Korean Superstitions Are Fascinating
Korea doesn't have black cats or Friday the 13th, but it has a set of superstitions unique in the world.
1. 🌀 The Deadly Fan
The most famous Korean superstition: sleeping in a closed room with a fan on can kill you. Koreans believe this so strongly that fans sold in Korea have automatic shut-off timers.
2. 4️⃣ The Number 4 (사 = death)
The number 4 (사, sa) sounds like the word "death" (死, sa) in Sino-Korean. Many buildings skip the 4th floor, gifts avoid groups of 4, and hospitals avoid room number 4.
3. 🩸 Blood Type and Personality
Koreans believe your blood type determines your personality:
| Type | Supposed personality |
|---|---|
| A | Serious, organized, perfectionist |
| B | Creative, selfish, passionate |
| O | Leader, confident, sociable |
| AB | Mysterious, unpredictable, intelligent |
4-12. More Superstitions
- Dreaming of a pig = money is coming
- Writing a name in red = death (taboo)
- Shaking your leg = losing your fortune
- Cutting nails at night = mice will eat them
- Giving shoes to partner = they'll leave you
- Sweeping at night = sweeping away good fortune
- First birthday ceremony (돌) = objects predict baby's future