The Impact of Confucianism on Korean Society: From Tradition to Modernity

Abstract

This article examines the enduring influence of Confucianism on Korean society, tracing its role from the Joseon Dynasty to contemporary South Korea. The study analyzes how Confucian principles of social harmony, filial piety, and hierarchy shaped Korean cultural, political, and educational systems over centuries. The paper explores the ways in which Confucianism was institutionalized during the Joseon period and how it served as a foundational framework for governance and social norms. As Korea transitioned into the modern era, particularly during the Japanese occupation and post-liberation period, Confucianism continued to exert influence on family structures, gender roles, and political authority. By focusing on historical texts, government documents, and modern interpretations, the paper also examines how Confucianism has been both challenged and preserved in contemporary South Korea. The research concludes by discussing the tensions between Confucian tradition and the forces of globalization, technology, and democratic values in shaping Korean identity today.