🏠 Korean Housewarming and “Jipdeuri” Culture
Moving into a new home is a big deal in Korea, and the tradition of 집들이 (jipdeuri)—a Korean-style housewarming party—is a time to share joy with family, friends, and neighbors. This post explores what a typical housewarming is like, what gifts are appropriate, and the language expressions you might hear or use.
📚 Table of Contents
1. What is Jipdeuri?
집들이 literally means "showing the house." It's a celebration for friends and relatives to visit a new home and offer congratulations. While in the West, housewarming may just be an informal party, Koreans often consider it a sign of social bonding and even luck-sharing.
2. What Gifts to Bring
Popular gifts include:
- Toilet paper (휴지) – Symbolizes things going smoothly (as the roll unwinds easily)
- Detergent (세제) – Bubbles symbolize prosperity
- Plants or flowers – A touch of nature for the new home
- Gift cards or cash – Common for colleagues or friends
3. What to Eat at a Jipdeuri
Unlike formal dinners, the food at a jipdeuri is often casual but plentiful:
- Homemade Korean dishes like 잡채 (japchae), 김밥 (gimbap), and 불고기 (bulgogi)
- Snacks and beer if the gathering is among younger friends
Hosts will usually prepare food and drinks, but guests may also bring side dishes or dessert.
4. Useful Korean Expressions
새 집 장만 축하해요!
Sae jip jangman chukhahaeyo!
Congratulations on your new home!
잘 살길 바랄게요.
Jal salgil baralgeyo.
I hope you live happily here.
음식 너무 맛있어요!
Eumsik neomu masisseoyo!
The food is delicious!
5. Did You Know?
🎁 In traditional beliefs, giving salt (소금) during a housewarming was thought to ward off bad spirits. Though it's less common now, older generations may still follow this custom in rural areas.
6. Learn with Me on italki
🎓 Want to practice real-life Korean and understand traditions like jipdeuri? Book a 1-on-1 Korean class with me on italki and start speaking naturally today!
