O r I e n t a L i s t y c z n y, T. LXVI, Z. 1, 2013, (s. 27–46) tomasz śleziak the Role of Confucianism in Contemporary South Korean Society Abstract

6. Conclusions and the possible predictions
for further research of the subject
This paper was an attempt at explanation of Confucianism’s role in the process of 
formation of the modern states of Korean Peninsula, with the focus set on South Korea 
and its society. It shown the dynamics of Confucian doctrine, which should be interpreted 
not merely as the conservative ideology enforced by the Yi family in the past, but rather 
as an all-encompassing system, governing daily lives of South Koreans, in spite of the 
processes of modernization.
As the main purpose of Confucianism has been considered the harmonic transformation 
of an individual and society, the key element of this paper was to examine the developing 
role of this doctrine leading to the formation of the modern South Korean society, 
including such interconnected aspects of it as pop-culture, politics, education and corporate 
environments. It may be concluded that despite the rapid technological development 
occurring since the 1980’s, no government of the Republic of Korea could depart from 
74
G. Helgesen, op. cit., pp. 251–253.
75
Hwan Cha Seong, op. cit.
76
Jose Aleman, Protest and Democratic Consolidation: A Korean Perspective, “International Journal of Korean 
Studies” 2005, Vol. IX, No. 1.

---

TOMASZ ŚLEZIAK
46
the Confucian traditions defined during the Joseon period, as, in fact, they became the 
way of life rather than a purely theoretical philosophy. The evolving image of South 
Korean family, the increasingly large role of the education system and Chaebol structures 
leave space for the further analysis of this subject. The young generations bring new 
momentum to the development of this country, indirectly causing changes of the state’s 
political structure and the underlying rules of the economic conduct along with the evolving 
model of Korean family. Another crucial issue that should be raised in the research of 
the modern aspects of South Korean Confucianism is the factor of the individual as 
confronted with the collectivistic traditional mentality, and which of these should be 
the beacon of Korea’s development. Furthermore, there is the case of the lack of clear 
distinguishing between Korean tradition and Confucian influence. While Confucianism has 
extensively shaped the reality of Korean Peninsula, it is erroneous to constantly ascribe 
Confucian origin to all forms of Korean tradition. This must be further examined, taking 
into account the role of Shamanism, Buddhism and other doctrines which took roots in 
Three Kingdoms, Goryo and Joseon periods, and which, along with the modern political, 
economic theories and western religious beliefs, still continue to both clash with and 
influence the image of the modern Confucianism in South Korea.