Education

This essay will compare education in four counties, UK, China, Japan and South Korea. I investigating three aspects, education system, national school curriculum and school life during the compulsory education.

From education system, a big similarity is that three counties China, Japan and Korea have nine years compulsory education from 6 to 15 years olds. Their primary education is from 6 to 12, and secondary education is divided into two departments, three years of middle school and three years of high school, the ages from 12 to 18. Generally, University is four years from 18 to 22. This is different from British education. Compulsory education in Britain is much longer; they have 11 years compulsory education from 5 to 16 years old. University in Britain just is 3 years, which is shorter than other three countries.

In terms of national school curriculum, while three are a number of similarities, they have about 12 subjects during compulsory education, such as mathematics, science, art, history, music, physical education and own languages. Own languages and maths are the core subject in these four countries. Like Britain, science also is a core subject in Japan, and English is main subject in China and Korea. In contract, physical education is not important in China and Korea, but it’s important in Japan. Almost every school has a playground, 90% school have a gym, and 75% school have a swimming pool, that why the sport equipment in Japan is the most advanced.

There are obvious differences in school life. There are two semesters in China and South Korea. In China, the academic year begins in September to middle of July. There are two vacations, summer vacation in July and August, while winter vacation in January and February. They also have some short breaks during the National Day or some special festival. In Korea, the first term is from March to July, and the second term is from September to February. But both Britain and Japan have three semesters. In UK, the first term is from the beginning of October to Mid December, then they have two weeks break at Christmas. Later, the take the second term from Mid January to the end of March, they also have two weeks break at Easter, they will continue with the third semester from April to the end of June, there are about six weeks break during the summer vacation. Similarly, Japan have two weeks break in winter, two weeks break in spring and six weeks vacation in the summer. Whereas, the academic year in Japan begins is from April to July, the second term is from September to December, and the last term is from January to March. Comparing the daily schedule, the school days beginning at 7:30 to 5:00pm in China, which is much longer than other three countries. Students have a two- hour lunch break, and for high school student, they have 2 or 3 hours self-study course in the evening, But in UK, the school days is much shorter, it is from 8:55 to 15:15. In South Korea, the school days is from 8:00 to 4:00pm, but many students stay later into the evening, they help clean up their classroom before leaving. After 5:00pm, students have a short dinner at school before study sessions or other activities in the evening. In Japan, the school days start around 8:30am to 4pm. Generally, students have more free time and breaks during their time at school.

In conclusion, while there are a number of similarities between these four countries, there are also many obvious differences. They have similar education system and also the national school curriculum, and they just have quite different in the school life. British student are quite more relaxed than other three country’s they just have 195 days teaching in the year.

Clothes

I would like to write about the history and features of traditional clothes. I have devided my topic into four countries such as UNITED KINGDOM, KOREA, CHINA, and JAPAN. I am talking about traditional clothes in four countries in turn.

At first, the name of traditional clothes in UK is kilt. The first kilt’s use is military uniform which soldiers wore in the middle age, BC 16C. The origin of kilt started in Scotland. However, the country was colonized by UK in BC 1700s. After that, kilts have been become traditional clothes in UK. The shape of the clothes is similar with women skirts. However, the shape is remarkably different in terms of fashion design. The biggest feature is check pattern, called “TATAN”, which represents status of family. Moreover, the weight is quit heavy as kilt’s fabric is made of wool twill. In front of kilt, there is lather pocket, we known as “SPORAN” The TATAN pattern was become recently one fashion brand called BURBERRY, which was launched by business men in UK.

Next, the name of traditional clothes in KOREA is “HAN-BOK”. Korean started to wear it from BC 4C. The clothes are affected by CHINA and Buddhism. When the king in KOREA got marry with prince in MONGOL. At that time, HAN-BOK came from CHINA. This was the first Han-Bok. The clothes have continued to change slightly with time. The shape is very simple curve, but the color is quite splendid, and the color also represented stature. This is very light because HAN-BOK was made of cotton. Therefore, the clothes are very comfortable and active and it is characterized by vibrant color and simple line without pocket. Korean usually put on the clothes as semi-formal and formal wear during traditional festival and celebration. The clothes are composed of JEOGORI, CHIMA, BAJI, PO, JOKI and MAGORA. JEGORI is the basic upper garment which has been worn by both men and women. JEOGORI’s function is to cover the arms and upper part of our body. CHIMA is skirt called SANG or GON in Chinese character. BAJI is pants. Men have to wear it. PO is overcoat which has been worn commonly as overcoat over JEOGORI and BAJI.

Then, the name of traditional clothes in china is QIPAO. I am going to write about historical background. Some social class emerged when MANCHU ruled china. Manchu traditionally wore “QIPAO” which is the one-piece dress. So, the people in the dynasty of HAN in china had to wear QIPAO under strict laws in 1636. Therefore, instead of HAN CHINA clothing, they had no choice but to wear the clothes under penalty of death. Although HAN Chinese regain sovereign power. QIPAO already became their ordinary clothes because the periods of Manchu was long term. The original QIPAO was wide and lose. It could cover most of women’s body. As time goes by, recent QIPAO were designed to become clothes which cling to body. The modern QIPAO, which was first developed at SANGHAI in 1920s, is now recognized popularly in china.

Finally, the name of traditional clothes of JAPAN is “KIMONOS” which are worn by men and women. I would like to tell you about the historical background of KIMONOS. The first Kimonos were influenced strongly by HAN China. With time “through”, the clothes became remarkably stylish shape. So, KIMONOS are recently quite not only simple but also beautiful. KIMONOS are quit various style from formal to casual. The pattern and color of fabric is means that can determine the level of formality. Moreover, it is impossible to wear it by oneself because the clothes wrap up oneself with cloth. Thus, people can wear it through assistance of other people. Most young people in JAPAN often wear KIMONOS as the clothes are not only stylish but also popular among young people.

I believe firmly that Japanese love their tradition. It ought to be that we must learn. Uk, China, Korea and Japan,  which adverted above , have quite unique traditional clothes with long history. 

Food

I'm talking about traditional food between UK, Japan, Korea, and China. And at the last, I’ll talk about my opinion.

We sometimes think that UK food is very simple. But it is false. There is much plentiful food in there. Vast sea provides many fishes. In addition, there are many farms, fields and Orchard.UK. This country is consisted with 4 areas, "England", "Scotland", "Wales" and "Northern Ireland". Therefore they have many kinds of traditional food. "Fish and chips" and "Roast beef" is very popular food in England. And Scott land food is popular for "Roasted wild duck". On Wales, there are many traditional cheese foods. And Northern Ireland there is known for Guinness Beer. Therefore, there are many trends of food in the whole of UK. And almost England people have tea and dessert, for example a "Scorn" everyday.

Then, The British people eat food with only knife and spoon and folk. On the other hand, in the Asian country likes Japan, Korea and China. We also use these 3 items, but also use "Chop sticks" Which are 2 thin sticks. But this is point. In my country, we eat rice with chopsticks. Therefore, in Korea, they eat rice with spoon. We also have some difference manners too.

In Japan, Japanese people preferred to  much variations of food and  emphasis on seasonal cooking. The Japanese are blessed with fresh food and good quality water, and then they liked to taste of the ingredients themselves. Although Japanese traditional food is much known as "Sushi", it was just made for preserving fish long time. By chance that became Japanese traditional food. And some food were appeared for exchanging between other countries. Especially China, for instance, ”Udon”, and “Tempura” are come from Portugal.  "Katsu", which is fried beef, came from French food of cutlet. But these are popular as a Japanese traditional food in the world.

Talking about China, There is a huge country. And also the taste and material trends are different by places. We can say it is similar to England. To say about places, the most popular traditional food area is "Guangdong" on the Southeast of China. It is popular as a "Dim Sum", A little light taste and oily. And in Beijing, there is very cold area. Then, they developed high calorie and salty food, such as "Peking duck ". This is Cuisine food. In the other case, in Shanghai, there are many sweets food. On the contrary, in Sichuan where are popular as a spicy food. Chinese food is suited with the place climate.

 

At the last, I will talk bout Korean food. They eat something similar to Japanese traditional food. They usually season food with Miso and Soy source. There are more spicy than Japanese that. Korean food is famous as healthy food. They tend to eat much vegetable. They eat “Kimuchi” everyday.  And like to mix rice with something, likes "Bibimbap". This is one Korean traditional form of food. They use spoon with such food. "Toppokki", "Chijimi" is Korean popular traditional food, each food are very spicy. In addition, there are many healthy mixed juices which were made by "Pine nut", "cedar".

At the last, I will talk bout Korean food. They eat something similar to Japanese traditional food. They usually season food with Miso and Soy source. There are more spicy than Japanese that. Korean food is famous as healthy food. They tend to eat much vegetable. They eat “Kimuchi” everyday.  And like to mix rice with something, likes "Bibimbap". This is one Korean traditional form of food. They use spoon with such food. "Toppokki", "Chijimi" is Korean popular traditional food, each food are very spicy. In addition, there are many healthy mixed juices which were made by "Pine nut", "cedar".

In the conclusion, at first, I found that all Asian countries usually have a tradition to eat rice, soup, vegetables and meat. They have quite different traditional food. Wearer British usually eat bread and meat and potatoes. It is different likes distance. But they all have very attracting food. I like them almost all. It is loved by the world people. Recently, we can eat foreign traditional food. Then we can connect with us and join together. We need to find good points of each food and should create more wonderful food to not forget original traditional food.

Introduce our work

                  

We choose three topics about culture, which are food, education and traditional clothes. We are investigating them in these three countries, and will compare them with British culture. In here, Miki will talk about food in these four counties, Xuan will talk about education, and Eun Su will talk about traditional clothes.
This is a good opportunity to learn about more interesting culture in different countries. Also we hope you can find some interesting things form here