|
|
|
|
 Religion |
|
Korea guarantees freedom of religion
according to their constitution and accepts various
religions including Buddhism, Christianity and
Catholicism.
According to statistical data from
1995, 54% of Koreans have a religion. 46% of them follow
Buddhism, 38% Christianity and 13% Catholicism |
|
|
|
|
|
•
Buddhism
Buddhism was first introduced
into Korea from India around the 4th Century and has
been rooted strongly in Korean history. Koreans
commemorate the 8th of April on the lunar calendar as
Buddha's birthday. |
|
|
|
|
|
•
Christianity
Christianity was introduced
by scholars who studied western civilization in 1885
after the introduction of Catholicism. Christmas, the
25th of December, is designated as a national holiday in
Korea. |
|
|
|
|
|
•
Catholicism
Catholicism was first
introduced into Korea by scholars who studied western
civilization in the late 18th Century. In Korea,
Cardinal Kim Su-Hwan was appointed in 1969. |
|
|
|
|
|
• Confucianism
Confucianism
was imported from China in the 4th Century as a national
religion during the Joseon Dynasty (AD 1392~1910).
Confucianism has influenced the Korean way thinking,
human relations and the approach to memorial services.
It continues to do so today. |
|
|
|
|
|
Customs |
|
|
|
· Koreans write their family name
first and then their first or given names follow.
Children follow the father's family name, and
women do not change their family name after
marriage.
|
|
· The korean heating system is
ondol, an under the floor heating system typically
using hot air or water. Koreans traditionally sit,
eat and sleep on the floor.
|
|
· Shoes must be removed before
entering a home.
|
|
· Koreans generally do not write a
person's name in red ink. It is because Korean
people use red ink only for dead
people.
|
|
· Koreans eat rice, soup and a
number of side dishes each in their own serving
dish.
|
|
· Making a noise while eating is
considered to be impolite.
|
|
· Cars have a left side driver's
seat and driving is done on the right side of the
road.
|
|
· It is customary to bring along a
small gift when visiting somebody at their home.
The gift can be almost anything.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Laws |
|
|
Laws normally differ slightly
from country to country depending on the way of thinking
and the policies of each country.
Korea also has
some laws which differ from those of other countries.
Therefore, be careful to follow the rules because you
could receive an expensive fine by default or as a
penalty for violating the rules.
Below are
several laws and regulations about which travelers could
easily make mistakes:
• Drinking & Smoking
In
Korea, the legal drinking and smoking age is 19. When
you purchase an alcoholic drink or tobacco, you should
bring documentary evidence certifying your age (resident
card, student card, passport, etc).
Smoking is
strictly prohibited in closed public places such as
offices, many restaurants, stores, underground passages
or in places where a non-smoking sign is displayed.
Generally it is possible to smoke in restaurants which
offer alcoholic drinks, cafes or places without
non-smoking signs. However, it is always polite to ask
first.
• Traffic
Rules
You are allowed to drive when age 18
or older, 16 or older for a motorcycle. You will need to
carry your driver's license with you and to fasten your
safety belt whenever in your car.
Normally the
speed limit is 60 kph (highways range from 80~100 kph).
The penalty for drunk driving is imposed when the blood
alcohol level is at 0.05% or higher.
If you park
your car in a no-parking area in large cities including
Seoul, your car may receive a parking violation sticker
on the front mirror or may be towed away. Parking
tickets can be quite expensive.
You will also
need to note that there is a "Bus Only Lane" for the
convenience of those who use a public transportation.
Cars are prohibited from using this lane as it is for
buses and passenger cars with more than six persons.
A "Bus Only Lane" is indicated by a blue line
and is located in the far right hand lane. It can
generally can be used from 07:00 to 21:00 on weekdays
(Saturdays 07:00~15:00) and is not available on Sundays.
Like the "Bus Only Lanes" in the city, highways
have "Express Bus Only Lanes." They are in the far left
lane and are available on Saturdays and from 09:00 to
23:00 on Sundays (holidays) as well as on weekdays |
|
|
|
|
|
