South Korean Cultural Ecology - 1905 to 1990 - Part 1 "The Old Days" - Page 3

C. The Family Structure

The typical family unit consisted of several generations living together and constituted a large group. Many children were considered desirable for stability and security. The size of the family unit would be a dozen members or more, including grandparents. The head of the family was regarded as the source of authority and he expected all members to do what he demanded and desired. They would do this without demur or opposition. It was unthinkable that the children or grandchildren would place themselves in opposition to the wishes of the parents or grandparents or betray their expectations.