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The Room of Contemplation at the National Museum of Korea

Among the most popular treasures in the National Museum of Korea, these two Pensive Bodhisattvas are probably the greatest highlights. They are more than 1,400 years old, and both are National Treasures. They are also the only objects in the museum displayed in their own independent gallery, called the Room of Quiet Contemplation . The room was designed by Korean architect Choi Wook. You first walk from a bright corridor into a dark passage. While your eyes adjust to the darkness, your mind also begins to calm down. Then you turn right and enter a large hall, but there are only two statues inside. Because there is so much empty space around them, you naturally focus on the statues.  The floor rises slightly toward them, at an angle of about one degree. You may not notice it with your eyes, but your body can sense it, so you naturally walk more slowly. Above you are approximately 21,000 aluminium rods. Their different lengths and angles make the ceiling appear tilted and endless, al...

How do you say "hello" and " Good-bye" in Korea? (The origin of Korean greetings)

 

"Annyeong-haseyo"  안녕하세요 
Greeting when people first meet 


When people meet at the first time, Koreans usually say "Annyeong-haseyo" 

This is the same words "hello" or "How are you " in America. 


The literal meaning of "Annyeong-haseyo" is Are you well and at peace?

The origin of Korean greetings can be found in the Korean War. At the time people died of hunger or disease every day after waking up overnight. That's why people say hello to make sure they've been well all night long. 

There is "Siksa hasyeot-eoyo?" with the same expression. This means literally "have you eaten" or "did you have a meal?", mostly elder people use this expression or we use these words around mealtime or right after. 

So people usually respond  "yes I have" even if they haven't. This greeting pattern is similar to how English speakers usually respond to the question "how are you" with " Fine" regardless of how they actually feel. 


"Annyeonghi gaseyo"

안녕히 가세요
(Greeting when people go back. )

This greeting literally means "I hope you go back safely"

"Annyeong-haseyo" and "Annyeonghi gaseyo" are formal expressions in Korea. There are many different casual words as a greeting such as

jal iss-eossni? 잘 있었니?
jal jinaess-eo? 잘 지냈어?
eotteohge jinaessni? 어떻게 지냈니?

Koreans are just trying to show that they care about you by asking the question. 

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