Rice, the staple food of the Korean diet, is eaten at most meals. Millet, wheat, barley, corn, and sorghum are also eaten, especially in the north. The vegetables Koreans eat include potatoes, Chinese cabbage, turnips, and onions. Garlic and red peppers are used as seasoners. Kunchi (pickled vegetables) is a favorite dish. Fish and other seafood's are the usual sources of proteins. Trog, or rice, is a popular confection.

             Traditional clothing, made of cotton or synthetic materials, is worn only by some people in the rural areas and by others on specific occasions. Loose-fitting, long-sleeved jackets and oversized trousers that are tied at the waist and bound or left loose at the ankles are traditional garments for men. Nearly all men in the cities and most of the farmers have adopted Western- style shirts, trousers, and suits. Western-style shoes have largely replaced the traditional sandals, which were made of various materials.

             The traditional dress of Korean women includes the chima, a long, high-waist, pleated skirt worn over a slip or loose trousers called paji. The chogori, a short, flared blouse, is worn open in front of a tight-fitting undergarment. .

             Most Koreans do not belong to an organized religion. The Confucian ethnical system, however, has greatly influenced Korean culture. Buddhism, influenced from China in the 4th century, has a following of about 13 million person in South Korea. Confucianists number about 4.7 million. There are about 6 million Christians, mostly Protestants. Chondogyo, a native Korean religion known originally as Tonghak (Eastern Learning), had about 815,000 adherents in the late 1970's. It was founded in the mid- 19th century in opposition to foreign cultural influences. Shamanism, the superstitious worship of spirits, is widespread in rural areas. Religion is discouraged by the North Korean government.

             Korea's artists have been strongly influenced by the cultures of neighboring nations.