Education
Confucian Influence
The culture of South Korea is very heavily influenced by Confucian values and traditions, especially as they relate to education. Education in many ways has defined the way that Korean people interact with each other and the way that they communicate with one another. In addition, the emphasis placed on respect for instructors and academic success are integral components of the educational process; therefore, education continues to be extremely competitive and stressful for many individuals in Korea due to their personal desire to achieve academically for the benefit of their families.
Hierarchal Power Systems
In addition to heavily influencing the communication of South Korean individuals, hierarchical power systems and established norms regarding the use of power and influence can have a significant impact on communication within the South Korean educational setting. In South Korea, teachers are seen as authority figures; therefore, communication in the classroom is primarily unidirectional & less informal than in the U.S. where students are able to share their opinions, offer solutions, and engage in debate or discussion with one another.
Cultural Influence
The role of education in the South Korean culture may contribute to problems related to intercultural communication. South Korean students can often give the impression of being quiet or shy when adjusting to an American educational setting.
“The culture clash over learning styles (the different ways that students learn in different cultures) and teaching styles (the styles that instructors use to teach) is common as students increasingly travel to study in other cultures”
Martin & Nakayama, 2025
