1. Raising kids with Korean tradition is because my kids’ parents origin is South Korea and they must know the roots and

heritage of their ancestors. Besides that, language is part of the culture and it’s important to communicate with other Koreans who have their own culture. To make understanding each other and making it simple to communicate with others in the future. It minimizes cultural diffusion as well between children and parents.

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2. In Korea, older people (any age older than you), you must respect them. There is a specific way to address someone and that is with respect. Korea is a very small country, and it’s divided by North and South. South Korea is much smaller than America but the population is 52 million compared to 350 million in the states. It’s a high density population in South Korea. South Korea has a very competitive atmosphere since there’s so many people in a small area and it derives from Korean tradition as in olden times, Korean people have a fundamental thought that King, teachers, parents, and fathers are all the same. Historically, Korea has a social rank so most of the people have no opportunity for education, and education is only for those of a high rank. However, after the Chosun Kingdom, social rankings disappeared and education is now highly valued so many parents want the best education, and parents push their children hard to get into better schools.

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3. In America, you only think about yourself whereas in Korea, we think of other people a lot. We follow rules very well there, and thinking of parents and family before yourself is essential. The family tree is extremely important. Within Korean culture, kids are raised and educated to respect older people. In culture, there are many humble expressions and the language is a very important part of the culture. More respect for elder people and the language.

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4. Very tough to learn about a new culture and new language. It was very challenging to be successful for a better future.

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5. It’s been changed a lot in the last 30-40 years. Now we have a new generation in South Korea. When I was a kid, there wasn’t internet, but now Korea is known for having the fastest internet. The living style is now high-rise buildings, when it wasn’t before.

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6. From my parents, also within the educational system. I was affected by parents and the ways they raised me. My father was a professor as well so that influenced me too.

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7. The most important part is honor. Speaking Korean is a large part of our culture and by teaching your kids Korean, you are passing down the legacy. To avoid any possible barrier for communication between parents and kids, and teaching them the culture of their parents and above.

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8. Men usually had jobs and women would stay at home and do chores. However, now it’s a bit different as women also have jobs and raise the children and are able to provide money for the family as well, instead of just the man compared with olden times. Traditionally, Korea is a man-society, so men decide everything for their household’s main decisions. However, right now, their role is pretty much the same, but they accept lots of Western culture and embrace equal opportunities and rights. Childrens roles are pretty much just attending school, studying hard, and listening to their parents.

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9. It’s very competitive since everyone’s fighting into the few top schools, and if you’re unable to enroll into these schools, getting a job into the future and only those who were able to get enrolled make connections. Because of this, students study extremely hard in order to get into these schools and after schools end, they go to hagwons (tutoring centers), so the student life is 24/7 studying. If you get into these top schools, you are granted a significant amount of opportunities as well.

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10. Korean people love presenting themselves as people they aren’t. Even if you’re poor, you must present yourself as rich in order to not face judgement from others. If someone has fancy items, you must also attain those same items because everyone judges by appearance. Due to Korean Dramas and K-pop, people believe that all Koreans live these happy, rich lives. However, poverty still exists in Korea and many kids around your age are under a lot of stress because of this.