KF뉴스레터-‘Learning the differences between Korean and Japanese cultures’

‘Learning the differences between Korean and Japanese cultures’

I enjoyed a precious opportunity to participate in a field trip to Andong, Gyeongju, and Gimcheon on April 15-17. Thanks to the great weather, it was a most pleasant and enjoyable trip that enabled me to have various experiences, leaving me with unforgettable memories.

First Day in Andong
After leaving Seoul, we headed to Andong, which is known for the Korean-style houses of yangban, the elite class of the Joseon Dynasty. Of note, the home of the Ryu family head, of Pungsan, related to the prominent scholar-official Ryu Seong-ryong, is found in Hahoe Village, Andong. Indeed, there is a sizable neighborhood of traditional Korean houses there. According to our guide, a yangban house is comprised of four areas: anchae, the family quarters; sarangchae, where the host receives guests; haengnangchae, quarters for domestic help; and sadang, shrine for the spirit tablets of the family’s ancestors.
Interestingly, Korea’s traditional house, hanok, is similar to, but also different from the Japanese house, in several regards. Similarities include the use of wooden pillars, earthen walls, and tiled roofs. As for differences, Japanese houses include Buddhist altars to enshrine ancestral tablets, instead of a sadang, and they do not have the underfloor ondol heating system. In addition, the Japanese home tends to have sliding doors, while you see more swinging-type doors in Korea. Although I cannot figure out, at this time, the environmental and cultural factors behind these differences, I think these matters might contribute to a better understanding of the cultural characteristics of Japan and Korea. I hope to have an opportunity to examine the hanok in greater detail.

Mt. Seonam, Gyeongju
On the second day, we made our way to Mt. Seonam, the western peak of Mt. Nam in Gyeongju. We followed the Samneunggol course to navigate the slopes of Mt.Seonam, which were teeming with colorful forsythia and azalea in full bloom.
The mountain areas were covered with pine trees. Forests in Japan tend to be filled with Japanese cedar trees and are often darker, while Korea’s pine forests appear more bright and airy. It seems that the forest areas in Korea are somewhat less dense, in growth, than is the case in Japan. I would guess that this is because of the rocky terrain of mountain slopes in Korea. In addition, since Korean forests have so many pine trees, they do not look as dense as Japan’s cedar forests. The Japanese people appreciate the beauty of nature from its dense forests, while the Korean people harmonize with the bright and clean pine trees. It is interesting to see the slight differences in the Japanese and Korean perceptions of the beauty of nature.

Jikji Temple
We visited Jikji Buddhist Temple in Gimcheon on the last day. There were a number of restaurants and souvenir shops along the entryway to the temple. We shared a meal with the temple’s Buddhist monks. I was surprised to see them holding their rice bowls as they ate, since Koreans will usually leave the rice bowl on the table while eating. But I guess Buddhist temples can have their own rules. Through this temple experience as well, I was able to observe various aspects of Korean society. In this way, the trip enabled me to enjoy so many insightful experiences, which sightseeing trips might not offer. I believe these personal experiences will be especially helpful for my future study of Korean culture. I am grateful to Korea Foundation staff for organizing this trip, the guides for offering us detailed explanations, the bus drivers for safely getting everyone to our destination over the three days, and the teachers from Sogang University for taking the time to accompany the group.

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‘Learning the differences between Korean and Japanese cultures’

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‘Learning the differences between Korean and Japanese cultures’

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