How can decorate, while honoring the Korean Culture?

Question

My husband spent two years in Korea, and we really love the culture. We want to decorate our bedroom in that style, but have found that most items available generalize Asian cultures, not differentiating between Japanese, Korean, etc. We have not found anything distinctly Korean. Any Suggestions?

Answer 1

There's a website called www.orientalfurniture.com which sells plenty of traditional Korean furniture.

Answer 2

That's a little hard. Ancient Japan, Korea, and China shared their traditions, and thus, there are many similarities. Some of the Korean decorations, however, are the korean cushions. In many korean restaurants where customers sit on the floor to eat their meal sit on this cushion. In ancient Korea, there really weren't much chairs. Even the Kings and Queens usually sat on cushions that were enlarged in size with the same type of cushion placed behind the Queen/King for back support. Another idea is purchasing Korean's traditional bed. They are very very very low and almost feels like you are sleeping on layers and layers of stacked blankets. I, however, do not suggest sleeping on it... I like to sleep on modern cushiony beds =) Another idea is the scroll drawings. They original date back in to Japanese times; however, Koreans become very fond of them after the Japanese took over Korea for a short period of time. Koreans have designed their own scroll works of arts and many adults continue to draw these as their hobby. Many of these drawings are of traditional buildings, fish, or large gatherings of people. Another very very very traditional decoration (it may be illegal to do, depending on where you live) is hanging a stuffed sea turtle on the wall for good luck. I forgot whether you are suppose to hang them with their heads facing up or down (I believe it is down), but they supposedly bring good luck. They get quite expensive and many koreans give these for gifts. You won't see that quite often, however, due to its expensive price. Good luck =)