RELIGION

As of 2005, just under half of the South Korean population expressed no religious preference. Of the rest, most are Christian or Buddhist; according to the 2007 census, 29.2% of the population at that time was Christian (18.3% professed to being Protestants and 10.9% Catholics), and 22.8% were Buddhist. Other religions include Islam and various new religious movements such as Jeungism, Cheondoism and Wonbuddhism. The earliest religion practiced was Korean shamanism. Today, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution, and there is no state religion .

 

Christianity is South Korea's largest religion, accounting for more than half of all South Korean religious adherents. There are approximately 15 million Christians in South Korea today, with almost two-thirds of Christians belonging to Protestant churches, while about 35% belong to the Catholic Church. Roman Catholicism has been the fastest growing denomination in South Korea since the late 1980s. South Korea is also the second-largest missionary-sending nation.

 

Buddhism was introduced to Korea in the year 372. According to the national census as of 2005, South Korea has over 10.7 million Buddhists Today, about 90% of Korean Buddhists belong to Jogye Order. Most of the National Treasures of South Korea are Buddhist artifacts. Along with Neo-Confucianism, Buddhism was also a state religion during the periods from Three Kingdoms of Korea to Goryeo before suppression under the Joseon Dynasty.

Islam in South Korea has an estimated less than 30,000 native followers, in addition to some 100,000 resident foreign workers from Muslim countries, particularly Bangladesh and Pakistan.

.:ENTERTAINMENTS:.

The Korean wave or Korea fever (a.k.a. Koreanophile) refers to the significantly increased popularity of South Korean culture around the world. It is also referred to as Hallyu, from the Korean pronunciation. The term was coined in China in mid-1999 by Beijing journalists who are surprised by the fast growing popularity of South Koreans and South Korean goods in China.

Hallyu is overwhelmingly driven by Korean TV dramas. The export earnings of Korean TV dramas far surpass those of Korean music and film. Today, South Korea is among the world's top ten cultural exporters and the Korean wave began with the export of Korean TV dramas such as Autumn in My Heart, Winter Sonata, My Girl, and Princess Hours. The growing success of Korean dramas was soon matched by Korean movies, Korean pop music, food and language.

While popular throughout Asia, the Korean wave's influence is most visible in China, Japan and Southeast Asia, spreading to Middle East and Central Asia. The Korean wave is also expanding beyond Asia through the Internet and has a particularly growing presence in Central and South America. Currently, the Korean wave is starting to hit the United Kingdom particularly continental Europe and Australia.

The Korean wave has been a big hit in Malaysia, by the growing success of South Korean dramas, movies and pop songs. The Korean wave started with popular Korean drama Winter Sonata when TV3 bought the right to show it on Malaysian TV. "Winter Sonata" was the first of the Korean Waves to crash onto Malaysian shores. A tsunami of Korean TV series such as "Autumn In My Heart", "Joyful Girl," "My Love, Patsi," and "Boys Over Flower" followed its success. The next Korean Wave then swept Malaysian cinemas. It began with the blockbuster "Shiri," followed by the horror movie, "Phone." Thanks to the boom of the Korean Wave trend, exports of kimchi to Malaysia increased by 150 percent!

Until the 1990s, trot and ballads dominated Korean popular music (also referred to as GaYo  music). The popularity of K-pop is often considered a part of the rise of the Korean Wave. The emergence of the rap group Seo Taiji and Boys in 1992 marked a turning point for Korean popular music, also known as K-Pop, as the group incorporated elements of popular musical genres of rap, rock and techno into its music. Hip hop, dance and ballad oriented acts have become dominant in the K-pop music scene, though trot is still popular among older Koreans. Many K-Pop stars and groups are also well known abroad, especially in Asia.

The mid-'90s marked the emergence of teen idol groups, creating a different trend in the music scenes. Groups such as H.O.T., Shinhwa, and S.E.S. became extremely popular, having strong fanbases and high-selling albums. Currently, in the 2000s, pop groups are still very popular although there has been an emergence of South Korean R&B and Hip-Hop artists have proven successful.

K-pop is similar to the boy bands of America in the 2000s. However, unlike American pop music, which had most of its boy bands and girl groups either break up or informally disband, bubblegum pop is still very popular in South Korea. Groups like Super Junior, SHINee, TVXQ, ZE:A, FT Island, Big Bang, SS501 and 2NE1 continue to be top sellers in K-pop. The year 2007 was marked with the release of numerous girl and boy bands, though only a few managed to top the charts.

The K-Pop sensation proves their popularity in Malaysia with warmest welcome by Malaysian Kpop fans to Kpop artists who came to Malaysia. For instance, Super Junior, the biggest boy band group in the world had set a biggest successful in their concert, Super Junior the 2nd Asia Tour, Super Show 2 which happened on 20^th March 2010 at Putra Indoor Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. The stadium was full with their 15 000 fans, which is somewhat equal to the international stars concert. It is followed by other Kpop artist showcase or mini concert in Malaysia like Wondergirls, UKISS, Beast, JYJ and Ze:A, which also received full attention from the fans. 

.:Super Junior successful concert in Malaysia:.

.:INTERESTING PLACES:.

Just like any other countries, South Korea offers you variety of interesting places to go to. Let's check them out!

1) Seoul -  The 600-year ancient capital of the Choson dynasty, is a fascinating blend of the traditional and the modern. Among towering skyscrapers in downtown Seoul stand old palace buildings and other cultural monuments. In suburban areas are old fortress walls as well as parks and many sports and leisure sites. Some of the interesting spots in Seoul are Han-gang river, Kyongbok palace, Secret garden, Mt. Namsan,DLI 63 Building, Korean Folk village in Yong-in, Pottery village.

2) The Central Area - Puyo and Kongju, old capital cities of the Paekche Kingdom, preserve many precious cultural relics. Taejon EXPO park, only two hours from Seoul, is a science and technology park. Nakwaam Rock in Puyo, King Munyong's tomb in Kongju, Popchusa Temple on Mt. Songni also located at the central area.

Pic shows Nakwaam Rock In Puyo.

3) The Southwestern Area - The bountiful crops from broad plains of this area have created a highly varied local cuisine. The area also has a rich artistic and musical tradition. Some places to visits are like Mt. Chiri, Mt. Togyu, Mt. Naejang, Pyonsanbando National park, Kwanghallu Pavillion in Namwon, and Tadohae Haesang National Park (picture).

4) The Eastern Area - Here, you will surely loves its dashing waterfalls, lakes, limestone grottos, beautiful beaches and cliffs; all these are the endowment of God. In winter you can even enjoy skiing in its snowlands.

5) The Kyongju, Pusan Area - The entire city of Kyongju is an open museum that preserves many cultural properties of the Shilla kingdom. Pusan, the international port city, bustles with incoming and outgoing foreign ships and travelers. Hallyosudo waterway, dotted with 400 gem-like islands and islets in the South Sea, is famous for its beautiful maritime scenery.

6) Jeju Island - Last but not least, the most famous island in South Korea, which is so well known by the outsiders. Its fresh air, craters, bizarre lava formations, chocolate-colored soil, clean beaches, Mt. Halla, a mill climate, and warmhearted people is really an attractive features of this island. Convenient tourist facilities, deluxe hotel, and leisure facilities have helped make the island more famous around the world as a tourist resort.

Just by looking at these few pictures, you can definitely say that South Korea is really worth your holiday, aren't you?

::CUISINE::

Korean cuisine is largely based on rice, noodles, tofu, vegetables, and meats. The most famous food is Kimchi, a fermented, spicy vegetable dish is usually served at every meal. Korean cuisine usually involves rich seasoning with sesame oil, doenjang fermented soybean paste), soy sauce, salt, garlic, ginger, and gochujang (red chili paste).

Kimch’i. Kimchi is the most well known Korean food locally and abroad. It is a fermented vegetable dish highly seasoned with red pepper and garlic and is served at virtually all meals.

Pulgogi. Pulgogi is one of the most popular dishes in Korea and is often liked by visitors. Pulgogi or Bulgogi is a Korean dish that usually consists of marinated barbecued beef, although chicken or pork may also be used.



Kalbi. Kalbi, on the other hand, are short ribs of beef or pork. Kalbi is made with marinated beef (or pork) short ribs in a ganjang-based sauce (Korean soy sauce).



Shinsollo. Shinsollo is a delicious mixture of meat, fish, vegetables, and bean curd, which is simmered in beef broth over a charcoal brazier at the table.


Hanjongshik. Hanjongshik literally means “full course Korean meal” and it is just that. When you order hanjongshik, you are usually served pulgogi, steamed short ribs, grilled fish, and a host of side dishes. These side dishes may vary from restaurant to restaurant, but the servings are always ample.


Pibimpap. Pibimpap is made from cooked rice mixed with bits of meat, seasoned vegetables, and egg. If desired, it can be eaten with koch’ujang (a hot red pepper sauce).


Kujolp’an. Kujolp’an is usually the first-course meal at any elegant Korean restaurant. Strips of cooked meat and vegetables are arranged in a large sectioned dish with a stack of Korean pancakes in the center. The fillings are wrapped in the pancakes.


Naengmyon. Naengmyon literally means “cold noodles”. It is a summer favorite, which is truly refreshing. Very thin, chewy buckwheat noodles are served in a cold beef broth with chopped scallions, shredded radishes, cucumbers, sesame seeds, and slices of lean beef. Appropriate condiments are hot mustard and vinegar.


Pap (Boiled Rice). Boiled rice, or rice mixed with barley, corn, or other grains, is the staple of the Korean diet. There are many ways to cook rice and different ingredients can be added to it. Besides boiling rice on its own or with other grains, it can also be re-cooked with vegetables, eggs, or meat.


Kuk or T’ang (Soup). Soup should be served at any Korean meal. Ingredients commonly used for soup include meat, vegetables, fish, seaweed, clams, and even the bones and internal organs of cows and pigs.


Tchigae (Stew) & Chon-gol (Casserole). Stews contain less water and more ingredients than soup. Depending on the main ingredients, soy sauce, soybean paste, and red pepper paste can also be added. Tchigae is an example of a stew dish. Chon-gol, a casserole dish, is cooked by placing layers of sliced, seasoned beef at the bottom of a pot.


Tchim & Chorim (Smothered and Soy Sauced Glazed Dishes). To cook tchim, put whatever ingredients you want along with seasonings into an earthenware pot and steam them at a low heat for a long time until they softened. There are many varieties of tchim. Glazing in soy sauce, or in red pepper paste, is a time-honored technique, which can preserve food for weeks.


Kui (Broiled Dish) & Chon (Fried Dish). You can broil food on a spit or directly on a grill. Barbecued beef is the most popular broiled dish. One popular fried dish is chon. Chopped or whole meat, fish, or vegetables are covered with flour. It is then dipped into beaten eggs and pan-fried to make chon.


Hoe (Sliced Raw Fish and Meat). Many people enjoy either raw or parboiled fish. Both dishes go well with drinks and are usually eaten on special occasions.


Namul (Vegetable Dishes). Vegetables may be parboiled or fried, and seasoned with various spices. They should be mixed, seasoned, and soaked by hand to improve the taste.


Chotkal (Salted Fish). Koreans preserve fish, clams, fish eggs, or the internal organs of fish with salt until they are fermented. This brings about salty yet tasty side dishes and appetizers. They also make good seasonings for other foods, especially kimch’i.


Ttok (Rice Cakes). Rice cakes are made by steaming rice flour in a rice cake steamer. These traditional cakes are usually made for ancestor worship ceremonies and for holidays.


Ch’a (Teas). Green Tea, Job’s Tears Tea, Citron Tea, and Ginger Tea are all examples of popular teas. A special etiquette called tado (the way of tea) is observed when drinking tea.


Korean Liquors. Korean beer and soju, a distilled liquor, are popular drinks. There are great tasting traditional Korean liquors such as Ch’ongju (strained rice wine), Insamju (ginseng liquor), and Makkolli (unrefined rice wine). Each province has its own special liquors. Munbaeju in Seoul, Igangju in Chollabuk-do province, Andong Soju in Andong, Kyongju Popchu in Kyongsangbuk-do province, Changgunju in Chonju, and Paegilju in Kongju are famous. Korean drinking etiquette is also slightly different. When somebody offers to fill your glass, hold it up with your right hand and place your left hand lightly under it.

~CLOTHING~

In all cultures, traditional costume is an indicator of national character and values. Koreans use "ot " as a general term for clothing. Koreans have designed their ot to cover their whole body but for comfortable use. Traditional clothing is called "hanbok," an abbreviation of the term Han-gukboksik (Korean attire). Moreover, forms, materials and designs in hanbok provide a glimpse into the Korean lifestyle, while its colors indicate the values and world view of the Korean people. Hanbok is a kind of apparel of the Caftan type. The outer top garment is loose fitting and opens in the front. Its single piece coat mirrors other Asian designs. 

Women's hanbok is comprised of a wrap-around skirt and a jacket. It is often called chima-jeogori, 'chima' being the Korean word for skirt and 'jeogori' the word for jacket. Men's hanbok consists of a short jacket and pants, called 'baji', that are roomy and bound at the ankles. Both ensembles may be topped by a long coat of a similar cut called 'durumagi'. Hanbok worn today are patterned after those worn during the Confucian-oriented Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Yangban, a hereditary aristocratic class based on scholarship and official position rather than on wealth, wore brightly colored hanbok of plain and patterned silk in cold weather and closely woven ramie cloth or other high-grade, light weight materials in warm weather. Commoners, on the other hand, were restricted by law as well as finances to bleached hemp and cotton and could only wear white, pale pink, light green, gray or charcoal colors.

Royal Clothes
The early Joseon Dynasty kings made neo-Confucianism the ruling ideology. Its emphasis on formality and etiquette dictated the style of dress for the royal family and the aristocrats and commoners for all types of occasions including weddings, and funerals. Integrity in men and chastity in women became the foremost social values and was reflected in the way people dressed.

The Beauty of Hanbok
The beauty of hankbok lies in the harmony of its colors and its bold, simple lines. Most 'jeogori' have a snap tie ribbons on the inside to hold them closed. The long ribbons of the jacket are tied to form the otgoreum. The 'otgoreum' is very important because it is one of three things by which the beauty and quality of hanbok is judged. The other two are the curve of the sleeves, 'baerae' and the way the 'git', a band of fabric that trims the collar and front of the jeogori, is terminated. The ends of the git are generally squared off and a removable white collar called the dongjeong is placed over the git. The regular pleats of the chima stretch downward from the high waist and increase in width as they reach the lower end of the traditional skirt, creating a sense of gracefulness.

Gat(Men's hat)
Durumagi
The durumagi is a traditional overcoat worn on special occasions over the traditional jacket and pants.
Baji
Baji refers to the lower part of the men's hanbok. Compared to western style pants, it does not fit tightly. The roomy nature of the cloth is due to a design aimed at making the cloth ideal for sitting on the floor.

Kkotsin
The kkotsin refers to silk shoes on which flower patterns are embroidered. They play an important role in completing the graceful line of the lower rim of the chima.

 

Jeogori The jeogori makes up the upper part of hanbok. Men's jeogori are larger and simplistic while women's jeogori are rather short and characterized by curved lines and delicate decorations.
Dongjeong The dongjeong refers to a white collar attached along the rim of the neckline. It contrasts and harmonizes with the overall curve of the neck.
 
Otgoreum (Cloth Strings) The otgoreum is a women's ornamental piece, which hangs vertically across the front of the chima (women's skirt).
Baerae (Jeogori Sleeve)
The baerae refers to the lower lines of the sleeve of either the jeogori (traditional jacket), or the magoja (outer jacket). It features a circular line which is naturally curved, similar to the line of the eaves of the traditional Korean house.     

 Chima

The chima is the women's outer skirt. There are different kinds of chima: single-layered, double-layered, and quilted. Pul-chima refers to a chima with a separated back, whereas a tong-chima has a seamed back.

 

Patterns
Traditional patterns graceful lines and color combinations enhance the beauty of hanbok. Plant, animal, or other natural patterns are added to the rim of chima, the areas surrounding the outer collar shoulders.

Beoseon
The beoseon corresponds to a pair of contemporary socks. Although the shape of the beoseon does not reflect any difference in the gender of its users, men's beoseon are characterized by a straight seam.

 

Every day children's clothes were designed to keep babies warm. Families dressed their child in bright clothes and quilted socks for his or her first birthday (Tol), a tradition that has continued to the present day.

The clothes for the dol include a cheonbok (long blue vest) worn over a durumangi and a bokkeon (black hat with a long tail). Words and symbols related to children were sewn onto the fabric. Originally, the clothes were only for sons of the yangban class. Eventually, the custom and costume spread to other classes and included daughters as well, but with a different style of clothing.

girl's dangui (ceremonial clothes)              

dol (1st birthday) clothes

         saekdong jeogori 3-4 years old girls

saekdong jeogori 3-4 years old boys

sagusam

benet jeogori 

    teol baeja- vest lined with fur for warmth       

                            bokkeon  

                                                                embroidered socks                                         tosu- worn around the wrist

 Commoners wore white, except during festivals and special occassions such as weddings. Clothes for the upper classes were made of bright colors and indicated the wearer's social status. Various accessories such as foot gear, jewelry, and headdresses or hair pins completed the outfit.