Korean Culture Midterm

What is the difference between "Little 'c'" and "Big 'C'" cultures?

"Little 'c'" is about daily practices like respect and etiquette. "Big 'C'" includes visible elements like clothing and architecture.

What is the typical structure of a Korean name?

Single-syllable surname + Two-syllable given name.

Name three common Korean surnames.

Kim, Park, Lee.

How are people commonly addressed in Korea?

Name + honorific suffixes, age/position-based titles, professional and familial titles.

What does "Sunbae" mean?

Senior or superior.

What does "Hubae" mean?

Junior or subordinate.

What is "Hakbun"?

Year of enrollment; used to determine hierarchy.

What is Hunminjeongeum?

Original name of Hangeul, Korea's writing system.

Who created Hangeul and when?

King Sejong the Great in 1443.

What does the Taegeukgi (Korean flag) symbolize?

Yin-yang for harmony; trigrams for Heaven, Earth, Fire, Water; white for purity.

What is Korea’s national flower?

Hibiscus syriacus (Mugunghwa).

What are key features of the Korean Peninsula?

70% mountainous, 3 coasts, archipelagos, Hallasan volcano on Jeju.

What is the DMZ?

Demilitarized Zone along the 38th parallel.

Name South Korea’s provinces.

Gyeonggi, Chungcheong, Jeolla, Gangwon, Gyeongsang.

What are the royal palaces of Korea?

Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.

What period were the palaces built in?

Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910).

What is Hakyeon (학연)?

Alumni network influencing careers, based on shared education and enrollment year.

What is Goyeonjeon?

Annual Korea-Yonsei University sports rivalry featuring football and baseball.

What are key customs during Seollal (Lunar New Year)?

Saebae (bow), Tteokguk (rice cake soup).

What is eaten during Chuseok?

Songpyeon (pine-resin rice cakes).

When is Liberation Day celebrated?

August 15.

What happens on Teacher’s Day?

Students gift red carnations; appreciation events held.

Describe traditional Korean weddings.

Pyebaek: couple bows to parents in hanbok; nuts thrown for fertility.

Describe modern Korean weddings.

Held in wedding halls; guests bring cash in white envelopes.