koreanfestivals1-1, Exercise 3: Invented tradition, sources and scope

Model answer:

Invented tradition: a practice presented or perceived as traditional, arising in the distant past, but actually relatively recent and often consciously invented (from The Invention of Tradition, Hobsbawm and Ranger, 1983). It does not mean fake or worthless: the article distinguishes it from starting a tradition that does not claim to be old, and says the concept of authenticity is itself questionable. It is a tool for asking questions, not a way of ranking customs.

Three kinds of source:
1. Documented custom (laws, calendar entries, first-held years). Weakness: only exists for some festivals; many have no start year given.
2. Legend (origin stories). Weakness: often has no document behind it.
3. Marketing (tourism materials). Weakness: "ancient", "authentic" and "the largest" are selling words.

Scope: the course covers the yearly calendar, rites and life-cycle ceremonies, the modern festival scene and everyday heritage. It leaves out food, literature, K-pop and drama (their own courses), ranking customs and travel advice. It focuses on South Korea, treats pre-division custom as shared, and gives North Korea at most a short factual note.