A deep, emotional bond and feeling of affection that holds people together.

Origin: The word '정' (jeong) originates from Middle Korean, where it was used to describe a feeling of affection or attachment. It has maintained its phonetic form over centuries without significant change.
Historical and Cultural Context: First attested in historical Korean texts during the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392), '정' has been integral to Korean social and familial relationships, reflecting an inherent cultural value of interconnectedness and mutual care.
Evolution: While the core meaning of '정' as a deep emotional bond has remained stable, its usage has expanded to describe various social nuances, including kindness, empathy, and even nostalgia. Cognates in other languages are rare due to its unique cultural specificity.
Modern Relevance: Today, '정' is widely used in South Korea to describe a sense of community and shared experiences. It often appears in expressions like '정이 들다' (jeong-i deulda), meaning to grow fond of someone or something.

In Korea, '정' is so culturally significant that it's often considered one of the country's defining characteristics, influencing everything from business practices to personal relationships.