One day, I got this question about Korean culture from one of my blog followers.
Hello there. I live in Western Australia and just recently got hooked on Korean Dramas. There were a few scenes in which Koreans do things that I do not understand the meaning of.
So I started answering the questions (Thank you, Suzy) and have kept this list growing since then. Please, leave a question about Korean culture or anything related to Korea or contact me for the question.
1. Every time people got released from prison, someone offers them tofu. What is it with tofu? What does it mean?
There are several reasons why people offer tofu to someone who has just got released from prison.
First, it could mean to wish that the person lives a clean life without any trouble by eating tofu because tofu is white.
Second, in prions, meals usually include a bowl of rice mixed with beans. Tofu is made from beans, but it can’t go back to beans, so people offer tofu to wish the person doesn’t go back to prison again.
The last reason would be the most credible one. This tradition seems to start during the Japanese Occupation period. Many activists for Korean Independence were captured in prison and they were not treated and fed well by Japanese guards. When they finally got out of prison and eat something right away, they experience serious stomachaches and even some people died from it. Because tofu is easy to digest and highly nutritious, it was the first food that people offer to the activists released from prison.
2. When Korean say something wrong, they are pretending to spit. Why is that?
When Koreans say something unfavorable or unfortunate, we say ‘twe, twe, twe,’ which is the sound of spitting (not really spit, though). This means that I’d like to take back what I just said or I don’t want this thing to happen. This is quite similar to ‘knocking on wood‘ in the U.S.
3. Why are Koreans rarely seen barefoot without socks inside the house? Do you have to wear socks all day long?
This totally depends on the situation. Because Koreans take off shoes indoors, wearing socks has been natural. Thus, traditionally, showing barefoot to others could have been impolite or rude. But, this has changed a lot. Nowadays, on casual occasions, many people do not feel uncomfortable not wearing socks, especially during summertime. However, keep in mind that it is still safe to wear socks in a formal setting or at an important meeting in South Korea.
4. Why do Koreans throw salt on the people they despise?
A long, long time ago, people believed food went bad and got rotten because of evil spirits. They discovered salt kept food from going bad, and they started to believe salt could keep evil spirits away. Since then, people throw salt (or just say it) in order to push devils away after unwelcomed or despised people visit.
5. What was the type of clothing that women of Joseon Dynasty covered their faces with?
During Joseon Dynasty, women had to wear an overcoat when they went out in order to cover their faces. Due to strong Confucianism principles, women were not supposed to reveal their faces in public, especially to unacquainted men.
There were two types of hanbok overcoats for women: Jangot (장옷, the first picture above) and Sseugaechima (쓰개치마, the second picture). The main difference in style is that Jangot has sleeves and Sseugaechima does not. In the early Joseon Dynasty, nobles wore Sseugaechima and the common people wore Jangot. But, later there was not a clear division for who wears what.
Related Post: Are you a fan of historical Korean dramas? Read 10 Must-Know Korean Words in Historical K-dramas.
6. Why do many Korean restaurants set scissors on the table?
Koreans use scissors quite often to handle our food. For example, when you visit Korean BBQ restaurants, you will see scissors on every table. We cut meat, noodle, kimchi, and many types of food with scissors. Korean barbeque and naengmyeon (냉면/ cold noodle) are the most-known dishes for scissoring while being served. Although Koreans don’t use scissors for every dish (it would be rare to see someone cut ramyeon or fried chicken with scissors), Koreans don’t consider using scissors for food weird so if you need them for your dish, don’t need to be embarrassed to ask them.
7. Do Koreans Bow on Chuseok, too?
Koreans do a big bow called sebae (세배) on Seollal, Korean New Year’s Day. But, technically, there is no traditional bow on Chuseok. However, it can vary depending on families.
Read the full post about Chuseok (추석, Korean Thanksgiving Day) or the complete guide to Seollal (설날, Korean Lunar New Year) for more information.
Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Korean Holidays and Unique Special Days
One way to understand a country’s culture is by learning about its holidays and special days. Read the ultimate guide to Korean holidays.
Thank you for this site/blog (whatever you call it)
I enjoy Korean “dramas” too and find the way ordinary life is portrayed is absorbing and much more engaging than what can be found on American television, perhaps because it’s not meant to subtly influence the viewer’s behavior, but to be relatable entertainment.
Hi Hilary,
Thank you for your comment. I agree that dramas and movies are a great way to observe cultures and lifestyles in other countries (although some of them are quite exaggerated. Not that many super rich Chaebeol in South Korea 😉 By the way, what are your favorite Kdramas?
Hi again! I have a maybe odd question.. I’m still watching the “I Am Solo” reality series and have developed quite the fondness for Defconn, one of the hosts. Today, I was watching the movie “Boys Over Flowers” for the millionth time and I suddenly realized why Defconn looked so familiar to me when I began the Solo series– he’s the cafe owner/chef where Jandi and Gael work, isn’t he??? I tried looking him up and couldn’t find anything besides a Wiki entry, and it didn’t list Boys in his profile.. so I’m wondering if I’m mistaken or if (like a lot of American actors do) he changed his name along the way of his career path?
Thank you!
Oh, and my apologies, I didn’t see your question from my previous post.. I have several favorite dramas, mostly from years ago when I had cable and could see them debut and then follow them, such as:
My Father Is Strange
Lovers In Bloom
The Legend of Orpheus: Don’t Look Back
Black Knight
Mad Dog
Go, Mrs Go!
There was also a long-running daytime drama that I just can’t remember the title of but it was a married young poor guy whose twin had been adopted by a wealthy family, who was in a coma; the wealthy mom discovered the poor twin and bribed him to take the place of his brother and eventually he accepted… his “widow” ended up with the wealthy twin’s adopted brother.. the series ended on a saddish note with the poor twin looking through the window at his widow laughing with her family and the adopted brother…
Sorry for the long reply, but seriously.. I love Korean drama and could easily write a book about what shows I’ve been absorbed by!
Hi Hilary~ Good to talk with you again. I looked up for information and I found them. Here we go: 1. The owner of the store in “Boys over Flowers” is a Korean actor Kim Ki-bang. I agree that they look quite alike. He recently appeared in a Korean variety show, “GBRB: Reap What You Sow.” 2. I believe the Korean drama you referred to is “Secret Man (내 남자의 비밀).” 3. Did you get a notice when I reply to you on the site somehow? I am just wondering if you have to come back to my site to find out if I posted an answer to your question. By the way, I absolutely agree that Defconn really makes “I Am Solo” more enjoyable. Thank you so much for your question and stories~
Hi again! No, I don’t get any notifications about replies, I’m on the website here (would love an app version so I *would* get notifications!)
Thanks for satisfying my curiosity about Defconn perhaps being the movie character! Darn! I was hoping to be able to say I was a fan of his “way back when” LOL
I have **another** question to ask, if you wouldn’t mind?
Could you please tell me the meaning of the term “Chair King”? From how I’m interpreting its use when I’m watching Solo, it’s for a popular person (?) but I’m really interested in learning about it; I thought it was a guy thing but in watching Season 15 (I’m still trying to catch up LOL) the group was teasing Young Sook about being a Chair King and I was surprised because Young Sook isn’t a guy.
That made me realize it’s a whole different tease, NOT just a guy thing -so now I’m REALLY curious about what it means!
Thanks so much for being willing to share details about customs and daily life rhythms in Korea!
Hi Hilary, sorry that you didn’t get the notification for the response. I’ll try to find out if there is a way to do it for my website.
Regarding to King Chair, here is a bit long answer:
Uijawang (의자왕, King Uija) was the last king of Baekje. Due to the similarity in pronunciation between his name, Uija, and the Korean word for chair, uija (의자), he is often humorously referred to as King Chair in many Korean TV shows, despite having no connection to a chair.
The term “의자왕” is frequently used in contemporary Korean slang to describe someone who is popular or has many romantic partners. This usage stems from historical anecdotes about King Uija, who is reputed to have had around 3,000 concubines and court ladies.
King Uija was known for his numerous romantic escapades and relationships with many women. His indulgence in pleasure and neglect of state affairs are often cited as factors that contributed to the weakening and eventual downfall of Baekje.
Because of these stories, the name “의자왕” has become associated with someone who is popular and has many romantic partners, reflecting King Uija’s reputed lifestyle. This association can be either positive or negative. However, there are no specific historical records to prove his excessive relationships.
Hope this solves your curiosity. And, keep going. Season 16 is also interesting in a different way 😉
Wow, you were right about S16! I was very surprised by the sabotage gossip (gonna leave it at that to not spoil it for anyone not there yet).. just started S17 and your explanation of “Chair King” was so helpful, I was able to chuckle along like an insider with the cast as Sang Chul was confronted with 3 apples and looked so delighted when eating them; clearly he wasn’t expecting it! This season seems to be more lighthearted than the last and I’m settling in for a fun binge-watch I can laugh with instead of yelling at the tv “Don’t listen to her! Don’t listen to him!”
LOL
Again, thank you for patiently explaining culturalisms that add so much depth to what I’m already enjoying watching! You are a treasure to me and probably others!
Until next time…
❤️❤️❤️
S16 was quite an episode, wasn’t it? LOL. Just so you know, even after S16 ended, the conflict continued outside of Solo Nation between Yeongsook and Sangchul, as well as between Yeongsook and Oksoon.
By the way, thank you for your kind words—I’m glad I can help you enjoy Korean shows and culture more. If you have any questions, you know I’m here.
Korean culture is rich and fascinating! I love learning about its traditions and customs. What aspect of Korean culture surprised you the most?
I’m glad to hear you’re interested in Korean culture! It truly is rich and fascinating. As a Korean myself, it’s hard to pinpoint things that surprise me about it, but if I had to choose, I’m always amazed by how quickly Koreans respond to trends. Whether it’s good or bad aside, the speed is remarkable!