Chung Ju-young's Parenting Meth

 

The Unyielding Effort of Hyundai Group's Founder, Chung Ju-young

"Have you even tried?" – This famous quote from Hyundai Group’s founder, Chung Ju-young, has inspired many Korean entrepreneurs. His early business journey was full of hardships, from the end of Japanese colonial rule to the Korean War. Before building Hyundai Group, he faced multiple business failures. However, his unbreakable spirit helped him succeed. Although Chung had only an elementary school education, his relentless learning and effort proved that success is not just about academic background. While he had limited formal schooling, he built Hyundai into a global company. So, how did he educate his children?

---

Teaching Discipline Through Breakfast

Chung believed in the saying, "If you work hard consistently, nothing in the world is too difficult." He was known for his diligence, often arriving at work earlier than anyone else. Every morning at 5 a.m., he gathered his children for breakfast at their home in Cheongun-dong. If they missed breakfast, he would scold them, so they naturally developed the habit of waking up early. By sharing meals together, he not only taught them discipline but also discussed world affairs, practicing what is called "dining table education."

---

The Importance of Learning English

Because of his busy schedule, Chung had little time to spend with his children. Still, he believed it was important to understand and respect their thoughts. However, there was one thing he insisted on—learning English. When he did business with the U.S. military, he saw firsthand how crucial English was, as he had to rely on his younger brother to interpret. At that time, English was not widely recognized as important in Korea, but Chung believed it was essential for future business success. That is why he sent his sons, whose names all included “Mong,” to study abroad, ensuring they became fluent in English.

---

Leading by Example

Chung was a businessman who valued action over words. If a decision was unclear, he believed in taking action first and learning from the experience. His hands-on approach set an example for his children. Seeing their father working directly with laborers, his children understood the importance of fieldwork. Following this philosophy, his eldest son, Chung Mong-koo, focused on improving Hyundai's automobile production sites. Thanks to these efforts, Hyundai Motors became the world's third-largest car manufacturer.
 

Chung Ju-young, famous for his words “Have you even tried?”, instilled discipline in his children by making them wake up at 5 a.m. for breakfast together.
He emphasized the necessity of learning English and sent his children abroad to study.
More than words, he led by action, working alongside laborers at construction sites. Watching him, his children learned the importance of hands-on experience,
which became a foundation for Hyundai’s success as a global company.

 

자녀 교육법 번역이 궁금하다면!

정주영의 자녀 교육법