For immigrant families with Korean foundations, genealogical research is not only a way to fill in the gaps on a family tree. It is also a way to understand the cultural and ethnic traditions that shaped past generations. Family is a cornerstone of life in Korea, and keeping up shared practices gives everyone a way to maintain identity even when immersed in a modern, western world.
Diving into historical research about your ancestors not only honors them, a vital part of the culture itself, but also helps maintain the traditions for future generations. Language, food, art and culture, and belief systems all fit into Korean family life, but sometimes the only way to preserve or revitalize them is through heritage research.
Family Value Itself is a Korean Tradition
In many places Korean folks migrated to, such as the United States, independence is valued more than familial interdependence. The latter, however, is a cornerstone of tradition in the Asian nation. While traditionally patriarchal and strict, things have relaxed in the past decades. Close family ties make the practice of genealogical research a unique part of tradition on its own. Respect for ancestors is easier when you know who they are. Start with an exploration into your Korean surname and go from there.
Five Parts of Korean Cultural Heritage
1. The Alphabet & Writing: Hangul and Hanja
Although it’s not essential to learn how to speak, read, or write the Korean alphabet or the borrowed Chinese characters to understand traditions, the language itself is historically and culturally important. When researching the past, you will come across both of these used commonly in different eras of history. Different regions of the country also used slightly different varieties. As you discover documents from long ago, take the time to learn some common letters or words important to your family.
2. Traditional Food: Hansik
What did your ancestors eat when they lived in Korea long ago? These are some of the same dishes you may enjoy at cultural celebrations or family dinners today. Shared meals, or family-style dishes are common, such as in the impressive Hanjeongsik feast. It might be easier to recreate traditional kimchi or bibimbap, a rice bowl with meat and vegetables. You can even find these readily at restaurants in ethnically diverse areas. Modern westerners may prefer eating from their own bowl as opposed to the historical practice of everyone reaching into communal dishes with personal chopsticks.
3. Culture Clothing: Hanbok
Traditional Korean outfits for both men and women had a lot of fabric and very specific styling. Hanbok simply means ‘clothes,’ but it refers to the historical dress worn by most people in the country in one form or another. People from the upper classes wore them in multi-colored silk with many gold and jade embellishments. Working class people chose white cotton or gray hemp. Each piece and even how it’s worn carries a unique meaning. When you research your family history, you may come across photos of ancestors in their fanciest Hanbok for special occasions.
4. Classic Housing: Hanok
Although you can recreate food and clothing options in your modern Korean family, you’re less likely to revisit traditional housing and architecture. Still, it helps to understand and even visualize the types of buildings that your ancestors called home or worked in long ago. Hanok have wooden frames, underfloor heating, natural materials, and a unique sloped roof style.
5. Traditional Music : Hanguk-Eumak
Like many global music traditions, Korea has always enjoyed different types for different circumstances. Meditative music, such as the Jongmyojeryeak, is more ceremonial and associated with religion. Samulnori, which features four percussion instruments, offers a more uplifting and upbeat sound. Korea also has a strong tradition of opera or Pansori. Search back through time to match the social status of your ancestors to the types of music they may have enjoyed regularly.
Discovering more details about your family tree has great importance in a culture so focused on respecting and honoring ancestors. However, it also allows today’s modern families to explore traditions that may have dwindled or vanished over the years. When you unlock information about traditional music, clothing, food, and beliefs, you become a vital part of preserving the past for future generations.
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Source: My Heritage