Don't Write Names in Red: An Insider Guide to 6 Common Korean Superstitions(Part.1)

If you're still in Korea and haven't encountered its fascinating superstitions, you're missing out on a huge part of the culture. These aren't just ancient tales; they genuinely influence daily life.

Superstition	Meaning	Impact
Red Ink	Associated with the deceased	Avoided for writing names, especially in formal settings
Tetraphobia (Fear of number 4)	Pronunciation sounds like 'death'	Elevators often skip the 4th floor or label it 'F'
Son Eun Neun Nal (Day without evil spirits)	Evil spirits are believed to be dormant	Moving companies can charge a 20-50% premium
Nighttime Whistling	Attracts snakes or ghosts	Discouraged to maintain quiet after dark
Gifting Shoes	Recipient might 'run away' from the relationship	Often countered by giving a small coin
Dreaming of Pigs	Symbolizes wealth and good fortune	Top reason for buying lottery tickets

The 'No Red Ink' Rule 🚫

You might notice that when writing a Korean friends name, reaching for a red pen is a big no-no. Historically, red ink was used to record the names of those who had passed away. Its a deeply ingrained custom, and even if someone doesnt strictly believe it today, they might still feel a twinge of unease. Honestly, I remember actively avoiding writing my own name in red until about my middle school years. As I got older, I stopped caring about writing my own name in red, but come to think of it, I have never once used a red pen for my name at work. Its one of those unconscious habits that just sticks.

💡 Pro tip! If you accidentally use red ink, a simple apology and rewriting it in black or blue ink is usually sufficient. Most people will understand you're a foreigner and not be too bothered.

Tetraphobia: The Fear of Four 🔢

While many cultures have their lucky or unlucky numbers, in Korea, the number 4(sa) is particularly dreaded because its pronunciation, Sa, sounds identical to the word for death(死, sa). While most apartments do have a 4th floor, I have rarely seen it labeled as 4 in hotels or motels. Even luxury hotels avoid using the 4th floor for guest rooms, choosing to use it for fitness centers or other facilities instead, or simply labeling it as the F floor in elevators to avoid any association with the ominous sound.

Moving Day Blues: Son Eun Neun Nal 🚚

Planning a move is stressful enough, but in Korea, timing it right according to the lunar calendar is crucial for some. A 'Son Eun Neun Nal,'(손 없는 날) or 'Day without evil spirits(Son),' is believed to be a period when malevolent forces are dormant. Because of this belief, moving companies often hike their prices by 20% to 50% on these specific dates. While younger generations might not prioritize this, older Koreans still place significant importance on it, making it a real factor in the moving industry.

Whistling After Dark: A Snake Magnet? 🐍

Have you ever heard older Koreans tell you to stop whistling after the sun goes down? There's a common superstition that whistling at night can attract snakes, or even ghosts! While it’s highly unlikely you’ll encounter a serpent in your Seoul apartment, this folk belief persists as a subtle reminder to keep the evenings quiet and peaceful. It’s a charming, albeit slightly eerie, piece of folklore that brings back childhood memories for many.

The Shoe Gift Dilemma 👟

Giving shoes as a gift to a significant other in Korea comes with a peculiar warning: the recipient might literally run away from the relationship once they start wearing them! It is a widely recognized taboo that still seems valid today. However, interestingly, this superstition seems to vanish instantly once you get married. I guess there is no need to worry about them running away once the deal is sealed. For those still dating, a clever workaround is for the receiver to give the giver a small coin, effectively turning the gift into a purchase and negating the superstition.

💡 Pro tip! If you want to gift shoes, present them with a small coin (even just 100 KRW) as part of the exchange. This traditional gesture is said to break the 'running away' curse and turn it into a purchase.

Dreaming of Pigs: Your Ticket to Riches? 🐷

In Korean culture, pigs are considered a powerful symbol of wealth and good fortune. So, if you happen to dream of a pig, the local wisdom suggests you should head straight to a convenience store and buy a lottery ticket! A dream featuring a pig is widely interpreted as a sign that a significant financial windfall is on its way. It's one of the top reasons people turn to the lottery, making those pig dreams a very exciting prospect for many.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it really offensive if I accidentally write a name in red ink?

Most Koreans will understand that you are a foreigner, but they might still feel a bit uneasy. Like I mentioned, even those who do not strictly believe it often avoid it at work out of habit. Just apologize and rewrite it in black or blue.

Q. Why do hotels avoid the 4th floor more than apartments do?

Hotels host many travelers and often follow traditional hospitality etiquette to ensure all guests feel comfortable. Using the 4th floor for facilities like a gym or a lounge instead of bedrooms is a way to respect this local sentiment. This practice ensures a more comfortable stay for a diverse range of guests.

Q. Do young people really pay extra to move on a lucky day?

Most young people do not mind the date, but they often end up following it because of their parents' advice. However, if they want to save money, they intentionally pick a day with low moving costs. So, while some young people might follow tradition, others strategically choose less 'lucky' days to avoid the 20-50% premium.