Why do heated debates erupt online whenever China references kimchi, hanbok, or other beloved Korean traditions? The question of why China claims aspects of Korean culture isn’t just a modern internet feud—it’s a fascinating blend of history, identity, and regional pride. Understanding this topic helps us see how cultural heritage can shape national narratives. In this article, we’ll unpack the historical roots, political motivations, and popular perceptions behind these cultural claims.
Read on to discover the stories, controversies, and surprising connections at the heart of this cultural tug-of-war!
Understanding Why China Claims Korean Culture
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If you’ve followed news or social media in East Asia, you may have seen debates over kimchi, hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), and even folk songs like “Arirang.” Sometimes, Chinese voices lay claim to these symbols of Korean heritage, calling them Chinese in origin—or at least as part of China’s cultural canvas. This fierce “cultural feud” puzzles many observers. Why does China claim Korean culture? The answer is complex, rooted in centuries of geopolitics, history, and evolving identity on both sides.
Let’s explore the origins, meaning, and modern reality of this ongoing cultural dispute.
The Historical Background: Entwined Roots and Ancient Influence
Ancient Interactions and Influence
China and Korea share thousands of years of close contact, from military conflict to cultural exchange and trade. The Korean peninsula has borrowed and adapted elements from China—most notably the Chinese writing system (hanja), philosophies like Confucianism, Buddhist practices, and even some technologies and administrative systems.
But it’s important to recognize that these borrowed influences were never simple copy-pastes; Korean culture has, over the centuries, reshaped and localized outside influences into distinctly Korean forms.
Tribute, Borders, and a Legacy of Overlap
For much of East Asian history, Korea was a tributary state to China, especially during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. This meant regular exchanges of culture, gifts, and diplomatic etiquette. Border regions were zones of cultural blending, inhabited by various peoples—Han Chinese, Koreans, and multiple ethnic groups.
At times, Chinese empires held control over edge areas of the Korean peninsula, such as the Lelang Commandery, further blending local traditions.
Cultural Meaning and Symbolism: Why the Claims Matter
Nationalism and Cultural Pride
Cultural items like kimchi and hanbok are deeply embedded in South Korean identity. They symbolize resilience, shared memory, and distinctiveness in a region where powerful neighbors often overlooked or threatened Korea’s autonomy.
For China, claiming shared or originating rights over these elements is not just about history—it’s a statement of soft power and cultural reach, asserting “Chineseness” as a broad, central force in East Asia.
The Power of Symbols
Symbols like food and clothing aren’t just about daily life—they’re emblems of national pride. International recognition of hanbok as Korean, or kimchi as a distinctly Korean dish, gives Korea a sense of distinct cultural authority. For Chinese voices, asserting that these traditions originated from or are closely tied to Chinese culture is a way to reinforce China’s influence and historical centrality.
The Main Flashpoints: Kimchi, Hanbok, and More
Kimchi: More Than Just Pickled Vegetables
Kimchi, the iconic spicy, fermented side dish, is a trademark of Korean cuisine. Yet, Chinese media and some officials have at times described kimchi as a type of Chinese “pao cai” (pickled vegetables). The confusion partly arises because traditional Chinese pickling goes back millennia, but Korean kimchi uses different vegetables, seasoning (especially chili pepper post-16th century), and fermentation methods.
For Koreans, the suggestion that kimchi is “basically Chinese” feels like erasing a key part of their heritage. For some Chinese, especially those from regions like Sichuan where pickled vegetables are beloved, the similarity in technique blurs the line of ownership.
Hanbok and Hanfu: The Clothing Controversy
Hanbok, with its flowing lines and vibrant colors, is the traditional Korean attire. China, meanwhile, has hanfu—a different style but with similarities, as both have roots in ancient East Asian dress styles.
Controversy escalates when Chinese events incorporate hanbok, or Chinese netizens claim that hanbok comes from hanfu, framing hanbok as a mere offshoot of Chinese tradition. Koreans see this as another form of cultural appropriation.
Folk Songs and Festivals
Famous Korean folk songs like “Arirang” or even certain dances and rituals have, at times, been represented in Chinese media as part of the “cultural heritage of Chinese minorities,” particularly the Korean ethnic group (Joseonjok) in China’s northeast. While ethnic Koreans have maintained such traditions in China for generations, claiming them as Chinese in origin sparks outrage in South Korea.
Roots of Cultural Claims: Why Are These Disputes Happening Now?
Rise of Nationalism and National Branding
Both countries are experiencing surges in national pride and sensitivity. South Korea’s global “K-Wave” (Hallyu) has made Korean pop music, TV, and cuisine globally popular. This newfound international spotlight encourages Koreans to actively protect and promote their heritage.
China, for its part, has made “cultural security” a priority out of concern that foreign or regional cultures could weaken national unity. Emphasizing Chinese roots or inclusion of successful cultures like Korea’s helps reinforce a strong, unified Chinese identity.
Online Amplification and Popular Outrage
Social media has become a battleground of national pride. Viral posts, trending hashtags, and viral videos make small claims into national controversies. What might begin as a technical or academic debate is rapidly inflamed by netizens who see perceived slights as personal attacks on their identity.
Ethnic Minorities and Internal Politics
China is home to a sizable ethnic Korean community, especially in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture. The Chinese state often celebrates “ethnic diversity under the Chinese nation,” which means presenting ethnic Korean traditions as part of China’s multicultural tapestry. South Koreans, however, interpret this as an attempt to subsume unique Korean traditions under a wider Chinese label.
Variations, Similarities, and Related Concepts
Borrowing, Localizing, and Unique Evolution
East Asian countries share a set of broad cultural building blocks—Confucian texts, rice cultivation, calendar systems, clothing styles—yet each society has made these its own. Hanbok is not just “Chinese clothing,” and kimchi is not simply pickled vegetables.
Still, the lines can seem blurry. Chinese “pao cai” is different from kimchi, but both are fermented vegetables. Hanbok’s silhouette differs from hanfu, but both reflect ancient East Asian fashion aesthetics.
Linked Yet Distinct
Modern scholars generally agree that these traditions sprang from mutual exchange and adaptation, reflecting centuries of parallel development rather than simple imitation or ownership. Disputes usually arise when one nation tries to claim exclusive original ownership over shared elements.
Modern Relevance: Globalization, Hallyu, and Soft Power
The Rise of “K-Culture” Worldwide
South Korea’s cultural clout has exploded in the 21st century. K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean food are loved worldwide. This newfound popularity has prompted Korea to double down on safeguarding its image and heritage—leading to international campaigns to register kimchi and hanbok as “intangible cultural heritage” in UNESCO and other bodies.
China’s Cultural Security and International Image
China, faced with rapid Westernization and a desire to promote national confidence, has made it a priority to assert the value and origin of its cultural products. By promoting a narrative that influential elements of Korean culture have roots in Chinese traditions—or belong to its minority cultures—China is seeking both to assert soft power and defend its diverse national identity.
Tensions in Daily Life and Diplomacy
Cultural disputes sometimes spill into broader diplomatic and economic arenas, with boycotts, online campaigns, and public protests. They can influence bilateral relations far beyond the cultural sector, affecting trade, tourism, and international cooperation between China and Korea.
Celebrations and Representation Today
How Are These Traditions Celebrated and Recognized?
In South Korea, traditions like wearing hanbok during Chuseok (Korean Harvest Festival) or serving special kinds of kimchi at family gatherings form an active part of daily life and holidays.
In China, ethnic Korean minorities keep their own festivals, clothing, and foods alive, supported by state-sponsored cultural events. However, when these are promoted as part of “Chinese culture” in international settings (like the Olympics), tensions rise.
The Media Battle
Korean and Chinese media both play roles in shaping public perception. News reports, dramas, and even history textbooks present their national narratives, which sometimes stoke misunderstandings and controversy rather than foster dialogue and shared appreciation.
Interesting Facts and Observations
- Shared Heritage Sites: Some ancient sites in northeast China are significant to both Chinese and Korean historical narratives, fueling debates over rightful claims.
- Kimchi Diplomacy: The “Kimchi War” reached global audiences when both sides sought to have their version officially recognized by international standards organizations.
- Hanbok in Pop Culture: Global K-pop sensations like BTS have used hanbok-inspired outfits in performances, sparking renewed discussion and pride.
- Recognition Moves: Korea has registered elements like “Kimjang” (the communal making of kimchi) and hanbok with UNESCO to reinforce their uniquely Korean cultural identity.
- Online Satire: Internet users in both countries have created memes and parodies around the topic—sometimes escalating into heated exchanges, sometimes mocking the endless cycle of claim and counterclaim.
Conclusion
The question “Why does China claim Korean culture?” is rooted in centuries of tangled history, cultural exchange, and evolving national identities. Both nations are immensely proud of their heritage and, especially in today’s world, deeply invested in claiming ownership of what distinguishes them.
From kimchi to hanbok and folk songs to festivals, these symbols mean more than just food or fashion—they are the living heart of cultures with long, interlinked histories. As both China and Korea seek global recognition, the struggle over these traditions will likely continue, reminding us that in East Asia, identity is as much about where you’ve been as where you hope to go.
FAQ
Why does China claim Korean culture as its own?
China’s claims are driven by historical interactions, shared borders, and an official policy that promotes the cultural heritage of the country’s many ethnic minorities. China sees some Korean cultural elements as part of the broader heritage of its Korean-Chinese minority or as having roots in ancient shared traditions.
Are kimchi and hanbok originally Chinese or Korean?
Kimchi and hanbok, in their current forms, are distinctly Korean. While ancient food techniques and clothing styles spread across East Asia, the recipes and fashion unique to Korea today developed on the peninsula, shaped by local history and tastes.
What started the recent flare-ups over cultural claims?
The latest controversies have been fueled by the global popularity of Korean culture (the “K-Wave”), rising nationalism in both countries, and viral social media debates. Specific events—such as media reports and international festivals—often act as triggers.
How does the Korean-Chinese minority figure into these debates?
China is home to a large ethnic Korean community, especially in the northeast. Their traditions—kept alive for generations—are celebrated in China, which often publicly claims these as part of China’s multicultural identity.
Is it common for neighboring countries to claim similar traditions?
Yes. Throughout world history, neighboring regions often have overlapping cultural elements. Disputes arise when there are efforts to claim exclusive origin, particularly when international recognition or national pride is at stake.
What are the differences between kimchi and Chinese pickled vegetables?
Korean kimchi is typically made with napa cabbage or radishes, flavored with chili pepper, garlic, and fish sauce, and uses lactic acid fermentation. Chinese “pao cai” is usually less spicy, uses different vegetables and spices, and has a different fermentation process.
How has the Korean government responded to China’s claims?
The Korean government has taken steps to protect and promote Korean cultural heritage globally. This includes seeking UNESCO recognition for key cultural practices and encouraging global awareness of unique aspects of Korean traditions.
What role does nationalism play in these disputes?
Nationalism amplifies the sense of threat or pride over cultural heritage. Both Chinese and Korean citizens see cultural claims as tied to their national dignity, which heightens passions and sometimes leads to online or even real-world conflict.
Are the disputes only about food and clothing?
No. Debates extend to folk music, rituals, martial arts, dance, language scripts, and even historical narratives around ancient kingdoms and territory.
Can cultural heritage ever truly belong to just one nation?
Culture is dynamic, constantly evolving, and often shared across borders—especially in regions with deep historical ties. While nations may claim exclusive origins for important symbols, most culture reflects centuries of borrowing, adaptation, and change. Recognizing both uniqueness and shared roots can foster better understanding.
