Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE CONFUCIAN MINDSET
Confucianism is a social philosophy, a prescription for achieving a harmonious society. Not everyone follows
the rules, but Confucianism does continue to shape the Korean paradigm. Some of the key principles and prac-
tices:
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Obedience and respect towards seniors - parents, teachers, the boss, older brothers and sisters - is crucial.
Heavy penalties (including physical punishment) are incurred for stepping out of line.
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Seniors get obedience, but they also have obligations. Older siblings help out younger siblings with tuition
fees, and the boss always pays for lunch.
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Education defines a civilised person. Despite having built a successful business, a high-school graduate would
still feel shame at their lack of scholastic credentials.
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Men and women have separate roles. A woman's role is service, obedience and management of household af-
fairs. Men don't do housework or look after children.
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Status and dignity are critical. Every action reflects on the family, company and country.
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Everything on and beyond the earth is in a hierarchy. People never forget who is senior and who is junior to
them.
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Families are more important than individuals. Everyone's purpose in life is to improve the family's reputation
and wealth. No one should choose a career or marry someone against their parents' wishes - a bad choice could
bring ruin to a family. Everyone must marry and have a son to continue the family line. For these reasons homo-
sexuality is considered a grossly unnatural act.
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Loyalty is important. A loyal liar is a virtuous person.
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Be modest and don't be extravagant. Only immoral women wear revealing clothes. Be frugal with praise.
Buddhism
When first introduced during the Koguryo dynasty in AD 370, Buddhism coexisted with
shamanism. Many Buddhist temples have a
samseionggak
(three-spirit hall) on their
grounds, which houses shamanist deities such as the Mountain God.
The religion was persecuted during the Joseon period, when its temples were tolerated
only in the remote mountains. It suffered another sharp decline after WWII as Koreans
pursued more worldly goals. But South Korea's success in achieving developed-nation
status, coupled with a growing interest in spiritual values, is encouraging a Buddhist re-
