May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a month-long initiative dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the various cultures within the Asian Community. Learn more here.
Korean History & Culture
The Korean culture is largely influenced by a combination of the Chinese and Japanese culture/traditions, which is quite evident in their Confucius ideals. Korean people take duty, loyalty, honor, and sincerity very solemnly. Whereas in most cultures where shaking hands shows a sign of respect and gratitude; in the Korean culture, respect and gratitude is expressed with a bow.
Etiquette
In the Korean culture, harmony within society, compassion, and empathy for others is prioritized over someone’s own individual needs and wants. Koreans show their respect to others based on a hierarchy of age structure the most respect is shown towards the elderly, so it is very common for Koreans to ask you how old you are upon meeting you. There is a lot that goes into how Koreans conduct themselves and you can easily offend someone from that culture, that is why it is important familiarize yourself with their conduct and Etiquette styles.
Food
Most Korean dishes are best known for their delectable spicy flare and are suitable for any season and palate. The basic constructs of these dishes are a bowl of rice and soup/stew, accompanied by a few other side dishes. Korean Cuisines are prepared with a diverse range of vegetables from greens to floral, poultry and seafood.
Music
Korean Music boasts unique elements of distinctively profound sounds, rhythms, and techniques that are used to exhibit emotions and narrates a story. Korean Music offers varying styles and forms that are suitable for almost everyone from commoners to a royal family.
Art
In traditional Korean Art forms there are fusions of Chinese art and Japanese art. However, over a period of time Korean art has morphed into its own distinctive form, which expresses the simplicity of harmony and nature.
Language
The Korean Language, known as Kugo, was derived from a fusion of various languages within the Asian Peninsula and are spoken by a vast majority of Korean natives. Varying based on the Northern or Southern region of Korean natives, there are two dialects spoken within the Korean culture: The Seoul dialect is spoken by South Koreans and Phyong’yang is spoken by North Koreans.
Festivals & Holidays
Most Korean Festivals are celebrated to welcome an abundance of food and good harvest through prayers. There are a number of Korean Holidays that are recognized to celebrate and honor Korean culture.