Superstitions:
Do avoid to use red ink, since red ink traditionally was used to convey an insulting message. Especially, do not write names in red ink - this symbolises death! As the word for the number '4' sounds like death in Korean, many buildings do not have a fourth floor.
Gifts:
When visiting a Korean friend's home, it is customary to bring a gift. The gift can be almost anything.
At first, your host may refuse it not to appear greedy. In this case, just insist your host accepts the gift, which will be appreciated. However, it is customary to open presents when the presenter is not present.
If you're so fortunate as to be invited to a wedding, do not bring a gift. Rather bring money in a small envelope with your name as well as a few congratulatory words like "Congratulations!" or "Happiness"
Gestures:
Although the western handshake is common, the proper way of greeting is with a bow. When giving or receiving, especially when drinking alcohol, always use both hands. Some gestures have a complety different meaning in Korea. You should be aware, that the symbol for "OK" (making a circle with your thumb and index finger) means "money" to Koreans.
Do not 'steal children's noses', as a thumb sticking out between the index finger and middle finger is an obscene gesture.
Manners:
As in other asian countries shoes must be removed before entering a room. However, many places such as restaurants and hotels have sections with western furniture - tables and chairs. If visiting a private home wear socks, since bare feet can be offensive to elderly people.
Leaving utencils stuck upright in a bowl of rice is bad manners, as this is a gesture used when making food offerings to ancestors.
It is very common to use a toothpick after a meal. When doing so, use both hands - one to cover your mouth and one to work the toothpick.
It is customary that one person pays for everyone when dining or drinking. The Koreans do NOT 'go dutch' on the bill. However, if the party goes different places it is not unusual, that a different person pays each place.
In places with many people, it is not unusual that Koreans will push you or bump into you. There is no reason to be offended, since no harm is intended and this is an acceptable behavior in Korea.
Tipping:
It is not popular to give tips in Korea, so there really aren't any guidelines for when and how much. Many restaurants and bars include a 'Service Charge' o 10% on the bill, which can be considered a tip.
from: http://ezmeditour.com/
Showing posts with label About Korea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label About Korea. Show all posts
7.28.2009
Brief Korean History
The first kingdom on the Korean peninsula, Ko-choson, was formed in 2333 BC. From 57 BC-668 AD the kingdoms Koguryo, Paekche, and Shilla ruled the Korean peninsula and much of Manchuria. Hence, the period is known as the Three Kingdoms Period.
Koguryo and Paekche were ultimately vanquished by Shilla in 676 AD, Shilla unified the peninsula. The Unified Shilla Period, 676-935 AD, was a golden age for Korean culture. The advancements of the area in Buddhist arts are especially noteworthy.
During the succeeding Koryo Dynasty (918-1392 AD) an aristocratic government was instituted. Buddhism was established as the state religion and came to have great influence in the political and administrative spheres. The name 'Korea' is actually derived from 'Koryo'. The last dynasty on the peninsula, The Choson Dynasty (1392-1910 AD), was the peninsula's last dynasty. During this period various political and economic reforms were enacted. The most prominent of these was the adaptation of Confucianism as the state ideology. The surge of creative literary endeavors and the invention of Han-gul (the Korean alphabet) in 1443 only adds to the cultural significance this period had.
Hanyang, now known as Seoul, was established as the dynasty's capital city in 1394. Palaces and other buildings erected during this period can still be seen in the city today. The Japanese invasion of the peninsula in 1910 ended the Choson Dynasty. Korea remained under Japanese colonial rule for 35 years until the end of World War II. On August 15, 1945, Japan surrendered to the Allies and withdrew from the Korean peninsula. Since then, it has been divided into two.
The Republic of Korea in the south established an independent government three years later. The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea. An armistice agreement was signed in 1953, after 3 years of civil war.
from: http://ezmeditour.com/
Koguryo and Paekche were ultimately vanquished by Shilla in 676 AD, Shilla unified the peninsula. The Unified Shilla Period, 676-935 AD, was a golden age for Korean culture. The advancements of the area in Buddhist arts are especially noteworthy.
During the succeeding Koryo Dynasty (918-1392 AD) an aristocratic government was instituted. Buddhism was established as the state religion and came to have great influence in the political and administrative spheres. The name 'Korea' is actually derived from 'Koryo'. The last dynasty on the peninsula, The Choson Dynasty (1392-1910 AD), was the peninsula's last dynasty. During this period various political and economic reforms were enacted. The most prominent of these was the adaptation of Confucianism as the state ideology. The surge of creative literary endeavors and the invention of Han-gul (the Korean alphabet) in 1443 only adds to the cultural significance this period had.
Hanyang, now known as Seoul, was established as the dynasty's capital city in 1394. Palaces and other buildings erected during this period can still be seen in the city today. The Japanese invasion of the peninsula in 1910 ended the Choson Dynasty. Korea remained under Japanese colonial rule for 35 years until the end of World War II. On August 15, 1945, Japan surrendered to the Allies and withdrew from the Korean peninsula. Since then, it has been divided into two.
The Republic of Korea in the south established an independent government three years later. The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea. An armistice agreement was signed in 1953, after 3 years of civil war.
from: http://ezmeditour.com/
Land & Climate
The Korean peninsula extends southward from the eastern end of the Asian continent. Of the total area of 99.268 sq km (38.328 sq mi) 70% is covered with mountains, making the peninsula one of the most mountainous regions in the world. The highest peak is located on the island of Jeju: Halla-san (1,950 m/6,398 ft).
Korea has four distinct seasons. Located in the temperate zone, the summers are hot and rainy while the winter is cold and dry. The average temperature range in January is -7° to 1°C (19° to 33°F), and in July it is 22° to 29°C (71° to 83°F).
In spring and early summer (March-May) mostly sunny days can be expected. The monsoon lasts about 1 month, from the end of June to late July, but rainfall can be expected till the end of September. In Seoul, approximately 1,370 mm (54 in) of rain can be expected.
The coming of fall in late September brings continental winds and clear, dry weather, making the fall months the most pleasant time of year. The change of fall is a picturesque view.
from: http://ezmeditour.com/
Korea has four distinct seasons. Located in the temperate zone, the summers are hot and rainy while the winter is cold and dry. The average temperature range in January is -7° to 1°C (19° to 33°F), and in July it is 22° to 29°C (71° to 83°F).
In spring and early summer (March-May) mostly sunny days can be expected. The monsoon lasts about 1 month, from the end of June to late July, but rainfall can be expected till the end of September. In Seoul, approximately 1,370 mm (54 in) of rain can be expected.
The coming of fall in late September brings continental winds and clear, dry weather, making the fall months the most pleasant time of year. The change of fall is a picturesque view.
from: http://ezmeditour.com/
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