Culture and Lifestyle

Korea has a long and distinguished cultural history. While experiencing rapid economic development, the current trend in Korean culture is the harmonious combination of traditional and modern styles, revealing its historical roots.

Most South Koreans live in cities. Seoul, the capital city, has more than 10-million people. If you are intent on delving beneath the surface of the modern city, you will be delighted in Seoul, where the downtown area mushrooms with gleaming skyscrapers and also boasts plenty of centuries-old palaces, shrines and bustling markets.

Korea is a mountainous country and is covered with verdant and craggy peaks projecting skyward. Even the capital is encircled with four mountains. Koreans are a people obsessed with nature and with mountains in particular. Wherever you travel, you will see Koreans pushing ever onward and upward into the open air

Various religions coexist happily in Korea now, but many cultural aspects are heavily influenced by Buddhism and Confucianism. Belief in the power of nature also still vividly affects the life of Koreans.

Koreans have a dynamic nature and have shown a great love for music and dance throughout history. Reflecting this nature, today Korean film makers, actors and singers in particular are internationally renowned and loved. The term ‘Korean Wave’ was especially coined to refer to the surging popularity of Korean Culture in neighboring countries. Korean TV dramas such as ‘Jewel in the Palace’ witnessed overwhelming success across East and Southeast Asia. Korean male celebrities are now among the highest-paid actors outside Hollywood. The singers Rain and BoA are best-selling international artists from Korea. These cultural figures serve as a major tourist magnet.