South Korean Family Life*Information provided by Miso Kim

Miso Kim

Past Korean Family

Traditional Dress

Importance of Family There is a strong family bond between

members. Family is the social norm, not the individual.

Respect for Elders The elder members of South Korean families

are held in high respect. The respect is held in high esteem in

society. Elders often give advice, and the young

individuals should follow that advice. The past three generations of ancestors are

celebrated on certain holidays: Thanksgiving and the date the relative past away.

Family Hierarchy Patriarchal Women: domestic work Men: outside the house work Strict gender roles (Confucianism): “the system of ethics, education, and

statesmanship taught by Confucius and his disciples, stressing love for humanity, ancestor worship, reverence for parents, and harmony in thought and conduct.”

*www.dictionary.com*

Parent/ Child The child is expected to obey his/ her

parents. Children must repay their parents for raising

them, by looking after their parents forever. The child’s body is the “legacy” of their

parents. Children must not harm their bodies: ex.) cutting hair

Family Table Elders are seated first, and can choose

where the rest of the family members sit. Watching TV during meals is considered

disrespectful. Pointing chopsticks is disrespectful.

Family Tree

Family Vocabulary http://www.lifeinkorea.com/language/korean.

cfm?Subject=family