Life in Korea takes an in-depth look at different aspects of Korean culture, society, and customs. Here you can learn more about Korea and get a better understanding of the Korean people. If you would like to see a particular part of Korean culture discussed, please send your suggestions to Life in Korea.
Current Spotlight: Korean Street Food
Compared to other developed countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and other Asian countries, Korean street food is more widely exposed. Street food is a spin-off of a snack corner that has been franchised to sell snacks such as rice cake stir fried in spicy sauce (tteokbokki), deep fried fritters (tempura), fish cakes (oden), and Korean sausage (sundae).
Discover Korean Street Food.
Past Spotlights
Korean War Korea gained independence from Japan in August 1945 at the end of WWII. Ideologically split by the U.S. and the Societ Union into South and North, both sides dreamed of eventual reunification. On June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, starting a bloody war lasting more than 3 years and involving more than 20 countries.
Oriental Astrology Oriental astrology assigns twelve animals according to the year of ones birth, as opposed to Western astrology which goes by the month of ones birth. Koreans believe that ones animal determines ones personality and fate. Each year holds different things in store for each animal. See what this year holds in store for you!
Korean Buddhism Buddhism has a long history, originating in India over 2,600 years ago. Travelers introduced the religion to Korea around the fourth century A.D. Since that time, Buddhism has greatly influenced Korean society, culture, and the arts. Although Buddhism's influence over society has declined in recent years, the devout still make regular pilgrimages to give offerings at temples.
Korean Festivals & Holidays Korea's long history, agrarian culture, and mix of religions provide a multitude of different festivals and holidays throughout the year. Some are held according to the Lunar Calendar, some are more regional than others, but most are very colorful and have specific customs and unique characteristics.
Kimchi- Korea's Food Although most people think of kimchi as Korea's firey hot and red food, there exist dozens of different types of kimchi. Some recipes call for little or no red pepper powder, so not all types are spicy. (In fact, kimchi developed long before the red pepper was introduced to Korea.) Because of the its ingredients and fermentation process, kimchi has many nutrients. Over the years, Koreans have created many types of foods from kimchi.
Traditional Alcohol Every culture has its own traditional alcohols, of which only a fraction are widespread. German and English beer, Scotch whiskey, French wine, Japanese sake, and Mexican tequila are known the world over. What about Korea, a country famous not for its alcohol but its reclusiveness and secrecy? Worldwide, alcohols have developed with idiocyncratic original charateristics. Europe has the perfect conditions for a viniculture that produces fine wines and dry Mexico makes Tequila out of cactus plants. Korea has created unique alcohols using rice malt.
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the symbol of the ideological dispute between North and South Korea and poignant reminder of the Korean War (1950-53), winds 155 miles across the Korean Peninsula. The last remaining vestige of the Cold War, the closed border region between North and South Korea highlights the fact that the Korean War did not end. An uneasy truce continues between the antagonists, but no peace treaty has ever been signed.
