Korean culture — K-pop, K-drama global influence. Hangul, Korean food, hanbok. Rapid change and tradition coexisting.
Language
Korean — Hangul alphabet, created by King Sejong 1443. Considered world most scientific alphabet. Altaic family.
K-Pop and Korean Wave
BTS 2020 Billboard Hot 100 #1 first K-pop group. BlackPink, Twice, NewJeans. Hallyu (Korean Wave) — global cultural phenomenon. PSY Gangnam Style 2012 first YouTube 1 billion views.
K-Drama
Squid Game (2021) — most popular Netflix series ever. Parasite (2019) — 4 Oscars, first non-English Best Picture. Minari, Decision to Leave. Bong Joon-ho, Park Chan-wook world-recognized directors.
Korean Food
Kimchi UNESCO 2013. Bibimbap, bulgogi, galbi, japchae, tteokbokki. Chicken and beer (chimaek) national food. Korean food going global.
Traditional Culture
Hanbok — traditional dress. Hanok — traditional house. Tea ceremony, calligraphy, samul nori. Busan International Film Festival. Chuseok, Lunar New Year — family holidays.
Religion and Philosophy
Confucianism — social foundation. Buddhism (22%). Christianity (29%). Shamanism. Temples — Tongdosa, Haeinsa.
Modern Culture
E-sports — Korea birthplace (LoL, Starcraft). Game companies (NCsoft, Nexon). Samsung, LG, Hyundai — global brands. Seoul — city of fastest internet.