I. Questions of Place.
Describe the geography of where your society calls home. The Republic of Corea contains the Corean Peninsula and its surrounding small islands. The peninsula is very mountainous, so much that the north is over 80% mountainous and 70% forest. While the south is mostly mountains, over 30% is estimated to be lowlands. The highest point is Paektu Mountain, an active volcano in northern Corea. The lowest point is at sea level, and over three thousand small islands lie off the southern and western coasts.
Describe the climate your society deals with. How severe are their seasons? Overall, Corea experiences a humid continental climate. The north can be considered oceanic as well, while the south can be considered subtropical. Rainfall is primarily concentrated within the summer months for the peninsula, as summer monsoons bring the rain. While the monsoons reach the entire peninsula, they can cause issues for the less-mountainous southern portion, which range from strong winds to flooding.
What kinds of natural disasters has this society gotten used to? Corea experiences the usual portion of natural disasters, although the most common are typhoons and floods. Typhoons, although common, usually threaten the outer coasts of the nation, as the mountain ranges "disarm" the storms further inland.
What importance (spiritual or cultural) do people ascribe to the geography? Coreans see the peninsula as their homeland, with ancient recorded history dating back to 2333 BC with the founding of the Gojoseon kingdom. Paektu Mountain (2744 m) is considered universally sacred within most traditional Korean religious affiliations.
How do people feel about local landscapes being altered or used for a purpose other than what is traditional? More so than not, Coreans see development as a positive. Only after industrializing and developing were the Corean people able to free themselves from foreign oppression. The environment isn't abused though, as the majority of Coreans would wish to see balance in natural resources management.
What are the most commonly-grown foods? Rice, vegetables, and cabbage.
What are the most commonly-eaten meats? Chicken is the most produced meat in Corea. Beef is the highest regarded meat in Corea, with countless methods of preparation.
What foods are considered exotic or expensive? Dog meat is considered exotic, as its consumption is quite controversial. Samgyetang (chicken soup) is a favorite summer dish among Coreans.
What forms of alcohol are common? Rare? Soju is the most commonly known form of Corean alcohol. There are over one-hundred forms of Corean alcoholic beverages, with none commonly perceived as rare.
Is there usually enough food and water for the population? Droughts and famine was a major issue, specifically for northern Coreans, until the joint-infrastructural projects conducted in the years preceding the unification. Today there are still issues, although the government hopes to remedy starvation with a free market.
What is this place's most abundant resource? Forests.
What is its most valuable resource? Rare earth metals.
What resource is it most lacking? Arable land.
How do people travel from one place to another? Urbanites may use trains, while suburbanites and rural Coreans rely on cars and other vehicles.
Are the borders secure? In what way? Corea shares a northern land border with China and Russia. The frigid, rugged terrain is suitable for border territory, although warming relations between Corea and its neighbors prevent any need for massive security concerns.
How many people live here? An estimated 77,077,718 in 2019.
Where in this place do they congregate? The lowlands and coastal regions.
What part of this place do they avoid? Why? Severely rugged mountainous terrain is mostly uninhabitable.
What are the most common domesticated animals here? And what are they domesticated for? The domestication of animals is fairly new to Corean society, as it only gained strength within the past century or so. Cattle and chicken were commonly used for food purposes.
What are the most common wild animals? How are wild animals treated? The Siberian musk deer and White-naped crane are very populous on the Corean peninsula. Wild animals are overall respected, especially in national parks. The DMZ is still considered "off-limits" as several endangered species made natural comebacks in the recent decades up till the unification.
Which animals are likely to be pets? Which ones won't be? Dogs, historically a source of food, and cats, seen as vermin, have only become commonplace as pets in recent years. The majority of Corean pet owners prefer dogs, although cats are gaining some traction.
What are the most common domesticated plants here? And what are they used for? Mugunghwa (Hibiscus Syriacus) is the national flower of Corea. For common festivals (Valentines Day, Birthdays): roses, lilies, and tulips are preferred.
What are the most common wild plants here? What are they used for? The Korean fir (Abies koreana) is a mountainous tree, primarily grown for ornamental purposes.
II. Questions of Time.
How far back does this society’s written history go? Most of Corea's history was documented through mythology, with one of the oldest documents stretching back to 700 BC documenting the existence of the Gojoseon kingdom.
How far back do its people believe it goes? Corean artifacts are estimated to be pre-historical while mythology states that the Gojoseon kingdom was founded in 2333 BC.
How was this society founded? Who founded it and under what circumstances? Corean mythology states that the first state, Gojoseon, was founded by the demigod Dangun who constructed the city Asadal and invented acupuncture.
What were the chief powers in the time when this society was founded? Corean mythology believes that Dangun's father, Hwanung, founded the city of Sinsi on Baekdu Mountain, where him and his holy allies passed on moral laws to the Corean people.
If it originated far away from here, how did it get here? N/A
What is the worst disaster they believe they've faced? Japan's occupation from 1910-1945.
What are the major events in this culture's past? Virtually peaceful histories were changed during the modern era, due to Japan's interference. World War II and the Korean War severely impacted the Corean people.
What was the best thing that ever happened to them? Peaceful unification, after over seventy years of hostile division.
What in their past makes them feel ashamed? The Korean War and how the Corean people were manipulated by foreign powers against each other.
What in their past makes them proud? The peninsula's historical peace and stability when it was free of foreign intervention.
What are they afraid of happening again? The Corean people never wish to see Corea occupied again or worse divided by foreign powers.
What are they hoping will happen? Do they think it likely? The Corean people hope to prosper while unified, recent developments have only strengthened their hopes.
How strongly are people attached or connected to their heritage? Corea is virtually a homogeneous population, with over 95% sharing Corean heritage.
What do they assume the future will hold? Coreans can sense coming war, as globalism seeks to destroy all independence.
How has this society changed? Do its current members realize this? Corean society has allowed itself to prosper with modern technology, although balance is needed, as recognized by most intellectuals.
What are the most popular stories about the past? The legend of Dangun and Gojoseon are widely received as true, with certain adaptions depending on the observer's religion.
Who in the past is the greatest hero? The worst villain? China is seen in a positive light for its assistance during the early years of Japanese aggression and its similar abuse at the hands of the Japanese Empire. The worst villain is seen as Japan, however the United States of America is barely perceived as any less malevolent.
Do people think the present better or worse than the past? The majority see modern Corea as better, although it isn't perfect.
Do people believe the future will be better or worse than the present or past? It is hard to imagine anything worse than Japan's past actions.
III. Questions of Race and Ethnicity.
What are the chief races in the region? Virtually everyone (95%) is Corean, identified by their Corean ethnic heritage.
What are the chief ethnic groups of each race in the region? How are they distributed in place? Coreans are primarily homogeneous, although there are minorities (5%). These minorities are primarily composed of Chinese, American, and South Asian.
How do they differ by language, appearance or ancestry? The only primary difference is northerners and southerners, from over seventy years of hostile division and isolation. Differences have faded, after unification, although there are slight regional differences.
What jobs do the chief ethnicities primarily occupy? Are any groups denied work because of racial or ethnic heritage? Coreans are usually preferred over foreigners, although capitalism discourages economic segregation.
What are typical attitudes of the native (or majority) ethnos to immigrants and other ethnicities? Immigrants are seen in a positive light as long as they are willing to assimilate into Corean culture. Those who attempt to change Corea, are viewed with distrust.
How has any variety of ethnicity in the region changed the society’s culture? The exposure to other cultures, specifically Americans, has made Corean youth somewhat "western" by social standards.
IV. Questions of Family.
How many spouses may a man or woman have? Monogamy is virtually universally respected in Corea, with polygamy despised. The Universal Bill of Rights guarantees the legality of polygamy, although it doesn't guarantee its cultural acceptance.
Who decides on a marriage? Marriage is legally seen as a contractual agreement between the individuals, who may file it with the state if they wish for the enforcement of the contract.
Can a marriage end in divorce? How? Either spouse may file for divorce, with legal proceedings based upon the content of the contract and any generic regulations for those which lack such.
Who usually takes custody of children if a marriage ends for some reason? Divorcees are encouraged to share custody, with certain input coming from the children and the parent's individual resources.
How are families named? Married persons keep their birth-names, unless legally changes, with descendants taking the surname of their father. There are about 286 surnames of Corean origin.
What happens to orphans? Orphans are taken in by adoption agencies, with the majority of adoptive parents residing in the United States.
How are boy and girl children treated differently? Boys and girls are considered of equal worth by Corean culture, although their differences aren't ignored and instead are recognized as complementary.
What, if anything, is considered a good marriage gift? Marriage gifts aren't very important in Corean society, as monogamy is highly valued it may be considered as such.
What inanimate or sexless things are considered male or female? It all depends on the gender of the one doing the consideration, traditionally the opposite gender is applied to a vehicular object by the owner.
Does this society connect the ideas of marriage with love? Marriage is considered an act of love, although it isn't seen as a guarantee.
How big are families, typically? Corean family sizes are "western", with sizes mainly dependent on economic stability.
What constitutes a household? How many people live in one household? How many generations? Corean families are organized into clans, which share a historical ancestor stretching back several centuries to a couple millennia. There were 4,179 recognized clans during a southern census.
Are girls or boys preferred and why? Although eastern cultures would traditionally prefer male descendants, both are highly valued currently under Corean culture today.
How common is domestic violence? Is it understood to be a problem, or a normal aspect of family life? Domestic violence is universal, practiced by both genders in a wide variety of ways. Domestic violence is illegal, and is rarely seen, at least publicly.
If it is seen as problematic, what is being done about it? The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family was terminated by Executive Order, due to the President's signature of the Universal Bill of Rights. Domestic bullying is overall seen in a negative light, with violence illegal.
V. Questions of Customs and Social Life.
What colors are associated with power? With virtue? With death? White represents purity and peace, red represents passion, blue represents death, yellow represents mind, green represents prosperity, and black represents nothingness.
If two men get into a fight, how is this supposed to be resolved? With words, physical aggression is seen as weakness.
If two women get into a fight, how should that be resolved? With words, physical aggression is seen as weakness.
How do people demonstrate grief? By grieving. Honest tears aren't despised.
Who inherits property? Titles? Position? Inheritance is based upon contract law, in the form of wills. When no contract exists, the priority is given to the spouse and the descendants. The spouse receives 50% with the descendants receiving an equal share. In the situation that neither relationship exists: parents, siblings, cousins are given priority in that order.
What are the most popular games? How important are they? Traditional Corean games involve obstacles and hand/eye coordination, among others. Games improve the sense of community among Coreans.
When and how does someone go from child to adult? The age of majority is 19 in Corea, with an individual officially becoming an adult on the "Monday of the third week of May". An individual is considered one year old at birth.
How much free time do people usually get? If they are economically secure, as much as is healthy. Specifically, with the elimination of the draft, young people aren't forced to stop their lives. The government doesn't regulate people's free time.
What do they spend this time doing? Recreation, although there are workaholics. Recreation practices are widely diverse, it all depends on the individual and their life.
Is society segregated in any way? Before unification, there was a severe distinction between Northern Coreans and Southern Coreans, although the Prime Minister and President, respectively, are trying to pave over the gaps.
What social classes or divisions exist in this society? The rich are rich, the poor are poor, but all are Corean. In order, from highest to lowest, the economic classes are considered as follows: capitalist class, petty-bourgeois, middle class, and working-class.
If so, can people move from one class to another? Are there any benefits to being of one class over another? The easiest method is money, which can be attained by work or inheritance. Being in a higher class means more wealth, which is a double-edged sword on its own.
Is there any discrimination against minority groups (racial, ethnic, religious) in this society? Coreans will accept minorities into their culture if they are willing to assimilate. Their right to discriminate is legally protected under the Right to Association.
How independent or codependent are individuals? As a society, Coreans can either be lone wolfs or clan leaders. Individualism is highly praised, as long as it respects the individualism of their neighbors.
What are the typical roles of women and men? What are the expectations of children? Men are expected to care for their wives, and women are expected to support their husbands. Children are expected to obey their parents.
Does the government play a large part in people’s lives? No, it is trying to effectively wean the populace off of it, although it is trying to make the transition as painlessly as possible for its Northern peoples.
Does religion play a large part in people’s lives? Yes, most of the principles executed by the current government are based on the Christian faith of the leaders. However, while the lawmakers are religious, the laws themselves are secular. Everyone is an individual and has their own religious path to take.
Food
Describe how daily food is obtained. By opening the refrigerator or by going to the grocery store. The most desperate can always rely on a church's support. Hunting and foraging are rare for the urban population, although rural populations definitely engage in the practices.
What type of foods are most popular? Rice, vegetables, meats, and side dishes compose Corean cuisine.
What are typical dishes and specialties of the region? A popular Northern dish is Naengmyeon, while a popular Southern dish is Bulgogi.
What type of food is the locality or region famous for? Both North and South praise Kimchi, the internationally renowned staple of Corean cuisine.
What cutlery, if any, do people use for cooking and eating? Standard "western" cutlery, although with style.
How is the table arranged? Multiple side dishes with a large communal dish. Utensils should not be left inside the dishes, they should be placed back onto the table when they are not being used.
How do people sit when eating? Is there any arrangement by age or dignity of diners? Wait for the oldest person present to sit before sitting and allow them to take the seat farthest from the room's entrance.
How many and when are the main mealtimes? Corea doesn't have fixed mealtimes, its all dependent on when you are hungry.
Are there restaurants, popinas, street vendors or other places where food may be bought in public? Yes.
Is there a significant risk of food poisoning? How many cases lead to death? Is there understood to be a link between food and poisoning or illness? Food poisioning can be an issue, although it is recommended to check reviews before consuming food from an establishment, as recommended by the Minister of Food and Drug Safety.
How much does a typical meal cost, if bought and not grown at home? 6,000 ₩.
Clothing and Fashion
What kind of clothes do people wear? How does this vary by season, ethnicity, age, profession, etc? Formal clothing is common in formal and public settings, while informal clothing is suitable for around the household.
How do the genders dress: what differences are there between mens and womens clothing and accessories? There are those who don't like to fit in the mold. Overall, men's clothing is masculine and refined, while women's clothing is feminine and respectful.
How is clothing made, in small shops or larger factories? Clothing and fashion is highly commercialized, with large brands easily outnumbering small brands.
How much does typical clothing cost? On average, an article of clothing can fetch 30,000 ₩.
How important is fashion to people? How does this vary by individual? Fashion is Corea is highly individualistic, a trend from the South before the unification.
What kinds of jewelry do people wear? And when? Jewelry is mainly worn by women, specifically in cultural or romantic settings.
Entertainments
Does the culture have outlets for dramatic arts (theater, puppetry, cinematography)? Theaters and cinemas are prevalent, especially in the south.
What other major forms of entertainment are there? Television, music, amusement parks, casinos, horse races, you name it....
Is the populace literate and numerate? 99% of the population is literate and numerate.
Do people read for pleasure? If so, what do they read? Their are numerous fiction and non-fiction choices to choose from.
How much do books, magazines, broadsheets and the like cost? On average, 10,000 ₩.
Is there a public library system? Who uses it? Their are public libraries, used primarily by students and those wishing to step aside from the mainstream.
Who are popular authors and poets? A famous ancient poet is Yeo Ok and a famous ancient author is Gim Manjung.
Who are some of the more famous characters from literature? Kakao Friends, although they aren't from literature....
How has this changed over time? Corea has over 1,500 years of history in literature. It has changed considerably.
VI. Questions of Manners.
Who speaks first at a formal gathering? If the gathering is associated with an organization, the leader shall speak first. If the gathering isn't official business, the eldest individual shall speak first.
What kinds of gifts are considered appropriate or in extremely bad taste? Anything that isn't obscene or insulting is welcomed.
How do younger adults address their elders? With respect and by using the proper terminology.
When is it rude to laugh at something funny? Depends on the situation, did someone trip at a wedding or a funeral?
What kinds of questions cannot be asked in public? In private? At all? Sexuality should be discussed in private, parading it around is not how you make friends.
What parts of the body are routinely covered? Standard western norms. Males are expected to cover the distance between the waist and the knees. Females are only required to cover half of the distance from their waist to their knees, however, they are also expected to cover their chests.
How private are bodily functions like bathing or defecating? Bathing can be discussed by anyone at any time, other bathroom activities should be reserved for medical discussions only.
VII. Questions of Faith.
Is the culture religious or nonreligious? Corea has a large religious population and a large non-religious population. The post-unification's leadership's shared faith enhances the religious hue of the nation.
What are the major religious groups in the region? The three major religions in alphabetical order are Agnosticism, Buddhism, and Christianity.
What are some of their core doctrines, dogmas, beliefs, and practices? Agnosticism focuses on the idea that nobody can be certain of the supernatural. Buddhism focuses on reaching enlightenment in order to escape the cycle of reincarnation. Christianity focuses on Jesus Christ's sacrifice.
What is the overall cosmology and eschatology in religious terms? Cosmologically and eschatologically, agnostics have no translation. The closest would be a single universe and its return to a single singularity. Buddhists believe in a tiered multiverse, with the end-times involving exploding suns. Christians believe in three realms, with the end-times involving the destruction of the earth realm. Agnostics, Buddhists, and Christians all disagree among themselves on eschatology while each group primarily agrees within itself on cosmology.
Is religion a cause of dissatisfaction, dissension or hostility in the region? No, it is not. The legalization of open religious practice for the northern populations only encouraged its growth. There are always outside powers seeking to conduct false-flags under the banner of faith, but only the mentally blind would fail to see the ruse.
Are religious traditions and any scriptures oral or written in nature or a combination? Agnosticism has no official traditions or scriptures. Both Buddhism and Christianity are based on sacred texts, rather than modern revelation.
Is there a set canon of what consitutes officially sanctioned scripture? Yes, although each of the three religion has its own canon among its individual factions.
How are scriptural / traditional exegesis accomplished and by what hermeneutics? Depends on the religion. For example, virtually all of Corea's Christians believe in the Lutheran idea that anyone can interpret the scripture for themselves.
What is the role of myth within the religion? Heavily among all three, as some things not explained in the primary texts are defined by other less-accepted sources.
Is there a formal creed or set of credal statements that define the faith? Agnostics believe that nobody can be certain of the supernatural. Buddhists believe in rebirth and karma. Christians believe in Jesus Christ.
What are typical symbols used in the religion and their meanings? Agnostics don't have a symbol (not to be confused with atheism's A). Buddhists frequently use the Dharmachakra and Christians frequently use the cross.
What ritual objects are used in the religion (relics, talismans, medals, charms, etc)? All factions have their relics, but the average religious Corean doesn't utilize many, if any at all, whether Buddhist or Christian.
What religious officials are there? Is there a formal clergy? How are they organised? Buddhism has monasteries based on hierarchy, while Christianity has churches based on community.
Are there monks, saints, faqirs, nuns, prophets, apostles, disciples, preachers, friars, shamans, martyrs, mystics, seers, vates, sages, ascetics, religious heroes, saviours, redeemers, etc? Modern Buddhism has Buddha, monks, nuns, and pilgrims. Modern Christianity has Christ, preachers, and people.
What do people believe happens to them after death? How, if at all, can they influence this? Agnostics believe that they don't know, so they can't influence it. Buddhists believe in multiple lifes, influenced by karma and their self-attachment to their existence. If they can exude positive karma and disconnect themselves from the world, they can reach enlightenment and ascend to a higher plane. Christians believe in a single life, with their entrance into the afterlife based on their relationship with Jesus Christ.
What happens to those who disagree with the majority on questions of religion? They start their own church, tyranny by majority is rarely heard of, but tyranny by minority is widely despised.
Are there any particular places considered special or holy? What are they like? There are several sacred sites for Buddhists in the south, while Paektu Mountain in the north is the mythical origin location for Corea.
Is there a set religious calendar? What are the most popular rituals or festivals? There isn't really a calendar, although most factions have their holidays. Buddhists have Vesak and Christians have Easter.
Are there liturgical, meditative, and contemplative aspects to the religion? Agnosticism is more contemplative, Buddhism is more mediative, and Chrsitianity is more liturgical.
What is the basic structure of the religion (unitary, dualistic, etc)? Agnosticism has no structure, while Buddhism and Christianity have countless factions.
What is the basic theology of the religion (i.e., monotheistic, polytheistic, henotheistic etc)? Agnosticism doesn't have a basic theology, Buddhism is non-theistic, and Christianity is monotheistic.
What do people have to offer to their Deity or deities? Buddhists may offer common materials such as food and water to demonstrate their reverence to Buddha. Agnostics and Christians don't engage in offerings.
What do people want from their Deity or deities? How do they try and get it? Agnostics don't have deities. Buddhists want their self-sacrifice to be recognized so that they can be promoted to a higher plane of existence. Christians want salvation and they get it by placing their trust in Christ.
Are there differing denominations or sects of the religion? Yes, countless denominations of all three.
How do their religious practices differ from their neighbours? The major religion in Japan is Shintosim while the major religion in China is Confucianism. Russia's Christianity is close to Corea's own Christianity, at least more so than its two asian neighbors.
Are issues such as orthodoxy, heterodoxy, heresy and apostasy keys in the religious life? Yes, although the majority of Coreans rarely face the topic due to the Right to Belief being recognized by the Corean state.
What gender, ethnic, national or racial issues exist within the religion? Christianity is an egalitarian faith. Buddhism in Corea is primarily egalitarian.
Is ecumenism engaged in, or are other traditions treated as adversaries or enemies? Ecumenism is engaged in by members of the same faith: Agnosticism, Buddhism, and Christianity. Cross-faith ecumenism is rare.
What is the most commonly broken religious rule? Out of the three, only Christianity has set rules, and according to Christ there are two rules. The most commonly broken one among Christians is "loving thy neighbor as thyself".
What is the least-violated religious rule? Out of the three, only Christianity has set rules, and according to Christ there are two rules. The least commonly broken one among Christians is "loving thy lord with all thy heard, soul, and mind."
How are such infractions punished? Is it possible to expel a community member? Individual sects can expel individuals for breaking their rules, however the faith as a whole isn't controlled by a governmental authority. In other words, you can be expelled from one sect and easily join another.
How can an outsider join the religious community? By claiming the core beliefs and wishing to participate. Agnostics must believe that nobody knows for certain the details of the afterlife, Buddhists must believe in the karmic reincarnation cycle, and Christians must believe in Christ's promises.
Does the religion send out missionaries? What role(s) do they play? All three send out missionaries, although Corea's Christian population send out the most. Their primarily goal is to contact foreign Corean populations and minister to allied nations in need of support.
What factions exist within the dominant religious institutions? How do they compete? The best form in inter-faction competition is debates, which can draw onlookers from every faction imagineable.
Are the differing groups a result of schismatism or mutual and cooperative separation? Both, modern splits are more likely caused by the latter.
Are there monastic groups? What do they do and how are they organized? How do you join one? Their are Corean Buddhist monastic organizations. In order to join one you must become familiar with the organization's principles, give up worldly possessions, take a vow of celibacy, and take several oaths.
Are there cult groups within the religious community? There are some cults, although their members are so small that they are mainly irrelevant nationwide.
How are those who follow different faiths treated? According to the Right to Belief they are offered full legal protections to practice their faith. Coreans will treat them with respect as long as their assimilate in other spheres.
What relationship do religious and political leaders have? The President and Prime Minister both claim to be non-denominational Christians, which likely encouraged the state to adopt Christianity as its national religion.
What superstitions are common? What kinds of supernatural events or beings do people fear? The populace isn't very superstitious, although their are certain actions which should not be taken under any circumstances. One example is writing a living individual's name in red ink. Traditionally, red ink was reserved for documents stating that an individual was deceased.
What kinds of supernatural or other-natural beings exist in this religion (angels, demons, devi, asuras, spirits, ghosts, sprites, etc)? Agnostics don't believe in any supernatural beings with any certainty. Buddhists believe in Deva and Buddhas, different levels of enlightened individuals with different power capabilities. Christians believe in angels and demons.
How are dreams and visions encompassed by the religion? Some sects revere them more than others.
How is religious action expressed (spontaneous or ritual liturgy, song, dance, music, ritual action, sex, miracle plays, etc)? Agnostics don't have any other than repeating that they "don't know". Buddhists have meditation and recitation. Christians have dance and music.
Magic
How is magic integrated into society? Ancient society has myths of a magical society, although none of it likely exists today.
Who can work magic? Is anyone disallowed from working magic? Myths don't speak of a regulatory body, just a regulatory universe with certain requirements needing to be met for certain actions.
How are works of magic accomplished? Myths involve teleportation and energy bolts, based on completing certain trials.
What kind of preparation or study is required before undertaking a magical work? No study, just myths of humans completing trials and being granted certain powers.
VIII. Questions of Labour.
Describe any kind of division of labor, such as physical versus mental versus spiritual. There are not any set factions, although all careers involve the balancing of the three.
Is there any especial prestige attached to some category of labor or a particular job? Doctors are seen as more professional than nurses, so just your average promotional prestige. Jobs which earn higher pay are usually seen as more prestiguous.
What jobs are considered mucky or are particularly depreciated? Manual labour isn't appreciated by many.
What professions or activities are considered masculine? When Coreans think of soldiers the majority think of men, likely because the former draft targeted men.
What professions or activities are viewed as feminine? When Coreans think of teachers the majority think of women, likely because most early-year educators are women.
What are the usual working hours? Are there days of rest or holidays? Coreans on average work over fifty hours a week with a twelve hour work day seen by many as normal. A two or one day weekend is usually standarized. There are several public holidays.
How does this differ between different jobs? It all depends on the requirements. Manual laborors usually have to work longer hours than their white-collar comrades.
What jobs have few workers and why? Jobs which aren't a daily necessity usually have less workers. Intelligence is one such career.
What are the typical wages for various jobs? The average wage of a Corean is 20,000₩. Southerners typically earn more than their northern counterparts.
How does work affect lifestyle and health? Because of the strong Corean work ethic, workaholics are more common than alcholohics.
What sorts of jobs are preferred by which people? Are some jobs denied to certain groups? Proffessional careers prefer someone with a degree. Foreigners are usually denied certain careers, specifically law enforcement and military careers.
What are the ethical oaths or codes that govern various jobs? Is there a difference in ethics between manual and mental or spiritual work? Soldiers have a strong ethical code which they are expected to abide by at all times. Other, less-disciplined careers, have smaller requirements, although every job has its ethical codes of conduct.
IX. Questions of Art.
What are the favorite art forms? Pottery is the most revered ancient art form.
What are the least-favorite? Stand-up comedy is virtually nonexistent in Corea due to restrictions and respect ethics.
How respected are artists? Depends entirely on the work and discipline of the artists.
Do artists require official or unofficial protection or patronage? No, artists are expected to support themselves with their work. If they can't, the common belief is that they should change careers.
What kinds of trouble are artists in particular likely to find themselves in? They may accumulate lawsuits if their activities violate restrictions.
How might a very successful artist live? At a very high-standard, although most wealthy artists work non-stop and rarely enjoy their wealth.
What forms of theatre does your society have? Government-funded theater in the form of public arts, Daehakro theater in the form of experimental theater, and mainstream theater which is usually interpreted Broadway.
How naturalistic or stylized is your society's art? Corean art is usually based on natural details, such as canvas surface and materials.
What shapes are most common in your society's arts, like embroidery or architecture? The Taegeuk is the most common shape observed.
Which artforms get the most and least respect? Corean style artwork gets the most respect. "Modern art", such as a duct-taped banana, gets the least respect.
What form does censorship take? According to the Right to Mind and Right to Belief, no art can be banned from being privately consumed as long as it doesn't violate legal regulations. Public art can't be used to threaten or harass individuals.
Who may not be an artist? There are no legal restrictions on an individuals background in order to engage in art.
What qualities equal "beauty" in this society? Depends on the subject. The modern ideal for human beauty is primarily collectivized by society.
What makes a man or woman especially beautiful? Pale skin and certain cosmetic surgery are common in today's era, individuality isn't seen by many as beautiful.
How do people react to tattoos? Piercings? Facial hair? Cosmetics? Tattoos, piercings, and facial hair have negative social connotations, while cosmetics are praised by society.
Entertainment
Do people enjoy looking at art? Does this vary among communities? Art is praised across the peninsula, northerners have only recently gained access to the majority, so they are a little more appreciative than their southern counterparts.
Do people enjoy doing art? Does this vary? Yes, art can be seen as a spontaneous spirtual activity.
Is there any calligraphy? Who does it? Calligraphy is common in Corea and practiced by anyone who wishes to engage in it as an art form.
Does your culture have a distinct (or not so) musical style? What is it like? Traditional Corean music is best divided into two categories, folk music and court music. Folk music involves singing and diverse instruments while court music involves orchestra.
How do people listen to music (in a theater, at home, on the street, mechanical)? Today, the radio is most common. However, people still attend the theater for music.
Does music influence people's behaviour? Yes, Coreans are not soul-less automatons.
Does this culture have a typical dance form? What is it like? Corean dance can be split into two groups: folk dance and contemporary dance.
Who goes to see such entertainments? Folk dance and music is usually appreciated by the older and the wiser while contemporary dance and music is usally appreciated by the younger generation.
X. Questions of Marriage.
How is a marriage defined? How is a marriage contracted? Legally, marriage is a legal contract between consenting individuals. Marriage is contracted when two consenting individuals draft up a contract with a lawyer.
What is the term of a marriage contract? Depends on the wishes of those getting married. Most involve certain dispute and separation contingencies.
What gifts are considered appropriate or inappropriate for a wedding? Anything that isn't highly sexualized is appropriate.
How are marriages celebrated? Depends on the couple, but most involve a communal event after the ceremony involving music and dancing.
What is considered too great a difference in age for a couple? Age gaps are common and there is no illegal age gap. Most Coreans begin to raise their brows after two decades.
Do relationships allow multiple partners? Relationships yes, marriage no. Polygamists are allowed to marry each other due to the Right to Sexuality. However the process is a mess. Contracts can only involve two individuals. This means that for a polygamist group of three individuals, three contracts are required. That isn't too bad, right? What happens when there are four individuals? Now six contracts are required and so on. Polygamy is highly discouraged due to the social stigma and high legal costs associated with drafting contracts.
In what ways is a marriage considered broken? Traditionally, a marriage is broken when one or both of the individuals engages in adultery, abuse, or refuses to communicate with their partner.
How can a marriage be terminated? By ending the contract according to the legal requirements of the specific contract.
XI. Questions of Health.
What is the average life expectancy? How does this differ between different regions, races or ethnicities? 79.1 years is the average life expectancy post-unification. The northern region had a pre-unification life expectancy of 71.9 and the southern region had a pre-unification life expectancy of 82.7.
What access do people have to clean drinking water (at home or in public)? Clean drinking water is available to every Corean citizen, every city and village has access to at least one public water distillery.
What access do people have to proper sanitation (at home or in public)? Proper sanitation services are available to all Coreans in urbanized areas and most Coreans in rural areas. The rural areas have issues with sanitation, although these are being rectified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Do houses or public buildings have plumbing? Cold and warm water? Most buildings have access to plumbing and water of both temperatures. More rural areas may lack these services, although developments are underway to improve the situation.
Describe any public or private bathing or latrine facilities. The southern peninsula has "public" bathing facilities known as Jjimjilbangs. They are public in so much that anyone is allowed to enter as long as they are willing to pay the fees.
How is healthcare delivered in this society; what are its foundations? Before unification, southern Corea was world-renowned for its healthcare. Universal healthcare is a thing, funded by taxes.
Are there hospitals or sanitaria where many forms of health care are concentrated; or are practitioners more diffuse within the community? Most hospitals are concentrated in urban areas, rural areas have less access to medical care.
Do people have access to any form of medical aid for emergencies or for less urgent problems? Yes, if they can afford it.
What kinds of ailments or injuries are treatable in the locality using available supplies and expertise? Corean hospitals can treat any and all issues, due to the very high standards of healthcare. Most Coreans will visit the south if they need a specialist.
What does typical healthcare cost? Government-recognized employees are taxed 5% of their income for healthcare. Self-employed individuals must file their taxes on a case-to-case basis.
How does this societies' doctors try to treat wounds and sickness? With whatever method has the highest rate of success. Corea uses modern medicine but they do not encourage modern "leach-medicine".
Which medical assumtions of this society are wrong? Depends on your idea of wrong, for example, unborn children are considered as human beings with human rights.
Do people seek care on an as-needed or emergency basis; or is health care seen as a preventative endeavour. Both, and it all depends on how much time and money the individual is willing to waste.
How often do people see their doctor, dentist or other healthcare provider? Specialists are recommended annually with dental cleanings recommended biannually.
Is a distinction made between physical and nonphysical ailments? Yes, psychologists exist in Corea and mental illnesses are recognized as such.
What happens to those suffering from extreme mental illness? Spiritual illness? Other? They see a specialist or they get worse.
How do people react to physical deformity (both congenital and acquired)? It isn't praised and it isn't shunned. It all depends on what the person with the deformity does with their talents.
XII. Questions of Sex.
How does your society define incest? Rape? How do people react to these? Incest was redefined by the post-unification government as consisting of sexual relationships between individuals first-cousins or closer. Rape was redefined as any sexual act lacking consent, defined under the Right to Sexuality. The majority of Coreans despise both practices.
What secret vice is believed to be widely practiced? Adultery.
What secret vice actually is practiced? Fornication.
What sexual habits are widely believed common among foreigners? Fornication, adultery, and homosexuality are all widely believed to be engaged in at a higher rate by foreigners.
How do people react to homosexuality? Is it frowned on? Encouraged? It is legal, but frowned upon by the majority of the populace.
Are premarital sexual relations allowed? Extramarital? Both premarital and extramarital are legal, although extramarital may be illegal if it breaches a marriage contract.
How is adultery defined? What (if any) is the punishment? Who decides? It is defined as a married individual engaging in sexual activity with someone other than their spouse. Punishment is determined based on marriage contracts which are judged over by the courts.
Is prostitution legal? How are prostitutes viewed? Is this accurate? Prostitution was decriminalized under the new administration, although public opinion is still highly negative. Prostitution is not recognized by the government as a legitimate form of employment.
What is the greatest sexual taboo? Rape.
What does this society mean by the word "virgin" and how important is it? It is formally defined as an individual which has not engaged in sexual activity with any other individual, it is considered more important by more religious individuals.
Is sex confined to marriage? Or, is it supposed to be? Fornication is common and adultery is still an issue, what is supposed to be isn't always what exists.
What constitutes aberrant sexual behavior? Legally, nothing is aberrant and legal at the same time. Socially, anything other than monogamous heterosexuality.
Are there any cultural or religious strictures, norms or taboos that specifically address sexual conduct? Traditional Corea and Christianity have more restrictions than their counterparts. Both see poligamy and homosexuality as problematic.
Are there secular laws that control or restrict sexual behaviour? Yes, the Right to Sexuality in the Universal Bill of Rights is the basis for all legal restrictions on human sexuality.
At what age is it considered normal to engage in sex? Are there taboos against sex with children? It is illegal to engage in sexuality with an underdeveloped individual. The majority see the age of majority for voting (19) legitimate as a way of judging sexual availability.
Should sex be a one-to-one experience? Or are groups allowed? It should be a one-to-one experience, orgies are not accepted by any large faction of Corea.
Women’s suffrage, abolition edict.
