The Cultural Experience of a South Korea Tour
South Korea’s population is mostly homogenous, except for about 20,000 Chinese. The majority (46%) claim no religious affiliations, 26% are Christian, 26% Buddhist, 1% Confucianist and 1% are other. The country’s main language is Korean although English is widely taught in junior high and high schools.
The capital city of Seoul, the third largest metropolitan area in the world, is where nearly one-half of South Korea’s population lives. This bustling city is a popular tour destination for travelers within the country.
South Korea is one of the most digitally connected and technologically advanced countries in the world. The country boasts the highest number of broadband Internet connections per capita and is the leader in computer games, digital displays and mobile phones globally. During a South Korea tour you can also spend time exploring the entertainment industry, which has also taken off in South Korea with the success of the local music, television, and film industries.
The traditional music that is heard in South Korea is very similar to music from Japan or China – characterized by the emphasis of stringed instruments. The two main forms are the court chongak and the folksy minogak. A-ak, a form of chongak, is performed during the spring and autumn Confucian rituals. Hyang-ak is of purely Korean origin consisting of ceremonial music, lyrical songs, narrative songs and military band music. Traditional Korean music has been endangered twice, once during Japan’s reign and the second with the introduction of Westernized music. The country has taken great strives in reviving the traditional music with the development of the National Korean Traditional Music Institute in 1952.
Some interesting cultural highlights to know before beginning your tour of South Korea: Don’t write a Korean name in red ink, because that means they are dead. Leaving the chopsticks sticking out of rice bowls is another rite reserved for the dead and very disrespectful. Blowing one’s nose at the dinner table is also another no-no; if your nose is running, simply wipe it or excuse yourself and blow it in the bathroom. The old traditions of tea ceremonies and ancestor worship are still extremely important to the culture.
