Korean Culture Essay

489 Words2 Pages
Korea has a very enduring, long and beautiful history. Korean culture has been built over centuries of tradition and has been influenced by other types of cultures in the area. It is based on family, respect, and responsibility. Elders are respected leaders of the family, responsible for making decisions that affect all members of the family. Deceased ancestors, grandparents, and parents are recognized and honored in annual memorials on the anniversary of their passing. One most important part of Korean life and value is family. A family's own well-being is much more important than the needs of the individual. Members of the family are tied to each other because the actions of one family member reflect on the rest of the family. In conventional homes, up to four generations may live in the same family dwelling. The eldest son (or daughter) is expected to assume responsibility for the care of parents when they can no longer provide for themselves. Daughters, when married, are expected to move from their family home and join the husband's family household. Traditionally, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter, and to approve the marriages of family members. Korea's traditional style outfit is the hanbok. A woman’s hanbok has a blouse, called a chogori, and a very full skirt that reaches the ankles. The blouse is tied at the waist and has long, full sleeves. Numerous petticoats might be worn underneath to increase the fullness. The chi’ma is fastened by tying across the chest just under the arms. A man’s outfit, called a chogori, tends to be longer than the woman’s and is styled more like a tunic. Instead of a skirt, men wore baggy trousers called paji. Hanboks have varieties of vibrant and eye-catching colors. Many of the outfits are uniquely created and artfully presented. The Korean New Years
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