Origins and ethnicity of Korean people
Koreans call themselves in Korean Hangukin
or Hanguk saram. Korean people are an
East Asian ethnic group and are believed to be part of
the Altaic populations, just like Mongolians, Tungusics
and Turkics. Archaeological evidence suggests that Koreans
are descendant of Altaic groups coming from South Central
Siberia.
Koreans
are the world’s most homogenous population ethnically
and linguistically. There are few minorities in Korea:
some Chinese, Japanese and westerners but in low numbers.
So homogenous is the population in Korea that if you are
a westerner in Korea you still feel conspicuous and, in
smaller towns and villages Koreans will stare at westerners
because they are not used to seeing people of different
ethnicity.
Korean language is a distinct language, which derives
from Altaic languages, thus it is completely different
from Japanese and Chinese (although throughout its history
Korean was influenced by those two languages) and it has
some similarities with Mongolian.
Korean people’s character and values
Korean people are very proud of their nationality and
of their identity. Koreans are quite friendly and would
do anything to help their friends, as interpersonal relationships
are very important in Korean culture. Family as well is
of outmost importance for Koreans and so is obedience
and respect to elderly people. Age is so important in
Korea that even one year difference between two people
means that the younger one will have to address the older
person with respect. This is why, one of the first things
Koreans ask when they meet somebody is their age and asking
people’s age in Korea is not disrespectful at all
as it is in the west. So, if a Korean person asks you
your age, do not feel offended.
This respect for the elderly and value placed on interpersonal
relationships comes from Confucianism, a philosophy that
arrived in Korea from China. Confucianism permeates Korean
culture and mentality in every aspect and if you know
Confucianism you will be able to understand a big part
of Korean culture.
