Chemyon — the Korean concept of face — is one of the most important and most misunderstood concepts in Korean social life. It describes the social dignity, reputation, and standing that a person maintains in the eyes of others — and the elaborate protocols that exist to protect it. This article explains what chemyon is and why it matters.
The Literal Meaning of Chemyon
Chemyon as Social Dignity
The History and Philosophy of Chemyon
Chemyon in Everyday Korean Life
The Protocols That Protect Chemyon
Chemyon and the Korean Wisdom Series
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This article is based on themes explored in depth in The Space Between People by Kim Jungseo, part of The Korean Wisdom Series.