2000’s have been seen a sharp rise in the popularity of Korean culture in Asia. It has been triggered by success of drama and k-pop music. Interest in Korea, caused by drama and music, continues to be increased, and it spreads the other cultural elements like Korean language, food, clothing, etc. the culture attracts attention all over the world beyond Asia and many people in many kinds of countries would like to learn Korean Culture as named by Korean wave.
So, what is the beginning of leaning Korean culture? It is to express the cultural words as Korean language. It means that Korean language is called Hangeul, not Korean language. Those who want to be aware of Korean things shouldn’t overlook to express Korean words because the indigenous word can only explains the origin and meaning of that word clearly.
“Cultural symbols are collectively referred to as “Han Style”
Most of Korean cultural words begin as a syllable Han, such as Hansik (Korean food), Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), Hanok (traditional Korean houses), Hanji (traditional Korean paper). In Korea, the aforementioned cultural symbols are collectively referred to as “Han Style”. So, what is origin of the syllable Han?
The syllable is derived from family name of Korean progenitor, Han-hu, identifying with Dan-gun. Han-hu led very powerful kingdom in manchu area, presently east northeast China. When the last king of Joseon dynasty, Gojong, built Daehan empire in 1897, Han was officially used at first. Although it has been one of a controversial hypothesis on the origin of Han, it has also been supported by a number of ethnohistoric scholars.
“Han has a meaning as a symbol of Korea, and represents a Korean sprit.”
Currently, Korean name of Korea is Daehanminguk. Also, Korean people are called Hanminjok for themselves. In this way, Han has a meaning as a symbol of Korea, and represents a Korean sprit. If you are able to understand “Han Style”, it is the faster way to know about Korean culture.
