Guidebook for Living in Korea

Family life in Korea is unique. Married immigrants who understand the characteristics of Korean families can more easily adjust to their new families and understand the culture of Korea. Family culture can vary by family and by region, but Korean culture is largely based on Confucianism. The family culture of Korea has some similarities to that of other Confucian-influenced countries, but has diverted from its traditional roots through the course of rapid industrialization.

Through marriage, individuals with different family relationships, lifestyles, and thoughts become one family. Therefore, it is very important to adjust the differences in ideas about family life in the beginning of the marriage. Be aware that the differences in thoughts may be bigger in international marriages where two people from different cultural backgrounds meet. If you are experiencing difficulties with your spouse because of these differences, keep the following in mind.

Unlike other countries, you can call or address someone with different titles and designations other than their names in Korea. On top of that, Korean names and names in Chinese characters are often mixed and used as titles and designations. Thus, the use of an incorrect appellation or designation could offend others. 'Hoching(appellation)' is what you use to call someone directly and 'Jiching(designation)' is used when referring a third person to the person you are speaking to. Combined, they are called 'Chingho(title)'.

In Korea, there are slight differences in language style depending on the difference in age, relation, and social status of the speaker and the listener. These differences can be broadly described as two speaking styles: honorific and casual.

In family life, there are many significant events that take place, such as births, marriages, or deaths of family members or friends. These are important to both the individual and the family, and it is important to spend time together as a family on these occasions.

Both traditional and modern weddings take place in Korea, but these days traditional weddings are disappearing in favor of more modern weddings. Modern weddings are performed at wedding halls, hotels, churches, and temples. During the wedding ceremony, the bridegroom wears a tuxedo, and the bride wears a dress. Even after a modern ceremony, the official greeting to parents and relatives is sometimes done in traditional way. This is called ‘pyeback.’
Over the past 10 years, the average marriage ages (first marriages) for both men and women have steadily increased (according to the National Statistical Office).

At funerals, the family of the deceased prepares clothes of mourning and the deceased is dressed in special garments as well. Typically, the garments for the deceased are prepared in advance for the elderly while they are still alive. These garments differ by household and region. In some cases, the deceased is dressed in hemp clothes, in black or white. Guests attending a munsang* should avoid wearing bright colors, and dress in black or white. During munsang, it is important to pay your respects and pray together with the family. Money is also offered to the family as a means of showing condolences.

A ritual ceremony to honor the memory of departed parents is held on the anniversary day or the night before. It may be done in different ways. The participants dress plainly and honor the memory of the deceased. It may be different depending on family culture, religion, etc.