Alkohol w życiu Koreańczyków
Alcohol In Life of the Koreans

Author(s): Hyerim Pak
Subject(s): Cultural history, Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Philology
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: alcohol; alcohol in Korea; Korean alcoholic drinks; drinking culture; alcohol in art; alcohol in literature
Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to present the position of alcohol and the meaning of alcohol consumption in Koreans’ life. The first section of this article discusses etymology and usage of the word sul and other appellatives yaktchu and kokch’a, denoting alcohol in order to show how Koreans perceive alcohol. The second part introduces history of alcoholic beverage consumption and manufacture of t’akchu, ch’ongju, soju, beer and other alcoholic drinks of foreign origin in Korea in chronological order. The third part focusing mainly on today’s Korea, describes various roles of alcohol during traditional ceremonies, in workplace and in everyday life. After presenting three most consumed alcohol drinks in Korea, which are beer, soju and makkŏlli, this article deals with functions of alcohol as a tool for interpersonal communication, which helps strengthen companionship and integrate individuals within a group. This part also explored the risks associated with alcohol use and excessive alcohol consumption. Finally, the last part is devoted to alcohol in art and literature. Interpretations of alcohol motif appearing in selected paintings and literary works reveal that alcohol has been used by Korean artists and writers for many purposes and in many functions. For example, alcohol is a source of creativity and is not only a part of recreated world that faithfully reflects reality but also a tool of symbolic and metaphorical expression.

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