South Korea Culture
The South Koreans have turned their hand to just
about any art form you can name. Traditional music
is similar to that of Japan and China, with an emphasis
on strings. The two main forms are the stately chongak
and the folksier minsogak. Seoul is not just a city
but also a showpiece of modern and traditional architecture;
don't miss the city gates and the Chosun-era Gyeongbokgung
Palace.
South Korea is also strong in the visual arts.
Traditional painting has strong Chinese and calligraphic
elements, with the brush line being the most important
feature. Most traditional sculpture is Buddhist,
and includes statues and pagodas - one of the best
Buddhas is at Seokguram. Shamanists do a great line
in woodcarving. Seoul has several art sculpture
parks, where modern sculptors show their works.
Seoul is also a showpiece of modern and traditional
architecture, including the city gates and the Chosun-era
Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The most important work of Korean literature is
Samguk Yusa, written in the 12th century by the
monk Illyon. Recent literature has had a dissident
twist to it, with lots of work being produced by
student protesters and Taoist-style ecologists.
Koreans also consider their language an art form,
and are particularly proud of their script, hangeul.
Traditional music is similar to that of Japan and
China, with an emphasis on strings. The two main
forms are the stately chongak and the folksier minsogak.
Among the folk dances are drum dances (mugo - a
hectic, lively court dance where the participants
wear drums around their necks), mask dances (talchum),
monk dances (seungmu) and spirit-cleansing dances
(salpuri). |