UKC Notes PDF

Week 2: Korean Identity Cultural Codes ➔ Jeong: A deep bond akin to family ties, rooted in shared struggles. ➔ Han: A sense of melancholy from past pain, reflected in cultural expressions. ➔ Heung: Joy that counterbalances past traumas, often seen in celebratory contexts. Military Servic...

Week 2: Korean Identity Cultural Codes ➔ Jeong: A deep bond akin to family ties, rooted in shared struggles. ➔ Han: A sense of melancholy from past pain, reflected in cultural expressions. ➔ Heung: Joy that counterbalances past traumas, often seen in celebratory contexts. Military Service ➔ Mandatory for men aged 18-36 (18-27 months), integral to societal identity and gender dynamics. ➔ Alternative service options have expanded recently. National Pride ➔ Growing competitiveness is a response to historical relations with neighboring countries. Life Pressures ➔ Intense education and social competition lead to burnout. ➔ “Spec” refers to attributes that enhance one's status in society. Relationships and Dating ➔ Personal inquiries about relationships are typical and familial. ➔ Blind dates are common; anniversaries (like the 100-day mark) are significant. ➔ Marriages often unite families, with traditional practices surrounding gifts and home purchases. Driving Culture ➔ Driving is characterized by offensive behavior, with lax enforcement leading to a unique dynamic on the roads. ➔ High reliance on public transport reduces the need for personal vehicles. WEEK 3: History of Korea, from Gochoseon to the First Republic (2333 BC - 1953 AD) Pre-Gojoseon (~5000 BC) ➔ Early Koreans are linguistically related to Japanese and Mongolian groups. ➔ Origins are unclear, with evidence of loose tribal affiliations. Gojoseon (2333 BC – 108 BC) ➔ Traditional founding myth features Dangun, the first Korean man. ➔ Standardization of Korean Shamanism and initial contact with Han Chinese around 400 BC. ➔ Gojoseon eventually falls to a Chinese invasion in 108 BC. Three Kingdoms (Baekjae, Shilla, Goguryeo) ➔ Emergence of military powers and significant trade. ➔ Goguryeo is the first to reorganize militarily. ➔ Shilla uses Chinese ties to conquer Baekje and Goguryeo, leading to a period of increased statehood. Unified Shilla (668-935) ➔ Capital moved to Gyeongju; a flourishing trade period. ➔ Influence of Buddhism and Confucianism grows. ➔ Political instability leads to its eventual decline. Goryeo (918-1392) ➔ Unified all of modern-day Korea and adopted Buddhism as the state religion. ➔ Remnants of Goguryeo and Baekjae culture persist. Choseon (1392-1910) ➔ Established by military coup; adoption of Neo-Confucianism. ➔ Major reforms, including the invention of Hangul by King Sejong the Great. ➔ Deterioration of relations with Japan after unification. Isolationist Period ➔ Reaction to past conflicts with foreign powers. ➔ Attempts to modernize were less successful than Japan’s. Japanese Occupation (1910-1945) ➔ Japan's annexation followed the assassination of a Korean queen. ➔ Infrastructure improvements at the expense of Korean autonomy. ➔ Rise of Christianity linked to the independence movement. The First Republic (1947) ➔ Establishment of separate provisional governments post-WWII. ➔ Tensions rise due to failed joint elections and differing political ideologies. The Korean War (1950-1953) ➔ Initiated by North Korea; early military successes and setbacks on both sides. ➔ US intervention crucial at Incheon. ➔ Resulted in a stalemate and armistice, leading to a divided Korea at the 38th parallel. Week 4: Traditional Korea Symbols ➔ Various traditional symbols represent Korean identity and heritage. Multifaceted Belief Systems ➔ Korea has a rich tapestry of belief systems that have evolved through cultural exchange, including Confucianism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Shamanism. Confucianism ➔ Established during the Goryeo dynasty and fully institutionalized in the Joseon dynasty. ➔ Focuses on hierarchical relationships, familial loyalty, and social obligations. ➔ Education is highly valued, leading to competitive societal pressures. Buddhism & Art ➔ Introduced from China; initially adopted by the elite. ➔ Associated with significant cultural contributions, though it declined in the Joseon period. ➔ Concepts of karma and reincarnation are integral to its philosophy. Christianity and Modernity ➔ Reintroduced by Koreans abroad during the late Joseon period. ➔ Became intertwined with national identity during the Japanese occupation. ➔ Associated with educational and medical advancements. Shamanism and Folk Tradition ➔ Nature-worshiping practices with matriarchal influences. ➔ Strong connections to music and dance, with customs integrated into other religions. ➔ Ceremonies like the Ceremony of Prosperity are still observed. Religious Holidays ➔ Major holidays for Buddhism, Shamanism, and Christianity, with varying cultural significance. ➔ Christian holidays are often celebrated socially, rather than strictly religiously. Traditional Dress (Hanbok) (한복) ➔ Worn during holidays, weddings, and special occasions, with modern interpretations emerging. Traditional Houses (Hanok) (한옥) ➔ Characterized by architectural features suited for Korea's climate. ➔ Many traditional houses have been relocated or modernized but can still be found in the countryside. Korean Martial Arts ➔ Includes Taekwondo, which gained global recognition post-1988 Olympics. ➔ Other forms like Korean wrestling (씨름) and Hapkido also play significant cultural roles. Comparison of Traditional Korean Religions ➔ Confucianism: Focuses on relationships, rites and rituals, and fidelity to family and rulers Buddhism: Introduced from China, associated with art, architecture, and technology ➔ Christianity: Brought back by Koreans living abroad, became associated with patriotism ➔ Shamanism: Nature-worshiping, predominantly matriarchal, connected to music and dance Week 6: Modern History & Contemporary Politics 1948 - 2024 First Republic (1948-1960 ➔ Led by “President Lee Syngman”, focused on anti-communism. ➔ Implemented land reforms and expanded education. ➔ Student protests erupted in response to election rigging, leading to Lee's exile. Second Republic (1960-1961) ➔ Established a parliamentary system. ➔ Economic difficulties led to instability and a military coup. Third Republic (1963-1972) ➔ “Park Chung Hee” came to power, emphasizing economic development. ➔ Introduced five-year plans focusing on heavy industries and military modernization. ➔ Protests against constitutional changes and government repression increased. Fourth Republic (1972-1979) ➔ Introduced the “Yushin Constitution”, allowing presidential selection by a panel. ➔ Economic success tempered dissent, but Park was assassinated amid rising pro-democracy protests. Fifth Republic (1980-1987) ➔ “Chun Doo Hwan” rose to power after a violent coup. ➔ The Gwangju Uprising saw significant civilian casualties. ➔ Economic growth was uneven, leading to renewed protests leading up to the 1988 Olympics. Sixth Republic (1987-Present) ➔ Transition to democracy marked by “Kim Young Sam’s” election and subsequent reforms. ➔ “Kim Dae Jung” implemented the Sunshine Policy for North Korea relations. ➔ Political polarization emerged with the rise of reform-oriented leaders like “Moon Jae-in” and “Yoon Suk-yeol”. ➔ Notable issues include anti-American sentiment and ongoing challenges with corruption. Korean Political Peculiarities ➔ Political dynamics often involve merging parties and rebranding. ➔ Campaign strategies heavily feature public events and media engagement. ➔ High electoral spending, often involving cultural elements like music and dance. Week 7: Modern Korea Beautiful Girls ➔ Beauty Standards Emphasis on V-lines, double eyelids, and fair skin; trends blend traditional Korean and "Koreanized" Western beauty. ➔ Plastic Surgery: Common, focusing on high bridged noses and larger eyes. ➔ Aging: Aging gracefully is valued; female celebrities face intense scrutiny. Beautiful Boys ➔ Changing Trends: Increasing acceptance of "pretty boys" alongside traditional masculine ideals; male beauty standards include clean-shaven, tall, and toned appearances. ➔ Cosmetic Market: Significant market growth for male cosmetics, influenced by boy bands and dramas. Being Foreign in Korea ➔ Social Norms: Personal space is limited; discussions often include age, money, and politics. Observing local etiquette (like quietness in public transport) is important. ➔ Cultural Integration: Foreigners often face challenges but are becoming more accepted, especially in contexts like mixed marriages due to low birthrates. Coffee Princes ➔ Café Culture: Cafés serve as social hubs influenced by global shows and dating culture; both international chains and local brands thrive. ➔ Workspace Evolution: Cafés have become popular spots for freelancers and remote workers. Becoming a Parent is a Big Deal ➔ Family Importance: Low birthrates highlight the significance of family; parents take pride in their children but may refrain from direct praise. ➔ Changing Roles: The archetype of the "stoic father" is evolving, with more engagement from fathers. Korea Time and Bballi Bballi Culture ➔ Cultural Attitude: Fast-paced lifestyle in urban areas leads to relaxed social settings; last-minute plans are common. Demonstration Culture ➔ Historical Context: Rooted in Confucian values and movements for democracy; modern protests are often peaceful but can arise from diverse social issues. ➔ Participation: Foreigners can participate in demonstrations, provided they steer clear of political activism. Seoul, the City That Never Sleeps ➔ Urban Dynamics: Seoul’s rapid growth and urbanization have led to housing and infrastructure challenges, including high prices and pollution concerns. ➔ Cultural Center: Home to half the country’s population, Seoul serves as a major economic and cultural hub.