Korean Culture
by Emmanuel Baquero Saurith
1. TRADITIONAL CELEBRATIONS AND HOLIDAYS
1.1. New Year's Day (1 January)
1.2. Seollal: Lunar New Year's Day (February)
1.3. Independence Movement Day (1 March)
1.4. Children's Day (5 May)
1.5. Buddha Birth Day (May, 8th day of the 4th lunar month)
1.6. Memorial Day (June 6)
1.7. Liberation Day (August 15)
1.8. National Foundation Day (October 3)
1.9. Christmas (December 25)
2. TRADITIONAL COSTUMES
2.1. In South Korea, the so-called hanbok - literally "Korean clothing" - the traditional costume with all its accessories and ornaments, expresses the popular identity of the country.
3. Gastronomy
3.1. Bap (boiled rice) and juk (porridge):Boiled rice is the staple of the Korean diet. Barley, soybeans, chestnuts, millet, or other grains are often added to give it a special taste and additional nutritional value.
3.2. Jjigae and jeongol (stews and casseroles): Less watery and containing more food to chew than soup, these dishes can be the main part of a meal.
3.3. Jjim and jorim (simmered meat or fish): Jjim and jorim are similar.
3.4. Namul (vegetable dishes): The Korean diet includes hundreds of vegetables.
4. Sports
4.1. Hiking and climbing
4.1.1. The most popular recreational activity in Korea is hiking.
4.2. Cycling
4.2.1. Bicycles, including electric bikes, are available for rent in major cities.
4.3. Skiing and Snowboarding
4.3.1. The snow season runs from December to March.
4.4. Ice skating
4.4.1. You can skate all year round at Lotte World in Seoul.
4.5. Surfing
4.5.1. Haeundae and Song-jeong beaches are two of South Korea's best spots.
4.6. Diving
4.6.1. The best dive sites are off Seogwipo on Jeju-do's south coast, with soft coral walls, eighteen metres-high kelp forests (sea-may)
4.7. Golf
4.7.1. Today Korean women dominate the US LPGA tour and golf is a national pastime, with hundreds of courses throughout the country.
4.8. Kayaking, canoeing and rafting
4.8.1. Northwest Gangwon-do is the most visited area for kayaking, canoeing and rafting from mid-April to October.