K is for Korea

In this photographic alphabet, the author introduces young readers to some of the customs, religion and culture, both ancient and modern, that make up this high-profile country. Focusing on both city and country life – from Arirang to Lacquerware to Taekwondo – this is a celebration of Korea in all its colourful diversity.

Rr is for Rice. Koreans serve boiled rice at every meal as part of the main course. Rice is also the main ingredient in rainbow-coloured rice cakes, crunchy snacks and sweet drinks. Noorungji, a crunchy rice scraped from the bottom of the cooking pot, is a traditional Korean snack, and everyone likes to drink noorungji boiled with water at the end of their meal.

Ss is for Samulnori - percussion music played on four instruments. Each instrument makes a weather noise: a hand-held gong makes the sound of thunder, a large gong makes the wind, a drum makes the moving clouds and an hour-glass-shaped drum makes rain. The musicians dance as they play, shaking their heads and jumping sideways in a circle - which often makes the audience jump too!