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Korean culture has blossomed over a long history. Though influenced by other Asian cultures, its roots lie deep in the creative Korean psyche. The culture has tended to spread rather than be encroached upon. Japan in particular has adopted many Korean ideas and customs. The delicate styling and fine craftsmanship of celadon pottery well illustrates the refinement of the culture, even from as far back as the Three Kingdoms Period. Korea has also spawned some great inventions. Its early printing systems were highly refined and Korea's moveable metal type predated that of Gutenberg. The famous "Turtle Ship" was the world's first ever ironclad battleship, and the Korean alphabet, devised by a group of scholars in the 15th century, was so effective that it remains largely unchanged today and is lauded by linguists for its simple clarity and for the ease with which it can be learned. Reasons behind Korea's rapid economic development can be found in this innate creativity.

Buddhism has played a powerful role in Korean art. A large number of excellent examples of Korean artwork and architecture can be found in Buddhist temples and paintings. During the Joseon Dynasty, Confucianism became a leading inspiration for the noblemen to whom the arts of calligraphy and painting were essential. They have left a legacy of fine brush work from which contemporary artists have benefitted.

Traditional Art

Korea has a long and distinguished cultural history. The current trend in Korean art is a harmonious combination of traditional and modern styles, revealing the historical roots and influences of Korean art.


	Painting Tomb murals from the Three Kingdoms Period are the earliest examples of Korean painting. Mythological beasts such as dragons and flying horses show an imaginative and creative spirit. Throughout the Unified Silla and Goryeo Dynasies, Buddhism prevailed in every field of life, leaving a rich collection of icon paintings. In the late Goryeo Dynasty, ink and behind brush paintings of the four noble plants, (the cherry the blossom, the orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo), which symbolized traditional virtues, became popular. The artists of the Joseon Dynasty produced an innovative embodiment of the Korean spirit and perspective. You can find humorous animal pictures, scroll paintings of dreamlike, mist-clad mountains, and insightful sketches of everyday life done in brush and ink. Paintings with folk custom and nature themes flourished in the latter half of the 18th century. Sin Yun-bok was a celebrated master of this genre.

	Calligraphy Calligraphy, the art of brush writing, is a traditional art form in Korea which has exerted a strong influence on social and cultural life and is still a highly respected form of art today.

	Architecture Four factors have shaped traditional Korean architecture : religion, the availability of materials, the natural landscape, and an aesthetic preference for simplicity. Gently sloping roof lines and sturdy, undecorated pillars are characterize of the its simplicity, harmony, and practical utility of korean architecture. Korea has many original wooden and stone structures, some dating back over a thousand years. There are also many skillful reproductions. Traditional architectural designs are also incorporated in many modern buildings throughout the country.

	Pottery One of the most significant achievements in Korean art, the perfection of celadon, was accomplished during the Goryeo Dynasty. Korean artisans developed a superbly controlled secret ash glaze that was unique and hauntingly beautiful. The highest praise is given to the color, a delicate kingfisher green. Celadons are inlaid with a pictorial underglaze called Sanggamcheongja which occupies a central position in Goryeo ceramics. The motifs and decorations give even greater reason for the great popularity of Goryeo celadons among art lovers.

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Modern Art

With its characterisitic blend of the traditional and modern, and the balance of influences from the East and the West. Korean contemporary art has surged in popularity. Most artists try to be accessible to their audience, this you will find many exhibitions and galleries in any major city, the largest collections of which are in Seoul's Anguk-dong and Daehangno areas.

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Museums

	Hanbok The hanbok has been the Korean people's unique traditional costume for thousands of years. The beauty and grace of Korean culture can be seen in photographs of women dressed in the hanbok. Before the arrival of Western-style clothing one hundred years ago, the hanbok was everyday attire. Men wore jeogori (Korean jackets) with baji (trousers) while women wore jeogori with chima (skirts). Today, the hanbok is worn on days of celebration such as weddings, Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day), and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day). The loose-fitting hanbok is tailored to conceal the natural curves of the body.

	Gimjang Gimjang is the age-old Korean practice of preparing winter Kimchi, that has been passed down from generation to generation. Because very few vegetables are grown in the three or four winter months, gimjang takes place in late autumn or early winter and provides what has become a staple Korean food. For Koreans, a dinner table without Kimchi is unthinkable.

	Ondol Traditional Korean rooms have multiple functions. Rooms are not labelled or reserved for a specific purpose; There is no definite bedroom or dining room for example. Rather, tables and mats are brought in as needed. Most people sit and sleep on the floor on thick mats in their rooms. Underneath the floors are stone or concrete flues. Traditionally hot air was vented through the flues to provide heat. Clay or cement would be placed over the stones to protect gases. This type of underfloor heating is called "ondol." Nowadays hot water is piped through cement floors covered with linoleum.