Korean Culture Postcard (A)

This postcard includes two of the most important islands in Korea, traditional Korean clothing (Hanbok), Korean food, Korean holidays, the Korean alphabet, and lastly traditional Korean paper.

Through this postcard you can learn about Korean history, food, and people all in one place. You can also download this postcard and share with your friends the diversity and depth of the Korean culture!

Together let’s share our countries uniqueness through this cultural postcard!

Dokdo, Korea’s Eastern Island

Dokdo is Korea’s easternmost volcanic island that consists of two main islands. In 1905, Dokdo became the first Korean territory to be affected by Japan’s imperialism. Today, Dokdo strengthens our will to protect peace and freedom by reminding us of Korea’s history. This postcard also has some of unique animals found on Dokdo’s and other unique traits on the island.

Korean Traditional Dress – Women’s Hanbok

Hanbok is Korea’s traditional dress. When the Hanbok is worn, the multiple folds of fabric create an elegant volume which is comfortable for all body types. Because of its loose fit Hanbok is suitable for traditional Korean lifestyle, which is sitting on the floor. Women’s Hanbok consists of a long-sleeve top and a voluminous skirt with a underskirt and trousers underneath. Depending on a person’s social status and occasions, Hanbok was adorned with various accessories, such as a hairpin, a coronet, and a pendant.

Korea’s Food – Bibimbap

Bibimbap is one of Korea’s most popular dishes, and has begun to be recognized globally. Bibimbap is made by mixing rice with an egg, red pepper paste, and assorted vegetables. Depending on the region and the ingredients, there is a wide variety of Bibimbap in Korea. In this food postcard you can see some of the ingredients that go into making Bibimbap.

Hanguel

Hanguel is the native Korean alphabet invented by King Sejong (1397-1450) in 1443 during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). During the time King Sejong invented Hanguel, it was called “Humminjeongeum” which means proper sounds to instruct the people. Hundreds of years later the purpose and principles of invention are still explicitly known to us since the Hunminjeongeum manuscript was published with a commentary. The manuscript is even listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. King Sejong created Hanguel for the common people who could not afford to learn the difficult Chinese characters used by the nobles. Now, Korea has the lowest illiteracy rate in the world due to simplicity of Hanguel.

 

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Dokdo, Remeber the name

From an outsider’s perspective, the Dokdo conflict may seem like a territory dispute over an island. However, Dokdo is a constant reminder to the people of Korea what the Japanese war has taken from them.

Korea wants to remember the name Dokdo because it was the first Korean territory whose name was stolen by Japan. Japan annexed Dokdo and changed its name to Takeshima. By taking advantage of Dokdo, Japan defeated Russia.

Dokdo

 

Korea started to lose more than names.

1. Daehan Jeguk (The Korean empire) lost its name

The flag of Daehan Jeguk source: cafe.daum

2. Japan Assassinated Empress Myeongseong

 

Empress Myeongseong, Korea’s Last empress

3. Two hundred Asian women (Comfort Women) lost their names and youths.

 

 

A monument for Comfort Women in Seoul, Korea

Nobel literature laureate Oe Kenzaburo on September 28, 2012 said “To the Korean people Dokdo is a symbol of Japanese aggression and colonial rule”. The Korean people are committed to protecting Dokdo. Japan still refuses to atone for its wrongdoing and Korea is determined to protect Dokdo’s sovereignty. Japan does not want “Dokdo” to be remembered, but Korea will never forget Dokdo.

Dokdo, where you can see the sunrise first in Korea.