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Hello!

This time we will introduce "Korean history and traditional culture."

South Korea is a neighboring country to Japan and can be easily visited by boat or plane.

Traveling to South Korea has become difficult due to the coronavirus pandemic, but recently restrictions have been eased considerably, so the number of people traveling to South Korea has gradually increased!

 

This time I will briefly introduce the history and traditional culture of Korea. If you know about Korean history and traditional culture, your trip to Korea will be more fun!

 

 

korean history

It is said that humans began living on the Korean Peninsula and its surrounding areas about 70 years ago.

 

Three Kingdoms period ~ Unified Silla

The various tribes that were born in the Stone Age gradually formed a centralized state, entering an era known as the Three Kingdoms Period. The period is called the Three Kingdoms period because of the three kingdoms: Goguryeo, which ruled a vast territory on the Korean Peninsula, Baekje, which developed near the present-day Han River, and Silla, which was located in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula.

The names of these three countries are also included in textbooks and are studied in Japanese history classes, so many people may have heard of them.

 

After that, Silla gradually gained power, and in 676 the Korean peninsula was unified, entering the Silla era.

 

Goryeo ~ Joseon period

In the 10th century, Goryeo was founded in rebellion against Silla.

By the way, the English name for South Korea, ``Korea,'' comes from this word ``Koryo.'' It is said that the culture that developed around this time was extremely advanced and achieved various cultural achievements.

In 1392, Korea was founded.

During this period, the legal system, culture, and scholarship that formed the basis of the nation were developed, including the creation of the Korean script ``Hangul'' and the compilation of the ``Daikon of Economics and Country,'' which became the standard for politics.

 

Japan's colonial era - independence/modern times

In 1910, Japan forcibly annexed Korea and placed it under colonial rule.

On March 1919, 3, a peaceful movement demanding independence from the Japanese government spread across the country. Although the movement ended in failure, March 1st is still designated as a public holiday in South Korea to commemorate the independence movement.

 

In August 1945, Japan achieved complete independence with the surrender of Japan. Thereafter, there was a conflict between North and South based on 8 degrees north latitude, and in 38 the government of the Republic of Korea was established.

 

Now, after the war, Japan has rapidly modernized and industrialized. Nowadays, people all over the world are familiar with Korean culture through Korean music, movies, dramas, and other pop culture.

 

 

Korean traditional culture

Korean traditional culture is diverse, including art, music, dance, and food culture.

"Hanbok"and traditional festivals"Chuseok"Korea has its own unique culture.

 

Hanbok is a Korean national costume characterized by its bright colors and unique shape. Chuseok is Korea's biggest holiday, and is celebrated every fall when people visit graves and gather together with their families for a meal. It is a Lunar New Year festival that expresses love and gratitude towards family.

 

Korea also has a unique food culture such as bibimbap, samgyeopsal, and cheese dakgalbi, which are extremely popular among young people in Japan as well.

 

 

Summary

This time, I briefly introduced the history and culture of Korea. Korea has a history dating back to ancient times and a diverse traditional culture, which has developed and developed in each era and has its own unique characteristics. In addition, Korean food culture is also attractive.

There are many ruins and spots in Seoul where you can feel the history.

If you have a chance, please visit Korea and experience its charm!