Korean Culture

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Korean Culture
Introduction
The Korean people inhabit the Korean peninsula bordering Russian and China in the North, and Japan to the East. Even though, modern day North Korea and South Korea have different political systems, the two countries share the same language and culture. Similar to other cultures, interaction with people of diverse cultures influenced Koreans. In particular, Chinese cultural influences had a lasting impact on the Korean culture. In most cases, culture changes through integration among different people whereby cultures deemed to be more civilized prevail as they are more influential. China had better technology as were their religious organization and administrative efficiency. Hence, China’s influence led to the development of a unique Korean culture, incorporating aspects of Chinese culture. This essay explores aspects of Korean culture, influences and distinctiveness, while highlighting on influences from areas surrounding the Korean peninsula.
Brief history on Korea
From the first century BCE to the Seventh BCE, there were three major Kingdoms in present day Korean peninsula. In the north of the peninsula and parts of Manchuria was Koguryo (37BCE-668BCE), in the southwestern part of the peninsula was Paektche (18BCE -660BCE), while in the southeastern portion of the peninsula was Silla (Pettid 17). Even though, there were smaller polities in the Korean peninsula, each had its own culture and foods, and differences in regional food culture were common even in the Three Kingdom Period when there was cultural diversity. It is in this period that there was frequent interaction with Chinese culture, resulting to adoption of Buddhism, Confucianism, and a modified form of Chinese writing as well the legal system. Even though, the Korean peninsula has been divided in modern times, inter Korean trade was $1.9 billion in 2010 (Korea net).
Korean culture
Culture typically passes from...