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SDLC 111.m4a

Below you can find the summary and the slides for my final cultural project that I have presented for both SDLC 105 and SDLC 110 courses.

final%20project.docxEaster%20Traditions%20in%20Hungary.pptx

final%20project.docx

• What insights have you gained about yourself as a language learner and cultural explorer? 

As a language learner, I’ve learned that I am best motivated to be consistent with my learning when there is more structure and an outside influence controlling my learning speed and the topics that I study. Normally when I direct my own planning, I have learned that I am less consistent than I would be with an outside educational plan director with someone to strongly encourage me to improve my studying habits and stay on top of my materials to know. However, learning a language by myself was new and since I had an interest in it, I had hoped to be more committed throughout the semester for maintaining practice with Korean. However, that was not the case. I did not attain as much Korean language learning as I aspired to. 

Regarding culture, I think that it is very interesting about the common cultural themes in Korean history as well as its tradition. I feel that in the United States since we are a relatively young country of different groups of people, there is not strong deep cultural values in typical American modern families. However, that is not the case in South Korea. They seem to be able to embrace the modern ways of living while conserving the important symbolism in traditions and rituals that have a long past and high importance. Furthermore, globalization has only brought value to these traditions as they die from infrequent practicing among today’s younger generations of Koreans.

• What did you find difficult? 

In my learning, I had waves of difficulty for Korean writing and speaking. It was difficult for me to learn a whole new writing system and a whole new set of pronunciations. I had to manipulate parts of my airways and mouth in ways that I struggled with at first. I was also not too positive about the idea of having to memorize a whole new character system and which sounds they produced. However, after getting the hang of it, my next struggle was that I had to sound out each syllable and I could only identify the word from how it would sound, not from how it was written. It has been a slow process learning new vocabulary since I could only know it from its pronunciation instead of its written form.

• What have you enjoyed? 

After learning the basic character system and common greetings and phrases, I liked being able to utilize my limited Korean vocabulary with my Korean friends. I also liked being able to identify Korean in real time. I was sitting on a park bench in DC near American University and thought how strange it was to find Korean on a bus stop instead of chinese. I didn’t realize there was a significant population to have public transportation with Korean writing on it. Especially since Korean originated from a very small part of the globe, it was more astounding that it was prevalent enough to be included with Spanish on the signs of a bus stop.

• How will you continue your learning? 

I hope to continue my learning during the spring semester. I believe that the Talk To Me In Korean subscription will still be valid all spring, so I will try to utilize that as much as I can. I will also try to watch more Korean media like TV shows and movies that interest me. 

• Which readings and learning activities did you find most useful?

I did not find any specific readings or activities the most useful since all of the little Korean I know is all jumbled in my head that one lesson has not left enough of an impact on me to be able to easily practice some phrases in this moment

• What would you like to learn more about?

I think it would be more interesting to learn more about Korean history and traditions. Since Korea has such a complex and long history, there is a lot to know about it and how everyone from the past contributes to the present economic state of Korea and how it has advanced so much in the past 20 years. Korean traditions seem to hold so much meaning, so I think it would be very enriching to learn all the values that Korean culture puts emphasis on. I would also like to learn more about how the split of North and South has affected the people especially those living close to the border as residents or those who worked in the military and their opinions on it.

Fall 2023 SDLC 111

Cultural Post #4

다례 Darye

David Kim

30262888

david.kim123@richmond.edu

The Korean tea ceremony, known as 다례 Darye, is a traditional practice that emphasizes the preparation, serving, and drinking of tea. Darye places importance on simplicity, harmony, and respect. It's a meditative practice that seeks to bring people together in a serene environment. Darye is often conducted in a tranquil setting, such as a traditional tea house or a calm garden, enhancing the overall experience.

While it is challenging to find the exact time of origin, tea culture in Korea can be traced back over a millennium. Tea was introduced to Korea from China during the 삼국 시대 Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 668 CE). During the 고려 시대 Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), Buddhist monks played a significant role in popularizing tea as they incorporated it into their daily rituals and practices. The 조선 시대 Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) further solidified the importance of tea in Korean culture. 

Various types of tea are used in Darye. Each type has its own unique preparation and serving methods. 녹차 Green tea is one of the most popular types of tea used in the Korean tea ceremony. Green tea leaves are minimally processed, preserving their natural flavors and aromas. 보리차 Barley tea, made from roasted barley, has a toasty flavor and is often enjoyed for its mild and refreshing taste. 옥수수차 Corn tea is made by roasting corn kernels. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, making it a comforting choice. 국화차 Wild chrysanthemum tea is made from 국화 wild chrysanthemum flowers and is known for its light and floral notes. 대추차 Jujube tea is made from 대추 the Chinese fruit jujube. It has a naturally sweet taste and is often consumed for its perceived health benefits. 오미자차 Omija tea is  a unique Korean tea made from Omija, also known as the five-flavor berry. It is known for its complex flavor profile, combining sweetness, sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and spiciness.

Darye follows a precise sequence of steps. The host begins by carefully choosing and cleaning the tea utensils, including the tea bowl 다완 (Dawan), tea whisk, tea scoop, and tea caddy. The host heats water to the appropriate temperature for the specific type of tea being served. The water is then poured into the tea bowl. The tea bowl and other utensils also may be warmed by pouring a small amount of hot water over them. This helps create an ideal environment for brewing the tea. The host measures the appropriate amount of tea leaves and places them in the tea bowl. The hot water is poured over the tea leaves, and the host uses the tea whisk to gently stir and mix the tea, allowing it to steep. The tea is carefully poured into individual tea cups and presented to the guests. The host may serve each guest individually or arrange the cups on a tray. Guests are encouraged to appreciate the aroma, color, and taste of the tea. There may be moments of quiet reflection as everyone enjoys the tea together. After the tea is consumed, the host cleans and dries the utensils. This step is performed with precision and care, maintaining respect for the tools and the ceremony itself. 

Darye is not just about drinking tea. It represents the aspects of Korean culture, including Confucian principles, spirituality, and the appreciation of nature. Darye provides a platform for social interaction, fostering connections and conversations among participants. 

https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0055116

http://contents.history.go.kr/mobile/km/view.do?levelId=km_010_0070_0030_0020

http://www.myungwon.org/sub3_2

https://teabybirdy.com.au/blogs/news/south-korean-darye

다례 Darye

녹차(Nok-Cha) Green Tea

보리차(Bori-Cha) Barley Tea

옥수수차(Oksusu-Cha) Corn Tea

국화차(Gukhaw-Cha) Wild chrysanthemum Tea

대추차(DaeChu-Cha) Jujube tea

오미자차(Omija-Cha) Omija Tea

Fall 2023 SDLC111

Monthly Language Learning Journal #4

David Kim

30262888

david.kim123@richmond.edu

For November, my language partner and I watched episodes six and seven of the Korean drama show “Mask Girl” on Netflix. Episode six “Kim Mo-mi” is about Kim Mo-mi’s life after she gets imprisoned. The episode starts with black and white. She is dressed in a prison uniform with the number 1047. She is famous due to the Mask Girl case and does plastic surgery consulting for people inside prison. She meets An Eun-suk, another prisoner who is the strongest figure inside the place. She has connections with politicians and made the rule that people who are imprisoned by adultery can not have any food for three days. This scene shows that An Eun-suk is more powerful than the officers. She regularly gets coffee with the manager of the prison. However, Kim Mo-mi doesn’t care and shares her food with the person who was caught for adultery. Even though Kim Mo-mi fought with An Eun-suk’s people, she was the only one getting a penalty. She did not give up and kept fighting with An Eun-suk to the point that An Eun-suk told her people to not mess with her. It becomes 2023 and the episode brings in the colors. One day, Kim Mo-mi receives a letter: "You should also feel what it is like your child is getting destroyed.” She tries to escape but fails and gets a penalty of one month to stay alone in a small room only with a bible. Now Kim Mo-mi gives a testimony and promises An Eun-suk to donate a kidney for her daughter. During a bible study inside the prison, Kim Mo-mi and Kim Kyung-ja meet again. Kim Kyung-ja was one of the volunteers for the bible study. She escaped the car back in 2010. She got plastic surgery, made a fake ID, and bought a new house. She was the old woman who sold tteokbokki and spread the rumor that Kim Mi-mo was the daughter of Mask Girl. Episode six reminded me of the previous episodes. First, the threatening mail sent by Kim Jyung-ja reminded me of the threatening email sent by Ju Oh-nam in the beginning. I was surprised that they were son and mother. Also, the rumor appeared in the show again. I realized how a rumor can ruin someone’s life without any effort or money. It is dangerous because no one is responsible for it and it is difficult to stop it. 

Episode seven “Mo-mi and Mi-mo” is about the last story between all the characters. Kim Mo-mi is taken to a hospital for kidney donation. She escaped the hospital and ran away with a car. Meanwhile, Ye-chun finds out that the rumor about Kim Mi-mo was started by the tteokbokki grandma. Kim Mi-mo’s grandma, Ye-chun, and Kim Mo-mi are all heading to Kim Kyung-ja’s house. Kim Kyung-ja already had Kim Mi-mo at her place and tied Kim Mi-mo up with a camera recording her. Kim Mi-mo’s grandma was killed by Kim Kyung-ja. Kim Mi-mo was able to defeat Kim Kyung-ja and save her daughter. However, Kim Kyung-ja was still alive with her gun. The police shot her but Kim Kyung-ja’s last bullet was shot toward Kim Mi-mo, and the mother saved her daughter with her own body. Ye-chun’s parents became Kim Mi-mo’s guardians and the drama ends with Kim Mi-mo watching her mother’s kindergarten tape. 

When I first finished the whole drama, I thought it was very violent and dark. I could only see the dark sides that they tried to capture. However, I can now see the unseen relationship that only families can have. Even though Kim Mi-mo, Kim Mo-mi, and Kim Mi-mo’s grandmother had bad relationships, they all cared for each other deeply. They were even willing to sacrifice their own lives to save each other. When the drama Mask Girl did a good job capturing the dark reality of South Korea, it also did a wonderful job capturing the strong connection between family members. 

Throughout the semester, I learned that basically if I learn a language that I genuinely want to learn, then I will put much more effort into it compared to something that I’m forced to learn. This may sound very obvious but I think if I had just known the scale to which it would affect my learning, then I would’ve without a doubt learned Korean much sooner. Having almost daily conversations in Korean helped me expand greatly, rather than just sitting down and going through lecture about probably Korean grammar and whatnot. Having a language partner does make the experience much more enjoyable as they help me learn the content in a fun way. Learning the language through videos about history and culture as well as of course the music, will be something that I continue to do without a doubt. What I found most difficult however was trying to learn the writing in Korean. Although the alphabet, forming words, and reading are possibly one of the easiest out of any language, the grammar itself I feel is one of the hardest. Sometimes “conjugating” words did not follow any rule depending on the root word making it extremely difficult to follow along. Learning about the language families helped me with my final project (and coming up with my final project topic). After learning that Korean, Japanese, and Chinese were all very similar I wanted to know how similar they really were and if they changed over time at all. Overall, this experience was nothing to forget as it helped me learn so much about Korean culture and language in such a short timeframe. I don’t think I’ve ever learned this much about a language/culture before on any scale and if given the chance, I’d definitely do it again.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SjvUlby7Q0r8R0OZK0YRKlAr-abWLjlf/view?usp=sharing

My language partner and I have been diving into the differences between spoken and written Korean. Just like English, most people don't speak in the format of written Korean, as written language tends to be extensive, formal, and awkward. However, in Korean the form of the words alter slightly depending on it being spoken or written, so I need to put more attention into the details when writing a phrase/word that I'm accustomed to speaking one way. I've noticed the difference a lot more when reading news article and such, as they are far more formal than the average piece of writing. After reading an article, I talk to my partner about it, summarizing the article, but also in the process of doing so I'm able to hear myself and my partner, discerning the differences between spoken and written Korean. Other times, I do the reverse - talk and record a few sentences/paragraphs to my partner, then try to write it down in its more formal counterpart.

Overall, I think this practice has helped me improve my writing more than I initially thought it would, which is great. I'm going to continue this with my partner and keep my eyes open for new practices.

"The Vegetarian" by Han Kang holds profound relevance to both Korean culture and international audiences. The novel addresses the societal norms surrounding diet, particularly the strong cultural emphasis on meat consumption. Yeong-hye's(main character decision to become a vegetarian is not merely a personal dietary choice; it becomes a symbolic act of rebellion against the societal expectations that dictate conformity. Korean cuisine is notably meat-centric, and the act of rejecting this cultural norm serves as a metaphor for resisting conformity in broader aspects of life. Han Kang uses this narrative to explore the tension between individual agency and societal expectations, shedding light on the struggles individuals face when challenging established cultural norms.  At its core, the novel reflects the societal pressures and expectations placed on individuals in South Korea, where conformity and adherence to tradition often hold significant weight.

Moreover, "The Vegetarian" examines the traditional gender roles and patriarchal structures that permeate Korean society. Yeong-hye's rebellion against societal expectations is particularly evident in the context of gender, as women are often burdened with societal norms and expectations regarding their appearance, behavior, and roles within the family. Her decision to break free from these constraints challenges the traditional Korean concept of the "good wife" and the societal pressure on women to conform to predetermined roles. The novel's exploration of mental health and the stigma surrounding it is also relevant in the Korean cultural context, as well as Asian culture.. Mental health issues have historically carried a significant social stigma in South Korea, making discussions around them challenging, people have been dismissed or minimalized for. Yeong-hye's descent into mental illness and her family's inability to comprehend or address her struggles reflect broader societal challenges in acknowledging and addressing mental health issues. By portraying the impact of mental health on individuals and families, Han Kang contributes to an important conversation within Korean culture about destigmatizing mental health struggles and fostering empathy and understanding.

Internationally, "The Vegetarian" has resonated for its universal themes, providing a lens through which readers from diverse cultural backgrounds can explore the complexities of individual agency, societal expectations, and the consequences of rebellion. The novel's success on the global stage, including winning the Man Booker International Prize, underscores its ability to transcend cultures. The universality of its themes allows international audiences to connect with the characters' emotional struggles and the broader societal commentary.

Furthermore, the novel's narrative structure, with three distinct perspectives, mirrors the complexity and interconnectedness of human relationships. This narrative technique, combined with Han Kang's evocative prose, contributes to the novel's accessibility and appeal to a global readership. The themes of identity, autonomy, and societal constraints depicted in "The Vegetarian" resonate universally, sparking discussions about cultural expectations, individual autonomy, and the impact of societal norms on mental well-being.

Overall, "The Vegetarian" is relevant to Korean culture for its exploration of societal expectations, gender roles, and mental health within the specific context of South Korea. Simultaneously, its universal themes and narrative depth have allowed it to captivate international audiences, sparking discussions about individual autonomy, societal expectations, and the human experience across cultural boundaries. Han Kang's storytelling elevated "The Vegetarian" to a work that transcends cultural specificity, inviting readers worldwide to contemplate the complexities of societal norms and personal autonomy.

"Parasite," directed by Bong Joon-ho, stands as a groundbreaking and iconic film in Korean culture, capturing the attention of global audiences with its compelling narrative and social commentary. Its relevance and iconic status within Korean culture can be explored through its exploration of social issues, its impact on Korean cinema, and the universal themes that resonate across cultural boundaries. At its core, "Parasite" explores the stark realities of social inequality and class divisions, addressing issues prevalent in Korean society. The film follows the Kim family, who infiltrate the affluent Park household by posing as skilled workers. The two family dynamics highlight the societal differences among the poor and the ultra-wealthy and examines the consequences of economic disparity in Korean society. Korea's rapid economic development, often referred to as the "Miracle on the Han River," has resulted in a multi-layered social landscape. "Parasite" reflects the tensions arising from this economic growth, highlighting the gap between the rich and poor. This exploration of class struggle and the dynamics between the privileged and the marginalized is a familiar concept for Korean audiences about the nuances of societal hierarchies.

The film's iconic status is also underscored by its historic achievements on the global stage. Winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019, "Parasite" became the first South Korean film to receive this prestigious award. This recognition not only elevated Bong Joon-ho's stature as a director but also brought international attention to the excellence of Korean cinema. It also earned an Academy Award for best film, which is a milestone since it was the first international film to do so. The film's success broke down barriers and opened doors for Korean films to reach broader audiences worldwide. This also has spurred more globalization of Korean culture and productions. This innovative approach to storytelling contributes to the film's iconic status within Korean cinema, inspiring a new wave of creativity and experimentation among filmmakers. The success of "Parasite" has reshaped global perceptions of Korean cinema, reinforcing its ability to produce films that transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with diverse audiences.

Beyond its social and cinematic impact, "Parasite" explores universal themes: human nature, morality, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The Kim family's desperate pursuit of upward mobility and the Park family's obliviousness to their struggles serve as allegorical representations of broader societal issues, making the film accessible and thought-provoking for viewers worldwide. The symbolism demonstrated throughout "Parasite" adds layers of complexity to its narrative. The film employs various types of metaphors to reinforce its exploration of social hierarchy. The contrast between the semi-basement dwelling of the Kim family and the luxurious modern mansion of the Park family becomes a powerful visual representation of class disparity. 

In conclusion, "Parasite" is not only relevant, ground breaking, and universal, but also iconic in Korean culture for its exploration of social issues, and its impact on the trajectory of Korean cinema. The film's success demonstrates the power of storytelling to bridge cultural gaps, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of Korean society while engaging foreign viewers. Bong Joon-ho's creation has solidified its place in the annals of cinematic history and advancing the future of Korean filmmaking.

If I were given the opportunity to study the Korean language and culture, first I would start with the establishment of the actual territory. Perhaps the origins of the people of the first Korean resemblance of a country can explain the influences of external factors, such as Hanja, throughout the history of Korea. From the origin, the evolution and change of the culture and language can then be studied. The Korean spoken language has existed for a long time while the use of Hanja (Chinese characters) were used for writing. How the spoken language came to be could also be an interesting topic. Then of course, is the creation of the Korean written language (Hangul). Over time, the written and spoken language have changed greatly over time. Looking at how the speech of those from the Joseon dynasty versus people right now have changed would be interesting to see. Especially, after the colonization of Korea by the Japanese. A lot of words in Korean are very similar, if not identical, to the Japanese counterpart. Furthermore, is the use of English words in Korean. The large influence of English on Korean is no secret, especially since almost half of the words that modern Koreans use are basically direct English translations. Why this happened can also be looked into more deeply to see the underlying causes. Then there are also words taken from other languages, such as Portuguse for bread and German for part-time job. What could’ve caused these incorporations into the Korean language, and why are words from these foreign languages used over the actual pure Korean language.

"Please Look After Mom" by Shin Kyung-sook holds profound cultural relevance in Korean society, resonating with readers and earning its status as an iconic work. It has established significance through exploration of familial relationships, societal expectations, and the evolving dynamics of traditional roles within the context of Korean culture. 

The Confucian Values which are prevalent in Korean culture which encourages traditional family roles and being good citizens and family members. For example, being obedient, supportive, showing respect, and carrying the family’s honor with pride by having good roles and producing descendants. However, these tradition values are challenged when placed in the setting of a modernizing society and significant cultural shifts and shocks.

One key element contributing to the book's cultural impact is its portrayal of the sacrificial nature of motherhood. In Korean culture, mothers often play a central role in the family, serving as anchors and providers of unconditional love. "Please Look After Mom" highlights the often-underappreciated and hidden sacrifices made by mothers in the pursuit of raising and sustaining their families for whatever environment they are in. This theme is relatable  with many readers who see reflections of their own familial experiences, fostering a sense of collective identity and shared cultural understanding.

The novel also addresses the concept of 'han,' a term deeply embedded in Korean culture that encapsulates a complex mix of sorrow, resentment, and unspoken emotions. Through the characters and their narratives, Shin Kyung-sook skillfully integrates  'han,' into the lives of the characters and tying it with the sacrifice of motherhood allowing readers to connect with the emotional struggles faced by the family. This resonant exploration of 'han' contributes to the novel's iconic status as it encapsulates a sentiment that is both distinctly Korean and universally relatable.

Furthermore, "Please Look After Mom" serves as a cultural mirror reflecting changing gender roles and expectations in South Korea. As the story unfolds through the perspectives of different family members, it highlights the challenges faced by women in balancing traditional roles with the demands of modern life. 

The novel invites readers to reflect on societal expectations placed on mothers and the complexities of navigating these expectations in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape. The international success of the novel has played a crucial role in elevating Korean literature on the global stage. It is also part of the Hallyu(or Korean culture wave) and globalizations. It has become a bridge for cross-cultural understanding, allowing readers from diverse backgrounds to engage with and appreciate the intricacies of Korean family life. The novel's translations have facilitated a broader conversation about universal themes of love, loss, and the search for identity, making it an ambassador of Korean literature to the world.

In conclusion, "Please Look After Mom" remains as an iconic literature production worthy of being an “artifact” in Korean culture due to its exploration of deeply ingrained societal values, its reflection of the evolving roles within families, and its portrayal of the complexities of motherhood. Through its universal themes and emotionally resonant storytelling, the novel has left a lasting effect, inviting readers to contemplate the essence of family, culture, and the human experience.

Right now, I am learning how to put sentences together with a subject, object, and a verb. I think it's very interesting right now since they have a different order of how to structure the sentence. because they go subject, object, verb;  where English goes subject, verb, object. I think it's quite interesting how I must switch the order of the words around  since it's not what I'm used to. I  keep forgetting that I must switch the order of my words. I was also given a vocabulary list of verbs and pronouns. With this new vocabulary list, I'm trying To learn it the same way that I learned how to start off Spanish sentences. I've done this by creating a chart and my mind with designated spots for the pronouns and the verb as well as what endings to put on after connecting the verb with a pronoun. Another aspect of the Korean Language that I found interesting was that there are no conjugations. You just put the verb after the subject or object and it will make sense. Translating this in my mind as I mentioned sounds like broken english from Korean, so it is taking me time to get accustomed.By the end of this week and a half, I will be able to coherently form sentences without pauses using the correct sentence structure. I also hope to be able to read and write more quickly without having to think about what goes where too hard.

A strategy I mentioned earlier was creating like a set with blanks where I could fill in the parts of speech I need. Right now i have created a box of pronouns

I would then add a verb into this and an ending of a sentence to make it a statement: 이다. Apparently sentences that are not just statements have different endings. I have not gotten to that point in my studies. I would say that my strategy is effective since this is how I quickly learned to put simple sentences in Spanish together.

I will utilize what vocabulary I have already learned and then practice my sentence structure but using those specific words so that I can practice more sentences outside of that specific lesson and gain a wider range of sentences to create variations.

I believe that my learning strategies work for me and my pace. A way that I could build on my strategy is my trying to take my initiative outside of class and the learning sessions and utilizing it when I can in my daily life. I should try to identify my Korean vocabulary in real life and then create sentences where is it appropriate to dictate what is happening in Korean.

I was not the most enthusiastic when I had to learn about 이다. Apparently there are different kinds of sentence endings for like exclamations and questions, the ending gives the statement a tone/connotation. I don’t like this aspect of Korean since we do not have the same system in english. I realized that I would have to learn a whole set of endings to be able to understand more than just statements and there would be a lot more effort required to understand Korean. 

I currently have no revisions in my learning goals stated above which is just to learn to quickly form simple sentences. Given that I’m near the end of my learning, I wish That I had tried to absorb more Korean, but I understand that it will take more time to be at the level of where I am in Spanish.

Since my final research topic concerns the evolution of the Korean language over time, me and my language partner decided that it would also be good if I learned some Korean history as well. So over the last month or so, I would watch brief videos on the history of Korea and the important events that happened within. But since watching pure historical videos could be boring or even just hard to understand with the Korean I know, I was shown historical videos that had a bit of a comedic aspect to them. These include, once again, episodes from 무한도전 (Infinite Challenge in English) and brief history lessons on Youtube. 

Despite being history lessons though, learning through these were very fun and interesting since they didn’t feel like actual lectures. Rather, as mentioned before, they had a bit or even a lot of comedy incorporated into them. But the most helpful thing was that they used casual language to teach these historical events. That made understanding the videos much easier, even though there were, of course, specific words that I didn’t really know. We chose to focus on events that would change the entire nation and its future. This includes the creation of Hangul, Japanese occupation, World War II, Korea’s independence from Japan, and finally the Cold and Korean War. Some of the words I learned are; 독립 (independence), 6.25 전쟁 (Korean War), 친일파 (pro-Japan faction), 일제강점기 (Japanese occupation), etc. Although a lot of these words aren’t useful in everyday conversation, it helps me understand the history of Korea better. But by learning all these historical events throughout Korean history, I was able to make connections on how the language itself changed greatly across. 

For example, before the creation of Hangul the main written language was Hanja; a language strongly based on Chinese. And because of this, many of the words in the spoken language are also based on Hanja rather than Hangul even to this day. But of course after the creation of Hangul, there are many pure Korean words that are used instead. During 일제강점, one of the main goals of Japan was to eliminate all Korean culture and replace it with their own This led to many words from Japanese being incorporated into the Korean language to erase the usage of Korean. Even in the modern world, a lot of Japanese equivalent words are used instead of the actual Korean words, showing the lasting impact of the terrible event. 

Lastly, is the huge impact of the independence of Korea and the Cold & Korean War. To keep things simple, the division of Korea was due to the conflicting views between the Soviet Union and USA. This led to North Korea being freed by the USSR under communist views and South Korea being freed under democratic views. This led to a strong influence of the US essentially covering South Korea. The US had military, police, and government officials taking charge in South Korea during the Cold War and post-Korean War. A lot of this influence caused the US to be an influential figure for South Korea, leading to many English words being directly incorporated into the Korean language. The lasting effects of this can be seen in the modern world where nearly more than 50% of the words used in the Korean language are just direct translations of the English equivalents.

This month I focused more on the cultural factors than my reading, writing, and speaking aspects. While teaching my students, I had a request from Justin that he wanted to learn more about Korean history. During my search for sources he could use to learn more about the history, I found multiple YouTube channels that were not only educational but entertaining and funny. One of the best channels is an entertainment show called “Infinite Challenge” where seven comedians have to go through whatever challenges they are given. The challenge for the video I found was to make a rap song that contains different historical events that happened in Korea. This was a very good idea because it would bring awareness to Korean history while it is still entertaining, easy to listen to, and easy to understand. The video contains a famous history professor teaching Korean history to the Infinite Challenge members as well as famous Korean rappers. The professor gives brief background and information on historical events to be used when creating the songs. When the songs were released, it was a huge hit, dominating the top 100 songs chart. 

Another YouTuber that I found is also a comedian who puts on a character as a professor. The theme of the content is teaching students (viewers) while sliding in humor to stop viewers from exiting the videos. The YouTuber 문쌤 also makes other funny videos but I think people like him because they know he is faking to be a professor. While learning about Korean history, I also learn a lot of slang terms and humor codes that Koreans find funny. Through these sources, I noticed that Koreans value comedy and it is a great way to easily reach important and heavy materials in an authentic way. 

Other topics that I’ve been focusing on are K-beauty and K-fashion trends. As someone who is highly interested in Korean fashion (specifically Korean street style) and skincare, I always try to keep up with what is trending and what I would like to get during my next trip to Korea. One of my favorite YouTubers who post vlogs and fashion videos is Kim Movie. I remember she was very popular when I was in middle school because of her unique look and style. I recently bought a Korean brand purse that she recommended through the video. Since I am not able to explore Korea at the moment, watching Kim Movie’s videos provide me with a glimpse into life in Korea. She recently also posted a video of her exploring the area that I grew up in. I was able to see how much the area has developed. Because YouTube is the most trending platform in Korea, I think it is a great resource for everyone to learn about Korean culture. 

Currently, the task that I am working on is to improve my knowledge of sociocultural aspects of Korea to supplement my language learning process. I wanted to do this in order to gain a deeper understanding of Korean spoken language such as where certain words and phrases came from, what to say in certain social situations, and how tone and emotion in speech can impact the meaning of the spoken message. I have been doing this by watching Korean news channels like KBS and NBC. These news channels feature stories on current political events, national holidays, and interviews with civilians which I find to be helpful in learning more about modern Korea and how people speak and interact with one another.

I also have been asking other native Korean speakers about modern Korean culture such as my language partner at the University of Richmond, my sister, members of my extended family who currently live in Korea, and members of the Korean church that I attend. Through this I have learned a lot about formal vs. informal speech in certain situations, mannerisms that must accompany speech such as varying levels of eye contact, bowing, and gesturing depending on who I am speaking to. I also recently got to go to a family friend’s wedding where many traditional Korean wedding customs were present. The vows and certain parts of the ceremony were spoken in Korean and contained vocabulary that I was unfamiliar with at the moment, but I later searched it up and wrote one of my cultural journals about these terms like “paebaek.” 

Other resources I used were watching entertainment TV shows on Korean broadcasting channels like KBC and NBC that often feature people in ordinary life such as a grandmother living alone in the countryside or an accountant living in the heart of Seoul. Listening to these broadcasts have helped give me much more exposure to different types of Korean dialects as well, such as the Busan and Jeju dialects versus Seoul dialect. I have also been using a lot of phrases and words that I hear from these broadcasts when meeting with my language partner to see if I can use them correctly. This has helped these words and phrases to gain more permanence in my mind so I don’t forget them as soon as the show is over.

I will further build upon the cultural and current events exposure that I am gaining right now by including them in my conversations. Going forward, I hope to talk about important and relevant  topics in Korea such as current events, politics, and social issues to take my conversational Korean up a notch from simply talking about how my day was. I think that by adding new conversation topics to my learning plan I am able to grow more advanced in both my understanding of Korean as well as my speech. 

I still don’t feel very comfortable speaking solely Korean for a long period of time as it feels like my brain is working overtime, but I hope through more varied types of practice, I will grow more comfortable with speaking Korean.

Traditional Korean Wedding Customs

Korean weddings are very unique and have proceedings rooted in tradition and Confucian principles. Recently, more Korean weddings have included modern western wedding customs like having a bridal party or wearing white, westernized wedding dresses as we would see in America. Many Korean wedding traditions have also faded due to the fading prominence of arranged marriages in Korea. However, many weddings continue to incorporate tradition. 

In a traditional Korean wedding brides and grooms will wear hanbok which are traditional formal clothing that are made of silk and feature bright dyes and intricate embroidery. These clothes are long and flowy with many different layers. More specifically, the bride may wear red colors while the groom wears blue to symbolize unity and represent the two colors in the South Korean flag. 

Geese are a symbol for a long and happy marriage so the groom may give a wooden carved goose called “kireogi” (기러기) to the bride’s family during the ceremony. A table and two rugs will then be set for the bride and groom. Attendants wash the bride and groom’s hands to symbolize purification. Then, the bride will bow twice to the groom and the groom will bow once to the bride. This is followed by drinking wine from a copper cup to symbolize their relationship, or sip from two gourd halves connected by a thread to symbolize unity of the two people. 

One of the most important moments of the Korean wedding is called “paebaek” (폐백) which actually happens after the public ceremony. This practice truly shows how much importance Korean culture places on familial bonds. Paebaek is a ritual which represents the moment when the groom’s family welcomes the bride into their family and home. A key element of this ritual is that the bride and groom will sit on one side of a table laden with tea and a variety of traditional Korean foods like tea snacks, chestnuts, jujubes, and fruit. The groom’s parents will be on the other side of this table and accept the newlyweds who present a deep bow. The bride will offer a cup of rice wine to the groom’s father while the groom offers it to the mother. The parents will then give wisdom and advice to the newly married couple. A fun activity that happens after is when the parents toss a handful of chestnuts and jujubes at the couple. The couple will try to catch as many as they can in the skirt of the bride’s dress which signifies how many children they will have (chestnuts symbolize sons while jujubes represent daughters). Even in more modern and westernized Korean weddings, paebaek will be included as a way for the bride and groom’s families to give gifts and celebrate the new union.

In a more modern wedding, there will be both a western and traditional Korean processing where the bride and groom first wear western modern white dress and suits and have a typical western ceremony. However, the bride and groom will then change into hanbok and include elements such as the sharing of wine, bowing, and paebaek at the end of the ceremony. 

As Korean weddings continue to evolve, the delicate balance between tradition and modernity reflects the enduring commitment to honoring familial ties and cultural heritage.

Fall 2023 SDLC111

Cultural Post #3

국악 Gugak

David Kim

30262888

david.kim123@richmond.edu

Korean traditional music 국악 Gugak is a diverse and dynamic form of music that has its roots deeply embedded in Korea's cultural history. It encompasses a wide range of vocal and instrumental music, dance, and rituals.

During the Goryeo Dynasty, Gugak was divided into three categories. First, 아악 Aak, which originates from the Song Dynasty, was mainly used for rituals. Second, 당학 Dangak, which was already used, was commonly used for meetings with the king. Lastly, 향악 Hyangak, which was already used, was mainly used to learn Korean in informal settings. 

Gugak utilizes a variety of traditional instruments. 가야금 Gayageum is a traditional Korean zither with 12 strings. It can be plucked with fingers or with a small bamboo stick. 거문고 Geomungo is another type of zither, but it is larger and has six strings. It is played by plucking the strings with a bamboo stick, making deep and resonant sounds. 대금 Daegum is a large bamboo flute with a buzzing membrane that produces a unique sound. 해금 Haegum is a two-stringed fiddle played with a bow. It is well known for its thin and high sound. 아쟁 Ajaeng is a bowed string instrument with strings made of twisted silk, known for its distinctive resonant sound. 피리 Piri is a double-reed instrument that is similar to an oboe. It has a cylindrical bore and a metal mouthpiece. 장구 Janggu is a traditional double-headed drum shaped like a hourglass. It has a wooden body and two different-sized heads, producing both high and low sounds. 북 Buk is also a traditional Korean drum, usually played with a stick by one hand. It has a wooden frame and a leather head.  

Gugak often features distinct rhythms and scales that set it apart from other music. 장단 Jangdan refers to rhythmic patterns in Korean traditional music. These patterns are the rhythmic framework upon which the music is built. There are various jangdan patterns with their own unique feel and purpose. Some examples are 자진모리 장단 Jajinmori Jangdan, 굿거리장단 Gutgeori Jangdan, and 휘모리장단 Hwimori Jangdan. 악삭 Aksak is a type of irregular rhythm that is often found in gugak. It deviates from the regular meter found in many Western musical traditions. The use of aksak rhythms adds complexity and a sense of unpredictability to the music. 산조 Sanjo is a form of Korean traditional instrumental music characterized by solo performances. It often features complex rhythmic patterns that allow the performer to showcase their improvisational skills within a specific rhythmic framework. 평조 Pyeongjo is a traditional Korean mode or scale. It is similar to the Western major scale but has distinct intervals. The pyeongjo scale contributes to the bright and uplifting character. 향조 Hyangjo is another traditional mode that is similar to the Western minor scale but with unique intervals. It imparts a more contemplative and introspective quality to the music. 당악 음계 Dangak scales features complicated scales to contribute to the formal and ceremonial nature of formal music. 풍류 Pungnyu is a mode associated with folk music. It has a distinct and lively character, reflecting the celebratory and communal aspects of traditional Korean festivals and gatherings.

Institutions and musicians work to ensure that traditional music continues to thrive. Additionally, some contemporary artists incorporate elements of gugak into modern genres, creating a fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds.

https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0006374

http://www.sctoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=4832

https://www.koreatravelpost.com/gugak-music/

가야금 Gayageum

거문고 Geomungo

대금 Daegum 

해금 Haegum

아쟁 Ajaeng

피리 Piri

장구 Janggu

북 Buk

Gugak performances: 

1 hour video of Gugak performance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNurZir22-o

Fall 2023 SDLC111

Monthly Language Learning Journal #3

David Kim

30262888

david.kim123@richmond.edu

For November, my language partner and I watched episode four and five of the Korean drama show “Mask Girl” on Netflix. Episode four “Kim Chun-ae” starts with Kim Chun-ae telling her story to Kim Kyung-ja. During high school, Kim Chun-ae’s first love was Buyong, a K-pop idol trainee. Buyong kept borrowing money from Kim Chun-ae, but did not give back any of the money. After Buyong debuted, Kim Chun-ae secretly heard that Buyong thought of her as his personal ATM. Kim Chun-ae got mad of her and uploaded his high school pictures of smoking, drinking, and inappropriately hanging out with his friends. This scene reminded me of episode three, when Ju Oh-nam sent a threatening email to Kim Mo-mi because he couldn’t hold his anger. I think these connections captures another important dark side of South Korea’s internet culture, 악플(Ak-peul) hate or mean comments. Some immature people leave hate comments even though the news is not yet true or proved wrong. There are also some young people who killed themselves because of hate comments. After getting plastic surgery, Kim Chun-ae bumps into Buyong, who has no job and is living a meaningless life. To support him, Kim Chun-ae works at a bar at night and becomes the most popular worker dancing and singing. She meets Kim Mo-mi there and gets close with her just like sisters. They both lived a lonely life and wanted to get prettier. To protect her, Kim Chun-ae lies to Kim Kyung-ja that she will try to find Kim Mo-mi. Kim Chun-ae was living with Kim Mo-mi and tells her to leave far away immediately. Kim Chun-ae tries to get her stuff at her house without getting caught by Buyong, but Buyong finds out that she was the one who ruined his life. Kim Chun-ae and Kim Mo-mi kill Buyong by suffocation and get away in a car with his dead body in the trunk. Kim Mo-mi reveals that she is pregnant. Even though it is Ju Oh-nam’s baby, she is going to raise her with love, telling her she is beautiful. Kim Kyung-ja caught up with them and killed Kim Chun-ae with her gun. Kim Kyung-ja gets stoned by Kim Chun-ae. Kim Mo-mi put the bodies all together in the car and dumped the car into the river. Mask Girl turned herself in. Episode four captured the dark reality in South Korea about unfair love relationships, working at night, telling bad things about a different person, and hate. I was impressed that it also showed how you can still find someone who will be on your side no matter what just like Kim Chun-ae. 

Episode five “Kim Mi-mo” is the story of Kim Mi-mo, the daughter of Kim Mo-mi and Ju Oh-nam. Mask Girl is sentenced to life imprisonment. Kim Mi-mo was raised by her grandmother, Kim Mo-mi’s mother. However, she realized that she was the daughter of Mask Girl. Wherever she moved, the rumor kept following her and she became antisocial and rebellious. She only had a good relationship with the old woman who sold tteokbokki. She finally made a friend at a new school. Her name was Ye-chun, but she lied to Kim Mi-mo to be close with her. She was raised in a peaceful family of parents and younger siblings, but told Kim Mi-mo that her father was alcoholic and was violent toward her mother and herself. The rumor about Mask Girl’s daughter also became a hot topic in Kim Mi-mo’s new school. Kim Mi-mo found out that Ye-chun was lying about her family. Episode five reminded me of episode one because of the rumors. Rumors influenced Kim Mi-mo in a bad way, even though she did nothing wrong. I think there is a connection between hate comments and rumors because internet rumors could affect a person’s life in a bad way through hate comments. I look forward to the next episodes about Kim Mi-mo and her relationships with her grandma, tteokbokki grandma, and her friend Ye-chun.

Fall 2023 SDLC111

Cultural Post #2

탈 Tal

David Kim

30262888

david.kim123@richmond.edu

Korean masks 탈 Tal are traditional masks with deep cultural and historical significance. These masks have been used for various purposes in Korean culture, including shamanistic rituals and theatrical performances. They come in a variety of styles and designs, each serving a specific purpose.

In traditional Korean shamanism, masks represent the connection with the spirit world. The masks were believed to serve as a conduit between the human and spirit worlds. Shamans, known as 무당 mudang or 무교 mugyo, would wear masks during ceremonies to embody the spirits they were invoking. The movements and dances performed while wearing the mask were considered a form of spiritual expression. They also believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits, bring blessings, and facilitate communication with ancestors or divine entities. Different masks were used for different purposes, depending on the nature of the ritual. The masks used in these rituals were not just decorative. They held significant spiritual meaning and symbolic significance. For example, masks might represent specific animals, mythical creatures, or deities. The choice of a particular mask would be based on the spiritual intent of the ritual. Overall, the ceremonial use of Korean masks reflects the multifaceted nature of Korean culture and its rituals and beliefs.

Tal were not limited to spiritual rituals. They were also used in festivals and celebrations. Certain festivals involved masked dances and processions, bringing communities together in a joyful manner. Tal masks are often integral to traditional Korean mask dances 탈춤 Tal-chum (Tal Dance) and plays 탈놀이 Tal-nori (Tal Play) that depict stories from folklore, mythology, and historical events. These performances serve as a means of storytelling, preserving cultural narratives, and passing down traditions from generation to generation. Tal performances often have an educational aspect, especially when they are used to retell historical events or convey moral lessons. Through the use of masks, performers can engage audiences in a visually captivating way, making the stories more accessible and memorable. Tal performances play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Korean cultural identity. By showcasing traditional art forms, including mask dances and plays, these performances contribute to the continuity of cultural practices and help maintain a sense of identity in a rapidly changing world. Tal combines entertainment, cultural preservation, education, and a celebration of identity, offering audiences a look into Korean traditions and artistic expression.

Tal are crafted using materials like wood, paper, and gesso (a type of plaster). Skilled artisans create intricate designs, and the masks are often painted in vibrant colors. There are various types of Korean masks, including 하회탈 Hahoe masks and 양주탈 Yangju masks. Hahoe masks, from the Hahoe village, are known for their realistic and expressive features. Artisans carefully carve and paint Tal, making each one as a unique work of art. Yangju masks, from the Yangju region, are commonly used with traditional mask dances and performances that have been passed down through generations.

If you have the chance to visit Korea, I hope you experience making your own Tal, wear different types of Tal, and watch a dance or a play using Tal. Tal is a unique cultural artifact that combines spiritual, cultural, and artistic aspects of Korea. 

https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0058798

https://www.antiquealive.com/Blogs/Korean_Mask.html

탈 Tal (Korean Masks)

하회탈 Hahoe masks

양주탈 Yangju masks

 탈춤 Tal-chum (Tal Dance)

탈놀이 Tal-nori (Tal Play)