Contents The First Lunar Month The Second Lunar Month The Third Lunar Month The Fourth Lunar Month The Fifth Lunar Month The Sixth Lunar Month The Seventh Lunar Month The Eighth Lunar Month The Ninth Lunar Month The Tenth Lunar Month The Eleventh Lunar Month The Twelfth Lunar Month The Leap month Lunar Month

In this fast-paced, rapidly changing world, Korea has not been unaffected. Many long-observed seasonal customs that were still practiced a few short decades ago have now disappeared or are quickly disappearing. (Children prefer computer games to kite-flying and top-spinning on Lunar New Year's Day.) Although a custom may no longer be explicitly followed, knowledge of it has more importance than merely satisfying one's inquisitiveness; the essence of the past manifests itself in the present. Korea's long-observed seasonal customs of the past do still, however, have considerable influence upon the formation of the behavioral and attitudinal patterns of present-day society. In this way, customs of yesteryear live on to influence the present, and ultimately, the future. Most seasonal customs have been formed and developed as a result of the cycles of agriculture, and thus, comprehensively reflect the people's everyday life. As seasonal customs have been formed around unified experiences of people's lives, Korea's traditional culture has been transmitted through deeply embedded teachings, within which the sentiments of the people have also been preserved.

Record of the Seasonal Customs of Korea (Tongguk sesigi) is one of the most important primary sources for anyone interested in traditional Korean cultural and social practices. The manuscript was completed in 1849 by Toae Hong Sŏk-mo, a wealthy poet and scholar from an influential family. Toae, with his keen interest in the habits and customs of both courtiers and commoners, compiled in almanac form (he divided his book into chronological sections by lunar and intercalary months) a comprehensive record of seasonal palace events, rituals, entertainment, and food and drink consumed on high days and holidays, as well as information on farm work and traditions. Nineteenth-century Korean intellectuals possessed a deep understanding of Chinese history and culture together with a growing awareness of the distinctiveness of Korea’s past and traditions. Toae’s work reflects this in the many comparisons he makes between the habits and customs of the two countries, quoting literary and philosophical sources to note similarities and contrasts. Knowledge of the seasonal traditions he describes was largely forgotten over the generations as Korea rapidly modernized, but in recent years much effort has been made to recover this wisdom: Tongguk sesigi is now widely read and referenced as a popular source for details on traditional food, customs, and entertainment. While an ever-increasing number of books introducing Korean culture written by non-Koreans or Koreans researching their roots is now available, Record of the Seasonal Customs of Korea contains information “from the source” that also reveals the mindset and penchants of a premodern Korean intellectual. Readers will thus be confronted with many concepts, names, and ideas not readily understandable so extensive notes are provided in this translation. Those studying other Asian cultures with some Chinese influence will also find valuable insights here for cross-cultural comparison and research.

"Record of the Seasonal Customs of Korea (Tongguk sesigi) is one of the most important primary sources for anyone interested in traditional Korean cultural and social practices. The manuscript was completed in 1849 by Toae Hong Sŏk-mo, a wealthy poet and scholar from an influential family. Toae, with his keen interest in the habits and customs of both courtiers and commoners, compiled in almanac form (he divided his book into chronological sections by lunar and intercalary months) a comprehensive record of seasonal palace events, rituals, entertainment, and food and drink consumed on high days and holidays, as well as information on farm work and traditions. Nineteenth-century Korean intellectuals possessed a deep understanding of Chinese history and culture together with a growing awareness of the distinctiveness of Korea's past and traditions. Toae's work reflects this in the many comparisons he makes between the habits and customs of the two countries, quoting literary and philosophical sources to note similarities and contrasts. Knowledge of the seasonal traditions he describes was largely forgotten over the generations as Korea rapidly modernized, but in recent years much effort has been made to recover this wisdom: Tongguk sesigi is now widely read and referenced as a popular source for details on traditional food, customs, and entertainment. While an ever-increasing number of books introducing Korean culture written by non-Koreans or Koreans researching their roots is now available, Record of the Seasonal Customs of Korea contains information "from the source" that also reveals the mindset and penchants of a premodern Korean intellectual. Readers will thus be confronted with many concepts, names, and ideas not readily understandable so extensive notes are provided in this translation. Those studying other Asian cultures with some Chinese influence will also find valuable insights here for cross-cultural comparison and research"--

The book explores the favorite pastimes and customs of the Korean people under the 'Great Empire' from the late 14th century to 1910, when Korea was occupied by Japan. Some of the popular games discussed include Baduk (the Korean version of 'Go', a strategic board game for two players), Janggi (the Korean version of chess) and Yutnori (a game played with four short sticks). The author also discusses games played by young boys (e.g. flying kites) and young girls (e.g. hide-and-seek), men (e.g. archery) and women (e.g. seesaw), and pastimes enjoyed by both sexes (e.g. tug of war). Lee examines the origin of family names and common people's obsession with genealogy during the Joseon dynasty. He also discusses the important ceremonies celebrating milestones in one's life as well as ceremonies associated with various holidays on the calendar. The last segment of the book is devoted to people's interest in fortune-telling. The author discusses behaviors that were considered taboo and the various ways people tried to predict their future.

Provides a comprehensive introduction about Korea's cultural heritage. 01 UNESCO Treasures in Korea 02 Traditional Korean Lifestyle Hangeul (The Korean Alphabet) Printing Heritage Hanbok (Korean Dress) Korean Seasonal Customs Rites of Passage Gardens Kimchi and Bulgogi (Two Healthy Korean foods) Korean Ginseng 03 Korean Music and Dance Masks and Mask Dance-Dramas Jeryeak (The Music of the Jongmyo Ancestral Rites) Traditional Musical Instruments 04 Traditional Korean Arts Folk Paintings Paper Crafts Jasu (Embroidery) Jangsingu (Personal Ornaments) Patterns 05 Religious Culture in Korea Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto Dancheong (Decorative Coloring Used on Buildings) Shamanism 06 Traditional Korean Sports Taekwondo Ssireum (Korean Wrestling)