By Honorary Reporter Dovletoglou Eftychia from Greece

Image = Dovletoglou Eftychia

Every country has its own superstitions, though the younger generation in Korea is far less superstitious than its predecessor. The following are 11 traditional superstitions in Korea, though their influence is waning.

Using the letter "F" instead of the number 4 in a building

This is because the number four in Korean sounds the same as the character for death sa. For this reason, many buildings use the letter "F" to prevent spooking people using the elevator or who live on that floor.

Writing one's name in red ink

This is traditionally taboo because the color red to Koreans used to symbolize death. The belief was that if a person's name was written in red, death or bad luck would come soon. When someone died, the name written on a memorial wreath or a death certificate was written in red to ward off bad spirits and prevent them from following the deceased's soul. This is why talismans and spells are written with red ink, even if they are given to the living. The only time that red ink is acceptable is for a dojang (personal stamp), which was traditionally used instead of a signature (and still is to an extent).

Cutting one's nails at night 

This is a superstition that Korea and Greece have in common. A Korean myth says a rat turned into a monster after eating a bitten nail. But another theory that seems more logical is that this superstition was passed on because Koreans used to have no electricity at home. So people were advised not to cut their nails at night to prevent hurting themselves in the dark.

Sleeping at night in a closed room with a fan on

Many non-Koreans scoff at "fan death," as this belief is that one could die if sleeping in a closed room with a fan on. More than a few Koreans still believe this, however.

Dream of pigs, gain money 

The character don in Korean means "money," and the Chinese character for this word (豚) also means "pig." The pig in traditional Korean culture also symbolizes good luck and wealth.

Giving shoes as a gift

Greeks have the same belief about perfume, thinking that giving it will result in a fight. In Korea, the superstition is that a friend or loved one who receives shoes as a gift will run away from the giver.

Chicken wings for a boyfriend or husband

This superstition has it that a boyfriend or husband will leave his woman or wife if he eats chicken wings for another woman.

Lying down right after a meal

This superstition says one could turn into a cow if he or she lies down right after a meal. This is probably backed by science, as lying down right after eating is a surefire way to gain weight and grow as big as a cow.

Eating seaweed soup before an exam

Because miyeokguk (seaweed soup) is considered slippery, a student is believed to "slip" in test scores if he or she eats it before an exam. On the other hand, eating yeot, a traditional confectionary available in syrup, taffy or candy form, before an exam is believed to help knowledge "stick" to the student's mind.

Wishing luck on a test by giving a mirror or a fork

Korean has an idiomatic expression that one must look carefully and catch all the proper answers on a test. A fork symbolizes "stabbing" to grab the correct responses to questions.

Wrapping gifts in dark colors or red

The color red is traditionally associated with unpleasantness and thus should not be used in gift wrapping. Koreans prefer their presents with yellow or green stripe wrapping and red ribbon.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.