Oriental Astrology : Oriental astrology assigns twelve animals according to the year of ones birth. It is opposite to western
astrology which goes by the month of ones birth. Koreans have firm belief that ones animal determines ones personality and fate.
Each year holds different things in store for each animal.
Korean Buddhism : Buddhism was originated in India over 2,600 years ago. This religion was introduced to Korea by the travelers
around the fourth century A.D. Since that time, Buddhism has greatly influenced Korean society, culture, and the arts.
Traditional Alcohol : Korea has created unique alcohols using rice malt.
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) : The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the symbol of the ideological dispute between North and South Korea and
poignant reminder of the Korean War (1950-53), winds 155 miles across the Korean Peninsula.An uneasy truce continues between the
antagonists, but no peace treaty has ever been signed. Review the Korean War and the various parts of the DMZ.
Taekwondo : Taekwondo is one of the most systematic and scientific of Korean traditional martial arts. This modern sport has
gained an international reputation and has been included among the official sports in the Olympic Games.
Rice Cakes (Deok) : Korean traditional cakes have great importance on many occasions of happiness and sorrow. These cakes have
long been shared among neighbors and friends on these special occasions.The cake shape, content, and color vary from one region
to another.
Samulnori : basically means "four instruments" and refers to the four instruments (kwaengwari, jing, janggu, buk) played by the
musicians. It has roots in Buddhist and folk music. However, the style has changed through the years and evolved in different
ways. Samulnori is the name of the traditional musical group. This group has great contributions in reviving interest in Korean
traditional arts.
Traditional Patterns and Symbols : Korean people traditionally adapted to and found meaning in the order of nature. They have
created beautiful and diverse patterns in order to teach the hidden meanings of nature to their children. They also want their
children to believe nature as law and order in their daily lives. These patterns can be found in every aspect of Korean life,
from the Taegeuk in the national flag to the animal designs on chopsticks in restaurants. Many symbols are similar to the Chinese
characters for luck, fortune, longevity, and fertility.
Traditional Tools and Utensils : Many Korean traditional tools and utensils look very similar to those found in other
agricultural societies, stone mills for grinding grains into powder, weaving looms for making clothes, and measuring tools for
dispensing agricultural products. Korea also has many tools and utensils made from bamboo and straw.
Kimchi : Most people think Kimchi as Korea's firey hot and red food .Kimchi has many nutrients. Over the years, Koreans have
created many types of foods from kimchi.
Child's First Birthday : (Tol) The death rate for children in Korea was extremely high in the last few years. A great number of
children were failed to survive the first year of life. As a result, the first birthday marked a major milestone in a child's
life. The ceremony of the Tol celebrates the child's life with praying for longevity, preparation of special food to be shared
with family members and neighbors, and a special event which is supposed to foretell the child's future.
Traditional Marriage : Marriage in Korea like any other culture represents one of the major stages of ones life. Ceremonies vary
according to the region where they are performed and the social status of the participants. However, they all follow the same
basic format.
Traditional Clothing : Korean traditional clothing is both brilliant in its bright colorings and subdued in its flowing lines and
the way it hides the body shape. During national holidays and festive occasions, the colorful national costume hanbok is worn.
The designs and colors of the various forms represent the rich culture and society of traditional Korea.
Festivals of the lunar calendar : The Korean lunar calendar is divided into 24 turning points (jeolgi), each lasting about 15
days. Traditional festivals are still celebrated according to the lunar calendar. The biggest of which is the New Year's Day
(gujeong). Other important festivals include the first full moon (jeongwol daeboreum), the spring festival (dano) and the harvest
festival (chuseok). Older generations still celebrate their birthdays according to the lunar calendar.
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