Korean Superstitions: Ancient Beliefs in Modern Life

Every culture has its own set of superstitions, or unwritten rules and quiet rituals that shape daily habits and social behavior. In Korea, these beliefs reflect a blend of Shamanism, Confucian ethics, Buddhism, and folk wisdom, passed down through generations. While some appear quirky to outsiders, they often carry symbolic meaning, revealing how Koreans have historically sought to maintain harmony with ancestors, nature, and unseen forces. I was first introduced to many of these rules through my firsthand experiences within my Korean martial arts lineage many decades ago. Some of these rituals were fairly open and on display to students, whereas others were taught only to higher ranking students and instructors (too much culture shock for some I guess). Whether these rituals were relative to martial arts training, is a discussion for another day. However, I was exposed to some different aspects of Korean superstitions, which have helped me to expand my understanding of Eastern cultures.

This article explores a wide collection of Korean superstitions, ranging from everyday habits to ritual practices, while unpacking their origins and cultural significance. These are based upon my own personal communications of folklore” or “unpublished oral traditions” that I draw from my field knowledge and/or community memory.

Death and the Spirit World

Writing Names in Red Ink
In Korea, writing a living person’s name in red is taboo. Red ink was traditionally reserved for death registers and tomb inscriptions, marking separation from the living. To this day, writing someone’s name in red is thought to invite misfortune.

Chopsticks Upright in Rice
Placing chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice mimics ancestral death offerings made during rituals (jesa). Doing this at the table is considered deeply disrespectful and ominous.

Fan Death
One of Korea’s most famous modern beliefs is that sleeping in a closed room with an electric fan can cause death by suffocation or hypothermia. Popularized in the 1970s during energy-saving campaigns, this superstition persists even today, many fans sold in Korea include auto-off timers (Reuters, 2007).

Broken Mirrors
A broken mirror is considered dangerous. In older traditions, the edges were coated with dog feces and then discarded into running water. Mirrors were believed to act as portals; this ritual sealed the gateway and washed misfortune away.

Salt After Funerals
Throwing salt over one’s shoulders and toward the east, after attending a funeral purifies and prevents lingering spirits from following home. The east, symbolizing sunrise, represents life and renewal.

Salting a Room
Another ritual purification involves sprinkling salt around the perimeter of a room, especially in the corners where spirits are believed to hide. Salt is a powerful purifier in Korean Shamanism, banishing negativity and restoring balance.

Numbers, Dates, and Direction

The Number Four
The word “four” sounds like death (sa) in Sino-Korean pronunciation. As a result, hospitals and apartments may skip the 4th floor or label it “F”

Moving on Inauspicious Days
Before moving house or opening a business, many families consult a fortune teller(saju) or lunar calendar to avoid unlucky dates.

“Nail Days”
A lesser-known belief uses the calendar, where a folk astrological system is tied to geomantic principles. Count two days for each cardinal direction, and the ninth day is auspicious for beginning projects, conceiving children, or planting crops. The “nail” refers to construction of whatever project.

Bed Facing North
In Korean funerary customs, the deceased are laid with their heads pointing north. For this reason, it is considered inauspicious to sleep with the head of the bed in that direction.

Right Foot First
Stepping into a new building with the right foot ensures luck and prosperity, symbolically “putting your best foot forward.”

Man Entering First on the First Day of the Month
On the first of the month, it is considered good fortune if a man enters a home or business first, reflecting the auspicious, initiating power of yang energy.

Don’t Cut Corners

Try not to pass or hand objects over a corner of desk or table, so as not to bring bad luck by “cutting corners.”

Food and Household Rituals

Whistling at Night
Whistling in the dark is said to attract snakes or wandering spirits. In Shamanic belief, sound could summon unseen entities.

Giving Shoes as a Gift
Shoes symbolize departure, so gifting them may cause the recipient to “walk away” from the relationship. To avoid this, it is customary for the receiver to return a small coin as a symbolic purchase.

Noodles for Birthdays
Long, uncut noodles symbolize longevity and smooth life paths. On birthdays, Koreans often eat janchi guksu (banquet noodles), similar to “longevity noodles” in China.

Seaweed Soup Before Exams
While seaweed soup (miyeokguk) is eaten on birthdays for health, it is avoided before exams. Its slipperiness symbolizes knowledge slipping away.

Meal Offerings for Spirits
A portion of each dish may be removed and discarded outside as an offering to wandering spirits or guardian deities. This small sacrifice ensures spirits are appeased and do not cause harm (Kendall, 2009).

No Garbage After Sunset
Throwing trash away at night risks attracting negative spirits, as dusk belongs to the yin realm, associated with ghosts and misfortune.

Matchsticks on the Roof
Tossing burnt matchsticks onto the roof is believed to protect the household, using the symbolic power of fire to ward off evil.

Birds on Greeting Cards
Birds symbolize flight and departure. Placing bird imagery on cards, especially for celebrations, is avoided, as it could suggest the recipient “flying away.”

Conclusion: Superstitions as Cultural Wisdom

While many Koreans today may not follow these superstitions strictly, they remain woven into cultural consciousness. From avoiding red ink to serving long noodles, these practices reveal how Koreans have historically balanced the worlds of the living and the spiritual. Even as Korea modernizes, superstitions serve as a reminder that life is guided not only by logic, but by respect for unseen forces and ancestral wisdom.

References:

Fortune Cat on X: “Check out this infographic about KOREAN SUPERSTITIONS! #korean #goodluck #fortunecat #superstitions http://t.co/Up2HDEXNvI” / X. (n.d.). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/FortuneCatAu/status/438563313266335744

Kendall, L. (2009). Shamans, housewives, and other restless spirits: Women in Korean ritual life. University of Hawaii Press. https://archive.org/details/shamanshousewive0000kend

Reuters. (2007, July 9). Electric fans and South Koreans: a deadly mix? Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/electric-fans-and-south-koreans-a-deadly-mix-idUSSEO210261/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Ancient Paths, Modern Peace: The Many Names of Enlightenment

In today’s evolving conversation around holistic health, enlightenment is resurfacing-not just as an esoteric ideal, but as a practical and deep personal milestone within the journey toward total well-being. While often associated with mystics and monks, the essence of enlightenment has long been embedded across spiritual and philosophical traditions. It speaks to a universal longing: to understand oneself and one’s place in the world, to live with clarity, and to experience inner peace.

Holistic health recognizes that true wellness includes not only the body but also the mind and spirit. When we explore enlightenment through this lens, it becomes less about dogma and more about the integration of awareness, connection, and personal transformation.

The Ancient Roots of Enlightenment: A Chronological Perspective

Across time and culture, humanity has reached for a transcendent state of wisdom and peace. Below is a historical look at how various traditions have been understood and named this experience:

1. Hinduism (c. 1500-1200 BCE)

Moksha refers to liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and the realization of one’s oneness with the Absolute (Brahman). It emphasizes self-discipline, devotion, and philosophical inquiry-principles that resonate with today’s holistic approaches to mindfulness and self-mastery.

2. Judaism (c. 1200-1000 BCE)

Devekut means “cleaving to God.” It reflects an intense spiritual attachment and connection to the Divine, often nurtured through prayer, meditation on sacred texts, and acts of compassion. This mirrors modern interests in sacred ritual and spiritual intimacy within daily life.

3. Taoism (c. 600-400 BCE)

Wu Wei, or “effortless action,” describes harmony with the Tao, or the natural order of the universe. It aligns beautifully with holistic living that promotes flow, simplicity, and balance through nature-based rhythms and minimalism.

4. Buddhism (c. 500 BCE)

Nirvana is the extinguishing of suffering, ignorance, and attachment. It is the ultimate liberation, discovered through the practice of mindfulness, ethical living, and meditative insight. Bodhi, or awakening, describes the experiential realization that leads to this state.

5. Christianity (c. 30 CE)

Illumination refers to the inner light that arises from divine communion. Practices like contemplative prayer, solitude, and service are paths to this inner radiance-echoing today’s focus on stillness, presence, and soul care.

6. Islam (Sufism) (7th century CE)

Fana means the annihilation of the ego in the presence of God. In Sufi mysticism, it represents a deep surrender to divine love and truth-concepts that are increasingly embraced in emotional healing and ego work in holistic circles.

7. Sikhism (15th century CE)

Mukti signifies liberation from illusion and ego, and union with the Divine. It emphasizes selfless service, devotion, and equality principles foundational to both spiritual growth and community wellness.

8. New Age & Contemporary Spirituality (20th century CE onward)

Awakening / Self-Realization are the modern synthesis of East and West view of enlightenment as awakening to one’s true nature. It often includes energy healing, intuitive development, and psychological integration-key aspects of the modern wellness movement.

Enlightenment and Holistic Wellness Today

In the context of holistic health, enlightenment is not about escaping the world. It’s about engaging more deeply with it-intentionally, mindfully, and compassionately. Whether it’s through yoga, mindful breathing, journaling, plant-based living, or spiritual inquiry, modern seekers are finding meaning in small, integrative practices that support mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual peace.

Importantly, enlightenment today is rarely seen as a final destination. Instead, it is a living process-a series of ongoing realizations and subtle shifts in consciousness. As individuals become more aware of their thoughts, behaviors, and purpose, they naturally align with states once reserved for sages and saints.

Why This Matters

In a time marked by information overload, stress, and disconnection, the timeless quest for enlightenment reminds us to return to our core. Holistic health is not just about the absence of disease-it is about the presence of meaning, clarity, compassion, and connection. Enlightenment, in all its cultural forms, is a call back to wholeness.

Whether you name it nirvana, moksha, awakening, or simply inner peace, the pursuit of higher awareness remains one of humanity’s most enduring and necessary journeys.

I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, physical fitness, stress management, human behavior, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage (acupressure), Daoyin (yoga), qigong, tai chi, and baguazhang.

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses, and individuals who see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

The Upside-Down King: A Lesson in Humility, Wisdom, and True Power

The Chinese character for humility is 谦 (qiān). The character for a king (or ruler) is 王 (wáng), but when flipped, it can be associated with something reversed, such as a reversed position, or lack of power. Combining these, one could interpret 谦王 (qiān wáng) as “humble ruler” or “modest king”, representing a ruler who is both powerful and humble.

In a time long ago, a great king ruled over a vast and prosperous land. Despite his power, he felt something was missing. Perhaps an imbalance in the heart of his kingdom and perhaps within himself. Recognizing the limits of his own understanding, the king invited a wise man to help restore harmony to his realm.

The wise man accepted the invitation, bringing with him not armies or gold, but clarity, insight, and timeless wisdom. Through thoughtful guidance, he realigned the kingdom’s priorities. Not by conquering enemies, but by restoring balance between the people and their values. He offered no lectures on dominance or strategy, but instead taught the king to listen more, act less, and lead from within. And then, without asking for any reward or recognition, the wise man quietly departed.

The king was stunned. He had expected a request for treasure or title. Instead, the king was left with only the echo of wisdom that had shifted the foundation of his being. He was no longer the same man. In honor of this transformative experience, the king ordered the Chinese character for “king” (王) to be turned upside down wherever it appeared in his palace.

This symbolic act was not a rejection of power, but rather a redefinition of it. By inverting the symbol of his own authority, the king declared a new truth:

Wisdom is greater than power. Humility is the highest throne.

The Deeper Meaning

While the tale may not be part of the classic canon of Chinese folklore, its message is deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy and holistic wisdom traditions.

In Taoist thought, the greatest rulers are often those who lead without force. The sage governs by aligning with the Tao or natural order, practicing wu wei or effortless action, and allowing things to unfold organically.

In Confucian ethics, the moral character of the ruler sets the tone for the nation. A wise and virtuous leader brings peace not through decrees but by embodying righteousness.

In Buddhist teachings, detachment from ego and recognition of impermanence guide the wise. Like the sage in the story, the Bodhisattva acts for the benefit of others without seeking personal gain.

The upside-down character becomes a living reminder: true power lies not in domination, but in service, awareness, and the willingness to learn.

A Reflection for Our Times

In today’s world, where leadership is often equated with control, and success with status, the Upside-Down King offers us a timeless teaching:

Sometimes, the greatest transformation comes not from gaining more, but from surrendering pride and embracing wisdom.

This story reminds us that holistic well-being begins with humility, whether we are leading others, caring for our health, or walking the path of self-discovery. The body may follow orders, but the soul responds to truth. And in the realm of wellness, just as in the kingdom of the wise king, balance is restored when wisdom reigns over ego.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

Cheo-se – “Worldly Conduct and the Art of Social Navigation”

In Korean culture, few words capture the tension between wisdom and opportunism as clearly as Cheo-se. At its most basic level, the term refers to worldly conduct, or the way one carries oneself and manages relationships within society. Yet beneath this neutral definition lies a spectrum of connotations ranging from admirable diplomacy to manipulative flattery for personal benefit (Lee, 2003).

Literal Meaning and Origins

The word Cheo-se composed of two Chinese-derived syllables:

Cheo – “to be placed, to deal with, to handle.” It conveys the idea of one’s position or manner of responding to circumstances.
Se – “world, age, society.” It points toward the social and historical context in which one lives.

Together, Cheo-se literally means “to handle oneself in the world” (Sohn, 2001). Traditionally, this encompassed the skills of tact, discernment, and adaptability, qualities necessary for survival and success in a hierarchical society.

The Dual Nature of Cheo-se

Like many cultural concepts, cheo-se is not purely positive or negative. Its interpretation depends on intention and execution:

Positive sense: Cheo-se may describe the wisdom of diplomacy, courtesy, and adaptability. A person who practices it skillfully builds harmonious relationships, avoids unnecessary conflict, and thrives in diverse social settings. It reflects prudence and emotional intelligence.
Negative sense: At the same time, cheo-se can slide into opportunism. When “worldly conduct” is driven by ambition or self-interest, it becomes flattery, sycophancy, or manipulation. In this sense, cheo-se is akin to “knowing which way the wind blows” and adjusting behavior for personal gain, even at the cost of sincerity.

This dual nature has made cheo-se a subject of moral reflection in Korean history and literature, where figures are often judged by whether their social navigation was genuine or self-serving.

Korean proverbs warn of this danger. For example, “Sweet words may contain poison” emphasizes the risk of insincere praise. Similarly, “Words smeared on the lips” is a colloquial phrase for superficial flattery.

Cheo-se in Korean Society

Throughout Korean history, cheo-se has been shaped by Confucian values. In a system where respect for hierarchy and proper conduct were paramount, knowing how to present oneself appropriately could mean the difference between success and disgrace (Deuchler, 1992). For officials at court, scholars in examinations, or merchants in the marketplace, cheo-se was a vital skill.

In modern Korea, the term remains relevant. Navigating workplace hierarchies, academic competition, and social networks often requires an intuitive grasp of cheo-se. Compliments to a superior, careful word choice in meetings, or outward agreement with group consensus can all be forms of worldly conduct. While some see these as strategic necessities, others criticize them as shallow flattery that undermines authenticity.

Proverbs reflect this pragmatic side as well. “A word can pay back a thousand nyang debt” highlights the enormous power of speech and tact in relationships. While not inherently negative, it illustrates how skillful words, whether genuine or flattering can transform one’s fortunes.

Universal Lessons Beyond Korea

Although cheo-se is rooted in Korean language and culture, the underlying dilemma is universal. Every society wrestles with the line between:

Healthy diplomacy that fosters harmony and cooperation, and
Insincere flattery that erodes trust and integrity.

This concept resonates with English expressions such as “political savvy,” “social maneuvering,” or “playing the game.” In both East and West, the art of social navigation often raises the same ethical questions: How much should one adapt to the expectations of others? When does tact become manipulation? (Goffman, 1959).

A Holistic Perspective

From a holistic viewpoint, balancing body, mind, and spirit – cheo-se challenges us to consider authenticity in our interactions. While adaptability and courtesy are valuable, they lose their integrity when they mask true intentions or exploit others for personal benefit. Mindfulness practice, Taoist and Confucian philosophy, and even modern psychology all suggest the same principle: genuine respect must underlie social conduct (Tu, 1985; Kabat-Zinn, 2005).

Authentic cheo-se is not about bending to every wind of circumstance but about maintaining harmony while remaining true to one’s values. It is the art of being skillful without being deceitful, diplomatic without being servile, adaptive without being opportunistic.

Conclusion

The Korean concept of cheo-se offers a rich lens for examining the balance between adaptability and authenticity in human relationships. While it can describe admirable social wisdom, it can also slip into the realm of flattery and opportunism. Reflecting on cheo-se reminds us that our conduct in the world is always a dance between outer harmony and inner integrity.

For readers seeking to navigate modern life with grace, the lesson is clear: cultivate the art of cheo-se, but let sincerity and respect guide its practice.

References:

Deuchler, M. (1992). The Confucian transformation of Korea: A study of society and ideology. Harvard University Press. https://archive.org/details/confuciantransfo0000deuc

Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Anchor Books.https://archive.org/details/presentationofs00goff

Kabat-Zinn, J. (2005). Coming to our senses: Healing ourselves and the world through mindfulness. Hyperion.

Lee, P. H. (2003). Sourcebook of Korean civilization: From the seventeenth century to the modern period. Columbia University Press.

Sohn, H. M. (2001). The Korean language. Cambridge University Press.

Tu, W. M. (1985). Confucian thought: Selfhood as creative transformation. State University of New York Press.

Sae Hwalgi – “Renewed Energy”

The Path of Renewed Vitality and the Reality of Aging

In Korean martial arts and traditional language, expressions often carry layered meanings. One such expression is “Sae Hwalgi,” which literally translates to “new vitality” or “renewed energy.” At first glance, the phrase appears simple, but within martial instruction and holistic health contexts, it reflects both the natural vitality of youth and the inevitable decline of the body with age.

Linguistic Foundations

The phrase can be broken down into two key parts: Sae, meaning new or fresh, and hwalgi, meaning energy, vigor, or vitality (WordHippo, n.d.; Collins Dictionary, n.d.). In Korean everyday usage, hwalgi refers to liveliness and robustness, the spark of vigor that animates one’s daily life. In martial culture, however, the term also resonates with deeper energetic qualities, similar to the concept of qi (ki, or gi) – the life force that sustains movement and resilience.

Martial Perspective

For martial artists, aging creates a paradox. With experience comes wisdom, but with age comes loss of flexibility and suppleness. In youth, sae hwalgi manifests as hydrated tissues, supple joints, and rapid recovery. With age, however, connective tissues lose hydration, collagen stiffens, and movements that were once effortless become labored.

Research in connective tissue physiology supports this traditional observation. Studies have shown that aging reduces elastic fibers and hyaluronan content in muscles, while collagen type I increases, creating stiffness and functional decline (Fede et al., 2022). Martial masters may describe this process metaphorically as the loss of hwalgi, reminding practitioners that vitality is not permanent but must be cultivated.

The Science of Aging Tissues

From a biomedical perspective, hwalgi correlates with measurable changes in the body. Collagen loss, a systemic process associated with cellular aging, directly impacts tissue elasticity and hydration (Collagen loss, 2025). Fascia, the web of connective tissue supporting movement, is also profoundly affected by aging. Maintaining fascia through elastic training, hydration, and mobility work is crucial for sustaining vitality (Petersen, 2015).

These physical realities mirror what martial language describes: the transition from supple vitality (sae hwalgi) to diminished energy and rigidity as time passes.

Holistic Dimension

The decline of vitality is not purely physical. In holistic traditions, vitality depends on the balance of body, mind, and spirit. A calm, focused mind preserves energy, while a scattered or stressed mind depletes it. Similarly, qi depends on unobstructed circulation through meridians. Stress, stagnation, and aging create blockages that restrict this flow, contributing to both physical stiffness and mental fatigue.

Thus, sae hwalgi is not just a description of youthful elasticity but a call to action: to cultivate renewal of vitality through breath, awareness, and lifestyle practices that harmonize mind and body.

Renewal Practices: Cultivating Sae Hwalgi

While aging cannot be reversed, vitality can always be renewed in relative terms. Modern science and traditional practices converge on this principle. Ways to cultivate sae hwalgi include:

Breathwork – Deep diaphragmatic breathing regulates the autonomic nervous system and restores energy balance (Petersen, 2015).
Hydration and Nutrition – Adequate water and mineral intake support tissue elasticity (Fede et al., 2022).
Movement and Fascia Training – Martial forms, qigong, and mobility drills help fascia remain hydrated and resilient (Petersen, 2015).
Mental Clarity and Stress Management – Meditation prevents energy “leakage” and supports qi flow.
Adapting Martial Practice – Shifting from sheer force to refined technique preserves energy and allows martial arts to be practiced into old age (U.S. Kido Federation, 2024).

Conclusion

The wisdom of sae hwalgi lies in its dual nature. On one hand, it embodies the vigor of youth and the freshness of life’s energy. On the other, it acknowledges the inevitable loss of that vitality with age. Yet it is ultimately a hopeful concept. Through martial practice, breath, movement, and holistic awareness, vitality can be renewed at any stage of life.

For the martial artist, sae hwalgi is not a static state but a living reminder: though time may stiffen the body, the choice to renew vitality always remains.

References:

Collagen loss. (2025). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 19, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collagen_loss

Collins Dictionary. (n.d.). Vigor – Translation in Korean. Retrieved August 19, 2025, from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/korean-english/%ED%99%9C%EA%B8%B0

Fede, C., Fan, C., Pirri, C., Petrelli, L., Biz, C., Porzionato, A., Macchi, V., De Caro, R., & Stecco, C. (2022). The effects of aging on the intramuscular connective tissue. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(19), 11061. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911061

Petersen, S. (2015). The secret of fascia in the martial arts. In Fascial fitness [Conference paper]. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275968128_The_secret_of_fascia_in_the_martial_arts

U.S. Kido Federation. (2024). Aging in the dojang: Adapting and thriving in Korean martial arts. U.S. Kido Federation. https://uskido.org/aging-in-the-dojang-adapting-and-thriving-in-korean-martial-arts/

WordHippo. (n.d.). What does 활기 (hwalgi) mean in Korean? Retrieved August 19, 2025, from https://www.wordhippo.com/what-is/the-meaning-of/korean-word-82ef1040fadbb9ea22d29d96a20391f04305253b.html

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The Path of Renewed Vitality and the Reality of Aging

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