Korea and language

All Koreans speak and write the same language, which has been a decisive factor in forging their strong national identity. Korean has several different dialects in addition to the standard variety used in Seoul. Only the dialect of Jeju-do Province, however, is so different that it is difficult for others to understand.

Linguistic and ethnological studies have classified the Korean language in the Altaic language family, which includes the Turkic, Mongolic and Tungus-Manchu languages. King Sejong the Great commissioned and helped create the Korean alphabet Hangeul during the 15th century. Before its creation, only a relatively small percentage of the population was literate; few could master the difficult Chinese characters used by the upper class.Before developing a Korean writing system, King Sejong studied several writing systems known at the time, such as Uighur and Mongolian scripts and old Chinese seal characters. The system that Joseon scholars came up with, however, is predominantly based upon phonology. Above all, they developed and followed a theory that divided each syllable into initial, medial and final phonemes, as opposed to the bipartite division of traditional Chinese phonology.

Hangeul, which consists of 10 vowels and 14 consonants, can be combined to form numerous syllabic groupings. It is simple, yet systematic and comprehensive, and is considered one of the most scientific writing systems in the world. Hangeul is easy to learn and write, which has greatly contributed to Korea's high literacy rate and advanced publication industry.A growing number of students from abroad are enrolling in Korean language courses at universities in Seoul, including Seoul National, Yonsei, Korea and Ewha Womans University.

Korean life - festival

In bygone days, festivals were lavish religious observances. Even before the Three Kingdoms period, harvest thanksgiving festivals began to be observed officially in the smaller confederated kingdoms. They included the yeonggo (spirit-invoking drums) of Buyeo, dongmaeng (worship of the founder) of Goguryeo, and mucheon (Dance to Heaven) of Dongye. Usually, festivals were conducted in the tenth month, according to the lunar calendar, after harvests were over.

The tradition of enjoying the fall harvest and greeting the new year in merriment continued through the later kingdoms and dynasties with each making some modifications. Due to the hectic pace of life today, modern Korea has lost many of its traditional holidays. But a few holidays are still celebrated fervently. One such day is Seollal, the first day of a new lunar year, which falls sometime in late January to late February in the solar calendar. The entire family gathers on that day. Dressed in Hanbok or their best clothes, the family observes ancestral rites.

Tteokguk: Korean custom calls for starting the New Year with a hearty bowl of rice cake soup to bring luck

Saebae is the custom of younger people bowing to respected elders as a New Year's greeting After the ceremonies, the younger members make a traditional deep bow to their elders.

Other major holidays include Daeboreum, the first full moon of the year after Seollal. During this holiday, farmers and fishermen pray for a bountiful harvest and catch, and ordinary households express yearning for a fortuitous year and the prevention of bad luck by preparing special dishes of seasonal vegetables.

On Dano, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, farmers took a day off from the field for joint festivities marking the completion of sowing, while women washed their hair in special water prepared by boiling iris flowers in the hope of preventing misfortune. Dano was a major holiday in the old days, but interest today has greatly decreased except in a few provinces.
A family making songpyeon, half moon-shaped rice cakes, for Chuseok

Chuseok, the autumnal full moon day that falls on the 15th day of the eighth month by the lunar calendar, is probably the most anticipated festive day for modern Koreans. Endless throngs of cars fill expressways and many institutions and stores are closed for three days. Family members get together, pay tribute to their ancestors, and visit ancestral graves. People living in cities return to their hometowns to observe Chuseok. Airplane and train tickets for those returning to their hometowns are usually reserved several months in advance.Among other festive days are Buddha's Birthday, which falls on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, and Christmas, which not only Christians but most young people enjoy. For Buddha's Birthday, a huge crowd of Buddhists join a lantern parade through the heart of Seoul, and Buddhist lanterns are hung along major streets.

Dol, the first birthday celebrationThere are several family holidays that are important for all Koreans and that are celebrated with feasting and merriment. They include baegil, the 100th day after a child's birth; dol, a baby's first birthday; and hoegap or hwan-gap, one's 60th birthday, which is considered as the completion of the 60-year cycle of the Oriental zodiac. These special days were observed with much enthusiasm when infant mortality was high and life expectancy was low.

Such occasions were observed as festivals in which even remote relatives attended, but these days they are usually observed by only close family members. As for hoegap, more and more senior citizens are turning to other forms of celebration such as traveling abroad, instead of enjoying celebrations at home.

How to Travel Around Korea

Domestic flights: Most domestic destinations are within an hour's flight from Seoul. Gimpo Airport, located between the western area of Seoul and the newer Incheon International Airport, is primarily used for domestic travel and short flights to Japan and China. Korean Air, Asiana Airlines and a few domestic discount carriers handle all flights within the country.

KTX Railway services: The Korea Railroad (KORAIL) operates three types of trains ― high-speed (KTX), express (Saemaeul), and local (Mugunhwa) ― along an extensive nationwide network. The KTX trains link Seoul with Busan, Mokpo, East Daegu, Gwangju and Iksan. Since even the longest KTX trip is under three hours, there are no dining cars, but passengers can purchase snacks and beverages from service carts provided. Express trains usually have dining cars. Most popular destinations in the nation can be reached via direct line or a single transfer. Check Korea Rail's website (www.korail.go.kr) for information about combination train-ferry tickets and rail passes available. (Note: Rail passes are only available to inbound tourists and must be purchased from certified Korail vendors overseas.)

Local and city bus services: Regular intercity and long-distance express bus networks connect virtually all cities and towns in the country. Regular intercity buses are the least expensive way to travel around the country but make frequent stops. Bus fares range from 700 to 1,800 won (US$0.74~$1.91). The website “www.visitkorea.or.kr” has detailed information. Click on "Transportation."

Long distance express buses: Long distance express buses go directly to their destinations, stopping only at expressway rest areas every few hours. Two types of buses link every major city in the country. Regular intercity buses have four seats per row. The more-expensive deluxe buses have only three seats per row and offer amenities such as phones and movies. Some lines run late-night deluxe express buses as well. Seoul has three intercity terminals providing service to different parts of the country ― the main Express Bus Terminal and Nambu Bus Terminal on Subway Line 3 in Gangnam and the Dong (East) Seoul Bus Terminal near Gangbyeon Station on Line 2. Busan's Express Bus Terminal is in its eastern downtown area.

Subway services: The subway is the most efficient and convenient way to get around Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Incheon and Daejeon. Subways have developed into these cities' main transportation systems and provide fast, safe, and comfortable rides. The Seoul Metro links all neighborhoods with the outlying areas and satellite cities. Fares vary according to destination, the basic fare being 1,000 won (US$ 1.06). Passengers can easily pay bus and subway fares and receive free transfers by using a debit card, known as T-money.

Taxi services: There are two kinds of taxis ­ regular and deluxe. Fares are based on distance and time. The black deluxe taxis are more comfortable, provide better service and charge more than the regular gray taxis. Nearly all taxis are equipped with a free third-party interpretation system that can be accessed by cell phone if passenger and driver have difficulty communicating.

Car rental : Driving can be an exciting and effective way of getting around Korea. Extensive road and expressway networks are available, which means you can visit every corner of the country easily.**Drivers must meet the following requirements: -Have more than one year's driving experience.-Have an International Driver's License.-Be over 21 years of age.-Possess a valid passport.Rental fees vary from 68,000 to 265,000 won (US$ 71.5 - $ 278.9) per day, depending upon the type of car. The speed limit is 60km/hr for most roads in the city and 80-100km/hr on expressways. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a felony that may result in a heavy penalty.

Ferry services : One of the most pleasant ways to see Korea, popular mainland to island ferry routes are Busan to Jejudo, Mokpo to Hongdo, and Pohang to Ulleungdo. There are ships making runs between Busan and Yeosu, with many in-between stops possible at ports along the south coast and Hallyeo Maritime National Park. Click “Transportation” on the website <>www.visitkorea.or.kr<> for more information about transportation and many other tourist-related information.

Travel Advice

Visas: Most tourists can visit Korea for 15 days without a visa, provided they have a return ticket upon entry. Many nationals may stay for longer periods, one to six months, without visas under reciprocity agreements between Korea and their governments. Visitors planning to work or reside in Korea for longer periods must have a visa before entry and obtain an alien registration card from a local immigration office within 90 days of arrival. For more info on visa regulations, click here

Currency: Korea's currency is the won, which comes in 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 won bills, and 10, 50, 100 and 500 won coins. Generally, banks are open between 09:30-16:30 Monday through Friday. Automated teller machines are in operation 24 hours a day. Most larger stores, hotels and restaurants in Korea will accept major international credit cards. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, since many smaller establishments and stores may not have credit card processing equipment. Animal and Plant Quarantine: All imported animals, plants and their products are subject to quarantine at airports and ports of arrival at the time of entry.Korea Travel Phone 1330 : When you need English assistance or travel information, just dial 1330, and a bilingual operator will offer you detailed information on tourist sites, transportation, restaurants, etc. You don't need to dial an area code if are you making the call from a landline phone, but if you are calling from a cell phone or abroad, you need to press an area code. When you want information about areas outside of Seoul, enter the area code of that region before pressing 1330. If you want to reach the number from abroad, press 82(country code)-Area code-1330. Be sure to drop 0 in front of the area code.

[Area Codes]
Seoul (0)2
Ulsan (0)52
Gyeonggi-do (0)31
Daegu (0)53
Incheon (0)32
Gyeongsangbuk-do (0)54
Gangwon-do (0)33
Gyeongsangnam-do (0)55
Chungcheongnam-do (0)41
Jeollanam-do (0)61
Daejeon (0)42
Gwangju (0)62
Chungcheongbuk-do (0)43
Jeollabuk-do (0)63
Busan (0)51
Jeju-do (0)64

Food of the life.

Traditional full-course meal

Of the three basic elements of life ― house, clothing and food ― the change in dietary habits has most significantly affected Koreans. Rice still remains the staple of most Koreans, but among the younger generations, many prefer Western-style food.Rice has been usually accompanied by various side dishes, mostly seasoned vegetables, soup, pot stew, and meat.A traditional Korean meal is not complete without kimchi, a mixture of various pickled vegetables such as Chinese cabbage, radish, green onion and cucumber. Certain types of kimchi are made spicy with the addition of red chili pepper powder, while others are prepared without red chili peppers or are soaked in a tasty liquid. However, garlic is always used in kimchi to add to its flavor. In late November or early December, Korean families used to prepare enough kimchi to last the long winter. The kimchi was stored in large clay jars partially buried to maintain temperature and retain flavor. In modern Korea, housewives often don't have time to make kimchi or the outdoor space needed to store large amounts. But kimchi is still a vital part of the Korean lifestyle: companies making the fermented dish and others selling special kimchi refrigerators enjoy brisk sales.

Baechu Kimchi (left) and Bulgogi, Korea's most popular beef dish (right)In addition to kimchi, doenjang (soybean paste), with its anti-cancer attributes, has attracted the attention of modern-day nutritionists. Koreans used to make doenjang at home by boiling yellow beans, drying them in the shade, soaking them in salty water, and fermenting them in sunlight. However, only a few families go through this process anymore; the majority buy factory-made doenjang. Among meat dishes, seasoned bulgogi (usually beef) and galbi (beef or pork ribs) are the most favored by both Koreans and foreigners.

Everything you ever wanted to know about Korean surnames

When this author mentioned that he would be moving to Korea, he was told that he would soon have lots of friends named "Kim." Due to lack of prior contact with Korea or Korean people, he had no idea what this meant, but shortly after arrival on the peninsula the full reality became clear. According to Korean government statistics, fully 3,102,537 households, or 9,925,949 people, share the surname 金, written in Hangeul as 김, and usually Romanized as Kim, but occasionally as Gim or even Kym.
For a nation with a population of over 48 million, Korea does not have that many family names – in fact, less than 300 all told. This is interesting, when compared with a nation like the Netherlands, which only adopted surnames when forced to by Napoleon in 1811, and which has over 100,000 different names.
According to government statistics for the year 2000, 54 percent, or well over half of the population of the Republic of Korea has one of five family names: Kim (김), Lee (이), Park (박), Choi (최) or Chung (정). Their respective percentages of the population are 21.6, 14.8, 8.5, 4.7 and 4.4, respectively. Rounding out the top ten family names (64.1 percent of the population in total) are Kang (강), Cho (조), Yoon (윤), Chang (장), and Lim (임).
According to this page which gives a ranking of all Korean surnames, there were 286 surnames registered in the year 2000, compared to 274 in 1985 and 258 in 1960. Some of the least common surnames belong to only a handful of people each.
There are about a dozen "double-barreled" surnames, composed of two syllables and two Chinese characters. The most common of these is Namkoong (남궁), which comes in at 93rd in the league table of family names, at 18,743 people. Then there is Hwangbo (황보), Jegal (제갈), Sakong (사공), Sunwoo (선우) and a few others. These names can be tricky to non-Koreans upon first encountering them, especially if the person has a single character given (first) name. The foreigners, expecting all Korean names to have a single character family name and a two character first name, can easily be confused.
This useful site also has information on the various Romanizations of Korean surnames. Some names such as 이 and 정 have many different alternatives, because no system of Romanization is perfectly adequate to capture the sound in Latin orthography.
There are also examples of surnames taken by foreigners throughout history who became naturalized Korean citizens. Most of these were Chinese, although there were some Japanese, a Mongol, A Uighur, a Jurchen, an Arab and a Vietnamese example, too.
One thing to bear in mind is that not all Kims are the same. Surnames are divided up into regional clans (bon-gwan) based around a clan center or origin. So there are Gimhae Kims, Gyeongju Kims, Gwangsan Kims and Gimnyeong Kims. Similarly, there are Lee clans based in Gyeongju, Jeonju and Seongju. Historically, there was a law in Korea forbidding people from the same clan from marrying each other, but now that it is no longer applied. You can see all 216 registered clans in ranked order here.
All Korean family names are represented by Chinese characters because, while historically Korea had its own naming conventions, the Korean aristocracy adopted the Confucian naming conventions used by neighboring China during the fifth century onwards. Over time, Chinese family names were adopted by the entire population. Because many of the names have been used for so many centuries, they have become fully Koreanized. Consequently, more recently arrived names like Maeng, Ma, Ka, Bing, and Jegal sound clearly Chinese to Korean ears. This page shows all the Chinese characters (Hanja) for Korean surnames arranged alphabetically according to their Hangeul spelling. Sometimes one Hangeul or English spelling can be used by a number of different family names – such as Yoo (four different names).
Family names used in North Korea are the same as those in South Korea, although clan origin is no longer seen as important there. Also, some names that begin with a vowel sound when written in Hangeul in South Korea, such as 이 and 임, begin with the velar flap sound "riyeul" (ㄹ) in North Korea, namely 리 and 림.
Unlike in many western countries, Korean women do not take their husband's surnames upon marriage but children inherit their father's surname.
By Jacco ZwetslootKorea.net Staff Writer & Editor

Seoulites celebrate new Gwanghwamun Plaza

Since the official opening of the newly renovated Gwanghwamun Plaza, located in front of -- and named after -- the main gate of Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbok Palace), on Aug. 1, more than one million people have visited it, according to Seoul Metropolitan Government on Aug. 9.
More than 400,000 people of all ages, genders and nationalities visited there within the first two days. They were excited to see the new landmark in Sejong-no (Sejong Road), central Seoul. Visitors looked around the 34-meter-wide and 557-meter-long plaza, stopping to sit on a bench for a rest, playing in the fountains and enjoying the beauty and the scent of the massive decorative flower arrangements.

Visitors looking at historic records engraved on the waterway (Photo: Yonhap News)

Before the opening of the new plaza, this place took up six of 16 lanes on a road through which thousands of cars pass every day, on either side of the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-shin (1545-1598).
More than 600 years ago, Gwanghwamun square was considered the venue for government buildings, with the main six government buildings straddling the square. Officials from these buildings gathered at the royal palace to discuss national affairs with the king during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Since then, this area was long considered the heart of Korean politics, and it has witnessed important turning points in Korean history.

Today, with the opening of the new plaza, visitors can have an opportunity to learn the history of the place if they look at a newly installed shallow waterway on the ground. By following the stream of water that passes to the east of the statue of Admiral Yi, they can read important records in Korean history from the Joseon Dynasty to modern times, carved on the surface of black rocks. Some of the records include the founding of the Joseon Dynasty by King Taejo in 1392 and the 2002 Korea-Japan FIFA World Cup. Future records will be recorded on the waterway that runs on the west side of the plaza, which is also built with black rocks.

(Photo: Yonhap News)

Also there are many other attractions to catch people's attention. To cool the heat of hot summer days for visitors, a 17-meter wide, 68-meter long chain of fountains in front of the statue spouts water every day and becomes a beautiful scene backed by colorful lights at night. According to Seoul Metropolitan Government, the fountain symbolizes Admiral Yi's victorious naval victories. Yi defeated a Japanese fleet of 133 ships with only 12 of his own in a sea battle in Myeongnyang Strait in 1597, and won all of his 23 sea battles.
Behind the statue, there is Gwanghwamun Plaza and Haechi underground square, connecting the plaza to Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. Haechi is a lion-like horned creature, also known as "Haetae," which was selected as Seoul's new symbol in 2008. Inside the underground square, visitors can find a Haechi sculpture, pictures and an exhibition of remains of old Gwanghwamun during the Joseon Dynasty, discovered during the construction of the plaza.
Walking further towards the center of the plaza, visitors can see a mini statue of King Sejong the Great (1397-1450), the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty, who invented Korean alphabet, Hangeul. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to unveil a full-size statue of King Sejong on Hangeul Day, Oct. 9, exhibit achievements of the king and show a video based his invention of Hangeul.

(Photo: Yonhap News)

Behind the statue of King Sejong, a 163-meter long, colorful flower carpet wows visitors, keeping them busy taking pictures to record for posterity the beauty and pleasure of moments with family members and friends.
Not only visitors, but also a non-Korean expert welcomes the opening of the plaza. Mathew Carmona, professor of Planning and Urban Design of the University College of London, was quoted as saying Gwanghwamun Plaza will become the new center of Korea, just as Trafalgar Square is the center of London, according to a Yonhap News report on Aug. 10. The construction of the plaza will make Seoul a more pedestrian-friendly space, Yonhap News added.
For the convenience and safety of visitors, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to build more public facilities around the plaza in near future. It also plans to host a variety of events to promote the plaza, develop special tour programs and introduce the history behind Gwanghwamun to people.

* How to go there

Take subway line 5 and get off at Gwanghwamun station. Follow the underground path linking the station to the plaza. For more general travel information, call Korea Travel Phone (02-1330, English, Chinese and Japanese are available around the clock).
By Yoon Sojung Korea.net Staff Writer