What do you know about Korea?
Korea is a famous country known to many people, most likely including you. K-pop may be the most popular reason people know Korea, followed by familiar company names such as Samsung and Hyundai. Recently, many Korean dramas and movies have also gained a lot of popularity around the world. You may have heard of or watched ‘Squid Game’ or ‘Parasite’ and begun to inadvertently learn some Koreans by watching these Korean media.
You may know that Korea also has a lot of tasty foods. K-food has been enjoyed all over the world following the K-culture wave. Today, it is not hard to find Korean alcohol or ramen in supermarkets in foreign countries. Some Korean street foods even made their way to the streets outside the Korean peninsula.
Kimbap
Image Reference: 부산광역시 (2020)
People usually think Korean food is all spicy, but there are exceptions too. Kimbap, the Korean fried chicken, conveniently abbreviated to KFC, and samgyetang (insam chicken soup) Of course, they can be spicy with the addition of Gochujang (Hot chili paste) or can be personally customized with various optional spices.
You know what Korea has created, but have you ever visited Korea? Korean culture conveys Korea’s unique beauty. It uses various colors that are flourishing and tranquil at the same time. If you see the architecture of Korea you will know what it means at once.
Seoul, Korea’s capital city, is harmonized with traditional palaces and modern skyscrapers. It is a great place for the tradition of the past to meet with the progression of the present. Hanok (traditional Korean buildings) and royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) surrounded by concrete buildings and tall skyscrapers of Seoul almost give a surreal atmosphere to those observing the view. Cars and other transports running the road in front of the palace wall hints at a glimpse of the past when these four-wheeled vehicles were horses and single wheel.
Image Reference: 경복궁관리소
Image Reference: 경복궁관리소
There are 4 palaces in Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace. They are located right in the midst of a bustling metropolis and are all national treasures of Korea. These palaces introduce visitors to the lifestyles of the royal dynasties of Joseon. They give free admission to visitors wearing Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) which supports visitors to be absorbed fully into the traditional Korean ambiance and also promote Hanbok to foreign guests.
The integration of traditional and modern architecture reflects Korean history and culture blossoming on the Korean peninsula for more than 5000 years. From Gojoseon, the first Korean nation to the Republic of Korea today, Korea developed the spirit of resilience, harmony, and kindness that is also prevalent in Taekwondo teachings.
If you want to learn more about Korean history and culture, you can visit ‘Bring Korea to the US Classroom!’.