Korean Culture
Introduction
The purpose of this monograph is to provide recommendations to busy rehabilitation service providers in the U.S. for effectively working with persons who hold traditional Korean values. The topics of Korean history, immigration, culture, language, religion, food, views on disabilities and rehabilitation services typically available in Korea are covered briefly to provide the reader with a quick overview and background. For those who seek more detailed information, the references cited in each section can be used as a starting point. For those with prior background knowledge of Korea, I suggest reading Part II first, in which I introduce Korean culture with case stories in the context of rehabilitation process.
I have used limited amounts of quantitative data for fear that people will generalize and create stereotypes about Koreans and their culture. The anecdotal examples cited here are to illustrate some typical Korean beliefs, behaviors and attitudes, but should not to be categorically applied to all Koreans. Individuals will act differently depending on their degree of assimilation of American mainstream culture. It is the reader's task to use the information appropriate to individual consumers whose level of assimilation and acculturation is unique. My hope is that this monograph will enhance awareness and broaden the knowledge base of traditional Korean culture related to disability issues. In addition, it is my aim to increase the reader's knowledge and respect for Korean culture, which can result in enhanced interpersonal relationships with persons from this culture.
The Romanized system of writing Korean sounds used in this monograph is the McCune–Reischauer Romanization system which is currently used by most academic libraries including the Library of Congress in the United States.
Part I: Overview on Korea
General Background about Korea and its Culture
Korea is a peninsular country located in the Far East, adjacent to China on
The purpose of this monograph is to provide recommendations to busy rehabilitation service providers in the U.S. for effectively working with persons who hold traditional Korean values. The topics of Korean history, immigration, culture, language, religion, food, views on disabilities and rehabilitation services typically available in Korea are covered briefly to provide the reader with a quick overview and background. For those who seek more detailed information, the references cited in each section can be used as a starting point. For those with prior background knowledge of Korea, I suggest reading Part II first, in which I introduce Korean culture with case stories in the context of rehabilitation process.
I have used limited amounts of quantitative data for fear that people will generalize and create stereotypes about Koreans and their culture. The anecdotal examples cited here are to illustrate some typical Korean beliefs, behaviors and attitudes, but should not to be categorically applied to all Koreans. Individuals will act differently depending on their degree of assimilation of American mainstream culture. It is the reader's task to use the information appropriate to individual consumers whose level of assimilation and acculturation is unique. My hope is that this monograph will enhance awareness and broaden the knowledge base of traditional Korean culture related to disability issues. In addition, it is my aim to increase the reader's knowledge and respect for Korean culture, which can result in enhanced interpersonal relationships with persons from this culture.
The Romanized system of writing Korean sounds used in this monograph is the McCune–Reischauer Romanization system which is currently used by most academic libraries including the Library of Congress in the United States.
Part I: Overview on Korea
General Background about Korea and its Culture
Korea is a peninsular country located in the Far East, adjacent to China on