Korean funeral traditions. Nov 4, 2025 · Learn what to expect at a Korean funeral, including traditions, attire, etiquette, and how families honor ancestors in both Korea and the U. Korean funeral customs Traditional Korean funerals are distinct from other modern funerals you may have attended because they are based on Confucianism, an ancient Chinese belief system that focuses on guiding a person on how to live his or her life. As you might already know, Korean funerals follow Confucianism. . Jan 20, 2026 · Korean funeral culture today is a mix of long-held traditions and more recent Western influences. Korean traditions often reflect a deep respect for ancestors and the deceased, shaping various aspects of life, including mourning practices and funeral rituals. Find out what to wear, what to expect, and how to honor the deceased in a Korean funeral. And attending them comes with more than a few implicit rules, starting from which day of the three you should attend to how much to offer in condolence money and what mood you should express. ‘Sangju’ is the role taken on by the first son or grandson of the deceased. Rose Hills is a foremost expert in Korean funeral traditions. Learn what to expect at a Korean funeral, including traditions, attire, etiquette, and how families honor ancestors in both Korea and the U. , the higher the status, the longer the funeral), however these days, three days is the average length. A Korean traditional funeral features elements originating in Korean Confucianism as well as centuries of influence from indigenous Korean shamanism. Writer’s note: This is the fifth installment of a series about the Do’s and Don’ts in Korea. Sep 21, 2023 · Learn about the Korean views on death and dying, the rituals and practices of preparing the body, the noje, the burial site, and the death anniversary. Korean Funerals This is a post that I’ve talked about when anon asked me about funeral culture in Korea! Note: These events are in order and may differ slightly since each family likes to do things Examines the historic funeral and burial practices of Korea. This blog entry is about the basic rules of etiquette when attending a Korean funeral. Music. That being said, attendees must But the three-day funeral is a quintessential part of Korean culture, packed full of customs quite distinguishable from Western funerals. Numerous anthropological scholars have attempted to discern which practices come from Shamanistic roots, and which are more purely Confucian. Attending a funeral in Korea might be one of the most interesting experiences of your life. e. Four types of songs were sung, and this was practiced the night before the procession. Eating and drinking at the funeral is a sign of good manners and will help the deceased’s spirit transition along their journey into the afterlife. Due to an unfortu… To prepare myself, I did a bit of research about death and funeral culture in Korea. In dynastic Korea, there were numerous superstitions associated with death. During the Joseon era (1392-1910), funerals extended beyond private ceremonies. In the olden days, it was believed that the deceased could only make a smooth transition into the afterlife and avoid becoming a wandering ghost, or kaekkwi, if they were correctly sent off via a proper Korean funeral. It highlights the deep cultural values of family, respect for ancestors, and communal support that guide the grieving process in Korean society. If you’ve been invited to a Korean funeral and aren’t sure what to expect, this guide answers all your questions and helps you navigate your grief with cultural sensitivity. Sangju’ is the Chief Mourner. Korean Tradition for Funerals One of the great duties in Korean culture is the proper burial of beloved family members. Eating and drinking. S. After you show your respects, don’t be surprised to be led to a hall prepared with food and drinks. Learn about traditional customs and rituals for an honorable send-off. Korean custom dictates that he ‘let’ his parent/grandparent die and thus as an expression of filial piety, he must take charge of the pre-burial, funeral rites, and memorial. Get comprehensive support for planning a dignified Korean funeral. The length of Korean funerals used to be based on the social status of the deceased (i. Feb 15, 2025 · Koreans have rich and meaningful cultural mourning practices, from ancestral rituals like jesa to the tradition of visiting graves during key holidays. Korean funeral and burial customs can vary widely according to social status and religion, but they all share some commonalities: length, solemn beauty and display of respect for the loved one who has died. During traditional Korean funerals, pallbearers would cry out chants whilst carrying a large stand for the coffin. Mourning occurs over three days. As it turns out, the modern funeral is quite different than the ones of the past, which is to be expected in an ever-changing country like Korea. In a traditional Korean funeral ceremony, the body of the deceased will usually rest at home for at least three days after death, before being carried to the final resting place. xtoi, rpf5a, b4dyg, arh8, tacpg, 9jefds, ap3a, udqqg, lgs1kj, nuenv,