TIES OF CONFUCIANISM IN SOUTH KOREAN SOCIETY | SpiritofAsia (February 12th, 2023)

Summary

The video script explores the history, cultural evolution, and social dynamics of South Korea. It highlights the country’s resilience in the face of invasions, wars, and political challenges, transforming into an economic and cultural leader. Despite advancements, South Korean society remains highly competitive, especially in education. Women, once marginalized by Confucian traditions, are gaining more rights but still face societal pressures. The script also touches on the stresses of modern life in Seoul, exploring alternative spaces like 'Don't Worry Village,' which offer refuge from urban stress and encourage personal relaxation and growth.

Takeaways

• 🌍 South Korea is located in a strategic position, surrounded by powerful kingdoms, leading to a history of constant conflict and influence from neighboring regions.
• 📚 Education in South Korea is highly valued and accessible to all citizens, making it a central part of the culture.
• 🎶 Korean pop culture, including K-pop and dramas, has gained massive global popularity, spreading Korean cultural influence worldwide.
• ⚖️ Despite South Korea's progress, areas like women's rights have been limited, with societal and legal barriers restricting their potential.
• 💼 South Koreans are hardworking, competitive, and constantly striving for success in various fields, especially education and professional life.
• 📖 The concept of 'yangban' from the Joseon dynasty has influenced the modern Korean educational system, contributing to the intense pressures on students.
• 👩‍🎓 Women in South Korea faced significant challenges historically, with rights being limited under the patriarchal 'hoju' system, though legal improvements have been made in recent times.
• 🏙️ The high cost of living in Seoul has led to stress and pressure among its citizens, pushing some to seek refuge in more affordable and relaxed areas like 'Don't Worry Village.'
• 👨‍👩‍👧 The competitive educational system in South Korea often places immense stress on students, who are pushed to excel academically, especially in preparing for university entrance exams.
• 💪 The traditional Confucian values of masculinity still influence South Korean society, placing pressure on men to be strong and lead, while women's roles are becoming more flexible.

Q & A

What historical influences shaped South Korean society according to the script?

South Korea has been influenced by powerful surrounding kingdoms due to its strategic location, leading to wars, conflicts, and a division of the country. Political instability and external pressures have shaped the Korean people and their values.

How does the script describe South Korea's competitive culture?

The script portrays South Korea as a highly competitive society, with competition present in all aspects of life, from education to work. This competitiveness is ingrained from birth and continues throughout a person’s life.

What role does education play in the lives of South Koreans?

Education is a major source of pressure for South Koreans, starting from early schooling. The system stems from the Confucian tradition of the 'yangban' scholar class, and it creates intense competition, especially in test preparation for entry into top universities.

How were the roles of women affected during the Joseon Dynasty?

During the Joseon Dynasty, the status of women was reduced. While men held high-ranking positions, women’s roles became limited to the home, in contrast to earlier periods when women had more equal rights in property ownership and social status.

What changes have occurred in South Korean women's legal rights in recent history?

In recent times, South Korean women have gained more legal rights, including the ability to head households, choose their spouse, marry, divorce, or remain single. This contrasts with past patriarchal systems that heavily restricted women's rights.

What is the 'hoju' system mentioned in the script, and how did it affect women?

The 'hoju' system was a Japanese-introduced family registration system that required a male head of the household, limiting women's rights within family structures. This system has since been abolished, allowing for more equality in family roles.

How has South Korea's focus on education affected family life, according to the script?

South Korean families often spend a significant portion of their income on private education (hagwon) for their children, which places financial strain on families and contributes to the country's low birth rate, averaging 1.2 children per family.

What is the purpose of the 'Don't Worry Village' mentioned in the script?

'Don't Worry Village' is an educational program in the port city of Mokpo designed as a refuge from the pressures of city life in Seoul. It provides residents with a stress-free environment where they can relax, rest, and escape the stresses of modern urban life.

What societal pressures do South Korean women face in modern times?

South Korean women face pressures both inside and outside the home. They are expected to balance career success with family duties, and the societal pressure to marry and have children remains strong, even as more women opt for independence.

How does the script address changes in gender roles in South Korean society?

The script explains that while Confucian principles still influence society, gender roles are becoming more flexible. Women are increasingly taking leadership roles within families and society, though full equality between men and women has yet to be achieved.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 South Korea's Historical Challenges and Cultural Triumphs

The paragraph outlines South Korea's historical context, where its strategic location led to constant influences, including wars from surrounding kingdoms. Despite enduring political instability and conflicts, South Korea evolved into a hardworking, educated society with an open political culture. The influence of South Korean pop culture, such as K-pop and dramas, has spread worldwide. While the country has achieved success on many fronts, certain segments, particularly women, have faced restrictions and challenges.

05:02

📚 Educational Pressure and Gender Inequality in Historical Korea

This section focuses on South Korea's educational pressures, influenced by the historical concept of 'yangban' from the Joseon Dynasty, where scholarly men were privileged. Women's roles and rights were significantly reduced during this era, confined to the home. The arrival of American missionaries in the 1880s introduced educational reforms, leading to the establishment of a U.S. Women's University, which sought to bridge the inequality gap faced by Korean women.

10:03

🏫 The Intensity of Korean Educational Systems and Family Pressures

The paragraph delves into the highly competitive nature of South Korea's education system, especially in the context of private academies ('hagwons') where students undergo intense preparation for university entrance exams. It highlights the societal pressures placed on students and their families, who often spend significant portions of their income on education. The stress continues even after graduation as these individuals face pressures related to career, marriage, and societal expectations.

15:25

💼 The Evolving Role of Women in South Korean Society

This part discusses the progress made in gender equality in modern South Korea, where women now have the freedom to make personal choices regarding marriage, divorce, and career paths. It contrasts this with the Joseon era, where women's rights were strictly limited, and decisions like divorce were entirely controlled by men. While Confucian patriarchal traditions still influence society, women have begun to take on leadership roles in both the home and the workplace.

20:27

🏡 Escape from Urban Pressures: A New Rural Lifestyle

The final paragraph explores the growing trend of South Koreans, especially those burdened by the pressures of urban life in Seoul, seeking refuge in rural areas. The example of 'Don't Worry Village,' a six-week retreat in a coastal city, is provided as a way for people to de-stress. This escape from city life allows individuals to adopt a more peaceful, supportive, and affordable lifestyle, contrasting with the fast-paced demands of urban living. The program also highlights how these rural retreats offer personal rejuvenation and emotional support.

Keywords

💡Confucianism

Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius, which has had a strong influence on Korean society. In the video, it is noted that Confucianism historically shaped gender roles, limiting women's rights in the Joseon dynasty. The video also discusses how, although modern times have seen a relaxation of these rigid roles, Confucian values still impact the social structure in South Korea, particularly in regard to family dynamics and expectations.

💡Yangban

Yangban refers to the traditional ruling class or scholarly elite of dynastic Korea, especially during the Joseon dynasty. The concept is mentioned in the context of education in South Korea, where the intense pressure on students is traced back to the legacy of the yangban, who were expected to excel in academic exams to secure social and political power. This historical backdrop helps explain the modern emphasis on education as a pathway to success in South Korean society.

💡Hagwon

Hagwon refers to private cram schools in South Korea, where students receive additional tutoring, particularly to prepare for exams. The video highlights the competitive nature of South Korean education, with many students attending hagwons late into the night to gain an edge in university entrance exams. This concept illustrates the pressures on students and families, as parents often invest a significant portion of their income in these educational services.

💡Gender inequality

Gender inequality is a major theme in the video, referring to the historical and ongoing disparities between men and women in South Korea. The video discusses how women's rights were restricted during the Joseon dynasty and under the hoju (patriarchal family system), and how modern women still face challenges both inside and outside the home. Despite improvements in legal status and social roles, the video suggests that South Korean women continue to experience pressures in both professional and domestic spheres.

💡Hoju system

The hoju system was a patriarchal family registration system introduced during Japanese colonial rule, which legally designated a male head of the household. This system restricted women's rights and reinforced gender discrimination. The video references the abolition of the hoju system as a significant step towards gender equality, though remnants of this patriarchal structure still affect South Korean society today.

💡IMF crisis

The IMF crisis, also known as the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997-1998, had a profound impact on South Korea’s economy. The video mentions this event to highlight how South Koreans have endured numerous crises and how the country's resilience and adaptability have helped it emerge as an economic powerhouse. This historical event also fostered a national sense of competitiveness and survival, values that continue to shape South Korean culture.

💡K-pop

K-pop, or Korean pop music, is a global cultural phenomenon mentioned in the video as an example of South Korea’s influence on the international stage. The rise of K-pop is seen as a symbol of South Korea's cultural success and its ability to align with global trends. This aspect of the video highlights how South Korea's soft power has grown through its cultural exports, from music to television dramas.

💡Stress and competition

The video frequently discusses stress and competition as central aspects of South Korean society. These pressures manifest in various areas, including education, work, and social expectations. From the rigorous academic demands placed on students to the societal pressure to succeed professionally, the concept of stress is portrayed as a pervasive challenge in South Korean life, contributing to both individual strain and broader societal issues.

💡Don't Worry Village

Don't Worry Village is an initiative described in the video as a place of rest and relaxation for people who are overwhelmed by the pressures of living in Seoul. It serves as a refuge where participants can escape from stress and recover, which reflects the growing recognition of the need for mental health and wellness resources in South Korea. This concept ties into the video’s broader discussion of how the high-pressure environment in South Korea affects individuals' well-being.

💡Educational pressure

Educational pressure in South Korea is a recurring theme in the video, linked to the country's competitive nature and historical emphasis on academic achievement. The video discusses how students face immense pressure to succeed in school, particularly in preparing for university entrance exams. This pressure is not only an individual burden but also reflects societal expectations, with education seen as the key to future success and security.

Highlights

South Korea's geographical position has made it a target of powerful surrounding kingdoms, resulting in a long history of wars and conflicts.

South Koreans are hardworking, with a strong emphasis on education, which has been made accessible to all citizens.

Korean pop culture, including music and drama, has gained international attention, making South Korea a cultural leader.

Despite advancements, certain areas of South Korean society, especially those related to women, still face restrictions and limitations.

Protest culture is a common part of South Korean society, with citizens believing in the need to release stress through protests.

The concept of Yangban, a Confucian scholarly class from the Joseon Dynasty, continues to influence South Korea’s educational system.

Women in pre-Joseon Korea had equal rights to men, including the right to hold property and titles, but their status was reduced during the Joseon Dynasty.

American missionaries introduced educational opportunities for women in South Korea, with the founding of U.S. Women’s University in the 1880s.

South Korea has achieved a high literacy rate, almost 90% in the 1990s, transforming from a previously illiterate society.

The private test prep industry, particularly in English language studies, contributes to high educational pressures in South Korea.

South Korean families often invest a significant portion of their income in their children's education, leading to smaller family sizes.

The Hoju system, introduced by the Japanese, restricted women’s legal rights within the family until it was abolished, allowing women more freedom in family decisions.

The cultural shift towards gender equality has allowed women to lead both inside and outside the home, though full equality has not yet been achieved.

The 'Don't Worry Village' program offers South Koreans a chance to escape the high-pressure life of Seoul and recover in a more peaceful environment.

Despite societal advancements, toxic masculinity remains an issue, with men feeling pressured to fulfill traditional roles as leaders and providers.

Transcripts

of ancient times extending from the

mainland was surrounded by powerful

kingdoms with their eyes set upon taking

possession of this land this is the

location which allowed contact with

people across land and sea and by

extension the Korean people were on the

receiving end of a wide range of

influences from the surrounding kingdoms

influences which included Wars and

conflicts which never seemed to end

families were torn apart divergences and

perspectives have been generated as a

result of political instability and the

division of the country itself South

Koreans are hard-working people to the

point where education has been made

accessible to all of the country's

citizens their political views are open

and their culture has been and promote

it in alignment with the world's Trends

Korean pop songs are listened to by

people all over the world Korean drama

series have become a topic of discussion

on a very wide scale this is a highly

competitive society that has triumphed

over other countries in many dimensions

and yet there Still Remains certain

areas of this Society whose potential

has been buried and restricted these are

the areas occupied by women

foreign

[Music]

ISM in South Korean Society

South Korea has bravely pulled through a

number of crises such as the IMF the

people brought down the military

dictatorship and promoted cultural

Trends on an international level they

transformed their small country into an

economic and cultural leader South Korea

endured pressures from the surrounding

larger countries and these periods of

Oppression had pushed the country into

its role of an independent Survivor the

suffering of the people in recent

history has trained South Koreans to

live by certain sets of values to this

very day it appears to be a national

mission to create and sustain an

idealistic Society we see competition in

all areas competitiveness is trained

into the mindsets of South Koreans from

birth to death these signs communicate

demands which are part of the country's

protest culture protests are a normal

phenomenon since people here hold to the

idea that stress needs to be released

and that it's the right thing to do

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uh

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thank you

the stresses in the lives of some South

Koreans don't only concern politics

education is also a prime source of

pressure for students the way the

educational system presents itself stems

from the concept of yangban which is a

Korean Confucian form of a scholarly

official operating during the show Sun

Dynasty the young man were part of the

ruling class of dynastic Korea mainly

composed of Highly Educated Aristocrats

only men were allowed to take the young

Bond examinations but what about women

what roles and duties did women have

before the show Sun era men and women

held equal rights in holding property

and occupying ranks and titles but

during Show's Sun the status of women

was reduced and their roles were limited

within the home

foreign

[Music]

the entry of westerners in the 1880s

brought American missionaries into South

Korea U.S women's University was set up

to bridge the inequality Gap that Korean

women had to endure if one accomplishes

success in entrance examinations into

the country's top universities this is

considered a pathway towards Security in

one's life security for one's family

follows from there onwards

crew the whole world told me

that is so

foreign

thank you

[Music]

following times of war and conflict

South Koreans had to battle forward with

the knowledge acquired from the few

resources that they had many government

administrations pushed for Education

access for the general public from

previous times in which the majority of

the population were illiterate the early

1990s then saw a massive increase in the

literacy rate up to almost 90 percent

when this happened the people were

finally able to read write and

understand politics competitiveness in

the educational scene of this country is

considered extremely aggressive

foreign

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Ohio

foreign

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school where she works as an assistant

teacher of English language this

district is full of hogwan schools these

hog wands are organized for students to

have lessons one-on-one or in classrooms

hun juice job is to help the students to

get test scores that will gain them

entry into one of the country's top

three universities

as you can see students have to like do

some tasks such as memorizing the

reading material or memorize vocabulary

and they also have to solve many English

problems related to the test so for that

time I go into the class and check if

they did memorize the things well and

the score I kind of write the scores of

the tests that they took so those are my

roles that I do instead of

um the teacher for hanju her entry into

ued University was due to having studied

at this hogwan school after gaining

entry into the prestigious University

she then became an assistant teacher to

help the younger students parents tend

to push their children into attending

these extra studies from 6 pm to 11 pm

there was a time when it was illegal to

attend test prep schools late into the

night but there are parents out there

who want their children to accomplish

higher standards than other children in

their age students are preparing for the

test they do not have light kind of

classes with

Foreigner teachers they focus on

preparing the test so when they do their

things well and when they do their they

complete their task they can go home but

usually they can do not do them in time

because

there are so many things to do

and they have to

like memorize things so it makes kind of

students stressful

they go home just yeah right parents

spend one third of their income on their

children's tuition fees at these test

prep schools and the tuition fees are

getting higher especially in the area of

English language studies this is a prime

factor that has made the average South

Korean family have an average of only

1.2 children due to the unexpected rise

in these extra tuition fees the stresses

of study life don't end with graduation

they carry on into work life once they

are settled into their careers then they

have to deal with social expectations in

regards to marriage and family these

expectations add to the pressures

suffered among the respective age groups

women especially are experiencing the

pressure both inside and outside the

home which means that they are generally

facing more pressure than men in

oh and that's all

foreign

[Applause]

good day

today

is

a 60 year old business owner the Journey

of building a financial Foundation

hasn't been easy

she's the eldest daughter of the family

so she has had to work very hard to

support her younger siblings in place of

her parents who passed away over a

decade earlier since then she has

carried the role of eldest sister on her

shoulders

um

the capacity for South Korean women to

become head of a household has only been

a recent legal phenomenon in the past

Society was governed by the Japanese

introduced hoju J patriarchal family

registration system women's legal rights

were restricted within family

relationships since the gender

discriminatory practice dictated that a

household must have a male head of the

family A woman was only a member of her

husband's family

foreign

[Music]

in this day and age the status of women

has improved a woman can choose her own

spouse she can choose to marry divorce

or not marry at all these decisions are

made of a woman's own free will but

during the show Sun era the role and

status of women were clearly dictated

love and romance were not a matter of

mutual agreement between two people

since the husband was the only one who

can make the decision to divorce

foreign

[Music]

foreign

foreign

patriarchal ideas inherited from

Confucianism were once a solid

foundation in Korean Society but with

the Changing Times these ideas have had

to be adjusted and adapted at the core

of this Society Confucianism remains a

driving principle except that the roles

of men and women have become more

flexible in some families women are the

leaders both inside and outside the home

and in some cases the male-dominated

society has begun to listen to these

women we may not be able to say fully

that equality between men and women is

happening in the real world but for

South Korean women greater Freedom has

become a contributing factor in the

decision to stay single this kind of

decision removes the problematic

potential that comes with men and yet

stresses and pressure still come in

other shapes and forms especially if one

is living in Seoul

result

[Music]

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this is the cost of the conveniences in

Seoul but despite the High Cost of

Living Soul continues to attract

increasing numbers of people it's gotten

to the point now where Korean drama

series are serving as trending

propaganda machines inviting young

people to move to the suburbs or

provinces of course the beautiful

peaceful landscape the colors of the

fields grasslands and seas are in

extreme contrast to the Seoul cityscape

Hong dong o is the owner of don't worry

Village an educational program founded

in the port city of montpel it's not

really a village but a place for people

to rest relax and find new courage they

don't have to do anything they don't

have to think about paying for food and

condos hongdong intends for people to

come here to escape from the stress of

living in Seoul the don't worry Village

program is organized as a six-week event

for 60 people to be accommodated under

the same roof for these temporary

residents their closeness comes from

releasing the pressures that have been

building up from Life in the capital

they get to absorb the provincial ways

of life they encourage each other by

praising small accomplishments which

would otherwise be overlooked Hong dong

o wants this place to be one of rest and

relaxation where people can go to sleep

comfortably

[Music]

um

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foreign

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Society based on Confucianism we may see

examples of toxic masculinity due to the

pressure on men to be leaders in heads

of families men must work hard as a

result of the perception that this is

their Duty they must bear the burden of

strength even though men can also be

followers they can cry and show their

fragility and sensitivity women may even

have an advantage in this respect since

they can show these emotions opening the

way for women to take part in a wider

range of activities than men

foreign

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foreign

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is used to set up the program don't

worry Village he gets to rent without

pay for 20 years Paul wants to attract

young people so that this Avenue can

come back to life again Mark Paul is a

small town with nice people suitable as

a place of Refuge this Gallery owner

comes from Seoul he tells us that he

previously thought of exhibiting in

Seoul but could not afford a venue but

the space here is Affordable and he can

Now display his works

foreign

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has become a town for people seeking to

pay affordable prices to follow their

precious dreams they don't need to deal

with the extremely High Cost of Living

this is a quality form of stress relief

that South Koreans are now seeking South

Korea had built Itself by pressuring its

very own people but too much stress will

result in a very unhappy population and

if societal values don't change

regarding women it will be very

difficult to Envision a future in which

men and women can grow and develop

alongside each other

in the next episode our spirit of Asia

team explores the places where women are

the dominant landowners here in this

land of kimchi these women are happy to

welcome us

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long