Confucianism & Hierarchy

Korea is the most Confucian society in the world — even more so than China, where Confucianism originated. Confucian values permeate every aspect of life:

• Respect for elders (효도, Hyodo): Age determines everything — whoever is older is right, gets served first, is attended to first. One of the first questions Koreans ask: "How old are you?" — not out of curiosity, but to choose the correct form of address.
• Hierarchy: In work, in family, among friends — there is always a Hyeong/Nuna (older brother/older sister) and a Dongsaeng (younger). The language has different levels of politeness depending on rank.
• Education (교육): Education is the highest value. The Suneung (college entrance exam) is the most important day in a Korean's life — the whole country holds its breath on this day (even airplanes are rerouted so as not to disturb the test-takers).
• Group harmony: The "we" is above the "I". Individualism is considered selfish. Decisions are made by consensus, conflicts are avoided.