South Korean Culture

Much of Korean culture is rooted in Confucianism and emphasizes family and community values within a hierarchical structure. The hierarchy is based upon relationships between people and emphasizes the social importance and relevance of familial and communal relationships.
Harmony within families and between individuals is of primary importance when you study in South Korea, and many Korean people focus on establishing, maintaining, and protecting individual and familial “kibun”. Kibun is a concept that has no direct English translation, but roughly translates to pride, emotion, feelings, and portrayal. South Koreans take great care to maintain respectability and status (social and cultural, individual and communal) through the diligent care of and respect for kibun. This is especially evident in many South Koreans’ focus on establishing and maintaining harmony, or a sense of peace, calm, and comfort in any situation, no matter the circumstances.