🕯️ Korean Funeral and Mourning Customs

Korean funeral traditions reflect deep respect for ancestors and cultural values rooted in Confucianism. If you plan to attend a Korean funeral or are simply curious about this important aspect of Korean culture, this guide will help you understand the customs and how to show proper respect.

1. Overview of Korean Funerals

Korean funerals generally last three days. The family prepares a mortuary (빈소, binso) in a hospital or at home, where friends and relatives gather to pay respects.

Professional staff often assist in preparing the body and managing the service, and rituals may involve Buddhist, Christian, or Confucian elements depending on the family's beliefs.

2. Funeral Procedure and Key Steps

빈소 마련 (Setting up the mortuary) – A portrait, candles, and offerings like fruit and flowers are arranged.
조문 (Condolence visit) – Visitors bow to the deceased’s portrait and offer a brief prayer or moment of silence.
헌화 및 분향 (Offering flowers/incense) – Visitors offer a white chrysanthemum or light incense.
발인 (Funeral procession) – On the third day, the body is taken to be cremated or buried.

3. Mourning Period and Dress Code

Dress code: Black or dark formal clothes. Men usually wear suits and ties; women wear modest, dark dresses or hanbok.
Mourning period: Traditionally 49 days, but often shorter today. Immediate family wears a white band or mourning clothes.

4. Visitor Etiquette

Offer money in an envelope (부의금, buuigeum)—typically ₩30,000 to ₩100,000 depending on closeness.
Bow twice silently to the portrait of the deceased.
Say a simple phrase like 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 (I sincerely pray for the soul of the deceased).

5. Did You Know?

🪦 According to the Korea Funeral Culture Promotion Association, over 85% of Koreans now choose cremation due to limited burial space and changing social norms—an increase from just 20% in 1990.

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