Seoul Local Custom Tips by ancient_traveler

KOREAN MANNERS

Greeting and saying “thank you” are very important to Koreans. Word of greeting and thanks are usually said with a bow of the head. The dept of the bow depends on the relatives seniority between the two speakers.

Korean traditionally sit, eat, and sleep on the floor, so shoes are always removed when entering a Korean home. Bare feet are considered to be rude, so it is the best to wear socks or stocking when visiting home.

KOREAN ARTS

TRADITIONAL KOREAN MUSIC “GUGAK” shared a cultural background with China and Japan, but despite some superficial similarities. Gugak has a triple rhythm, while Chinese and Japanese music have two beat per measure. Gugak can be divided into two types: jeong-ak (for upper classes, has a slow and complicated melody) and minsogak (folk music).

TRADITIONAL DANCE like its music, also be classified into either court dances or folk dances. The slow, gracious movements of the court dances reflect the beauty of moderation and emotions formed as a result of the strong influence of Confucian philosophy. The folk danced, mirroring the life, work and religion of the common people, are exiting and romantic, spontaneous emotions of the Korean people.

TRADITIONAL PAINTING for upper class who produced much of the art were profoundly influenced by Chinese works. Folk painting, which became popular among the lower classes, expressive techniques and bright colors to depict strength, humor and leisure.

POTTERY-making techniques were transmitted from China to Korea over 1.000 years ago.

TAEKWONDO

Is a traditional Korean martial art. It is a method of self-defense that use the hands and feet. The ultimate goal of taekwondo is to develop the character and personality of the practitioner through physical, mental and spiritual discipline.

THE HERITAGE OF JOSEON DYNASTY

JONGMYO Royal Shrine is where the ancestral tablets of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty are enshrined. On the 1st Sunday of May each year, rituals are conducted according to strict procedures in an austere ambiance.

DEOKSUGUNG was the residence of King Gojong (1896-1919). Interesting structure inside the palace include the Royal Museum, which houses approximately 5.800 relics used in the Royal Court. It is the first renaissance-style building in Korea. Royal Guards Changing Ceremony everyday except Monday and rainy day.
www.deoksugung.go.kr
Subway line 1 City hall stn exit 2 or 3 OR Subway line 2 City hall stn exit 12

UNHYEONGUNG is was a private residence of the father of King Gojong, the next-to last king of the Joseon Dynasty. King Gojong was born and grew up here until age 12. On the lst Saturday of every April and October, GARYE the Wedding Caremony of King Gojong and Queen Myeongseong is reenacted here. Closed on Monday.
Subway line 5 Jongno 5-ga stn exit 4 or Subway line 3 Anguk stn exit 4
www.unhyeongung.com

NAMSAGOL & SAMCHEONGGAK

NAMSAGOL
This beautiful village is composed of 3 parts: a traditional Korean garden, Time Capsule Plaza and the village itself, which includes hanok (traditional Korean houses) from Joseon Dynasty. These houses were moved from their original locations around Seoul and restored completely. On traditional holidays, visitors can enjoy folk games such as seesaws, shuttlecock, and swings. Special events are held to provide visitors with a unique opportunity to make Korean food, especially kimchi. Close on Tuesday.
www.hanokmaeul.org
02-2266-6923-4

Subway line 3 or 4 Chungmuro stn exit 3

SAMCHEONGGAK
Located in a beautiful, landscaped wood in downtown Seoul. For 25 years it was a Gisaeng (Korean Geisha) house where politicians and diplomats had private meetings.

www.samcheonggak.or.kr
02-3676-6788

Subway line 3 Gyeongbokgung stn exit 3 and take a shuttle bus (every 20 min)

SEOUL NORI MADANG

An open-air stage for traditional Korean performances such as the folk dance and mask dance. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, people crowd around the stage beside Seokchonho Lake for traditional performances.

Behind Lotte World, Jamsil stn

HANGEUL

Koreans have developed and use a unique alphabet called Hangeul. It is considered to be one of the most efficient alphabets in the world and has garnered unanimous praise from language experts for its scientific design and excellence.

HANBOK

Hanbok has been the Korean traditional costume for thousands years, has straight lines, gentle curves and simple design. Exquisite materials, color and texture add variety and beauty. The beauty and grace of Korean culture can be seen in photographs of women dressed in the Hanbok. Before the arrival of Western-style clothing one hundred years ago, the hanbok was everyday attire. Hanbok is worn on traditional holidays, ceremonious occasion and special events.

HANOK

Hanok, a Korean traditional house. As a quiet residential area with a traditional touch, this neighborhood is a great destination for learning more about Korean traditions. All furniture, windows and other items are reproductions of a traditional Korean house. Traditional sleeping pads and quilts are provided.