E305/505 Korean Language and Culture

Study Questions for the Lecture on Korean Values

1. Individualism is a positive value in Western society. It is good to think for oneself, "Stand on one's own feet," demand one's right of autonomy. In Korea, however, the word for Individualism usually translates as egoism with the connotation of "selfishness." Why?
   
   
   
2. Within American families, we encourage the cultivation of individuality among our children. There is also an assumption that each child will "emancipate" from the family at some point. Contrast this with the general values that center on family in Korea.
   
   
   
3. Relationships are very important in Korean society. Whether they be familial, between friends, or inter-personal relationships in the workplace all relationships are guided by the principle of "unhae." What is this?
   
   
   
4. Why do Koreans value education to such a great degree?
   
   
   
5. How is the ancient cosmology based on um (yin) and yang, the complimentary opposing principles from which all things are generated related to the highly developed sex roles (and separation of the sexes) in Korean society?