We have talked about symbols, language and norms
4. Values
Can be considered the most important. Values are what is important and worthwhile. They are the points of reference that guide our behaviour, direct our goals and define our judgements.
As a matter of comparison what are America’s values
– freedom/liberty/democracy
– individualism (self fulfilment)
– success
– justice
– equality
– honesty (Korean culture does not value honesty Confucius taught submission)
– patriotism
– prestige
– Wealth/money
– Power
– Family (highest divorce rate in world)
– Hard work
– Do I yourself
– Science/tech to solve prob
– Do to others what you would have unto you
– Charity
Korean Values
– respect elders, parents and ancestor worship kajonk
– family
– hard work
– education (83% of graduates go to uni)
– collectivism Confucius
– nationalism
– hierarchy (Confucius says inequality is natural)
– success
– wealth (almost equated to worth)
– prestige
– etiquette/politeness (defining characteristic)
– health/long life ( eat snake, drink goat/deer blood) Confucius
– save face
– social harmony
– social conformity
– loyalty
– personal relationships (Confucianism)
Values have roots in Confucianism. The most important values that we hold dear come from Confucianism. Other influence is shamanism (health long life success and wealth). Shamanisn has no concept of life after death. Good is a shamanistic ritual that brings good fortune to the participants. Buddhism never told people to pray for anything. Desire only causes pain so why pray for stuff? These values are based on shamanism – this worldly wisdom. A small minority of Korean monks still act as fortune tellers – based on historical link to shamanism. Lanterns of Buddhist temple roof – name of person who bought lantern with a wish. Names determine people’s fortune – bad and good names – based on date and time of birth this defines a name.
Koreans are shy speaking to foreigners because they are afraid of not speaking at the highest standard. There is a great emphasis in Korea to speak English.
