The Korean Experience

By Korea.Net Honorary Reporter Nour M. Aldemrdash 

Photos = Nour M. Aldemrdash

When we mention the word ”Egypt,” the first thing that crosses one’s mind is the pyramids, but the reality is that Egypt is full of many other monuments and charming places. Similarly, when I say the word “Korea” in front of an Egyptian, they think directly of Samsung and LG, and maybe K-pop, but they don’t know about the history or heritage items. Maybe they don’t even know that Korea has history and civilization just like Egypt.

I’m writing this article to shine a spotlight on the hidden treasures of Korea. The heritage and history of this country are just like the roots of an old tree. However, just as the wind blows, it will last and stand until the end of time. It’s so important to read and learn more about this country. Maybe someday we will meet a Korean person and it wouldn't be good enough to just say, “Sorry, but I know nothing about your country”. The way in which a society views itself and thinks about its identity is very important, as without it, we wouldn't be able to communicate. Once we learn it, we will be excited to travel to Korea.

The Korean culture, which is known as “Han,” contains a variety of interesting traditions. It all starts with “Han“ and each detail of it has an amazing story. Start with “Hanbok,” traditional Korean attire and my favorite personal experience. I used to see Hanbok on TV, simply like skirts and colorful tops, but when I came to wear it, I was totally amazed. It’s not as simple as I thought. The way to wear it, the design and even the industry itself is so valuable. Hanbok was just the start. When I wore it, I decided to buy one, but since we don’t have it in Egypt, I had to buy one from Korea. Finally, the Korean Cultural Center in Egypt announced that there would be a Hanbok design workshop, but sewing experience was needed, so I couldn’t join, but my mother did. The look of the Hanbok is totally different compared to the way to make one. Now, I have my own Hanbok, but this time only I know how valuable it is.

Hangeul is the Korean alphabet. Ancient Koreans used to speak Korean but write using Chinese characters. Because that was so difficult, only the upper classes could write. The Koreans had a problem with writing their language and became illiterate. So King Sejong the Great (r. 1418-1450) oversaw the creation of Hangeul in 1443 to help the Korean masses read and write their own language. The team of scholars who created the letters did so, the story goes, according to the shape of the mouth and tongue, to make it easy for everybody to learn it. Everyone in Korea can now read and write Hangeul. Sejong didn't only make history. He even changed the future of Korea. On Oct. 9 every year, people celebrate the Korean alphabet day, or Hangeul Day, as it’s an official holiday. The Korean Cultural Center in Egypt arranges events to celebrate Hangeul Day every year, so they introduce Hangeul to the guests and tell them the story of King Sejong the Great, play some games and give away some awesome traditional Korean gifts to the winners. 

Traditional Korean music is known as Hanguk eumak, which is songs and music. Starting with the song “Arirang,” it was the first traditional Korean song I heard. I thought it was just a sad song, but when I looked up the lyrics I came to know that it’s more than a story of a woman singing to her husband who decided to abandon her. It’s a story that refers to Korean history, as it shows Korean efforts to get independence from colonial rule. I also came to know that the song "Arirang" has many versions and has been translated into many languages, including English, French, German, Mandarin and simplified Chinese, Japanese and Arabic. 

Traditional dance and music in Korea are known as Hanguk ak. There are different types, as each one has a special and unique style. The first time I learned about traditional Korean dance and music was at the Han-Arab Society Festival, the ninth Korea-Arab Friendship Caravan, when I attended an amazing performance. 

I never thought that I would attend a live performance of a traditional Korean show, but it was a great experience that I will never forget. Still, the depth and breadth of traditional Korea is full of branches, like Hansik and traditional food, Hanyak and traditional medicine, and Hanguk akki, a type of traditional Korean musical instruments.

There's one big difference between what I used to hear about Korea and now. I haven't even visited Korea yet, but it’s not limited to learning about countries only when we visit them. Writing about Korea can motivate readers to learn more about it, and the more they learn, the more they will be looking forward to visiting Korea and having their own experiences there. We get great experiences when we learn. As long as I’m alive, I won’t stop learning.

wisdom117@korea.kr

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