Korean identity as a citizen of the Republic of Korea is based on the principles of liberal democracy and adherence to the Constitution.
Ethnic identity stems from inheriting and taking pride in the history, culture, and language (Korean/Hangul) of the Korean people.
In the age of globalization, it is crucial to cultivate global citizenship and a respectful attitude towards diversity.
Ⅰ Introduction
The question of Korean identity is becoming increasingly important. For a long time, the Korean people, who have lived together on the Korean Peninsula, have shared blood ties, cultural, and linguistic homogeneity, forming the identity of Koreans. However, today, due to the division of the Korean Peninsula, our national and ethnic identities have become more complex and difficult to distinguish simply compared to the past. Because the principle of nationalistic unity has not been realized due to the division, a unique identity of South Korea itself has been formed.
Furthermore, globalization and opening to the outside world have increased the diversity of our society and deepened concerns about global identity. Changes in perceptions of North Korea and reunification have also emerged. And we can see that global citizenship is being strengthened due to changes in Korea's status in the international community.
These changes necessitate a redefinition of the new identity of Koreans in this era. Therefore, within this changing geopolitical landscape, we will examine the definition of Korean identity and its representative characteristics.
Ⅱ Main Body
1. Ideological Aspects of the Nation: Commitment to liberal democracy, equal opportunity, the responsibilities and duties of citizens, world peace and the common good of humanity, and securing the safety, freedom, and happiness of future generations. This is established based on the nation's constitution. From a national ideological perspective, it is especially important for citizens of the Republic of Korea to clearly understand their responsibilities and duties to uphold the principles of the democratic republic system, liberal democracy, and the free market economic system. Also, in the current context of inter-Korean standoff, accepting the North Korean political system violates the ideals of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, and this violates the identity of Korean citizens.
2. Ethnic Aspects: The identity of Koreans ethnically follows the characteristics of the Han (韓) people. It is
① A Member of the Han (韓) People: Koreans possess an identity as members of the Han (韓) people, a nation historically centered on the Korean Peninsula. This is a people who settled down and lived through farming, hunting, and fishing on the Korean Peninsula from about 5000 years ago.
② Korean Language and Hangul: The language of Koreans is Korean, and it is written using Hangul. Hangul is one of the key elements forming the identity of Koreans, and it is a central part representing the cultural characteristics of Koreans.
③ Physical Characteristics: Koreans possess an identity shaped through various historical events and cultural heritages from ancient times to the present. Traditional Korean food, rituals, etiquette, music, and art are important parts of shaping Korean identity.
④ Historical and Cultural Heritage: Koreans possess an identity shaped through various historical events and cultural heritages from ancient times to the present. This lies in understanding and embodying the characteristics of traditional Korean culture. The characteristics of Korean culture, such as Hanbok (Korean traditional clothing), Hangul (Korean alphabet), Hanok (traditional Korean house), Hansik (Korean cuisine), Gugak (traditional Korean music), Minyo (Korean folk songs), etiquette, traditional ceremonies, Taegeukgi (Korean flag), play culture, and sports, constitute the identity of Koreans. Thinking particularly about the national flag, I remember many foreigners naturalized in Korea wearing medals around their necks at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. This is evidence that foreigners can acquire Korean citizenship as long as they have the will and desire, and it can be said that this is about recognizing that we must live in a community with our thoughts and lifestyles in a multicultural era.
⑤ Nationalism and Pride: Koreans have pride in their nation and national history. This greatly influences the formation of Korean identity, creating a strong sense of solidarity and empathy among Koreans.
3. Legal Aspects: The identity of a Korean citizen is manifested in becoming a member of the Republic of Korea, observing the constitution and laws of the nation, and fulfilling the rights, responsibilities, and duties as a citizen of the Republic of Korea. This emphasizes that the national identity should be built and maintained through the practice of public welfare duties such as national defense, taxation, education, labor, environmental protection, and the exercise of property rights.
4. Korean Language and Hangul: The language of Koreans is Korean, and it is written using Hangul. Hangul is one of the key elements that make up the identity of Koreans, and it is a central part representing the cultural characteristics of Koreans. The Korean language is the key means of communication and cultural transmission, reflecting and expressing the lives, thoughts, and values of Koreans. Hangul also plays a major role in reflecting and preserving Korean history and cultural heritage.
5. Physical Appearance: Koreans typically have an average height, dark hair, and eyes that are long or have a flat head shape. These characteristics are considered one of the important features that distinguish Koreans from other ethnic groups.
6. History and Cultural Heritage: Koreans have an identity shaped through various historical events and cultural legacies from antiquity to the modern day.
① Historical Legacy: Korean identity is rooted in thousands of years of historical development and experience. The Korean Peninsula has undergone exchanges with various external civilizations over a long period, influencing Korean identity.
② Cultural Characteristics: Koreans possess unique cultural characteristics, and traditional Korean culture manifests in various aspects such as food, etiquette, rituals, music, and art.
7. Nationalism and Pride: Koreans have pride in their nation and national history. This is
① Nationalism: Koreans identify themselves as the Korean people (韓民族). This is a concept formed based on the common attributes shared by Koreans, such as language, history, and culture. Nationalism towards the Korean people forms a strong sense of solidarity and identity among Koreans, fostering a sense of community and pride.
② Pride: Koreans have pride in their nation and national history. Koreans proudly regard Korea's history and cultural heritage, and through this, they build and strengthen their identity. Koreans also have pride in the historical achievements and accomplishments that have continued from ancient times to the present, thereby raising national pride.
Nationalism and pride are important factors in shaping Korean identity, forming a strong sense of solidarity and empathy among Koreans and promoting a unified spirit and free development among the people.
8. Tradition Based on Filial Piety: The moral aspect of Korean identity has been formed centering on filial piety (孝). Filial piety is considered the root of all virtues and one of the core values of moral life. Koreans uphold values such as loyalty (忠), trustworthiness (信), love (愛), fraternal respect (悌), benevolence (慈), and harmony (和) based on filial piety. These values deeply influence the lives, thoughts, and moral behavior of Koreans. Koreans still observe Lunar New Year, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), and ancestral rites with reverence, respecting and practicing the value of filial piety. Even with the development of material civilization, filial piety remains a core part of Koreans' philosophy of life and an important part of their identity.
Ⅲ Conclusion
Korean identity is formed from various aspects, and I believe it is important to recognize and respect this diversity. Koreans understand and take pride in their identity through historical legacies and traditional values encompassing the past and present, while simultaneously fulfilling their roles as global citizens in keeping with the globalized era.
It can be said that we have entered an era where we must lead the Republic of Korea together with diverse societies and people, rather than being confined to the identity of the past.
While undertaking the task of examining Korean identity, I have deeply reflected on the increase and changes in the number of foreign residents. While interacting with foreigners, we can learn and understand more, but I realize that despite the rapid changes in society, the changes in the perceptions of Koreans are still slow. It seems that the time has come to prepare lectures in accordance with these changes in perception. I pledge to do my utmost to help form a more mature identity through sharing and mutual understanding with foreigners.