🟠 Explaining Cultural Taboos in Korea – Intermediate Level (TOPIK 3–4)
.jpg "Explaining Cultural Taboos in Korea – Intermediate Level (TOPIK 3–4)")
Explaining Cultural Taboos in Korea – Intermediate Level (TOPIK 3–4)
무심코 한 행동이 실례일 수도 있어요.
Did you know writing someone’s name in red is considered bad luck in Korea? Let's explore other common taboos in daily life.
🎯 Learning Goal
- Recognize culturally inappropriate behaviors in Korea
- Use polite alternatives and proper body language
- Practice respectful expressions for everyday interactions
📚 Table of Contents
- Top 5 Korean Taboos
- Useful Phrases to Avoid Offense
- Reading Practice
- Pop Quiz
- Teacher’s Tips
- Say What?
- Did You Know?
- It’s Your Turn
- Take a Lesson with Me!
- Stay Connected
🚫 Top 5 Korean Taboos
- 이름에 빨간 펜 사용 (Writing names in red ink)
한국에서는 빨간 펜으로 이름을 쓰면 그 사람이 죽었다는 의미로 받아들여져 불길하다고 여겨요.
In Korea, writing someone's name in red ink is considered bad luck—it’s traditionally used for the names of the deceased. - 밥에 젓가락 꽂기 (Sticking chopsticks in rice)
제사를 지낼 때 사용하는 방식이라 평상시에는 매우 부정적으로 여겨져요.
Sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice resembles a funeral ritual, and is seen as disrespectful. - 어른에게 한 손으로 물건 건네기 (Using one hand with elders)
어른에게는 두 손으로 물건을 드리는 것이 예의예요.
Giving or receiving with one hand (especially to elders) is impolite; use both hands to show respect. - 발로 사람 가리키기 (Pointing with your foot)
발은 더럽다고 여겨지기 때문에, 다른 사람이나 성스러운 물건을 발로 가리키면 큰 실례예요.
Feet are considered unclean in Korean culture. Pointing at people or sacred items with your foot is highly disrespectful. - 공공장소에서 큰소리로 통화하기 (Speaking loudly on the phone in public)
한국에서는 공공장소에서 조용함을 유지하는 것이 예의로 여겨져요.
Keeping your voice down in public is expected in Korea. Loud phone calls can be seen as inconsiderate.
💬 Useful Expressions
- 죄송해요, 그런 줄 몰랐어요.
Sorry, I didn’t know that. - 제가 실수했네요. 조심하겠습니다.
I made a mistake. I’ll be more careful. - 두 손으로 드릴게요.
I’ll give it to you with both hands.
📰 Reading Practice
“요즘은 빨간 펜으로 이름을 쓰는 학생들이 늘었지만, 여전히 많은 어른들은 이를 꺼려합니다.” – 서울문화뉴스
“These days, more students write names in red ink, but many elders still avoid it.” – Seoul Culture News
어휘 정리: 꺼리다 (to avoid), 여전히 (still), 빨간 펜 (red pen)
📝 Quick Check Quiz
- Why is writing someone’s name in red ink avoided in Korea?
Answer
Because red ink is traditionally used to write the names of the deceased. - What is considered impolite when using chopsticks in Korea?
Answer
Sticking chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice is seen as taboo, as it resembles a ritual for the dead. - What should you do before entering a Korean home?
Answer
Take off your shoes at the entrance as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
👩🏫 Teacher’s Tips
🔸 Many taboos in Korea are tied to history or Confucian values. Elders especially value manners—watch how others behave and follow their lead.
🔸 한국의 금기 문화는 유교 사상과 전통에서 비롯된 경우가 많아요. 특히 어른들과 있을 때는 주변 사람의 행동을 관찰하고 따라 해보세요.
🌀 Say What?
싸가지 없다 – This slang means “impolite” or “no manners.” It’s strong language, so never use it yourself, but you might hear it in dramas or casual conversations.
📌 Did You Know?
Some actions that are perfectly normal in Western cultures might be considered rude or inappropriate in Korea and other parts of Asia. Here's what to watch out for:
- 🙅♀️ Wearing shoes indoors – In Korea, taking off your shoes before entering a home (and even some restaurants) is essential. Keeping shoes on is seen as disrespectful.
- 🖐️ Using one hand to give or receive items – In formal situations, using both hands shows respect. One hand might be interpreted as careless or arrogant.
- 🍽️ Sticking chopsticks upright in rice – This resembles a funeral ritual and is considered very unlucky. Always place chopsticks on the holder or bowl rim.
- 🐕 Bringing pets into restaurants – Unlike many pet-friendly places in the West, most Korean eateries do not allow animals inside unless clearly stated.
- 🙃 Calling elders by their first names – First names are reserved for close friends of similar age. Use titles like 선생님 (teacher) or 사장님 (boss) when speaking with older people or those in formal roles.
Understanding these small but meaningful differences can help you avoid awkward moments and show genuine cultural respect.
📝 It’s Your Turn
- Have you ever done something considered rude in Korea?
- Write a short apology dialogue using today's expressions.
- List 3 Korean taboos that surprised you the most.
👋 Take a Lesson with Me!
I’m a Korean teacher on italki with students from over 20 countries. Let’s learn Korean culture and expressions to avoid awkward situations together!
💬 Stay Connected
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