What is Chon and How to Calculate It?

Chon (촌, 寸數) is a Korean system for measuring the degree of kinship between family members. This traditional measurement system, used primarily in Korea and other East Asian cultures, expresses the closeness of blood relationships numerically, helping to clarify family connections.

Understanding the Korean Kinship System

Before diving into Chon calculations, it’s important to understand that the Korean family relationship system is quite different from Western conventions. Korean culture places significant emphasis on detailed family hierarchy and precise relationship terminology.

Basic Principles of Chon

The core principles of Chon calculation are:

1. Parent-Child Relationship is 1-Chon

The relationship between parent and child is 1-Chon. This is the fundamental unit of Chon calculation.

• Me ↔ Father: 1-Chon
• Me ↔ Mother: 1-Chon
• Me ↔ Child: 1-Chon

2. Married Couples are 0-Chon

A married couple is considered 0-Chon. Although from different bloodlines, they are legally recognized as the closest possible relationship.

• Father ↔ Mother: 0-Chon
• Me ↔ Spouse: 0-Chon

3. Siblings are 2-Chon

Brothers and sisters who share the same parents are 2-Chon. This is calculated by counting the path from me through the parent to the sibling.

Calculation process:

• Me → Parent (1-Chon) → Sibling (1-Chon) = 2-Chon

How to Calculate Chon

Chon can be calculated using the following steps:

Basic Calculation Method

1. Find the common ancestor

   • Identify the closest ancestor shared by you and the other person.

2. Count steps from you to the common ancestor

   • Add 1 for each parent-child relationship.

3. Count steps from the common ancestor to the other person

   • Similarly, add 1 for each parent-child relationship.

4. Add the two numbers together

   • You→Common Ancestor + Common Ancestor→Other Person = Chon

Example: Uncle (Father’s Brother)

Let’s calculate the Chon with your uncle (father’s brother):

1. Common ancestor: Grandfather
2. Me → Father (1) → Grandfather (1) = 2 steps
3. Grandfather → Uncle (1) = 1 step
4. 2 + 1 = 3-Chon

Example: Cousin

Let’s calculate the Chon with your cousin (uncle’s child):

1. Common ancestor: Grandfather
2. Me → Father (1) → Grandfather (1) = 2 steps
3. Grandfather → Uncle (1) → Cousin (1) = 2 steps
4. 2 + 2 = 4-Chon

Common Chon Relationships

Direct vs. Collateral Relatives

Direct Lineal Relatives (직계)

Blood relatives in a direct vertical line from you.

• Direct Lineal Ascendants: Parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc.
• Direct Lineal Descendants: Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc.

Collateral Relatives (방계)

Blood relatives who share a common ancestor with you but are not in your direct line.

• Siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, 6-Chon relatives, etc.

In-law Chon (Affinal Relationships)

Your spouse’s blood relatives are called in-laws (인척), and their Chon is calculated the same way, treating your spouse as 0-Chon.

For example:

• Spouse’s parents (parents-in-law): 1-Chon
• Spouse’s siblings (siblings-in-law): 2-Chon
• Spouse’s grandparents: 2-Chon

Legal Significance of Chon in Korean Law

In Korean civil law, Chon has important legal implications:

1. Marriage Restrictions

• Blood relatives within 8-Chon cannot marry (Civil Code Article 809)
• The previous ban on marriage between people of the same clan name and ancestral seat was abolished in 2005

2. Inheritance Order

• 1st priority: Direct lineal descendants (children, grandchildren) + Spouse inherits jointly with direct descendants
• 2nd priority: Direct lineal ascendants (parents, grandparents) + Spouse inherits jointly with direct ascendants
• 3rd priority: Siblings (2-Chon)
• 4th priority: Collateral blood relatives within 4-Chon

Note: The spouse is always an heir. If there are direct lineal descendants or ascendants, the spouse inherits jointly with them. If neither exists, the spouse becomes the sole heir.

3. Support Obligations

• Direct lineal blood relatives and their spouses have mutual support obligations
• Relatives living together also have support obligations

Cultural Context for International Readers

The Chon system reflects Korea’s Confucian heritage, which emphasizes:

• Hierarchical family structure: Age and generational position matter significantly
• Extended family connections: Maintaining awareness of distant relatives
• Precise relationship terminology: Korean has specific terms for each family relationship (e.g., different words for older/younger siblings, maternal/paternal relatives)

This system is particularly useful during Korean holidays like Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Harvest Festival), when extended families gather and proper forms of address are important.

Using the Chon Calculator

Complex Chon relationships can be difficult to calculate manually. Use this site’s Relationship/Chon Calculator to:

• Automatically calculate Chon by selecting the relationship
• Find the correct Korean form of address
• Navigate family gatherings with confidence

Note: The Chon calculation system is based on Korean tradition and law. Different countries and cultures have different ways of expressing family relationships.