Cultural differences between China, Japan and Korea

Several differences in the national cultural psychology of China, Japan and South Korea

China and Japan are the three most influential countries in the Far East. From the perspective of Westerners, they all have dark eyes, yellow skin, and similar cultural types. Presumably, their cultural and psychological qualities are not very different. But in fact, from the perspective of the nationals of China, Japan and South Korea, their psychological qualities are very different.

The Chinese nation is an ancient nation with a long history. Like other excellent ancient nations, its national psychology has self-confidence, self-improvement and fraternity. On the side of being kind to foreign cultures, China was once the most powerful country in the world in history, and other nations naturally worshiped Chinese culture. The ancient Chinese people also had the pride of "seeing all the mountains at a glance", but this difference did not exist Make the Chinese treat foreigners unequally. Since ancient times, China has been a country of etiquette. Foreign (ethnic) envoys who go to court will receive courteous treatment from our government. Generally speaking, the items awarded to them by our government are of much greater value than the tributes they bring. In addition, economic exchanges between China and foreign countries We have always adhered to the principle of equality and mutual benefit, and we have never thought about infringing on the sovereignty of other countries or even dominating the world! Not to mention how invincible the Chinese army was during the Han and Tang Dynasties, even in the Ming Dynasty when China's feudal society began to decline, the army that Zheng He brought during one voyage to the West was enough to destroy a small or medium-sized country! The Chinese people have always valued peace. After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, facing Japan, a defeated country that had hurt the Chinese people many times in history, the governments of both parties in the country announced that they would forever give up the right to demand war reparations from Japan. Our people I know very well that since I have been hurt, why should I inflict this kind of harm on others? Regarding foreign cultures, we have also experienced "hatred of foreign things" and "copying Soviet experience" in history, but throughout history Changhe, generally speaking, we still adhere to the principle of "taking the essence and discarding the dross", and we can also objectively evaluate the history of other countries. In our history textbooks, we describe the "Meiji Restoration" and "Japan's economic boom in the 1960s" "The descriptions are very complimentary, and they do not change because Japan has given us profound memories and even now denies its history of aggression. I believe that only when a nation achieves a kind of rationality can it win the respect of other nations. Any A nation that clings to self-isolation will eventually fall behind!

As we all know, the Japanese nation has the characteristic of "bullying the weak and fearing the strong" in its bones.

After the "Meiji Restoration", Japan had just become strong. Facing the declining national power of China, North Korea, and Russia, they couldn't wait to launch a series of aggressive wars aimed at external expansion, including the Sino-Japanese War of Sino-Japanese Sino-Japanese War, the War of Invasion of Korea, and the Russo-Japanese War. The ambition of the wolf is evident! And they treat the European and American powers in a polite and even a little condescending manner. They believe that the law of the jungle is a natural axiom. When facing someone stronger than you, you must learn from him humbly and have an attitude as good as a primary school student; when facing someone who is weaker than you, Those who do not need to take too much care, and even think that the weak should not bear grudges against themselves. Who is to say that you are worse than others! However, members of the nation are very united and friendly, and they often share the same hatred and hatred towards the outside world on issues related to national interests. 1853 After the United States closed the country in 1998, Western powers came one after another and faced the crisis of national subjugation. They first overthrew the corrupt and incompetent shogunate regime, and then worked together to learn advanced Western science and technology. After 13 years of hard work and hard work, Japan finally became a rich country. The road to strengthening the army. This is indeed a national spirit worth learning, but sometimes this national spirit can manifest itself as narrow nationalism. All foreign wars launched by Japan after the "Meiji Restoration" have been supported by the vast majority of the domestic people. Support! In Japan, on the eve of the outbreak of the all-out war of aggression against China, large numbers of people often held demonstrations, demanding that the government send troops to conquer China. After the war broke out, you could often see mothers signing up their sons to join the army, and wives sending their husbands to the front line. There were even scenes of The father and son went into battle together. The militarists declared wildly: The weak "China people" should become their slaves, and that rich land should belong to the powerful Yamato nation! After the defeat, the Japanese showed their modesty and politeness again. , in Japan, vehicles and pedestrians on the street will consciously give way to vehicles with the flag of the victorious country. The Japanese soldiers who were showing off their power in those days would bow ninety degrees with a smile when they saw a three-year-old Chinese child!

In fact, every nation has the right to choose its own living habits and way of thinking. No one can interfere. We can only hope that all nations are full of rationality. Today, militarism in Japanese society has a trend of resurgence, and there is also a resurgence of militarism in the political circles. The tendency to align with the "right". The irrefutable history of the invasion of China requires those grandfathers and grandmothers who have been traumatized by the war to drag their sick bodies and recall that painful experience again and cry to prove it. History does not need anyone to prove it! Everyone can only be an audience in front of history, and no one can control it and change it. All we can do is face it and admit it.

South Korea, located at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, has been deeply affected by history since ancient times. The influence of Chinese culture. A large number of Chinese customs are still preserved, and most of the etiquette systems have inherited ancient Chinese styles. In fact, Koreans treat traditional Chinese culture more rationally than Chinese people in many aspects, such as benevolence, justice, ethics, etc. Koreans do better. Better than the Chinese, this makes many people feel ashamed, but the excellent culture passed down by their ancestors is allowed to be carried forward by others. This is the tragedy of a nation! Both Koreans and Chinese know that the influence of Chinese culture on Korea is deep-rooted, but now some Koreans believe that the classical culture of one nation is deeply influenced by another nation, and it can even be said that most of it comes from another nation. This is a shame for the nation. Therefore, after Korea’s independence, successive governments will introduce some "Sinicization" measures, such as gradually canceling Chinese characters, and on the other hand, describing many Chinese traditions as Korean traditions, etc., in order to improve their national self-esteem. In 2004, the Korean government actually applied to UNESCO to declare the Dragon Boat Festival as a cultural heritage of Korea! Just imagine that once the declaration is successful, Mr. Qu Yuan will change his nationality to Korean! Shadow puppetry is no longer Chinese (Indonesia has successfully applied for it).

Do we still go to other people’s Dragon Boat Festival on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month every year? In recent years, Korean movies and TV series have developed very rapidly, and many of them have been exported abroad. Film and television are a good tool to promote a country's culture, but it is not difficult for us to find that South Korea always promotes its film and television works to us. It is positioned as "Korean culture" and tries hard to distinguish it from Chinese culture, but it hopes that Chinese audiences will like these works! Nowadays, there are a large number of "Kazhan-Korean" people in society who love Korean celebrities and their clothes are keen on Korean culture. In fact, it is understandable to like the culture of another country, but you must keep a clear head. However, some "Korean-Korean" people do not realize that they are The Korean culture I love originated from ancient Chinese culture. I blindly favor foreigners. I always feel that Korea is better than China. This is very sad. It is well known that Koreans are very patriotic, especially in their attitude towards Japan, whether they are comfort women or The problem is still the historical issue of the invasion of South Korea, or the Dokdo issue. All Korean people are so active in foreign affairs, and few people buy Japanese goods. Many people think that both Chinese and Koreans call themselves "anti-Japanese", but Koreans can do it "Promote domestic products and boycott Japanese products", most Chinese people just say it. On the surface, this approach is not only conducive to the development of national industries, but also affects the export of Japanese products. However, in the long run, enterprises will increase Dependence on the domestic market is not conducive to improving international competitiveness, but hinders the development of enterprises! This move is indeed not worth advocating!

The formation of national psychology is affected by many factors such as the nation’s historical traditions, living environment, etc. Any nation that wants to stand among the nations of the world must have the character of hard work, struggle, and self-improvement, as well as An open mind and a rational mind, and it is necessary for all ethnic groups to learn from each other's strengths and make up for their own shortcomings. The cultures of China, Japan and South Korea have the same origin. We have had close exchanges since ancient times and understand each other's strengths and weaknesses well. We should strengthen them. Complement each other and promote common development!

Differences in food culture between China, Japan, China and South Korea

Chinese food culture

The Yin Yang and Five Elements philosophy, Confucian ethics and moral concepts, and traditional Chinese medicine nutrition in Chinese traditional cultural education Under the influence of the theory of health preservation, as well as cultural and artistic achievements, food aesthetics, and national character traits, Chinese cooking techniques have been created that shine through the annals of history, and a broad and profound Chinese food culture has been formed.

From a historical perspective, Chinese food culture has lasted for more than 1.7 million years and is divided into four stages of development: raw food, cooked food, natural cooking, and scientific cooking. It has introduced more than 60,000 traditional dishes and more than 20,000 industrial foods. , colorful feasts and dazzling flavor schools, it has won the reputation of "Culinary Kingdom".

From a connotation point of view, Chinese food culture involves the development and utilization of food sources, the use and innovation of tableware, the production and consumption of food, catering service and reception, and the management of the catering and food industries. and management, as well as the relationship between diet and national peace and security, diet and literature and art, diet and the realm of life, etc., it is profound and broad.

From an extensional point of view, Chinese food culture can be classified from various perspectives such as era and techniques, region and economy, ethnicity and religion, food and tableware, consumption and level, folk customs and functions, showing different The cultural tastes reflect different use values ??and are colorful.

From the perspective of characteristics, Chinese food culture highlights the nutrition and health theory of nourishing and supplementing food (mainly vegetarian food, focusing on medicinal diet and tonic), and the realm theory of harmonious five flavors (distinctive flavor, palatable ones are treasured, and there are "tongue dishes"). " reputation), unique and mutually changing cooking methods (based on kitchen rules, flexible), and a refreshing and enjoyable view of food (gentle and polite, entertaining through food), etc., have four attributes that are different from the food culture of overseas countries. Natural beauty.

In terms of influence, Chinese food culture directly affects Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore and other countries, and is the axis of the Eastern food culture circle; at the same time, it also indirectly affects Europe , America, Africa and Oceania, such as China’s vegetarian culture, tea culture, soy and vinegar, pasta, medicinal diet, ceramic tableware and soybeans, etc., have benefited billions of people around the world.

In short, Chinese food culture is a long-standing regional culture with a broad vision, depth, multi-angle, and high taste; it is the reflection of the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in their food production and life practices for more than 1 million years. It creates, accumulates and affects the material wealth and spiritual wealth of surrounding countries and the world in terms of resource development, tableware development, food preparation, nutritional health care and food aesthetics.

History of Chinese Food Development

1. The earliest one is Youchao (Paleolithic Age): at that time, people did not know how to make fire artificially and prepare cooked food. The dietary situation is to eat raw materials and drink blood, which does not belong to the food culture.

2. The Suiren family: drilled wood to make fire, cooked food from then on, and entered the age of stone cooking. Main cooking methods: ① Pao, which is to burn the fruit pulp under fire; ② Clay pot: wrap it in mud and bake it; ③ Use stone mortar to hold water and food, and use red-hot stones to scald the food; ④ Roasting: burn the stone flakes Heat it and fry the plant seeds on top.

3. Fu Xi: In terms of food, he made nets and bamboo to teach the tenants how to fish, and raised sacrifices to serve as cooks.

4． Shennong: "Plowing makes pottery". He was the founder of Chinese agriculture. He tasted white grass, created ancient medicine, invented grass, and taught people how to farm. Pottery enabled people to have cooking utensils and containers for the first time, making it possible to make fermented foods, such as wine, glutinous rice, fermented wine (vinegar), cheese, fermented wine, fermented wine, etc. The tripod was one of the earliest cooking utensils. It had claws because there was no stove at that time. There was also the tripod, whose claws were hollow and used to cook wine.

5. Huangdi: The dietary situation of the Chinese nation has improved again. The emperor built the stove and was the god of the stove. He concentrated firepower to save fuel and cooked food quickly. It was widely used in the Qin and Han Dynasties. At that time, it was a cauldron, and tall stoves gradually disappeared from the stage of history." Steamed rice is used for drinking, and cooked rice is used for porridge." For the first time, food was differentiated based on cooking methods. The steamer was invented and was called a steamer. The steamed salt industry was invented by Susha, a minister of the Yellow Emperor. From then on, he not only knew how to cook but also knew how to mix it, which was beneficial to people's health.

6. Zhou and Qin Dynasties: It was the forming period of Chinese food culture, with grains and vegetables as the staple food. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, self-produced cereals and vegetables were basically available, but the structure was different from now. At that time, early field operations were mainly: millet, (the most important) millet, also known as millet, which dominated for a long time and was the leader of the five grains. , Good millet is called Liangzhijiang, and its fine grain is also called Huangliang. Millet is rhubarb sticky rice, second only to millet, also known as millet, and is threshed millet. Wheat, barley. Shui is a legume, mainly soybeans and black beans at that time. Ma, that is, pockmark. Both Shu and hemp were eaten by the poor people, and hemp was also called Ju. There is also rice in the south. In ancient times, rice was glutinous rice, and ordinary rice was called japonica rice. Rice began to be introduced in the Central Plains after Zhou Dynasty. It is a fine grain and is relatively precious. Wild rice is the seed of an aquatic plant, Wild Rice. It is black and is called Diaohu Rice. It is particularly fragrant and smooth. It is kneaded and threshed together with broken porcelain pieces in a leather bag.

7. Han Dynasty: The rich period of Chinese food culture is attributed to the exchange of food culture between China and the West (Western Regions) in the Han Dynasty, which introduced pomegranates, sesame seeds, grapes, walnuts (i.e. walnuts), watermelons, melons, cucumbers, spinach, carrots, fennel, celery, beans, Lentils, alfalfa (mainly used for horse food), lettuce, green onions, garlic, and some cooking methods were also introduced, such as fried pancakes, sesame pancakes, also called Luradi. Liu An, King of Huainan, invented tofu, which digested the nutrients of beans. It was high-quality and low-priced, and could be used to make many kinds of dishes. In 1960, a large portrait stone in a Han tomb discovered in Mi County, Henan Province has the stone carvings of a tofu workshop. Vegetable oil was also invented in the Eastern Han Dynasty. Before that, animal oil was used, which was called ointment. Animal oil with horns was called fat, and animal oil without horns, like dogs, was called ointment. The fat is harder and the paste is thinner and softer. Vegetable oils include almond oil, Naishi oil, and sesame oil, but they are very rare. After the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the variety of vegetable oils increased and the price became cheaper.

8. Tang and Song Dynasties: The peak of food culture, overly particular. "Steamed sound part, Zengchuan picture sample", the most representative one is the Shaowei Banquet.

9. Ming and Qing Dynasties: Food culture is another peak. It is the continuation and development of the food customs of the Tang and Song Dynasties. At the same time, it is mixed with the characteristics of Manchu and Mongolia. The food structure has changed greatly. The staple food: wild rice has been completely eliminated, and pockmarked has withdrawn from the ranks of staple food. With oil extraction, soybeans were no longer used as staple food but became dishes. The proportion of wheat in the Yellow River Basin in the north increased significantly. Noodles became the staple food in the north after the Song Dynasty. They were introduced on a large scale again in the Ming Dynasty. The cultivation of potatoes, sweet potatoes and vegetables reached a relatively high level. High standard and became the main dish. Meat: Artificially raised livestock and poultry have become the main source of meat. The Manchu-Han banquet represents the highest level of Qing Dynasty food culture.

Japanese Food Culture

Japanese Food

The average Westerner’s concept of Japanese food is only beef hot pot or weird-looking sushi. However, Japanese food has become popular in recent years. Everyone knows that it is world-famous. Many tourists who come to Japan also know how to taste fresh fish and fried fish with tender meat. Some tourists are ready to go to Japan to indulge in various traditional Japanese delicacies. In short, enjoying Japanese food is a lifetime experience. The most unforgettable thing among them.

Eating habits

Japanese cold noodles are placed on a bamboo plate, and a mouthful of noodles is picked up with chopsticks and placed in cold soup to eat. Some restaurants don't include a spoon, which Japanese people are accustomed to using to drink soup.

Nightlife

Japanese people are used to drinking in groups after get off work. In the entertainment centers of metropolitan areas, there are bars, discos and nightclubs everywhere.

Liquor in Japan

Beer: Japanese people like to drink beer most, whether it is draft beer or bottled beer. In the summer, some department stores have outdoor beer halls that attract a large number of tourists.

Japanese sake: Sake can be drunk hot or cold. No matter which kind of sake, it is the best match for Japanese dishes. The wine tastes delicious and sweet, and it is easy to drink too much and get drunk.

Whiskey: Japanese people like to drink whiskey with ice and water (Mizuwari)

Table wine: There are Japanese and imported table wines in Western restaurants. Shaoxing wine is also served in Chinese restaurants.

Soju: This kind of liquor is made from sweet potato, barley, sucrose and other materials. The filtered alcohol is somewhat similar to vodka.

Drinking Etiquette

In an ordinary Japanese pub, the atmosphere is easy-going and relaxed, and fellow customers will pour beers for each other. If a group of people goes to drink, the first drink should be drunk after everyone raises their glasses and says "cheers".

Korean food culture

The staple food is white rice. Commonly used dishes include hot pot, which is stewed with meat, fish, tofu, vegetables, etc., and kimchi, which is unique to Korea and is rich in nutrients. As well as various side dishes mixed with Korean-style seasonings. Use spoons and chopsticks for tableware.

The basic condiments of the restaurant are chili and garlic, and a variety of condiments with different flavors are added. Therefore, in addition to being spicy, Korean food also has a unique color, aroma and taste that makes people salivate.

Hanjeongsik (Korean-style guest rice):

Inheriting the traditional flavor of palace cuisine in the Joseon Dynasty, various side dishes are placed on the table. Except for kimchi, chili powder is generally not added. There are different cooking methods such as steaming, roasting, blanching, and mixing. The recipes and prices of each restaurant are different, but almost all of them include the "Kuzurizaka" with eight kinds of side dishes including meat and vegetables in a wheat pancake bun, and the stew with meat, fish, vegetables, and mushrooms. The hot pot cooked in "Fairy Stove".

Roast Beef and Grilled Steak:

Among the many types of barbecue, the most popular are roast beef (thinly sliced ??beef marinated with seasonings and then grilled) and grilled steak. (Marinate with seasonings and grill on iron plate). Both are served with lettuce, sesame leaves, etc. dipped in chili sauce or bean paste. Sometimes 3 to 5 kinds of kimchi or side dishes are provided, and some restaurants require additional white rice and soup. Restaurant signs often use Garden as their name. Itaewon Garden (Itaewon-dong, Huashan District (797-1474), Sanyuan Garden (Sinsadong, Gangnam-gu (544-5351)), Seomun Hall (Seosomun-dong, Jung-gu (755-4645)), etc. are more famous. You can also taste it in general Korean restaurants.

Grilled beef tenderloin:

Grill the beef tenderloin of appropriate thickness, add a little yellow sauce, and wrap it with washed lettuce and other fresh vegetables. Roll and serve. Or add sesame oil and salt to serve.

Noodle hot pot:

Boil thinly sliced ??beef or seafood with various seasonal vegetables and noodles. In the soup pot, it is ready to eat. It is light and delicious, with endless aftertaste.

Wrap cooked meat or other vegetables with fresh vegetables. The main ingredients used in each restaurant will be slightly different, but most of them are made with vegetables and a little sauce (yellow sauce, chili sauce or mixed sauce), rolled up and eaten. Unlike "wrapped meat", which is mainly meat, the main ingredient is vegetables. You don’t have to worry about cholesterol problems. The sweet and bitter taste of vegetables can also help increase your appetite.

Cold noodles:

There are mainly soupy and refreshing "cold noodles" and so on. There are two types of cold noodles, including the spicy "Cold Noodles" seasoned with gochujang. Regardless of the season, cold noodles are the most popular way to eat them after enjoying dishes such as roast beef. There are also Pyongyang-style cold noodles and Hamheung-style cold noodles made from potatoes. Each restaurant has different types. Most of the ingredients on the noodles are meat, vegetables or boiled eggs, and there are also sashimi. Restaurant. You can cut the noodles with scissors before eating.

Add glutinous rice, jujube, garlic and ginseng to the chicken and simmer for a long time. If you prefer, you can also add pepper, salt, etc. As it is rich in nutrients, it is a high-end tonic in hot summer.

Pot soup and hot pot:

The most common dish in Korean families. Dishes include bean paste hot pot made with bean paste and vegetables, and assorted fish and beef offal hot pot. Among the hot pots, beef intestine hot pot stewed with beef offal and vegetables is the most famous. In addition, octopus with chili sauce is the most famous. There are many types of octopus hot pot cooked with other condiments. Korean hot pot is mostly made of seafood, so you can enjoy the delicious taste of various seafood.

Bibimbap:

Korean-style bibimbap, among which "Stone Bowl Bibimbap" is a unique recipe in Korea and is worth trying. White rice is topped with soybean sprouts and other vegetables, meat, eggs and other condiments, and is served in a hot stone bowl. Add an appropriate amount of chili sauce, stir and eat. The flavors of the various ingredients are mixed to form a unique flavor. The crispy rice at the bottom of the pot is a must-have. You can taste it at most Korean restaurants, Jeonju Central Hall (Chungmuro). 776-3525) is a famous bibimbap specialty restaurant.

Soup tea:

It is made by boiling ginger, cinnamon, ginseng, schisandra, jujube, cassia, kudzu and other Chinese medicinal materials for a long time. Traditional Chinese medicine can keep fit, prevent diseases, and has therapeutic effects. Therefore, when Koreans feel tired, they always drink traditional Chinese medicine soup to refresh themselves and prevent diseases.

Fruit tea:

Mainly choose grapefruit, papaya, orange peel and other fruits that are rich in vitamin C. Add water to simmer for a long time before drinking, or soak it with honey and heat the water. Drink diluted. Drink it often in winter to prevent colds.

Flavored enema:

Enema is a Korean-style delicious sausage made by mixing tofu, vermicelli, rice and vegetables in a certain proportion and stuffing them into pig intestines.

Hango:

It has been used as a sacrificial offering since ancient times and is also a traditional Korean snack eaten during wedding ceremonies or tea. Flour is mixed with honey and sesame oil and then deep-fried; "tea food" is similar to the Chinese style. Chinese herbal medicines are added, and fried glutinous rice and other fried ginger sugar and maltose are also similar to the Chinese style. In addition, there are also jeonggak, which is made by pickling fruits or vegetables with honey. Hanggwa used in weddings is both delicious and beautiful.