“Things Koreans Believe That Blew My Polynesian Mind”

 

🌒 The Korean Superstitions That Shocked Me

Coming from a Polynesian background, I thought I had seen my share of cultural beliefs — but Korea surprised me with some of the most unique superstitions I’ve ever heard.

Here are the ones that shocked me the most:

1. Fan Death

Koreans believe sleeping with a fan on in a closed room can kill you.
Back home, we sleep with fans blasting all night — no problem!

2. Red Ink = Bad Luck

Writing someone’s name in red means you’re wishing death on them.
I learned this the hard way in class.

3. Don’t Whistle at Night

Koreans say whistling after dark attracts ghosts.
So keep your lips quiet on late-night walks.

4. Don’t Gift Shoes

Giving your partner shoes might make them “run away.”
Couples avoid it unless they’re brave.

5. The Unlucky Number 4

Many buildings replace the 4th floor with “F” because the word “four” sounds like “death.”

6. No Seaweed Soup on Exam Day

It’s slippery, so students believe answers will “slip away.”

7. Pig Dreams Mean Good Luck

If you dream of a pig, Koreans believe that money or success is on the way.

Korea’s superstitions are funny, surprising, and sometimes meaningful — and learning them made me understand the culture on a whole new level.



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