In this post, I'll show you some famous superstitions that Koreans believe. If you are thinking of traveling or living in Korea, know those will be very helpful to you! 🤗
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0. Superstitions, 미신
According to M-W Learner's dictionary, superstition means "a belief or way of behaving that is based on fear of the unknown and faith in magic or luck, a belief that certain events or things will bring good or bad luck."
Superstitions are a part of culture, beliefs, and customs passed down among people for a long time. So, even if they seem unscientific, they still can help you understand people and get along well with others.
As culturally there are some behaviors not except among Koreans. Here are some common "do not" behaviors you can keep in your mind.
1. Don't write a name in red pen!
It is one of the most famous superstitions in Korea. Koreans believe that if a name is written in red, something bad will happen to the person whose name is written or to that person's parents. Be careful not to write your name in red, even as a joke. This will make a Korean very upset!
There are many speculations about why the red matters. However, exactly why it was created is still a mystery that remains completely unknown. The most common reasons are that red is the same color as blood, and that it symbolizes cruel violence.
It is also said that it is related to the Korean War. During the war, the names of soldiers who died were written in red to distinguish them from the surviving soldiers and to inform their families. So, writing a name in red meant death. Still, it is just a story that people say, does not have solid ground.
2. Don't whistle at night!
Korean kids will be scolded to whistle at night. Parents tell kids whistles will bring snakes or goblins(도깨비). Another version is "Don't play the pipe at night."
No matter what, listening to a whistle or pipe at night will be a painful thing. We can guess that's why parents warn kids like this.
3. Do not step on the threshold!
문지방(threshold) is a part placed horizontally between the doorposts under the door. It is slightly higher than the floor. People said to not step on this 문지방 and if you do so, it'll bring you bad luck. It's a quite old superstition. This superstition has some background.
If you step on the threshold often, it will wear out. When the threshold wears out, the gap between the door and the threshold widens, allowing drafts to enter. It'll reduce the heating effect.
Also, a long time ago, thresholds were not as smooth as they are now, so thorns might stuck in a foot. However, this superstition is gradually being forgotten because recently built houses do not have thresholds at all.
4. Don't shake your legs!
Koreans say that if you shake your legs, luck will run away from you. When I was young I shook my legs a lot, so I personally was told not to do so. 😂
Well, I think this one was made because shaking legs can make others uncomfortable and distracted. Also, it may make you look a little bit nervous and not feel easy.
However, recently, the perception of this superstition has changed. Many people spend a long time sitting these days, and shaking legs can improve blood flow to the lower body. So, it can prevent varicose veins.
5. Don't sigh.
Sighing was considered a behavior that indicated sadness, worry, and fatigue. It was believed that when you sigh, you transfer negative energy to those around you.
So, people say that if you sigh, your luck will be gone. Just like the leg shaking, it is a superstition that was created because it didn't seem good to others. Especially, kids are scolded a lot by an adult if they sigh.
However, sighing has several positive functions, including promoting lung ventilation, adjusting breathing patterns, and relieving tension. Psychologically, it helps express emotions, stabilize the mind, and reduce stress.
6. Walk straight!
It is considered that walking swaggering gait (splay-footed or duck-footed) is a bad thing in Korea. People will say "팔자걸음으로 걷지마! (Don't walk in an 8-shaped gait!)"
In Chinese characters, 8 is 八. So, walking like 八(eight) means you make your knee and feet toward out, not straight. In Korean, it is called 팔자걸음. 팔 means eight, 자 is character. 걸음 means walking.
In Korea, a duck-footed gait can be perceived as lazy or careless, so people try to avoid it. Traditionally, proper posture and gait are considered important aspects of personal dignity and etiquette.
People especially banned this to women. Saying walking 팔자걸음 is not "pretty" and it will make your life a hard lot. I've been told to fix my walking a lot when I was young too. 😂
Well, it is proven can be harmful to your health. Walking with a duck-footed gait can put abnormal pressure on the knees and hip joints, potentially leading to arthritis or joint pain in the long term. It can also affect the alignment of the spine, causing back pain. (I know I have to fix my gait... eventually! 😂)
7. Do not give shoes.
It is believed if you give shoes as a gift to your boyfriend or girlfriend, he or she will run away. So, people said do not give shoes as a gift to your lover.
This superstition is believed to have originated in times when shoes were rare. Long ago, shoes were so valuable that it was common for family members to share or inherit them. When someone received shoes as a gift, they would be so delighted that they would wander around, eventually leaving.
This story got distorted into the belief that you should not give shoes as a gift to your lover. It is a superstition that has almost disappeared these days. But some people still believe it.
8. Wrap-up: Korean Superstitions
In this post, I shared some common Korean superstitions with you. Aren't they interesting? Does your country have some similar superstitions? If you want to share any, please use the comment box!
There are more superstitions, of course, but I shared only some, commonly known ones today. One day, I'll bring the related posts! If you liked my post, please subscribe to my website!
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