit such a holiday - this is Sungkyunkwan (Seoul University).

On the festival of the birth of the Buddha (May), parades of lanterns are held - a very spectacular sight. At the beginning of September, another significant Korean holiday falls - the Lunar Harvest Festival.Also this month you can visit the National Festival Folk Arts and see how they celebrate Hanjongshik - a holiday of Korean culture.

The cultural component of a particular country is a very serious subject for study, especially before traveling. Each nation has its own traditions and customs, its own prohibitions and beliefs. The same gesture different countries can be interpreted in completely different ways, and if you can put up with comical situations, no one will tolerate insults from visitors. If you are planning to spend your vacation in, it's time to get to know its culture.

Fundamentals of South Korean culture

In 1948 there was a division of one big state Korea to the DPRK and the Republic of Korea. After that, the culture of each country began to develop in different ways, but they have the same origins and roots. In particular, the behavior of society is based on the principles of Confucianism, which were developed back in China, in 500 BC.

Koreans from a young age instill in their children love and respect for parents, family and those in power. Great value attached to such concepts as justice, honesty, humanism, peace and education. IN contemporary culture South Korea on this basis has developed a model of behavior called the Rule of Five Relationships. In particular, it provides for certain norms in communication between father and son, husband and wife, older and younger generations, ruler and subject, between friends.

Tourists who come to rest in this country often fall out of this pattern of behavior. Therefore, sometimes it seems that Koreans are rude and ignorant. In fact, until you enter into one of the types of relationships, you may simply not be noticed.

It is because of the Rule of Five Relationships that Koreans can sometimes ask somewhat uncomfortable and personal questions. But if local interested in your marital status or age, do not rush to be rude in response - he is just trying to determine by what rules you should interact with you.

Separate manifestations of the culture of South Korea

Understanding the fundamental principles of building relationships between Koreans, it will be interesting to consider more specific manifestations their behavior patterns. In particular, these are:

1. Respect for elders. In Korea, it is accepted that young people and those who are below in rank are obliged to follow the wishes and instructions of their elders without any objection.
2. attitude towards marriage. Koreans consider marriage one of the most important event in life. Divorce, on the contrary, is interpreted as a huge and indelible shame.
3. Names. Among residents of the CIS countries, it is a common practice for a wife to take her husband's surname. In South Korea, they adhere to other traditions - the spouse retains her last name, but their common children inherit the father's family name.
4. Public quarrels. Angry and offended women are everywhere. Such a mixture is especially explosive if such a woman is also elderly. In South Korea, there are quite often such types of grandmothers who can express their dissatisfaction not only verbally, but also physically. No matter how insulting it may be, you cannot react to it, even if you are provoked. It's best to just step aside.
5. Handshake. People who are equal in status to each other, or who are on friendly terms, use the form of a handshake that is familiar to everyone. But if one of them is lower in rank, or younger, then he is obliged to shake the outstretched hand with both hands. Quite often, the greeting is supplemented with a bow. The older and the higher the status of a person, the deeper they bow to him.
6. The boss is always right and cannot be denied. Surprisingly, this rule applies to almost all areas of life. You can't even refuse an offer to drink. Therefore, if the boss is an alcoholic, it is easier to change jobs than to give a refusal.

Traditions of South Korea

The culture and traditions of South Korea are closely intertwined, because one follows from another. However, over time and moving by leaps and bounds Globalization any open society is subject to one or another change. But there are fundamental beliefs that are honored at all times. In relation to South Korea, such traditions, customs and are especially distinguished:

1. Chere, or rite of remembrance of ancestors. According to Korean beliefs, after death, the soul of a person goes to another world only after a change of 4 generations. And throughout this period, he is a full member of the family, who, according to legend, takes care of and protects the whole family from bad weather.
2. Hanbok, or traditional clothing. It is in her that Koreans put on such solemn days as the Lunar New Year, Harvest Day, or the marriage ceremony.
3. In relation to marriage, the Koreans skillfully created a model that combines both modern tendencies, and traditional rites. Today korean wedding It is divided into two parts: first, the ceremony takes place according to the Western European type, with a white dress, veil and tuxedo for the groom, and after the newlyweds put on traditional outfits and go to a special room for dinner with their parents.
4. Sollal, or Lunar New Year. This holiday is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar. It is customary to meet with the family, remembering the ancestors, preparing special dishes and dressing up in hanbok.
5. Chuseok, or Harvest Day. Koreans devote the fifteenth day of the eighth month according to the eastern calendar to the remembrance of their ancestors and gratitude to the gods for food.

Note to the tourist

In order not to get into trouble when communicating with a Korean, or not to incur the wrath of representatives of the order, a tourist in South Korea should remember a few rules:

1. Follow the gestures. Calling a person palm up or beckoning with a finger is considered offensive.
2. When entering a Korean home, one should take off one's shoes, but it is bad manners to walk on the floor without socks.
3. Public displays of affection between a couple, whether kissing or hugging, are considered indecent in Korean society, but the display of friendly relations is quite acceptable.
4. smoke in in public places is strictly prohibited, and the enforcement of this rule is closely monitored by the police.
5. You can’t pierce food with chopsticks and leave them directly on the plate, especially at a party - the hostess may take this as an insult.

Held on June 23, 2018 in Chelyabinsk, the keynote speaker was Chairman of the Council of the OKC, culturologist Moses Kim. Attached below is the material on which the message was based.

Moses Kim

There are wonderful traditions - there is a people, a nation,
no traditions - no people, no nation.

ancient wisdom

Traditions (lat. traditio - transmission) - the experience of the life of the nation and firmly rooted in ordinary consciousness rules, norms and stereotypes of behavior, forms of communication between people. The meaning of national traditions, customs, habits, their content are valuable and different for individual peoples.

Koreans of Russia Soviet Union, CIS for many decades were mostly atheists. However, they always kept their national traditions, customs, rituals. Probably the basis Korean customs constitute the desire for order, harmony, love of life, which should be in the soul, in the family, society, state. Koreans, wherever they live, are very sensitive to their traditions, customs, tastes, ideas and try not to violate them.

National traditions and habits are manifested not only in actions, deeds, clothes, food, behavior, communication style, etc., but also in movements, gestures and other barely noticeable manifestations of people's psychology. This is fundamentally important, because each person has an unconscious mechanism that fixes the situation "one's own" - "alien" even by barely perceptible manifestations of behavior, psyche.

A characteristic feature of Korean rituals is their family character. They were originally borrowed from Chinese prescriptions for the Confucian ritual, where their own korean features. For Russian Koreans, in order to preserve their originality and special flavor, due to their difficult fate, the originality of the Korean people, it is important to follow deep-rooted traditions and customs. After all, they are a spiritual bond, which is associated with history, culture, worldview, psychology, i.e. the foundation of the Korean nation. This is clearly expressed, for example, in the cult towards ancestors, older people, in the cult of education, which stands out among the peoples of the world. Diligence, perseverance in achieving goals, respect for elders, the all-round desire for education were and remain today. cardinal virtues among Koreans. Respect for the elders is manifested even outwardly, for example, the youngest always greets the elder, holding the other hand in the elbow, always gives objects with both hands, and politely gives way. Customs and rituals have undergone significant changes over time, but their essence and spirit have always remained original. Here, sincerity in the execution of custom and ritual is important, and not the meticulous accuracy of their execution. In many places of residence of Koreans in different countries, families, rituals (their performance) may differ from each other, but the main reasons that force them to observe them remain unchanged.

Korean folk wisdom says: a man is good where he himself is good. The history of Koreans living in Russia and in particular in the South Urals confirms this. The first Koreans came to the Chelyabinsk region after they were allowed to leave the places of deportation in Central Asia and Kazakhstan after Stalin's death. Young men then received the right to serve in the army. In universities Southern Urals Koreans appeared, more and more often young Korean specialists who graduated from Russian universities and arrived by distribution came here. The second wave is associated with the collapse of the USSR and the migration of Koreans from Central Asia to Russia.

Koreans are prominently represented here both in industrial and agricultural production, in science, education, culture, trade, sports ... They are well known in Chelyabinsk region: Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences Viktor Ni, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Head of the Department at SUSU Dmitry Kim, Doctor of Economics, Professor of Chelyabinsk Pedagogical University Natalya Kim, doctor historical sciences Valery Kim (ChelGU), Dmitry Yun, boxer, multiple winner of the championship of Russia and international tournaments. Illarion Son worked as the director of the Gipromash Institute. Koreans live in Chelyabinsk, Kopeysk, Yuzhnouralsk, Miass, Uvelsky district and other places. The approximate number of Koreans in the area is now about 1000 people.

Signs, beliefs, features of Koreans

Koreans spend more than half of their lives studying. Therefore, one of the most “logical” beliefs is not to wash your hair before the exam, as this will wash away all the knowledge accumulated with difficulty, and you can’t cut your nails so as not to “cut off” your memory. Also, certain foods should not be eaten before important tests or exams. Superstitious Koreans try to avoid slippery foods at this time, such as: miyok kuk(seaweed soup) and kuksu ( korean noodles ) . Because of these slippery algae and long noodles, all knowledge can quickly slip out of your head. Also, students do not use a red pen (red ink) on the exam. You should especially not write your name with it, because it is associated with death.

But in order to attract good luck and knowledge, you can eat delicious Korean rice sweets before an important day yota or chaltog. Koreans not only eat them, but also stick them outside to the institution where they want to stay. They say that all these strange rituals help them pass the most difficult exams.

red ink

Every nation has its funny superstitions. For example, for Koreans, writing in red ink is like meeting a person with an empty bucket for Russians. Many Koreans believe that if you write someone's name in red ink, something very bad will inevitably happen to that person. The names of the dead are written in red ink on special banners during the funeral ceremony. It is believed that the dead can be protected from demons in this way, but for the living, red ink is not protection, but, on the contrary, a curse.

Rules of conduct and gestures

Traditionally, Koreans sit, eat and sleep on the floor. Therefore, when entering a Korean house, you should always take off your shoes. In Korea, it is considered indecent to be bare-legged in the presence of elders, so it is recommended to always wear socks or stockings when visiting a Korean family. Thank you for delicious dishes and good service are always welcome. Moreover, it is more appreciated when they thank that they ate a lot. Indeed, for many decades, Koreans often simply starved. It is considered indecent to blow your nose at the table. But sipping tea with noise and even a small burp will be in the order of things. In Korea, it is not customary to call a person with an upturned hand or beckon with a finger. In Korea, dogs are usually called with such gestures. If you want to call a person, do it with your hand with your palm facing down.

Aigoo!

This is a phrase with which Koreans convey a fairly wide range of emotions: from "oh", "ah", "oh", "wow" - to "oh my god", "wow!" !”, “full tryndets”.

"Aigoo!" - Korean aunts chatter indignantly when you come to visit them - they give you a cup of kuksi the size of a basin, and you say that you are on a diet and can I have half of this portion, please. Better yet, half a half.

"Aigoo!" - Korean grandmothers lament when the damned osteochondrosis or rheumatism enters their backs.

"Aigoo!" - Korean grandfathers are unhappy when they watch the news on TV or hear that the dollar has risen again. And they add: “Aygu, kichada!” The last word means "deafening", "horror" and, paired with "aigu", expresses its extreme degree. given word more expresses emotions about something than has a specific lexical meaning. In addition, such exclamation words are used mainly by women.

Handshake

When shaking hands in greeting, Koreans follow special rules. So, people of the same social status and close friends use only one hand to shake hands. But if the boss and the subordinate shake hands, or if there is a big difference aged, the elder holds out one hand, and the younger shakes it with both hands, most often holding it in the elbow with the first second hand.

Names

The most common Korean surnames are: Kim (21% of all Koreans), Lee (14%), Park (8%), Choi (or Choi), Jeon, Chan, Han, Lim, etc. But each surname also has a certain genealogy (numerous genera - Mon). It is believed that people from one pona(even now) cannot be husband or wife. Korean name consists of a surname generally of one syllable and a given name usually consisting of two syllables. Last name comes first. Women in Korea do not take their husband's surname after marriage, but their children take their father's surname. The continuation of the family goes on the paternal line.

Fate팔자 (phalchja, phaltya)

The literal translation of the Korean word for this word means "eight letters". They mean year, month, day ( exact date) the birth of a person. Many Koreans believe that these eight letters determine fate. Fortunetellers repeat the same thing, combining these data. Frustrated people sigh: phaltya". When life becomes completely unbearable, difficult, they exclaim: “A dog has better things” phaltya" or "It's better to throw out your" phaltya"dog". But on the other hand, “to change your eight letters” means to change your life. For a woman, this often means getting married again. For a man - get rich. So let's adopt this Korean proverb, instead of the Russian hopeless saying - "You can't escape fate."

Fast, fast!빨리 빨리 (pally, pally)

Koreans are impatient, but that doesn't mean just being hasty. Life forced them in the second half of the twentieth century, when after the war the country lay in ruins (both the North and the South of Korea) tirelessly to work hard. Faster, even faster. Each construction site, the plant set the task "To hand over the object ahead of schedule!". The president and the clerk, the businessman and the worker were hurried with one word - “ pally, pally". The great race came to a head during the reign of Park Chung-hee, who, with his dictatorial methods, urged the entire South Korea to quickly achieve high results. In North Korea, they quickly built socialism with Korean specifics ... So dispersed that " pally, pally has become in many ways the norm of Korean life. Today, the Koreans seem to have begun to catch their breath a little. But the times will not return soon when the Korean nobles " yangbans considered haste below their dignity. Inertia ' pally', fast is unlikely to stop now.

Politeness in Korean

The culture of relationships among Koreans is built vertically - as a set of higher norms of wisdom and ethics, in which a hierarchical subordination of values ​​and virtues is established. It reflects five principles of relationship: emperor and subject, father and son, elder brother and younger brother, husband and wife, two friends. According to these principles, a father should treat his son kindly, and sons should treat their father with filial piety; The older brother should treat the younger one with kindness, and the younger brother should treat the older one with respect. Further, the husband should treat his wife fairly, and the wife to her husband - obligingly; the ruler should treat his subjects kindly, and the subjects should treat the ruler with loyalty. Confucian ethics created a solid foundation for relationships between Koreans. social world, in accordance with Confucian teachings, is divided into clear structures: seniors - juniors, leader - subordinate, etc. At the same time, the socio-socio-political structure of society is also strictly hierarchical - the connections in it are mainly vertical. These features of Confucian ethics and traditions are manifested in Korea in the behavior of interlocutors, in their specific gestures, bows, special manners of greeting, in written and oral forms of expressing politeness, courtesy and respect. Therefore, it is important for Korean language learners to know and understand the appropriate degrees of politeness and the styles of written and spoken communication used by Koreans. It must be remembered that in dealing with unfamiliar people, especially with women it is impossible to change communication styles. For example, from a polite official style, abruptly switch to a familiar or friendly style. This can be misinterpreted and perceived as an insult or harassment.

filial piety

Korean traditions also require the expression of respect in speech when referring to the interlocutor or the object of the conversation, if such is parents, grandparents, older brothers and sisters, officials, guests, etc. Now often children no longer have the opportunity to constantly communicate with older relatives on a daily basis, to learn different styles of communication with their elders. Expressions of politeness used by Koreans emphasize the difference in social status and age of the interlocutors. Korea has long been a Confucian country, and this ideology gave the family a very special place. Most important and best of all human qualities in Confucianism, it was considered hyo - a term that is slightly roughly translated into Russian as “filial piety”. A person was judged in many ways by how he treats his parents. Unlike Europeans, unquestioning obedience to parental will was required even from adult sons (married daughters had to obey, first of all, their husband and father-in-law with mother-in-law).

The language gives an idea of ​​what the ancients meant by filial piety. The hieroglyph hyo consists of two parts. The first one means "old". In its depth lies the meaning of veneration, literally “carrying behind the back”, which in Russian is equivalent to “carrying on the hands”. The second part of the hieroglyph is “son”. It turns out a kind of definition: "carrying the son of his parents on his back is filial piety." Numerous Confucian theorists have repeatedly refined the meaning of hyo over the ages, adapting it to modern standards. As they say today, “honoring your parents means accepting their instructions, pleasing their souls, and pampering their bodies.” In Korean history, a truly respectful son or daughter was considered those who, without deviation, without contradiction, followed the will of their parents, maintaining harmony in the family, no matter how difficult it was for them. Who does not condemn the parents, even if they were wrong, and who has never appeared before them with a displeased look, keeping a calm face. He served them selflessly, with modesty and obedience! A person's duty to his parents was higher than his duty to the state, which was (reluctantly) recognized by the state itself. Traditions say that Confucius, when he was an official in the principality of Lu, more than once forgave the guilty if they committed crimes out of love for their parents.

Relationships in the family, between a man and a woman

In matters of marriage, a suitable couple was selected by parents and other relatives (sometimes with the help of matchmakers), and no one was interested in the opinion of the bride and groom. In the families of the rich and noble, in most cases, the bride and groom first met at their own wedding. True, many still checked for compatibility according to the signs of the eastern zodiac. In general, the old Korean family was based on an all-pervading hierarchy. It is no coincidence that in Korean, as well as in the languages ​​of other Confucian countries, there is simply no word for “brother” or “sister”: brothers or sisters can be either “older” or “younger”. For a wife, theoretically, her husband was the highest authority, but men rarely delved into intra-family and economic affairs, so in practice in the initial years family life the young wife had to obey her mother-in-law. From the age of seven, boys and girls were brought up separately from each other. IN noble families indeed, women almost never left the estate, and if they still occasionally went to visit relatives or to a Buddhist temple, they were always accompanied by servants. Husband and wife, especially if they belonged to the upper class, slept and ate separately. This behavior was called neve-hada(literally: spouses keep their distance from each other). In wealthy estates, women's and men's chambers were often separated from each other by a high stone wall with a gate, and even male family members were forbidden to enter the women's quarters without special need. In such families, there could be no question of independent movement of women around the city. As a rule, women noble family allowed to leave the estate only in evening time wrapped from head to toe in a special blanket chan'ot- a remote Korean analogue of the Muslim veil. Peasants and small merchants could not comply with these prohibitions with all strictness, because a woman in such families had to work in the field, go for water, and look after the goods in the shop. However, even in the families of the common people, it was believed that the husband should not, without extreme necessity, discuss his affairs and worries with his wife. Women, too, should not have drawn men into all sorts of domestic problems that they had to deal with themselves. However, there was a relationship between them, as much as a woman depended on her husband, who represented her in public, so much a man depended on a woman who represented him inside the house.

Suffering in Korean고생 (kosen)

Every Korean knows the word - the concept kosen(difficulties, sufferings, sorrows, torments, hardships, pain, hardships). Kosen - it is an integral part of the life of a Korean person, his inner attitude, outer expression. They don’t hide it, on the contrary, they often even put it on display (it’s just natural for them). Even a well-to-do and successful Korean businessman, official, professor, politician, office worker, wealthy person will often show others how unhappy he is. How hard and uneasy it is for him that he is the same as everyone else: he doesn’t get enough sleep, he works until late at night, his head “swells”, “his mouth is full of worries”, “health and personal life no”… And all this does not look theatrical at all, but is so natural and sincere that they begin to feel sorry for him. When the interlocutor does not have suffering or he does not share it with him, then such a person automatically becomes indifferent to him, not interesting, therefore the conversation itself and further communication cease. It can be said that kosen- really really national trait, part of the social, cultural and psychological life of the image of Koreans.

In this sense, we can say that suffering is a reflection (however strange it may seem at first glance) of Eastern modesty and in some way a compensation for success. Kosen mobilizes the strength of a person in overcoming difficulties, in an effort to reach the required standard of living.

Rapid success, soon wealth, too positive behavior a person often leads to attacks of envious people and hidden enemies and therefore the Korean does not hesitate to talk about his problems, worries, difficulties, shortcomings, "headaches".

Sudden obstacles, severe life situation, grief, illness, poverty and much more - this is also suffering. They rush to help such a person out of sympathy, understanding him kosen. Suffering also acts as a philosophical, religious culturological "cushion" for the Korean. Actually kosen- This unique way experiences, awareness, understanding of objective reality, the ability to find in compassion value foundations self-development of the individual. It turns out that kosen(suffering) is not only and not so much a simple feeling as some kind of abstract phenomenon that has a huge impact and plays essential role in the lives of every Korean and Korean communities. At the same time, depending on the country, region, metropolis, city or village, variations of the concept kosen Koreans will be very different.

Here only the most characteristics traditions, customs, rituals of Koreans, which, despite their constant changes, remain basic for Russian Koreans.

The culture of North Korea is both complex and diverse. The fact that communism dominates here has preserved the traditions and customs of the country. At the same time, the state seeks to develop art and culture. At the same time, no matter what is done, the idea is everywhere that the DPRK is the best country. And importantly, the culture of North Korea is not influenced by the West.

Initially, society is based on respect for elders - including parents. Every inhabitant of the country reveres power, justice - it was due to these foundations that communism was rooted. In Korea, all religions are considered a relic of the past, but, nevertheless, Buddhism and Christianity in the country function normally, believers are not oppressed. Respect for elders is manifested in many areas. So, for example, elders have no less authority than local leaders. War veterans are released from household chores, but still they can often be seen in the fields, because. they do not enjoy these benefits.

The ideology of the Koreans says that it is necessary to work for the benefit of children, but what is the reason for this?

Perhaps this is due to the fact that the minimum age for marriage is 22 and 24, but there are a number of restrictive additions. In addition, one of the factors that often prevents marriage is that young people are not ready for marriage. financial terms, and without this, the authorities do not allow marriage. To begin with, a minimum capital is accumulated, and then you can spend and wedding ceremony, although such activities are quite ruinous.

Children are treated with respect. Children always look well-groomed and neat - and the wealth of the parents should not affect this in any way. It is worth noting that strollers are not used here - and children are carried on special slings on their backs or chests. In the country you can see a lot of playgrounds operating and under construction, sports complexes. There are many clubs where children can show their creativity. At the same time, they don’t make a show of it, but they really try for the benefit of the children. Children are not punished, as is customary in Western countries. Children are brought up on patriotism, respect for elders. Therefore, in Korea, you can constantly watch how children help their grandmothers cross the road or carry bags. But children are not praised for such good deeds, because for them it is considered normal.

Advice

Each passenger gives way to a woman with a child on the bus, everyone is interested in his success and what he plans to do in the future. Children are a favorite topic, do not miss the chance to communicate with these people.

Korean character

Koreans are a reserved nation. People communicate in a calm and even tone, and this is considered a sign of respect. It is not customary to laugh loudly, swear or kiss in public. Especially with the older generation. Koreans are quite friendly and will be happy to chat, but then they may suddenly remember urgent matters. The fact is that direct contact with a foreigner is not particularly approved here.

Greetings

They greet each other in Korea with a slight bow. This semi-bow expresses respect for the interlocutor, and does not detract from self-esteem. At a meeting, they can also shake hands, and it can be either left or right hand. They try not to look into the eyes, because. this can be regarded as psychological pressure. Do not be surprised if someone pushes you or steps on your foot and does not apologize, it is not accepted here. Gifts are not given, but stacked at the entrance to the house - this and the previous moment are connected in order not to embarrass a person. It is also not customary to thank people who do you a favor.

Conclusion:

Communism, patriotism and respect for elders reign in Korea. Children are treated with special respect. Outwardly, it may seem that the Koreans are not a friendly people, because. they do not have the usual traditions, as is customary in most countries. But this happens to them not because they treat someone badly, but simply so as not to embarrass a person in a given situation.

In the past, in the traditional Korean society, 3~4 generations lived together in one family. In those days people preferred to live big family and have many children.

However, when in the 1960s and 70s Korea became rapidly industrialization and urbanization, as well as child birth restrictions, the culture in the country began to change, and since the 1980s, one Korean family has an average of two children or less.

In Korean society, Confucian traditions have been preserved to this day, according to which preference is given to the eldest son. To combat gender discrimination, the government passed a law making son and daughter equal heirs in the division of property.

Young married couples currently mostly live separately from their parents. Therefore, families now usually consist only of parents and children.

Names

Most Koreans have surnames, the most common of which are: Kim (approximately 21% of all Koreans), Lee (14%), Park (8%), Choi (or Choi), Jeon, Chan, Im, etc. Korean name consists of a surname, as a rule, it is always one syllable, and a given name, usually two syllables following the name (but it happens that the name also consists of one syllable). Women who marry do not take the husband's surname, but the children will take the father's surname.

Marriage

Koreans consider marriage the most milestone in a person's life, and they are extremely negative about divorce, as a manifestation of disrespect not only for each other, but also for parents - although, despite this, the number of divorces has recently been growing at a rapid pace.

A wedding today is somewhat different from what it used to be. First, a regular Western-style ceremony is held, in a church or city hall, the bride is dressed in white wedding dress and the groom in a tuxedo, and then the traditional ceremony follows, already in another room, where the bride and groom, dressed in Korean National costumes and following the tradition, they bow to their parents.

A Korean wedding is, first of all, a union of families, and not just a decision of two people to create a new unit of society. It just so happened that in this country, young people rarely choose a mate for themselves, in most cases the father makes the decision for them. In some families, the newlyweds do not even know each other until the moment of marriage. From time immemorial, the dominance of patriarchy has been noted in Korean families, and the head of the family has been and remains an indisputable authority for the household. And rich men can now afford to have several wives and, accordingly, several families.

wedding ceremonies in Korea , despite the progressive views of modern youth, still have many forms and a huge number of rules and recommendations. A few weeks before the celebration, matchmakers from the man's side come to visit the woman's parents with gifts and offerings, by that time all her acquaintances and friends also gather in the bride's house.

This ritual is similar to the dress rehearsal for the upcoming marriage. It is called "chenchi" in Korean. The traditions of the mini-wedding "chenchi" in Korea have undergone significant changes over the past ten years, and now they bear little resemblance to the old action, however, newfangled European trends have not taken root among this people. Approximately in the middle of the last century, it was decided that "chenchi" would henceforth be held only during daylight hours, on the last day of the week. On rare occasions, rather exceptional ones, on Saturday mornings. The number for the wedding is chosen carefully, guided by ancient knowledge of esotericism and the lunar calendar

Chere (rite of remembrance of ancestors).

According to Korean belief, the soul of a person does not leave immediately after his death, but remains with his descendants for another four generations. All this time, the deceased person is still considered a member of the family, and the Koreans hold a special rite in honor of him on Seollal (New Year according to the Eastern calendar), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day), and also on the day of the anniversary of death. Koreans also believe that their life here in this world can be happy and prosperous if their ancestors bless them.

During the period of Japanese colonial rule, the tradition of holding Jongmyo later began to fade, and in 1946 it was interrupted. But in 1969 the ceremony was held again, and since 1971 it has been regularly held once a year on the first Sunday of May. Today this event is very popular among both Koreans and guests of the country. So, several thousand people came to watch the ceremony, which was held quite recently - on May 3, 2009.

Traditionally, the ritual was performed by the wang, the crown prince and his brothers, as well as other members of the royal family (but only men). They were also helped by some courtiers who had a high status. Today, the ritual is performed by descendants of the royal ancestral Li clan of Jeonju.

Language of the body

When you call a person to you, put your palm down and wave it, moving all your fingers. Never call anyone with your palm up, and even more so with one finger - this is how Koreans call dogs.

You can not step over the elder if he lies and rests, especially in the head area.

You can’t lie down if the elder is eating at this time.

Sitting at the table, you can not take a spoon before the elder.

You need to give something to the elder and take it from him with both hands. In general, this gesture is universal for all occasions when you give or receive something from an older person or position. For example, a store clerk always takes money and gives change with only two hands. According to the rules of etiquette, this gesture should be accompanied by a slight bow.

It is a common custom to prohibit smoking in the presence of the "senior", even if the "younger" himself is in years. If the "younger" drinks alcohol at the same table with the "older", bringing the glass to his mouth, he usually turns away and covers it with his hands.

It is considered rude to pour oneself. So you deprive the owner of the table of the opportunity to show hospitality. When you are poured, a glass should be held in your right hand, and with your left hand hold your right. It's the same when you pour: the bottle is in your right hand, left hand holds the right.

In Korea, it is considered offensive to blow your nose in public.

At the same time, it is not at all shameful to slurp at the table. So you show the owner that everything is very tasty.

It is unacceptable to stick chopsticks into food at the table. This is a gesture related to death.

If you are talking to someone, keep your hands in sight. Hiding them behind your back or in your pockets is indecent.

In Korea, it is not customary to call a person with an upturned hand or beckon with a finger. In Korea, dogs are usually called with such gestures. To call a person, this must be done with the hand with the palm facing down.

There is also a purely Korean gesture showing a good disposition towards you. This is a friendly gesture. Fold a heart with your hands (above your head, for example).

It is impossible not to mention spreading fingers in front of the lens, bringing fists to the cheeks and other aegyo.

Women often cover their faces while laughing. It is considered indecent for them to show their teeth. Now this gesture, however, is somewhat outdated.

Being in Korea you have to get used to bowing. In Asia, you can't live without it.

No touch! Koreans consider it disgraceful to be touched by anyone other than close friends. Don't hug anyone, don't pat on the back, don't put your hand on your shoulder. It is absolutely unacceptable to touch elders and people of the opposite sex.

Koreans often laugh to hide their embarrassment. Laughter can also mean fear, anger or surprise. Korean women cover their mouths when they laugh. Men don't do it.

Close same-sex Korean friends can walk hand in hand or with a hand on their shoulder. Foreigners should not do the same.

You can not sit with your legs crossed or stretch them in front of you. Feet should be on the floor. In no case should they be placed on a table or chair.

You can only give and receive items right hand(left grasp the right wrist) or with both hands.

Cover your mouth with your hand when you yawn or use a toothpick.

Familiar people stand close to each other and walk side by side. It is very rude to make a person walk behind you.

Sit and stand straight without slouching.

When a person throws his head back and sucks in air through his teeth, it means "no" or "it's very difficult."

Ondol

Traditional Korean rooms are very versatile. They have no special purpose; the same room, for example, can be both a bedroom and a dining room, etc. Almost all Koreans sit and eat on the floor, and therefore simply bring a mattress or dining table into the room as needed.

The floor, as a rule, is stone or concrete, and hot air is specially blown under it to heat the room. top layer clay or cement can serve, protecting people from harmful gases. This method of heating is called "ondol" (literally from Korean: "hot stone").

Currently circulating under the floor hot water, and the floor itself is usually covered with linoleum.

Korean cuisine

Korean cuisine is famous for its wide variety of dishes and food products used in them. In ancient times, Korea was an agricultural country, which mainly grew rice, which served as the main food of the population. Currently, in Korean cuisine, along with herbs and vegetables, different kinds meat and fish. Korean foods such as kimchi (sauerkraut), jeotgal (salted shellfish, fish or shrimp) and twenjang (soybean paste) are famous for their specific flavor and high nutritional value.

The most distinguishing feature Korean table is that all dishes are served at the same time. Traditionally, the number of snacks has varied from 3 to lower classes up to 12 for members of the royal family. Table setting changes depending on what is served on the table: noodles or a meat dish. The formal rules of table setting show the attention paid by Koreans to food and the process of eating. Compared to neighboring China And Japan, the spoon is more commonly used in Korea, especially when soups are served.

kimjang

Kimjang is the time of preparing kimchi for the winter, a special way, the secrets of which are passed down from generation to generation. Since vegetables hardly grow in Korea in winter, Kimjang is held in late autumn, supplying Koreans with their main food, kimchi, for the whole winter, as Koreans simply cannot imagine a table without it.

National clothes (hanbok)

Hanbok has been a traditional Korean garment for thousands of years. All its beauty and grace can be seen in the photographs of women dressed in hanbok.

Hanbok was a daily wear in Korea before the arrival of Western style to the country about a hundred years ago. Men wore "chogori" (jackets) along with "paji" (pants), and women wore "chogori" with "chima" (skirt). These days, hanbok is worn for holidays such as Seollal (Oriental New Year), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) or weddings.

hanbok characterized by simplicity of lines, and the absence of pockets. The women's hanbok consists of a loose skirt that wraps around the body and a bolero-like jacket. This is called chima-chogori. A skirt is called in Korean - chima, and a jacket - chogori. The male hanbok consists of a short jacket and loose-fitting trousers, called paji in Korean, which must fit snugly around the ankles. Both ensembles can be complemented by long outerwear, similar in cut to chogori, and called turumagi. On their feet, representatives of both sexes from ancient times wore poson - thick, quilted socks, as well as komusin - wide shoes with curved toes, which are easily removed and put on when entering and leaving the house. The latter circumstance is important, considering that until now in Korea it is not customary to be indoors in shoes, even home shoes.

The traditional hanbok, still worn today, is modeled after the Confucian-oriented clothing that was common during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Representatives of the yangban (a hereditary aristocratic class based more on education and social status than on material values) wore hanbok in bright colors, made of plain silk and hand-woven silk in cold weather, and in hot weather - from light, permeable materials. People of humble birth were forbidden by law (as well as people owning capital) to bleach hemp and cotton in order to wear white and sometimes pale pink clothes. Therefore, they could only wear light green, gray or jet black hanbok.

traditional korean house

The traditional Korean house is called "hanok". When building such a house, a place is selected in which a person can coexist with nature. That's why natural conditions traditional Korean home include from internal structure to used building materials. Another unique feature of traditional houses is their special layout, which allows the house to be cooled in summer and heated in winter. hot summer and Cold winter led to the invention of the ondol gudeul floor heating system and the taecheon ventilated terrace. Thanks to such inventions, Koreans could endure the cold of winter and sweltering, humid summers. Such simple heating and air conditioning systems are so efficient that they are used in many homes even today.