hojŏk

The term "hojok" refers to a family register system in South Korea that underwent significant reform in 2008. Previously, only men could be registered as family heads, meaning children were legally part of their father's register. The new hojeok system grants women equal legal standing, allowing them to be family heads and giving adopted and stepchildren the same rights as biological children, particularly concerning inheritance.1

This reform reflects broader societal shifts in South Korea. Following the Korean War, the nation transformed from an agrarian society reliant on foreign aid into an industrial powerhouse, often called the "miracle on the Han River". This economic growth spurred rapid urbanization, with populations swelling in cities like Seoul. Education also saw significant development, driven by a traditional zeal for learning.1

Socially, South Korea witnessed the decline of the extended family system due to urbanization and the rise of nuclear families. Women have actively campaigned for and achieved greater legal equality, including enhanced property rights and the right to be registered as family heads. These changes contribute to a society facing decreasing birth rates and an aging population.1