Family ties are extremely important in Korea and are one of the hallmark traits of Korean society. Influenced by Confucian ideals hundreds of years ago, the family is considered the highest priority in many Koreans' lives.
In Western culture, once the kids have grown up, it is tradition for the kids to live by themselves and the parents to live on their own. However, in traditional Korean culture, it is very common for the parents to live with their sons after the marriage. The daughters are sent to live with their husband's family after marriage.
The family is categorized under a hierarchy of the elder male being the head, then the females are placed afterwards. Siblings are taught to call the other in their honoric forms, and not by their names.
However, with the influence of Westernization, a lot of these ideals are beginning to change. Many children live by themselves after marriage, and there is a lot more equality between men and women in the family culture.
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