Cultural Overview Of South Korea

Korean culture is, in many ways, similar to that of the Chinese and the Japanese- yet it is different and distinctive at the same time. In many cases, art and architecture have been largely influenced by the religions of Korea- by shamanism, by Buddhism, and by Confucianism. Some of the most spectacular examples of Korean art are related to religion- Buddhist scroll paintings, temple murals, carved Buddhas, elegant Buddhist temples- all are signs of a culture shaped by a faith. Even where Buddhism (or other religions, for that matter) have not influenced culture, Korea’s traditions remain rich and aesthetically well-developed- all the way from the exquisitely crafted ceramics of Korean kilns, to the flowing lines of the traditional Korean costume, the hanbok. The culture of both countries is marked by a highly developed love for beauty and for harmony, coupled with a respect for all that is old and venerable. And, like many other parts of South Asia, traditions and modernisation have managed to exist together quite harmoniously.

Korea’s traditional handicrafts range from textiles and ceramics to paintings and sculptures. Among the most well known traditional crafts of Korea are its ceramics- pottery has been made in Korea for many centuries now, and the range of products is quite impressive, encompassing rustic earthenware as well as delicate celadon decorated with exquisite inlay work. Other popular arts of Korea include Korean painting (both traditional as well as contemporary and folk) and calligraphy; silks and embroideries; woodwork (especially carved furniture), lacquerware, brassware and handcrafted dolls. All of these are marked by a highly developed aesthetic sense, and a certain understated elegance.