Han (cultural)

This article is about the Korean cultural sentiment of han. For other meanings of the term, see Han.

Han refers to a concept in Korean culture, attributed by some as a national cultural trait. The notion of Han refers to a collective feeling of oppression and isolation in the face of overwhelming odds.

History

Some scholars theorize the concept of Han evolved from Korea's history of having been invaded and occupied by other nations, such as Japan, while others attribute Han to class system strictures.

Han in popular culture

The Korean poet Ko Eun describes the trait as universal to the Korean experience: "We Koreans were born from the womb of Han and brought up in the womb of Han." Han connotes both despair at recognition of past injustice and acceptance of such matters as part of the Korean experience.

See also

• List of Korea-related topics