The people of Korea have great respect for the family and hierarchy. It is still common to see extended families where parents are living with their middle-aged married children and grandchildren. However, this is rapidly changing. It is also more common to see families having double incomes because of changing social norms. To the older generation, the father is the main wage earner and the mother stays home. Unfortunately, women do not have a presence in more professional fields; they stick mostly to receptionist, accounting or educational careers.
The other aspect I mentioned was hierarchy. Koreans have great respect for anyone senior in age, especially in the family. Normally, the father is the head of the family. I've also read that during meals, the rest of the family must wait for the eldest to begin eating before the others. This is typically common during meals at home.
Normally, the oldest son in the family is expected to carry on the traditions of the family.
This hierarchical ethic of relationships is based on Confucian traditions that Koreans adopted a long time ago.
Koreans work extremely hard, but savor family and friends. They like to sing, show emotion and laugh a lot when they are with their family and friends, but are more careful with strangers.
Comments