Hosfstede Dimensions of Culture and figuring foreigners both identify six dimensions to differentiate culture which includes Power Distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation and indulgence.
The concept interested me most is the individualist vs. collectivist. As the article mentioned, no culture is exclusively individualist or collectivist but all the cultures are tend to be more one than the other. People from individualistic cultures are more likely to have an independent view of themselves, such as those of the United States and other Western countries, emphasizing personal achievement, which results in a strong sense of competition. Collectivist cultures are more likely to see themselves as connected to others, such as those of China, Korean and Japan, emphasizing family and work group goals above individual needs or desires. I believe the similar culture may helps understand Korean better.
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