WRITER : PRERANA HATUA
EDITOR : SHIVRAJ PATEL
In today’s world, South Korea stands as a pioneer of modern culture, compelling the whole world with its natural beauty, beauty brands, K-movies, K-dramas and music industry. As a closely associated nation with innovations and influence, it is also widely known as a leading force in the global tech hub. But beneath this forward-thinking image, a whole world of deeply ingrained superstitions lies as a fascinating paradox and continues to shape the everyday life of its people.
Here are some peculiar superstitious that are still followed in modern Korea.
1.Mole under the Right Eye
According to this Korean superstition, if someone has a mole under the right eye, it means that person is either very rich or that person is going to earn lots of money.
Picture Credit : Cartier spring 2024 collection
2. Number 4 is Unlucky
This is one of the most common superstitions of Korea. In Korea, the number ‘4’ is considered unlucky.
This superstition is believed to have originated in China. In Chinese, the number ‘4’ has the same pronunciation as ‘Death’. Since Sino-Korean numbers, which are originally based on Chinese characters (Hanja), are still used in many contexts of the Korean language (한글), this superstition has also permeated throughout Korea.
As a result, it’s quite common to notice elevators with a ‘F’ button (the first letter of the English word ‘Four’) instead of a number ‘4’ button. Even apartments with the number ‘4’ in them can have lower market value as well as acceptance rate in society than other apartments due to this superstition.
3. Avoid Washing Hair on the Day of the Exam
This Particular superstition applies only to students.
Naturally, students want to feel refreshed for the big exam of their lives. But according to this Korean superstition, if you wash your hair before the exam, you will basically wash away all the knowledge you have memorized.
4. Don’t Shake Your Leg
Some Koreans believe that your fortune lies at your feet. That’s why shaking your legs indicates that you are shaking your luck and good fortune away from you.
5. Avoid Writing Names in Red Ink
You should never write a living person’s name in red ink in Korea because, in the past, red ink was used to write the name of deceased family members on the family register. So, according to this superstition, if you write someone’s name in red ink, you are wishing them bad luck or worse, for their death.
6. Don’t Whistle at Night
This superstition says that whistling at night should not be done because it is believed to invite ghosts and evil spirits, as well as snakes, to your house.
7. Avoid Cutting Nails at Night
This is another pretty common Korean superstition. According to this myth, if you cut your nails at night, mice will eat those nail clippings, and then they will transform into a lookalike evil version of you.
8. Fear of Butterflies
In Korea, some believe that touching a butterfly and immediately afterwards touching one’s eyes can lead to permanent blindness.
9. Fan Death Myth
According to Koreans, if you leave a fan on overnight in a sealed room, you will die by suffocation. That’s why a lot of fans in Korea are still made with timers.
10. Giving Shoes As a Gift to Your Loved Ones
This is another well-known Korean superstition that is quite popular among couples. It says if you choose a pair of shoes as a gift for your loved ones, they will run away from you.
11. Noticing Black Crows is Bad Luck
In Korean culture, being greeted by a crow at the very beginning of your day is not a good sign. This superstition says it brings bad luck. Even according to some, this is enough to ruin your whole day.
Despite the futuristic look of South Korea, these ancient beliefs remain quietly interwoven into the fabric of its society. Though many of these superstitions may seem outdated or irrational, they still offer a deep glimpse into Korean culture, unfolding a blend of ancient wisdom and modern life before us. So, especially as an outsider, understanding them is not only about satisfying our curiosity but also respecting their culture and appreciating the layers of cultural history that still echo in unexpected corners of modern Korea. Therefore, while watching a K-drama or visiting Korea in the future, if any of these superstitions somehow catch your attention, you might just sense a whisper of the past, which is still alive in the Present Korea.
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