Exploring Korean Traditions: Family Events and Funeral Customs
목차
- Moving to a New Place in Korea
- Visiting a Hospital: Korean Etiquette
- Greeting Neighbors: First Encounters
- Korean Weddings: Chuguaigeum
- Funerals in Korea: Buuigum and Condolences
- Modern Korean Greetings: Letters and Social Media
1. Moving to a New Place in Korea
In Korea, when someone moves into a new neighborhood, it is common to greet neighbors with small gifts such as rice cakes (tteok) or household items like detergent or soap.
This tradition is rooted in the desire to build a good relationship with neighbors and bring harmony to the community.
Sharing rice cakes, especially those made with red beans, is believed to ward off bad luck.
Why this custom?
This gesture shows humility and an intention to form a friendly connection with the people around you.
It also sets the tone for mutual respect in the new living environment.
What to Say:
"Hello, we recently moved in. We hope to get along well with you."
In Korean: "안녕하세요, 저희는 새로 이사 왔습니다. 앞으로 잘 부탁드립니다."
Pronunciation: "Ahn-nyuhng-ha-seh-yo, juh-hee-neun sae-ro ee-sa wahs-seum-ni-da. Ap-eu-ro jal boo-tak-deu-rim-ni-da."
2. Visiting a Hospital: Korean Etiquette
When visiting someone in the hospital, people often bring items like a basket of fruits, health drinks, or soup.
These items are practical and show the visitor’s care and concern for the patient’s recovery.
Why this custom?
Koreans value thoughtful gestures that provide comfort or aid in recovery.
It is seen as an act of respect and kindness to bring something helpful for the patient.
What to Say:
"Get well soon. Please take good care of your health."
In Korean: "빨리 나으세요. 건강 잘 챙기세요."
Pronunciation: "Ppal-li na-eu-se-yo. Geon-gang jal chaeng-gi-se-yo."
3. Greeting Neighbors: First Encounters
Meeting neighbors for the first time is another opportunity to create a bond.
Instead of just saying "hello," Koreans often express their appreciation and hope for a good relationship by bowing slightly and offering a friendly tone.
Why this custom?
The act of introducing oneself with respect reflects the importance of harmonious living. It’s a way of showing accountability and friendliness.
What to Say:
"It’s nice to meet you. Please take care of us."
In Korean: "처음 뵙겠습니다. 잘 부탁드립니다."
Pronunciation: "Chuh-eum boep-get-seum-ni-da. Jal boo-tak-deu-rim-ni-da."
4. Korean Weddings: Chuguaigeum (Wedding Gifts)
Weddings are not just about the couple—they are also a communal celebration involving family and friends.
One unique tradition is giving monetary gifts called Chuguaigeum at weddings. These are given as a gesture of congratulations and support for the newlyweds. This money helps the couple buy necessary items or contributes to their newly-married life.
Example:
A guest might hand an envelope containing Chuguaigeum along with congratulatory words like:
"결혼을 진심으로 축하드립니다. 새 가정에서 행복하세요."
5. Funerals in Korea: Buuigum and Condolences
Funerals in Korea are solemn occasions where people come together to show their respects and offer condolences.
Monetary gifts called Buuigum are a significant part of this ritual. Buuigum is given to the mourning family to help cover funeral expenses while expressing sympathy and comfort.
Example:
Visitors at a funeral might say:
"삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다. 힘내시길 바랍니다."
6. Modern Korean Greetings: Letters and Social Media
Korean culture has a long history of letter-writing as a means of communication.
However, in today’s digital age, greetings are often shared through social media or messaging apps. Despite the change in format, the intent to express care and concern remains unchanged.
Examples of Modern Greetings:
"추운 날씨에도 잘 지내시길 바랍니다."
"새해 복 많이 받으세요! 올해도 좋은 일이 가득하시길 바랍니다."