The Korean Wave (also known as "Hallyu") shows that the world has discovered that Korea is a fascinating country with a 5,000 year history and so much to offer -- very hot films winning international awards, very healthful foods, beautiful traditional attire and music, awesome heroes, the world's best alphabet (according to linguists), an inspiring tea ceremony, powerful martial arts, ancient wisdom, etc. Korean culture is setting the standards in much of Asia and the West is beginning to take notice now!

See the 13-minute video Images of Korea at: http://www.mct.go.kr/imagesofkorea/index.htm

See awesome e-books on the Tour2Korea site: http://www.myipq.com/hosting/government/knto/ebook/eng/e_book.htm?kosm=m1_7&konum=4

Some hardcopies are available for free at: http://english.tour2korea.com/01TripPlanner/TouristInfo/b.asp?kosm=m1_7&konum=5

Click the images below to see a larger view. Some booklets are over 200 pages!

           

This page presents links for Korean culture in the following two sections:

• Part 1
   
• Part 2

Part 1

This is a the first set of the links for Korean culture.

• Korean Wave (separate page)
   
• South Korean Films (separate page)
   
• Korean TV Dramas (separate page)
   
• Korean Food (separate page)
   
• Tea Ceremony (separate page)
   
• Korean Religions (separate page)
   
• Korean History
   
• Korean Heroes
   
• Traditional Music
   
• Hanbok (traditional attire)
   
• Korean Pottery

Part 2

This is the completion of the links for Korean culture.

• Korean Names
   
• Martial Arts
   
• Bowing (health benefits)
   
• Koreatown NYC
   
• Tourist Sites
   
• Korean Holidays
   
• South Korean Flag and National Anthem
   
• Korean Currency: Won
   
• Books about South Korea

Korean History

Korea has a fascinating 5,000-year-old history as shown in this timeline.

For more information on Korean history, see:

• http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/history.htm

• http://myhome.shinbiro.com/~mss1/history.html

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Korea
   

For the history of South Korea, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_South_Korea

Dahngun, Founder of Korea

Dahngun (or Tangun) is considered the father or the founder of Korea more than 5,000 years ago. The Korean Foundation Day, “Gae-cheon-jeol” or the “Festival of the Opening of Heaven,” is celebrated on October 3. Dahn Yoga students at the Brooklyn Heights center will notice a photo of Dahngun in the training room and in the healing room.

The following description is from http://www.lifeinkorea.com/information/tangun.cfm

The Legend of DahnGun

Legend has it that Hwan-ung, the son of Hwan-in (who was the God of All and the ruler of Heaven), yearned to live on Earth among the valleys and the mountains. His father sent him and 3,000 helpers to rule Earth and provide humans with great happiness. Hwan-ung descended to Mount T'aebaeksan on the border between Manchuria and what is now North Korea. He named the place Shinshi, City of God. Along with his ministers of clouds, rain, and wind, he instituted laws and moral codes and taught the humans various arts, medicine, and agriculture.

A tiger and a bear living in a cave together prayed to become human. Upon hearing their prayers, Hwan-ung called them to him and gave them 20 cloves of garlic and a bunch of mugwort. He then ordered them to only eat this sacred food and remain out of the sunlight for 100 days. The tiger shortly gave up and left the cave. However, the bear remained true and after 21 days was transformed into a woman. The bear-woman was very grateful and made offerings to Hwan-ung. However, lacking a companion she soon became sad and prayed beneath a sandalwood tree to be blessed with a child.

Hwan-ung, moved by her prayers, took her for his wife and soon she gave birth to a handsome son. They named him Dahngun, meaning "Altar Prince" or sandalwood. Dahngun developed into a wise and powerful leader and in 2333 BC moved to P'yongyang and established the Choson ("Land of the Morning Calm") Kingdom. Finally, at the age of 1,908, he returned to T'aebaeksan where he became a mountain god.

For more information on Tan-Gun, see: http://www.korea.net/korea/kor_loca.asp?code=G0402

Korean Heroes

For info on six important Korea figures, see the site at: http://www.aasianst.org/EAA/connor.htm

The NY Diamond Sutra Recitation Group gave the Brooklyn Heights Dahn Yoga center several copies of their new book called King Sejong The Great. Two Brooklyn Heights students, Zaida Concepcion and Christina Zureta, were deeply impressed by the book and the life of King Sejong, Their interest sparked the idea of the Dahn Yoga Korea Club. In 2006, the NY DSRG released a book about Admiral Yi Sun Shin, the first in its annual series about Korean heroes.

King Sejong

King Sejong is the only monarch whom Koreans call "The Great". He invented the Korean alphabet called "Hangeul" and was an amazing ruler both for his many outstanding accomplishments as well as his sterling character. He is arguably one of the greatest monarchs in the history of the world -- if not the greatest. His story is quite inspiring. King Sejong ruled in the 15th century during the Chosun (also called "Joseon") dynasty which ended in 1910 when modern Korea was established. He is known for his devoted and enlightened commitment to the betterment of the living standards of Korea as well as his humble Buddha-like or Christ-like character. He is a true hero for all times and places.

See the following sites to discover more about King Sejong:

• http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Language/korean.cfm?Subject=about

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sejong_the_Great_of_Joseon

Admiral Yi Sun Shin (or "Sunsin")

Admiral Yi is considered the greatest admiral in the history of the world for many reasons. He was undefeated in 21 battles at sea -- an unequaled record. With just 13 ships he defeated the Japanese navy which had 330 ships! He built the world's first armored battleships (called "Turtle ships") 200 years before the West. He was a man who was much misunderstood in his time but who devoted his life to protecting Korea, a hero of remarkable character -- uninterested in fame, power, or fortune.

http://www.koreanhero.net/en/NationalHeroOfKorea.htm

TV Drama

Go to the Korean TV Dramas page to learn more about the TV series, The Immortal Yi Soon Shin!

In 2005, Korean TV aired a remarkable 36-hour series on the life of Admiral Yi! The DSRG has generously offered to bring the Korea Club excerpts from these DVDs! We hope to show this inspiring mini-series in 2008. The story is so compelling that it can easily keep you up at late at nights! The acting is superb and the photography is outstanding!

http://www.hanbooks.com/imyisoshkbst.html

Historical drama centered on the famous Korean Admiral Yi Soon-Shin (1545-1598), who saved Korea and China from conquest by Japan in a string of brilliant naval victories. Yi used iron-clad war ships more than 260 years before the Battle of Hampton Roads in the US Civil War (the Monitor vs. the Virginia). The drama deals with his life from childhood to his death in the midst of his final victorious battle against the Japanese, and shows the contributions made by his support staff and ship's crews.

Based on the life and actual diaries of Navy Admiral Lee Soon Shin (or Yi Sun Shin) this historical epic television series follows the man who would become a legend and hero in Korean history. During the Choseon Dynasty, Lee Soon Shin was responsible for constructing the Geobukseon, or Turtle Ships, and turning the tides of the Seven-Year War against Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Japanese fleets. The historical epic television series depicts his life, from his early days struggling to become a magistrate to his final battle against Japan. Through a diverse ensemble cast, the story also shows life for the royal families of Korea and Japan, and civilians during that era.

The statue of Admiral Yi shown below is one of the landmarks of Seoul.

 

See the wonderful video clip at: http://www.koreanhero.net/video/video.html?name=Kobukson01.wmv which shows the terrified response of the Japanese navy when they first encountered Admiral Yi's "Turtle ships"!

For more information on Admiral Yi, see:

• http://www.koreanhero.net/en/TurtleShip.htm

• http://www.tkdtutor.com/10Patterns/Pattern Sets/ChanghonPatternSet/09ChoongMu/ChoongMuInfo.htm

Traditional Music

The site at: http://www.korea.net/korea/kor_loca.asp?code=H0104 says:

There are approximately sixty traditional Korean musical instruments that have been handed down through the generations, each boasting of a long and rich history. They include the gayageum (12-string zither) and the geomungo (six-string zither), both presumed to have originated before the sixth century; the three string and three bamboo instruments of the Unified Silla Kingdom; court instruments of the Joseon Dynasty; and numerous others that are still being played. Korean musical instruments have a long history and tradition. Shown here are musicians performing on court instruments.

See 5 pages of information on Korean traditional music at: http://www.mct.go.kr/imagesofkorea/eng/jongmyo/sec01_1.htm

For more information, see: http://www.korea.net/korea/kor_loca.asp?code=H0104.

Also see: http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/shorewood/countrysites/eunicesouthkorea/08_Korean_Music.html

Kayagum

Hwang Byungki is a traditional Korean musician who plays the kayagum. On June 2, the Korea Club attended a concert by Hwang Byungki at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Seventeen Dahn Yoga masters from around the region joined the Brooklyn Heights Korea Club members at the event. Hwang's music is played at Korea Club meetings and is heard on the home page of this site. See the June 2 Korea Club meeting for photos of the event and for information on ordering Hwang's CDs. In the photo below, Hwang Byungki is shown next to the kayagum.

For more information on the kayagum (gayageum), see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gayageum



Kumongo

For information on the kumongo (geomungo), see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komungo

Taegum

The taegum is a large transverse bamboo flute with a distinctive sound, widely used in Korean music. It is about 33 inches long and has a mouthpiece opening and six finger holes, as well as two to five open holes toward the end. The taegum is the largest and most representative transverse flute of Korea. It has a blowing hole, a hole covered with a thin membrane, six finger holes, and five non-finger holes at the lower end of a total of 13. The vibration of the membrane lends a beautiful expressive tonal quality to the music. The taegum is an indispensable instrument in any Korean music ensemble.

For information, see: http://ccrma.stanford.edu/CCRMA/Courses/220a/unjung/koreanflute/korflute.html.
Also see: http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9343700/taegum.

Hanbok

See an introduction to hanbok at: http://www.mct.go.kr/imagesofkorea/eng/hanbok/sec01_1.htm

See the inspiring video at: http://www.koreanhero.net/video/playvideo.html?name=hanbok_e.wmv



Hanbok and hangeul are hot in fashion now as shown at: http://www.korea.net/korea/kor_loca.asp?code=K1002

Lee Young Hee -- Famous Hanbok Designer

See article about Madame Lee at: http://english.kbs.co.kr/society/people/1392554_11774.html

See her website at: http://www.lyhkm.org/

  

http://www.asianfortunenews.com/site/article_0507.php?article_id=34

Smithsonian Unveils Korea Gallery Exhibit

After years of planning, the Smithsonian Institution will unveil its newest permanent exhibition, The Korea Gallery, at the National Museum of Natural History on May 19. This exhibition celebrates Korea’s rich history and distinctive culture through three major themes: nature and geography of the Korean peninsula, life in pre-modern Korea and modern transformations.

The official opening celebration and kick-off on May 19 showcases the Fashion of world-renowned designer Madame Lee Young Hee. Highlighting this exhibition will be a Fashion Show, featuring traditional Korean costume designs (“Hanbok”) and the new couture line of Madame Lee. The Fashion Show starts at 7:30 p.m. It will be followed by VIP Cocktail Reception. Venue is the Hyatt Regency at Crystal City (Ronald Reagan National Airport), on 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia. For additional information, please contact GMG at (202) 338-5985.

Madame Lee was among the first Korean designers to participate in the Paris Pret-a-Porter which won her critical acclaim from Le Monde and Figaro. Her designs have led some to label her collection "Costume de Vent," or Costumes of Wind. Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar refer to her as the “Colorful Designer of Asia.” To millions of Koreans, she is simply known as their National Treasure.  Madame Lee opened her first boutique in Paris, followed by Seoul, and most recently, New York City. She is the chairperson of the Maison de Lee Young Hee, Co., Ltd, and president of The Mirae Munhwa Foundation. She’s also a professor at Dong Duk Women's University Graduate School of Design in Seoul, Korea.

NYC Fashion Show

Below are some photos from the fashion show that Madame Lee held in NYC in spring 2007.
Click on the photos to enlarge.

Lee Young Hee Museum
Shows Off Traditional Korean Dress

Korean Pottery

The article below is copied from: http://english.tour2korea.com/02Culture/TraditionalCulture/pottery.asp?konum=subm1_1&kosm=m2_3

Pottery is shaped from clay then fired in high temperature kilns. They are usually fired once on 800-900 degree heat, glazed with enamel, then fired again on a higher temperature of 1,300-1,500 degrees. It is unique in that it produces a clear sound when tapped, and has a clear sheen.

The first documented use of clay on the Korean peninsula was during the Neolithic era. By the Age of the Three Kingdoms (B.C.57-A.D.676), earthenware use in everyday life was common on the peninsula. During the Unified Silla Kingdom (676-935), the shape of earthenware diversified and began to carry decorative patterns. With the arrival of the Goryeo era (918-1392), earthenware culture evolved into ceramic ware culture. Created by glazing and re-firing once baked earthenware, ceramic ware was superior in its durability, ease of use, and impermeability against water. With the creation of the 'cheongja', a type of clear, pale green hued ceramic, the Goryeo era cemented its place in history as the golden era of Korean ceramics culture. Of the 'cheongja' ceramics, those made using the 'sanggam' method (intricate designs were carved into the vase, and other materials added to the forms) are especially prized for their artistry and beauty- the pinnacle of ceramic making.

Afterwards in the Joseon era (1392-1910), white ceramics called 'baekja' and 'buncheongsagi' made an appearance. Joseon era ceramics were simpler in design than its Goryeo era counterparts, and it was during this time that ceramic making techniques were transferred to Japan.

In modern times, the ceramic making tradition is continued in Icheon, Yeoju, Gwangju, Danyang, Mungyeong, Hadong, Gangjin, and Buan's ceramic villages ('dochon'). Of these, the Icheon Ceramics Village is the largest, occupied by the factories of over 80 companies. Visitors can tour the factories and make direct purchases. Every two years, the World Ceramics Biennale is held as well. For those wishing to stay within Seoul, the Insadong street also has a diverse collection of ceramics on hand at any given time, from crude earthenware to the refined 'baekja'. During a 1999 visit, Queen Elizabeth of England expressed her delight at the artistry of Korea's ceramics that she saw in Insadong.

Types of Ceramic Ware   1. Cheongja The term 'cheongja' points to ceramic ware with a transparent pale green surface hue. The color was produced by adding iron to the glaze, and was an expression of jade (considered precious at the time) in ceramic form. This type of ceramic is a poetic embodiment of aristocratic culture at the time and is characterized by a pale green tint (sometimes called 'bisaek'), detailed designs, and simplicity in form. A longing for the eternal is expressed in the creation of the works, with designs incorporating cranes, clouds, ponds, and trees.   2.Baekja   'Baekja' is made by painting clear glaze over ceramic made from white clay. 'Baekja' was first created during the early Goryeo era along with 'cheongja', but only came into its own during the Joseon era. 'Baekja' most often has a pure white color, but sometimes green or milk color is added to the clay to give it a pale color. If the Goryeo 'cheongja' can be seen as the embodiment of the era's aristocratic culture and luxuries, then the 'baekja' is the embodiment of Joseon era's aristocratic scholars, who prized a noble mind and humility above all. Designs often incorporate dragons, pines, cranes, and peonies.       3. Buncheongsagi 'Buncheongsagi' has a grayish green body with painted designs or designs that were carved in after the body was covered with white earth. It lacks the refined sense of beauty of the Goryeo era 'cheongja', but is friendly and comfortable in mood. The designs usually consists of flowers and fish.   4. Onggi Onggi is a large pot made from clay that has been fired at temperatures of 1,100-1,200 degrees after glazing. Also called 'dok', it has long been used as a way to store fermented food items such as kimchi, red pepper paste, and bean paste.

For more information, click the following links on the site at: http://english.tour2korea.com/02Culture/TraditionalCulture/pottery.asp?konum=subm1_1&kosm=m2_3 ,

Korean Names

For more information on Korean names, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_name

In English speaking nations, the three most common family names are often written and pronounced as "Kim" (김), "Lee" or "Rhee" (리, 이), and "Park" (박). A family name such as "Lee" may also be found spelled "I," "Yi," "Rhee," and "Rhie." In Korean pronunciation, the name usually romanized as "Park" actually has no 'r' sound at all. Its initial sound is a cross between English 'p' and 'b'. The vowel is similar to the 'a' in father. For this reason, the name is also often represented as "Pak" or "Bak."

Traditionally, given names for males are partly determined by generation names, a custom originating in China. One of the two characters in a given name is unique to the individual, while the other is shared by all people in a family generation. Therefore, it is common for cousins to have the same character in their given names in the same fixed position. In North Korea, generational names are no longer shared across families, but are still commonly shared by brothers and sisters.

Martial Arts

• TaeKwonDo
   
• DahnMudDo
   
• Hapkido

TaeKwonDo 

See Wikipedia article at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_martial_arts

See three pages of information on TaeKwonDo at: http://www.mct.go.kr/imagesofkorea/eng/taekwondo/sec01_1.htm

DahnMuDo  

In 2006, Dahn Yoga introduced DahnMuDo (also referred to as “The Art of Being Limitless”) as a non-combative martial art.

See the video and discussion at: http://www.dahnyoga.com/dahnmudo/

Hapkido

See more info about Hapkido at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hapkido

Bowing (Health Benefits)

Below is an excerpt from the article on the health benefits of bowing at:
http://www.koreanbuddhism.net/life/essay_view.asp?cat_seq=25&content_seq=420&priest_seq=0&page=1

We would all like to have mental and physical peace. However, it's not easy. In reality, most people need to exercise to stay healthy. Specialists advise that to stay healthy, you have to exercise until soaked with sweat at least three times a week. How many people follow this advice? One survey says that only 8.6% of adults exercise like that.

If you consider your physical health as important as your mental health, then pay attention to oriental doctor Kim Jaeseong's recommendation of "108 bows for exercise." Doctor Kim insists that 108 bows should become "the second national exercise". He believes that anyone can learn and do bowing easily, and at the same time the effect of bowing is great. The way you do bowing in temples is touching five points of your body to the floor. They are: both knees, both elbows, and the forehead. "108 bows for exercise is just the thing for us. It's exercise for the whole body, low intensity breathing exercise, and it's exercise which is suitable for treating and preventing adult diseases. It takes only 15 minutes to do 108 bows, but the effect is great.
You can do it whenever and wherever you want."

It was four years ago that he started doing 108 bows. It was after he heard about his apparently healthy friend who had collapsed from some disease, then recovered his health in three months after he started doing 108 bows. It was hard to believe at first. He felt like rejecting 108 bows since he is Catholic. But at the time he wasn't feeling very well, so he decided to begin 108 bows, half in doubt. However, the effects showed up right away.
"Usually it was hard to wake up in the morning, but in a week, I could greet mornings without effort. In two weeks, my urine got clear and strong. In two months, my thin hair got very thick. My chronic back pain that I got from bending over while treating patients with acupuncture disappeared without a trace." Since he experienced these effects, Doctor Kim actively started recommending 108 bows to his family, relatives, and acquaintances. The reaction has been great. Doctor Kim studied how to bow while collecting documents related to 108 bows. He wanted to make motions to increase the exercise effect to the utmost. He considered the fact that Buddhist bowing could impact the knee joints. He made "108 bows for exercise" after research and making up for weak points.

The effect of 108-bow exercise has been proven scientifically. In May 2004, the Oriental Hospital in Gangnam affiliated with Dongguk University checked people who were in their 30's and 40's, two people each, before and after a 108-bow practice period. The results showed that good cholesterol, which prevents hardening of the arteries, increased. Immunity indicators also increased. Also, Cotijol, which is the main stress hormone causing abdominal obesity, was greatly reduced. Among the people who participated in the experiment, the ones who did 108 bows had better effects. Doctor Kim emphasized that the excellency of 108 bows is that it's good for mental health, too. He said that while you are putting your hands together in front of your chest, going down on your knees, and bending your head, you can reflect on yourself with inner tranquility and an open mind....

He also said that there have been many changes since he started 108 bows for exercise with his family. "My family, who used to sleep late in the morning, became morning people and started each day actively. My kids used to be tired all the time from studying, but they slowly recovered, and they became bright and positive. Their concentration ability for studying increased, and they entered university without much problem. My relationships with my whole family are getting much better. Especially when I have to give my kids some kind of punishment, I try to solve the situation by doing 108 bows together with them instead of yelling at them or giving punishment.”

At present there are many people who have fallen under the charm of 108 bows. They are mostly Buddhists, but there are quite a few Christians and people who don't believe in any particular religion. A Korean classical musician, Kim Yeongdong, has taken the lead to spread 108 bows as a social and cultural movement. He published the album "The Sound of Life," which helps people do 108 bows. His album harmonizes sounds of nature, like water, birds, raindrops, and others, and the sounds of a large flute and a short bamboo flute. You can do 108 bows while listening to 108 writings recorded on the album. He hopes that he can let the world know the benefits by having tens of thousands of people bowing all together at Gwanghwamun District in Seoul.

These two questions, "How many times do I have to bow?", and "Isn't bowing bad for your knee joints?", are the ones Doctor Kim hears the most from people. "The important matter is to make my body and mind healthy and peaceful through bowing exercise. Then the number doesn't matter if it is 108, 107, or 109. Training mind and body is necessary for every one, regardless of religion. In addition, 108 bows exercise that I recommend doesn't give any excessive pressure to your knees. Rather, it strengthens knee muscles. Doctor Kim said that spreading 108-bow exercise is like his destiny. "Everyone, start bowing right away. It's better if you bow with a smile on your face. You will feel happiness and peace well up in your heart, like fresh and clear spring water.”

Doctor Kim has written and published the book 108 Bows a Day: the Ten Minute Miracle Saving My Body.

Korea Town NYC

For a view of the Korea town in Manhattan, see http://www.newyorkcitywalk.com/html/interactive_KoreaTown.html




For a list of Korean restaurants in NYC, see: http://www.urbanspoon.com/f/3/233/New-York/Korean.html

The site ranks 73 Korean restaurants in NYC based on popular votes. You may click on any restaurant on the site to see a map, get directions, see reviews, view the menu, vote for or against the restaurant, add comments, and link to the restaurant's website if it has one. You can also display the restaurants for a particular neighborhood.

HanGawi has one of the highest votes: http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/3/29345/New-York/Murray-Hill/Hangawi.html.

Tourist Sites

See the 7:50 minute video called Dynamic Korea, the Hub of Asia at: http://www.korea.net/kois/eng_vns_read.asp?movie_no=22. Click "Download" and "Open" on the site.

Korea has four distinct seasons -- a lovely spring and fall; a hot, muggy summer; and a very cold winter.

• Map

• Seoul

• Mt. Seoraksan

• Incheon

• Pusan (Busan)

• Jejudo Island

Map

Seoul

Below are photos of Seoul in the fall from: http://www.travellereyes.com .

Mt. Seoraksan

See 7 pages of information about Mt. Seoraksan at: http://www.mct.go.kr/imagesofkorea/eng/seoraksan/sec01_1.htm

This information is from: http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Calendar/holidays.cfm

Early Korea used a lunar calendar, as did most agrarian societies. As the rest of the world encroached on Korea, it eventually went to the solar calendar. Yet much of the country still uses the lunar calendar to keep track of births and deaths and some traditional holidays. Many people celebrate their birthdays according to both calendars, and the first days of each calendar are national holidays.

Note: Hangul Day is on October 9 and celebrates the creation of the Korean alphabet by King Sejong in 1443. See Korean Language.

"Chuseok" is also called "Hangawi" (like the name of the restaurant in Koreatown in Manhattan).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuseok

Chuseok, also sometimes spelt 'Chusok', is a major holiday in Korea, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar Korean calendar. It is a thanksgiving feast and is also called Hangawi (한가위) (from "han" = "great" and "gawi" = "middle", i.e. "a great day in the middle of the autumn"). Hangawi is known at least since the early period of the kingdom of Silla (57 BC - AD 935), where it originally grew out of a month-long weaving contest between two teams. Come the day of Hangawi, the team that had woven more cloth had won and was treated to a feast by the losing team.

Nowadays on Chuseok, there is a mass exodus of Koreans returning to their hometowns, since hometowns are not only where one was born and raised, but where the spirits of one's ancestors are enshrined. People perform ancestral worship rituals early in the morning. They often visit the tombs of immediate ancestors to trim plants and clean the area around the tomb, and offer food, drink, and crops to their ancestors. Harvest crops are attributed to the blessing of ancestors, and Chuseok offers Koreans a unique opportunity to refresh their memory and gratitude to their ancestors.

One of the major foods prepared and eaten during the Chuseok holiday is Songpyeon (송편), a crescent-shaped rice cake which is steamed upon pine needles. A variety of folk games is played on Chuseok, but these vary from region to region. A lion dance is performed in the north-west, a tug of war in Jeolla and Gyeongsan provinces. Other regions hold wrestling and archery contests. For all games, in all regions, a Nongak band performs.

Dates for Chuseok on the Gregorian calendar

Chuseok as well as the days before and after it are legal holidays in South Korea.

• 2007: September 25
• 2008: September 14
• 2009: October 3
• 2010: September 22
• 2011: September 12
• 2012: September 30

South Korean Flag and National Anthem

Korean Flag: Taegukki (태 극 기)

The South Korean flag (called “Taegukki” which means "great extremes”) was adopted in 1950 to symbolize the thought, philosophy, and mysticism of the Far East and to represent the three essential elements of the nation. The white background represents peace and purity and is symbolic of the land. The circle represents the people, and the four trigrams reflect the government and the forces of nature.

The Yin-Yang symbol represents the absolute, essential unity of all being which is composed of opposing forces. It represents the belief that all things in the universe have two, opposite aspects that cannot exist without the other. The (red) Yang (positive) and the (blue) Yin (negative) elements represent duality of opposites and balances. Examples of duality are heaven and hell, fire and water, life and death, good and evil, night and day.

The four trigrams that surround the central circle are from the I Ching and also indicate duality. In the four groups of three long and short black bars (called “kwae”), the broken bars symbolize Yin (dark and cold) and the unbroken bars symbolize Yang (bright and hot). The upper left trigram represents Heaven. The lower right trigram symbolizes Earth. The upper right trigram is the symbol of Water. The lower left trigram represents Fire. The kwae trigrams are placed in such a way that they balance one another. Heaven is opposite Earth, and Fire is opposite Water.

The famous 2004 Korean film called Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War is based on the name of the Korean flag. It is a compelling must-see DVD about the Korean War in the 1950s in which North Korea fought South Korea and will be shown later by the Korea Club. See a preview at: http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Tae_Guk_Gi_The_Brotherhood_of_War/70012788?trkid=189530&strkid=1222396124_6_0

National Anthem

Hear the national anthem at: http://www.brightcove.com/title.jsp?title=301907307&channel=240043696

Korean Currency: Won

Use the currency converter at: http://www.seoulsearching.com/money/currencyconverter.html

See South Korean currency at: http://www.seoulsearching.com/money/currency.html
King Sejong the Great is shown on the 10,000 won note below.

Books about South Korea

The following books about South Korea are available on Amazon.com and are chock full of beautiful photos!

• Korea: Land of Morning Calm by Craig Brown (Hardcover - 2006)*
• Korea: Land of the Morning Calm by Chong-Sik Lee (Hardcover - 1990)*
• Korea Insight Guides (Paperback - 2003)
• The Beauty of Korea by Jai-Sik Suh and Suh Jai-Sik (Hardcover - 1998)

* Note: The July 7 meeting of the Korea Club will feature the 55-minute film South Korea: Land of Morning Calm which provides a fascinating insight into traditional and modern Korea. The books and film reflect the name by which Korea was known during the Choson Dynasty which lasted from 1392 until 1910 when modern-day Korea was born.

This page was last updated on: 05/25/2008.

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This site was last updated 05/25/08