What is the Korean “Face” Concept?
There are a lot of unique cultural aspects of Korean culture that many may not understand. Much of Korean culture focuses on a person’s appearance, how they treat others, and how they behave. One aspect of Korean culture, the concept of face, can help explain how Korean people conduct themselves in public.
The concept of face, also known as chaemyoun, has long been embedded in Asian cultures throughout the world. The meaning of chaemyoun is centered around the importance of a person’s honor, dignity, influence, and reputation. It is taken very seriously by the people of Korea, even still today.
Not following the concept of face is seen as offensive and can be especially harmful to a person’s reputation within society. It’s one of the most integral aspects of the people of Korea that directly influences how Koreans behave daily and through social interactions.
What Exactly is the Korean Concept of Face?
The concept of face is believed to have originated in China along with many other cultural influences. While the concept of face might seem to correlate with outside appearance, it has a deeper meaning. It reflects the innermost important parts of you as a persona and how others may perceive you. It is your role, image, or status in society or a direct reflection of your reputation.
For example, if you were dealing with the loss of a job, a struggling marriage, or anything that may be frowned upon in society, you would never let that emotion or struggle be noticeable on your face or in your actions outside of your home. You would always conduct yourself in a poised manner in public and behave with rationality.
The concept of face is important for maintaining relationships and interactions with people throughout daily life. It’s a way that the Korean people maintain peace under Confucianism philosophies. You can help give face to people by showing them respect, paying them compliments, or providing a service that improves their self-esteem or image.
They tend to avoid conflict by refraining from sharing negative thoughts and behaviors, therefore, keeping harmony and avoiding having to save face later, which is highly frowned upon in Korean culture. The Korean people will act and behave appropriately among others and in public to protect their image and self-worth.
This concept of face has been around in Korean society for decades. It became more prominent during hardships within the nation after being under Japanese rule. The importance was cultivated as the conflicts arose that led to the division of Korea into two countries. It’s a highly regarded concept still practiced today in society.
Understanding the Korean concept of face and how it influences behaviors in the Korean people can help you understand much of the culture and how to receive and act accordingly if you decide to visit the country.