The close connections of Korean kinThere is a particularly strong bond among Korean relatives and clan members. Following traditional family-centered principles, Koreans first turn to their extended family when they are having difficulties. In the past, brothers often lived in the same household after marriage and, in some cases, even cousins occupied the same house (though in separate living quarters). Today, such large families living under one roof are rare, but family members still often reside in the same neighborhood and maintain frequent contact.
Koreans also demonstrate great reverence for their family history. Respect for one's ancestors is central to the family clan system - and Koreans meticulously record and update genealogical records, which, in many cases, go back several dozen generations. They also minutely record achievements, official citations, the location of tombs, and so forth.
Special memorial services for great-great-grandparents are conducted in the home on the anniversary of their deaths. Services for ancestors of the previous generation are held once a year on Chuseok (the Harvest Moon Festival), the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, or on a selected auspicious day. On this important occasion, descendants gather at the ancestral tomb to perform rites. Even family members living far away will make the trip to participate.
When meeting for the first time, Koreans of the same family name must first determine whether they are members of the same clan. If so, they consult the genealogy to find out how closely they are related. Should one of them belong to an older generation, the polite form of the language is used to show respect. |
