If you think only Indian households are packed with unique beliefs like "don’t cut your nails at night" or "don’t sweep the floor after sunset," or "putting black dots on babies" to protect them from the evil eye wait till you hear what Koreans believe!
Every culture has its set of superstitions, and Korea is no different. In fact, some Korean superstitions might make you raise your eyebrows or even giggle — but they are deeply rooted in tradition and still influence people today.
Let’s dive into some of the most surprising Korean superstitions that will make you say, “Seriously?!
1. Never Gift Shoes to Your Partner – They Might Run Away!
Planning to gift your Korean crush a cool pair of sneakers? Think again. In Korea, giving shoes to your romantic partner is considered bad luck.
The superstition says they’ll “run away” or leave you soon after receiving them. Shoes = symbol of leaving.
But wait! There’s a fix – if you really want to gift them shoes, ask for a small coin in return (even ₩100 will do). That way, it becomes a “purchase” and breaks the bad luck!
It’s kind of like how some Indian elders say, “Don’t give handkerchiefs or sharp objects as gifts – they might cut your bond.” Same emotions, different culture!
2. Don’t Shake Pepper Powder Inside the House – You’ll Invite a Fight
This one’s rare even in Korea but still followed by older generations. If you shake or spill chili powder (고춧가루) inside the house, especially near the entrance, it’s believed to invite arguments or bad energy into the home.
This superstition is tied to Korean shamanism, where pepper is sometimes used in rituals to expel spirits. Spilling it accidentally is like “activating” unwanted energy.
Tip: If it happens by mistake, Koreans often clean it up quietly and throw it outside quickly.
3. Don’t Whistle at Night – You Might Attract Ghosts
Whistling at night is a strict no-no. It’s believed to attract ghosts or snakes. In older times, when streetlights were few and forests were near homes, this was taken very seriously. Kids were especially told to avoid it after sundown.
Even today, this superstition is widely believed and shows up in horror-themed K-dramas.
Just like we’re told “Don’t call someone by name at night in the dark,” this one connects with our inner spooky childhood fears.
4. Sleeping with a Fan On = Death (Fan Death)
Here comes the wild one — Fan Death!
Koreans believe that sleeping with an electric fan on in a closed room can lead to death. It’s so widely believed that fans in Korea usually have timers to switch off automatically.
While science says it’s not dangerous, the belief is still part of popular culture.
Sounds strange? Think about our “Don’t sit under a peepal tree at night” belief – equally spooky and passed down generations!
5. Dreaming of Pigs Means You’ll Get Rich
This one is fun and positive. In Korea, pigs symbolize wealth and prosperity.
So, if you dream of a pig, expect good luck and maybe money! Some people even buy lottery tickets after such dreams.
Some Koreans believe you can “buy” someone’s pig dream. If your friend had a pig dream, you can offer money to make it your own luck!
We often look for signs like itching palms or sneezing before stepping out. Dreaming of pigs is Korea’s version of a lucky sign!
6. Shaking Your Legs Means You’re Shaking Off Good Luck
Do you bounce your leg while sitting? Be careful if a Korean elder is around! They believe you’re shaking away your luck, money, or even life energy.
It’s not just considered rude, but also unlucky. So next time you sit for a serious talk or interview, sit still!
7. Eating Seaweed Soup on Exam Day? Big Mistake!
Seaweed soup (miyeok-guk) is slippery, and the belief is it might make your exam answers “slip” out of your mind. Students in Korea avoid it during exam season.
Instead, what do they eat? Sticky foods like yeot (a sticky Korean candy) – to “stick” their answers in place!
Before exams, many Indian students are fed curd and sugar for good luck. Different food, same pressure!
Superstitions may seem funny on the surface, but they reflect how deeply a culture cares about luck, life, and protection. Korean superstitions, like not gifting shoes or avoiding chili powder spills, may sound silly at first — but they tell us a lot about people’s values, fears, and traditions.
Whether you're planning to study in Korea, dating a Korean, or just a fan of K-dramas and K-pop, knowing these superstitions will help you connect better and avoid some awkward (or hilarious) situations.
