Teaching East Asia: Korea Teaching East Asia: Korea | Page 225

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4. Wen. The term wen means “culture” and includes all the arts. Confucianism has a special love
for poetry and literature, as well as a fondness for calligraphy, painting and music. The
educated person is expected to not only have knowledge of these arts but also to have an
amateur skill in them as well.
Confucianism stresses additional virtues, particularly loyalty, consensus, hard work,
thrift, emotional control and sincerity. The Confucian sense of sincerity means to do what is right,
particularly in fulfilling one’s job duties and social obligations properly.
Confucianism and the Modern World
In every country influenced by China, such as Korea and Japan, we find the Confucian
system of virtues and behaviors still very much alive. Although these countries have adopted
Western science into their curricula, their cultures maintain an ethic that is Confucian. They
highly value the extended family, education, personal discipline and public order. In South Korea
and Taiwan, Confucian temples and ritual temples are maintained throughout the country.
The leaders of Confucian countries are horrified by what they have seen of the chaotic
individualism and violence in some Western countries. They see the Confucian ethic as an
antidote to social ills and therefore continue to view education as character building, not merely
as intellectual formation. Confucian values continue to be approved in schools, companies and
government work throughout East Asia. Confucian instruction appears on television and behavior
expressing the values of harmony, loyalty and filial piety is visible both in historical dramas and
in stories of modern life.
Confucian teaching is, in practice, being modified for modern life. The lesser status of the
female is gradually being abandoned as women are beginning to demand equal opportunity.
Confucian societies everywhere now offer curricula that blend science and a focus on the future
with studies of the past. Greater latitude is gradually being given to individual needs and
personalities. With these modifications, Confucianism is gaining a renewed attractiveness.
Rather than dying, Confucianism is possibly beginning a new stage in its long life. The
core of Confucianism is unassailable. It is primarily ethical, because it focuses on correct
behavior; however, it is more because it rests on a vision of human unity and a connection with
the harmony of the universe.
For Discussion and Increased Understanding:
1. Do some research on contemporary life in Korea. Look particularly for evidence of
Confucian virtues that seem to contribute to South Korea’s economic growth.
2. Consider your own “home culture.” If Confucianism became a