Language
The Korean alphabet is known as 한글 (pronounced han-gul). According to some, Hangul "is considered to be one of the most efficient alphabets in the world and has garnered unanimous praise from language experts for its scientific design and excellence." The history of Hangul comes from King Sejong, who created the language during the Chosun Dynnasty, which lasted from 1393-1910.
As a child, my parents taught me Korean and English. My father would make me memorize the Korean alphabet and practice writing Hangul every week. My grandfather also chose to name me, and Korean people usually have a separate Korean name, but my name is both my American and Korean name. The way in which my name is spelled using Hangul is 진우
Food
The history of Korea's food comes from the geographical location. Rice, beans, and vegetables come from the valleys whereas mushrooms and wild plants come from the mountains. Also, seafood is a large part of Korean cuisine as well due to being located near the ocean.
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Preservation is also essential in Korean culture and this can be seen through fermented foods, such as Kimchi, through soybean and chile pastes.
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According to research, chile was "spread across the world by Portuguese and Spanish merchants." Chile paste are "absolute staples of all Korean tables and many food preparations."
Clothing
Cultural Korean clothing is known as "hanbok" and it has changed looks throughout the different time periods. Initially, this clothing would be worn daily and "the baggy silhouette provides ease of movement, influenced by the nomadic tendencies of Koreans back in the day." Nowadays, however, hanboks are only worn for formal occasions such as weddings.
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The hanbok followed the Confucian style dress code and different colors represented different social positions and marital status.
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The Hanbok remains a staple in cultural heritage and is an important part in Korea's history, no matter if the designs may change more or not.
