ABSTRACT
The individuality of the Korean people and their sense of ethnic identity have both survived and accommodated Chinese, Japanese, and Western impact. The status of women in Korean society has greatly advanced since the Choson Dynasty and is still rapidly evolving in both south and north Korea. Korean behavior is the result of three main factors: the traditional Confucian ethic; an underlying individualism that is somewhat at odds with that ethic; and an overlay of Western ideas. Although the nuclear family as a living unit is becoming the norm in the big cities, the traditional Confucian view of family relationships and responsibilities continues as a strong influence on individual attitudes and behavior. Industrialization and urbanization began to affect Korean community life in a significant way only in the twentieth century. The enormous importance attached to education in Korea is a principal reason for the nation's rapid development.
