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All Koreans have taken English lessons as part of their education, and the English level of the country is being improved by government policy and investments. However, due to lack of practice (as well as fear of mispronunciation), many Koreans have little more than a very basic grasp of English phrases in actual conversation. Reading and writing comes much easier however, and often people will be able to read and understand a great deal of English even without any practice with real conversation. Nonetheless, travelers can get by in major cities with English only; however it goes without saying that learning basic Korean phrases will enrich your travel experience.
A common experience for western travelers in South Korea is to be approached by children interested in practicing their English skills. They will often take a picture of you, as proof they really talked to you.
Older folks may also still speak some Japanese. The city of Busan, being a short trip from Fukuoka in Japan has a larger number of Japanese speakers per capita, and the dialect itself is more similar to Japanese in the same way that the Japanese dialect in Fukuoka also has a large Korean influence.
| http://rki.kbs.co.kr/learn_korean/e-text.htm | Brilliant Korean language site, audio and video of numerous languages. |
| www.learnkorean.com/index.asp | Excellent Korean language site with links |
| www.lifeinkorea.com/ceremonies/index.cfm | Unique language and cultural site with numerous links |
| www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/south-korea-country-profile.html | Excellent language & cultural info |
Clothes
Although most people prefer Western clothes like suits and jeans, the national costume, hanbok, is worn by many during national holidays. Traditionally, people wore white clothes, reserving colors for the upper class or during festive occasions. Rubber shoes and sandals have been replaced by designer shoes and sneakers; however, even these are removed when entering a house or other area where shoes are not permitted.
Education
In Korean culture, education is the key to success in life. The school one graduates from can determine whether one will be a success or failure. To many Korean parents, the education of their children outweighs all other considerations, and they will make tremendous sacrifices to let their children get the best education possible.
The Korean education system consists of six years of primary school, three years of middle school, and then three years of high school. Those who pass the national exam go on to 4-year colleges or universities. Others go to 2-year junior colleges, while the rest enter the work force. Until recently, most middle and high schools were segregated by sex. However, because of complaints about differences in education levels between the boys and girls schools and socialization problems later in life, most schools have gone co-ed.
Food and Drink
Rice is the staple of the Korean diet and appears at almost all meals. A typical meal includes rice, some type of soup, sometimes a main dish of meat or pork or poultry, and various side dishes. Kimchi, the most common group of side dishes, includes various vegetables (cabbage, radishes, and various roots) fermented with spices (garlic, red pepper, and ginger). Korea produces several types of grain alcohol, most notably soju. Nowadays, many people eat more and more Western, Japanese, and Chinese food, with pizza becoming more popular than kimchi among the younger generation.
Money and the Economy
Korea's currency is the won. In some tourist areas, merchants may be willing to accept U.S. dollars or Japanese yen, but the exchange rate will be worse than the official rate. Most banks and hotels can exchange money, and most will also take travelers checks. Cash advances on non-Korean credit cards can be made in most subway stations and banks. Many international banks have offices in Seoul, and a few have branches in Pusan.
People
Population: over 46.9 million (1999 est.) Koreans descended from the Mongolian race in prehistoric times. Periods of occupation have also added Chinese and Japanese blood to the gene pool. Although they have borrowed from other cultures, especially Chinese and Japanese, Koreans have maintained their own distinctive language, culture, and customs. It is a family-orientated society, heavily based on Confucianism, which even in modern times retains the basic patterns and manners of family-centered life.
Religion
Korea has been influenced by four major religions: Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Shamanism. Additionally, a very large mosque in It'aewon-dong holds services for those of the Islamic faith. Many Koreans follow more than one religion as many new Christian converts continue to practice ancestor worship and perform Buddhist rites.
| www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/geography.htm | Geography, regions, provinces and weather |
| http://english.knps.or.kr/ | National Parks of Korea |
| www.religioustolerance.org/confuciu.htm | Site explaining various religions |
| www.lifeinkorea.com | Great food and table manners site |
| www.crazycolour.com/os/southkorea_02.shtml | Excellent social cultural site |
| www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/education/libraries/south_korea.htm | Libraries and museums in South Korea |
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answers.com Korean-Buddhist-temples
Reference on Buddhist temples in South Korea by each region and links to each temple
Life in Korea
Has great info on table and food manners
Learn Korean
Learn Korean – plus great links to language and news - excellent
Learn Korean - Lessons
Korean language site - excellent
Asian Info – Korean Food
Korean food – manners, basics and ceremonial
PBS
PBS Online about Korea – lots of great links - excellent
Religious Tolerance
Site explaining various religions – very good
Kwintessential
Supreme language and cultural info
CC Consulting Portfolio, Programme and Project Management
Excellent social cultural site
US Department of State - Background Note: South Korea
Demographics of South Korea
Wikipedia
Museums in South Korea
Universes-in-Universe
Art and collections in South Korea
Asian Info
Libraries and museums in South Korea
Life in Korea
Cultural and language site – forums to learn Korean and practice Korean and English
2 Camels
Festivals and events in South Korea
Pacific Island Travel
Lifestyle in South Korea
International Herald Tribune - Travel
Lifestyle of monk in South Korea
Demographics and a Historical Perspective
Detailed source of South Korean sexology
Global Gayz
Homosexuality in South Korea
Omniglot Writing Systems and Languages of the World
Korean language and Fantastic links - supreme
Wikipedia – Korean Language
Excellent Korean language source
Asian Studies Network Information Center – South Korea
Great general source with categories and numerous links
An American Teaching English in South Korea
Wonderful photo site
Korea National Parks
National Parks of Korea - excellent
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Information shown on this website is the result of a collaborative effort by Dr. Rod E. Case and the EDS491/691 Special Topics in Teaching English
as a Second Language Class, Wintermester, 2007. |
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