The Culture of Korea, Republic of

The modern-day culture of South Korea originated from the custom culture of Korea, but later on the 1948 partition of Korea, it has arose individually from North Korea's culture.

The industrial enterprise and urbanization of the country have contributed some changes to the way Korean individuals live. Varying lifestyles and economics have led to a tightness of population in major cities, particularly the capital Seoul, with poly-generation families dividing into nuclear family living systems. Western architecture was introduced in the nineteenth century. The Gothic-style Myongdong Cathedral (1898) is a prominent example of the earliest Western architecture in Seoul. At present a broad range of architectural styles exists. For instance, the Toksu Palace of the Choson Dynasty constructed in the traditional style, the Romanesque Seoul City Hall constructed during Japanese rule, and new high-developed luxury hotels can all be found in City Hall Plaza in downtown Seoul.

South Korean clothes are also influenced by foreign styles; young individuals in Korea dress practically as their Western counterparts do. Korean is the official language of South Korea and is also a widely spoken lingua throughout the world. Lately, the Korean language has accepted a vast influx of English words.

As an effect of inherent guarantees of freedom of faith, there is a broad range of religious beliefs, from Confucianism, shamanism, and Buddhism to Christianity, Islam, and other organized religions.

Some Korean groups and pop stars are well recognized in Southeast Asia and East Asia. K-pop frequently contends American popular music, and commonly features young performers. Popular artists who vary from the traditional K-pop audio include BoA,So Nyeo Shi Dae, Lee Jung Hyun, a female dance music artist; H.O.T., a five-member pop group, and Wax, a female singer. There is also traditionalistic Korean pop music attracting older Koreans. There are some popular singers, including Tae Jin Ah, Na Hoon-a and Song Dae Kwan, primarily in their 50s and 60s.