.: Traditions in Korea

The difference between culture and tradition is that culture is slightly more generalized and tangible as compared to traditions. For example, the culture of Korea consists of Hangeul, which is the writing system used across the country and everybody uses it. A tradition in Korea will be such aslocally-celebrated festivals like Chuseok. Traditions are widely recognized, but it is not as prominent as cultures in a way. Therefore, under this segment, I will be touching on two main aspects - Korea’s most celebrated festivals and religions.

i. Religions

a. Buddhism

It is one of the older religions in South Korea. It comes from the Mahayana branch of Buddhism, similar to China and Japan. It has exercised a far-reaching influence onthe Korean culture throughout its long history. Although itsinfluence in society has declined recently, but there are still many Korean's that practice Buddhism.

b. Christianity

It has become more and more popular in recent years in South Korea. Christianity was introduced to Korea by the Jesuits in China. Catholics spread very quickly, but were persecuted by the King who perceived it as a threat. Protestants began to enter Korea in the late 19th century. Some of the world's largest churches can be found in Korea.

ii. Festivals

There are 4 main festival holidays celebrated in Korea, namely Seol-nal, Chuseok, Dano and Hansik.

a. Seol-nal

This festival refers to the Lunar New Year holiday period, otherwise known as Chinese New Year. It takes place over 3 days andfamily members make a grand pilgrimage back to their hometowns for the year. During this period, Seoul is almost deserted as most people leave the city to return to their hometowns for the festive season.

b. Chuesok

Chuseok is regarded as the most important festival in Korea. It is a festival that celebrates harvesting and full moon. It falls on the 15^th of the 8^th lunar month, which is the same as the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. However, even though celebrated on the same day, they have very different meanings. Similar to Seol-nal, people in Korea visit their hometownsduring Chuseok to pay respect to their living relatives and visit the graves of their ancestors. It is a festival for families to get together and spend quality time together, exchanging gifts and playing special games. Hanboks are usually worn for this festival as well.

c. Dano

This takes place on the 5^th day of the 5^th lunar month, and is also called the Suri day or the Chunjungjul. In ancient Korea, it was a day of spiritual rites, along with enjoyment of dance, song and wine. There are several customs that comes along for this festival. These include washing one’s hair with Changpo water, marriage under the jujube tree, wrestling (known as Ssireum) and swing jump, as well as certain dietary customs.

d. Hansik

It takes place 105 days after Dongji, and is derived from the ancient custom of not lighting fire and thus, eating cold food. This day, the country holds sacrificial rites at Jongmyo (Royal Shrine) and Neungwon. Citizens hold their own memorial services and visit their families' ancestral graves. If the grave is worn they lay fresh turf in a custom called Gaesacho. People also plant trees around the grave. Farmers also spread seeds from the farmhouse.