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Fun Fact: Confucianism heavily influences Korean culture, especially respect for elders.
Confucianism has a strong influence on Korean culture, especially in how respect for elders is emphasized. Elders are addressed with honorific language (e.g., ending sentences with ‘-세요’ or ‘-십니다’), and their opinions are highly valued. This respect is also seen in family traditions and holidays like Chuseok (추석) and Seollal (설날), where rituals honor parents and ancestors.
Filial piety (효) — the respect and devotion to one’s parents and ancestors — remains a core value, shaping everyday interactions and social hierarchies. The social importance of maintaining a hierarchy based on age and status can be seen as one of the most enduring aspects of Confucianism in modern Korean life.
