cultural features in seoul
The cultural features in Seoul include traditions/rituals, religion, performing arts/music, lifestyle, food, language, festivals and clothing.
Traditions/Rituals
A significant ritual is the Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Ritual and Royal Procession. It is a memorial service used to worship the late kings and queens from the Joseon Dynasty, held on the first Sunday of May annually. About 1,700 people take part.
The rite is usually followed by traditional court music of Joseon called Jongmyo Jeryeak and a dance named "Ilmu" or (otherwise known as Line Dance). During the ritual, the ancestral tablets of the kings and queens in that dynasty are taken to Jeongjeon and the finest taken to Yeongnyeongjeon. In the afternoon, the royal procession is depicted and the king and crown prince make the scene with a carriage to attract the audience. Soon after, the king takes his place in the palace and sits in a sedan chair.
The Jeongjeon rite begins with a repsectful greeting to the gods, to bring them happiness. The ritual ceremony is performed with traditional instruments. 200 chosen descendants of the royal family and the queen have been selected to give in sacrifice and assist people as administrators.
The rite is usually followed by traditional court music of Joseon called Jongmyo Jeryeak and a dance named "Ilmu" or (otherwise known as Line Dance). During the ritual, the ancestral tablets of the kings and queens in that dynasty are taken to Jeongjeon and the finest taken to Yeongnyeongjeon. In the afternoon, the royal procession is depicted and the king and crown prince make the scene with a carriage to attract the audience. Soon after, the king takes his place in the palace and sits in a sedan chair.
The Jeongjeon rite begins with a repsectful greeting to the gods, to bring them happiness. The ritual ceremony is performed with traditional instruments. 200 chosen descendants of the royal family and the queen have been selected to give in sacrifice and assist people as administrators.
A polite tradition in Seoul is to remove your shoes before coming into another home. Traditional Korean homes have no chairs or beds, so you sit and sleep on the floor.
Here are polite traditions in Korea:
Greetings
1. Both arms by your side, make sure to bend from your waist and keep your head down. This is polite to do for your elders.
2. Whilst bowing, the most common greeting phrase is 'Annyung hasaeyo".
3. Don't squeeze too hard when shaking hands.
Gift Giving
1. This is probably the most important part of the culture so when visiting a friend's home or a party, always have gifts.
2. If you are the one who is supposed to accept the gift, refuse a bit in the beginning then agree on having it, otherwise they will feel rejected.
3. Bright coloured wrapping is preferred.
Dining
1. If there is a "No Tipping" sign, Koreans will find it offensive if you tip.
2. Even if you are not the person who invites everyone, it is polite to offer to pay.
Body Language
1. Do not casually touch a Korean who is not your close friend.
2. Do not point with your index finger.
Here are polite traditions in Korea:
Greetings
1. Both arms by your side, make sure to bend from your waist and keep your head down. This is polite to do for your elders.
2. Whilst bowing, the most common greeting phrase is 'Annyung hasaeyo".
3. Don't squeeze too hard when shaking hands.
Gift Giving
1. This is probably the most important part of the culture so when visiting a friend's home or a party, always have gifts.
2. If you are the one who is supposed to accept the gift, refuse a bit in the beginning then agree on having it, otherwise they will feel rejected.
3. Bright coloured wrapping is preferred.
Dining
1. If there is a "No Tipping" sign, Koreans will find it offensive if you tip.
2. Even if you are not the person who invites everyone, it is polite to offer to pay.
Body Language
1. Do not casually touch a Korean who is not your close friend.
2. Do not point with your index finger.
Religion
Surveys show that most of South Korea are irreligious, however there are 2 main religions: Buddhism and Christianity.
Buddhism is one of the older religions in South Korea. Society has refused Buddhism because of it's influence but there are still many Korean's who still practice this religion.
Christianity has started to spread widely through Seoul and more people are converting. A group of Jesuits from China introduced the religion here. Unfortunately, Catholicism started to spread and many got executed . Some of the biggest churches can be found here.
Buddhism is one of the older religions in South Korea. Society has refused Buddhism because of it's influence but there are still many Korean's who still practice this religion.
Christianity has started to spread widely through Seoul and more people are converting. A group of Jesuits from China introduced the religion here. Unfortunately, Catholicism started to spread and many got executed . Some of the biggest churches can be found here.
Music/Performing arts
South Korean music can be categorised in 2 different categories : Traditional music and K-Pop.
Traditional Music: Korean traditional music involves folk, classical and courtly music. The beginning of traditional music dated ages ago. Sadly, Korea got rid of Korean music at 1905 but fortunately, came back at 1945.
Some examples of traditional instruments are:
- Gayageum
- Bipa
- Piri
- Hojok
K-Pop: K-Pop is the more popular, universally known type of music in Korea. Modern K-Pop is prevailed by dance groups involving young men and women with good looks, great dance skills and great singing voices. Rock and Hip-hop are incorporated together when releasing new songs in the K-Pop music industry.
Some examples of famous K-Pop bands and singers are:
- Super Junior (Boy-Band)
- Girl's Generation (Also known as SNSD) (Girl-Band)
- SHINee (Boy-Band)
- 2PM (Boy-Band)
- Big Bang (Boy-Band)
- Girl's Day (Girl Band)
- Nu'est (Boy-Band)
- Exo (Boy-Band)
- B1A4 (Boy-Band)
- IU (Female Singer)
- Ailee (Female Singer)
- BEAST (Also known as B2ST) (Boy-Band)
- PSY (Male Singer)
----- > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyXy0m-4bvE < -----
(Nu'est - Face)
----- > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX428S3k0Iw < -----
(SNSD/Girl's Generation - I Got A Boy)
----- > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAbokV76tkU < -----
(Big Bang - Fantastic Baby)
----- > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roughtzsCDI < -----
(SHINee - Ring Ding Dong)
Perfoming Arts:
Seoul has many talented groups of performers including:
- Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Music Orchestra
- Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre
- Seoul Metropolitan Chorus
- Seoul Metropolitan Musical Theatre
- Seoul Metropolitan Theatre
- Seoul Metropolitan Opera
- Seoul Metropolitan Junior Chorus
- Seoul Metropolitan Youth Traditional Music Orchestra
- Seoul Youth Philharmonic Orchestra
Traditional Music: Korean traditional music involves folk, classical and courtly music. The beginning of traditional music dated ages ago. Sadly, Korea got rid of Korean music at 1905 but fortunately, came back at 1945.
Some examples of traditional instruments are:
- Gayageum
- Bipa
- Piri
- Hojok
K-Pop: K-Pop is the more popular, universally known type of music in Korea. Modern K-Pop is prevailed by dance groups involving young men and women with good looks, great dance skills and great singing voices. Rock and Hip-hop are incorporated together when releasing new songs in the K-Pop music industry.
Some examples of famous K-Pop bands and singers are:
- Super Junior (Boy-Band)
- Girl's Generation (Also known as SNSD) (Girl-Band)
- SHINee (Boy-Band)
- 2PM (Boy-Band)
- Big Bang (Boy-Band)
- Girl's Day (Girl Band)
- Nu'est (Boy-Band)
- Exo (Boy-Band)
- B1A4 (Boy-Band)
- IU (Female Singer)
- Ailee (Female Singer)
- BEAST (Also known as B2ST) (Boy-Band)
- PSY (Male Singer)
----- > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyXy0m-4bvE < -----
(Nu'est - Face)
----- > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX428S3k0Iw < -----
(SNSD/Girl's Generation - I Got A Boy)
----- > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAbokV76tkU < -----
(Big Bang - Fantastic Baby)
----- > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roughtzsCDI < -----
(SHINee - Ring Ding Dong)
Perfoming Arts:
Seoul has many talented groups of performers including:
- Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Music Orchestra
- Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre
- Seoul Metropolitan Chorus
- Seoul Metropolitan Musical Theatre
- Seoul Metropolitan Theatre
- Seoul Metropolitan Opera
- Seoul Metropolitan Junior Chorus
- Seoul Metropolitan Youth Traditional Music Orchestra
- Seoul Youth Philharmonic Orchestra
Popular K-Pop groups such as: Big Bang, 2NE1, B2ST, MBLAQ and more.
Lifestyle
Seoul is described as energetic and fast city.
People in Seoul are very often polite to foreigners, more than to each other, to put up a good impression. The streets are decent but not as clean as Tokyo or Singapore. Seoul is modern and technologically advanced than other countries and cities.
Seoul's public transportation is quite cheap and convenient, not to mention hygienic. These vehicles can cover lots of Seoul and many suburbs. However, if driving in Seoul, traffic can be really bad during rush hours.
Seoul is technologically advanced compared to other countries like Canada and US. They have one of the fastest and best internet access spots and PC Cafes can be found pretty much anywhere.
Seoul is quite a safe city. Crime does not happen much and thus, Seoul's night life is quite safe and fun. Many stores, restaurants and bars are open 24/7 and like New York City, Seoul never sleeps.
Many Korean men are smokers and drinkers. If you like clubbing, the Hongdae area is definitely somewhere you should go. However, if you want to be around English speakers, then it is suggested you visit Itaewon. They also love karaoke and singing.
Seoul is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world. The housing expenses and gas prices are high but fortunately, public transport is cheap.
People in Seoul are very often polite to foreigners, more than to each other, to put up a good impression. The streets are decent but not as clean as Tokyo or Singapore. Seoul is modern and technologically advanced than other countries and cities.
Seoul's public transportation is quite cheap and convenient, not to mention hygienic. These vehicles can cover lots of Seoul and many suburbs. However, if driving in Seoul, traffic can be really bad during rush hours.
Seoul is technologically advanced compared to other countries like Canada and US. They have one of the fastest and best internet access spots and PC Cafes can be found pretty much anywhere.
Seoul is quite a safe city. Crime does not happen much and thus, Seoul's night life is quite safe and fun. Many stores, restaurants and bars are open 24/7 and like New York City, Seoul never sleeps.
Many Korean men are smokers and drinkers. If you like clubbing, the Hongdae area is definitely somewhere you should go. However, if you want to be around English speakers, then it is suggested you visit Itaewon. They also love karaoke and singing.
Seoul is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world. The housing expenses and gas prices are high but fortunately, public transport is cheap.
FOOD
Food in Seoul is very nice and recommended for anyone. Here are some examples of popular foods.
- Kimchi is Korea's national dish and a loved food. There are many different types of kimchi you can find.
- Tteokbokki is also another loved dish which are normally bought from street vendors. However, tteokbokki is considered a snack, not a meal.
- Kimchi is Korea's national dish and a loved food. There are many different types of kimchi you can find.
- Tteokbokki is also another loved dish which are normally bought from street vendors. However, tteokbokki is considered a snack, not a meal.
A picture of a kimchi dish.
Language
Korean is the language mainly used in Korea. The written form is called Hangul and there are no other major languages spoken there. However, English is a popular second language.
Festivals
Seoul is a city where many festivals are held. Here are just a few.
- Asia Song Festival: Where many korean musicians and singer gather and perform.
- Lotus Lantern Festival: Where important figures, guests, believers and characters of the Buddhism community come together and perform a lighting ceremony where lanterns are lit to show their hope for world peace and the development of their city.
- Jeju King Cherry Blossoms Festival: Where the first spring flower festivals were held. It takes place in the Citizen Welfare Town.
- Asia Song Festival: Where many korean musicians and singer gather and perform.
- Lotus Lantern Festival: Where important figures, guests, believers and characters of the Buddhism community come together and perform a lighting ceremony where lanterns are lit to show their hope for world peace and the development of their city.
- Jeju King Cherry Blossoms Festival: Where the first spring flower festivals were held. It takes place in the Citizen Welfare Town.
Clothing
Clothing shops in Seoul have a range of varities from the latest, expensive trends to traditional hanboks (Traditional Korean Dresses). Seoul has become a hotspot for clothes shopping.
SNSD/Girl's Generation in hanboks.