Family Culture

Learn all about Korean family culture! Family is tied with hierarchy, but also rituals, major holidays, everyday terms, and more, so family is a deep part of Korean culture.

15 Korean Superstitions- the Good, Bad, and Funny

15 Korean Superstitions- the Good, Bad, and Funny

Superstitions are a really unique part of a culture. They can be tied to history, folklore, mythology, or just wordplay! If you’re going to/living in Korea or just meeting Korean friends learning about Korean superstitions can help you avoid making awkward mistakes or offending people. Also, it helps you connect with people more and integrate yourself into the community. So here are some popular Korean superstitions from the lucky, unlucky and strange/funny!

By Pam, ago
All About Korean New Year

All About Korean New Year

In South Korea the focus for the lunar new year is family. With everyone gathering together, paying respects to the elders and ancestors, and of course eating good food! For 2024 the lunar new year is Feb. 10 but people gather for the day before and after as well for a 3 day celebration. 

By Pam, ago
Why do Koreans use 우리 to mean my?

Why do Koreans use 우리 to mean my?

Koreans like using 우리 to show a sense of community, but not always between them and the speaker. In English when you say ‘I went to our house’ it typically means 1 of 2 things; you and the listener live together or the person you live with is with you. Korean includes another option where nobody living with you is there; nobody even needs to live with you!

By Pam, ago
korean formalities illustrated out koreanling

Overview of Korean Formalities

One thing about Korean many people struggle with is the dynamics between people and speech. For native English speakers; especially if English if your only language, formalities is something that doesn’t exist to a quarter of the extent as in Korean. Korean is a culture based highly around respect and knowing or understanding you position and others.

By Pam, ago
Korean Family Tree Terms koreanling

Korean Family Tree Terms

Now Koreans don’t solely use these terms for people related to them, they are used freely! People call the woman running the restaurant 이모, boys call their older friends 형, etc. These terms are used to show how close and familiar you are with others (and for the ‘aunt’ at your favourite K-BBQ to warm up to her and maybe get extra side dishes haha).

By Pam, ago