The Korean lucky charm: a North-South duality, tradition-modernity
Korea has had a tumultuous history. From warlords to Japanese invasions, the Korean War and the Cold War, all of this has led to the division of Korea into two entities today.
On the one hand, there is North Korea, communist and traditionalist. Next to it is the globally integrated and ultra-modern South Korea. The Korean lucky charm is therefore marked by two poles which can sometimes oppose each other: the new and the old. If you add the influence of Chinese, Japanese or Indian cultures, it makes for quite a hodgepodge.
No matter which one you're talking about, Korean culture is full of color and history. Temples and palaces, such as Gyeongbok, showcase ancient history and traditions. These traditions, the Korean lucky charm teach you some of them.
Certain points of Korean culture have conquered the whole world. In Asia, for example, K-pop has become one of the most popular music styles among young people. These music groups also earn millions every year. Korean television series have also become popular among the general public. Whether we're talking about a soap opera, a film or even a documentary, these stories often highlight the country.
However, this is clearly not the most interesting thing Korean culture has to offer... A calm and erudite people par excellence, the Koreans have developed rich and deep traditions, a system of symbols and lucky charms that are truly exciting.
Despite modernity sometimes pushed to the point of absurdity, Korea has managed to preserve the flame of love for their culture, and this is perfectly illustrated by the Korean lucky charm.
In this, moreover, Korea is closer to other Asian cultures, notably those of the Chinese or the Japanese.
Some superstitions and lucky charms for a very modern people
The Koreans are a people resolutely part of modernity. With work values and a certain love for science and technology, we could say that they have lost everything from the traditions of their elders.
This is not entirely true, and this can be seen quite clearly through the Korean lucky charm and the numerous superstitions that you can find in the country.
If, for example, you have an important test to pass, apart from patient study, the best thing to do will undoubtedly be to follow (or not follow, depending on the case) the few rituals listed below.
In the past, red ink was used to write the names of the deceased in registers. Therefore, writing a person's name in red ink can mean that they have died. So avoid this color to take your exam.
If you dreamed that you were visiting a farm last night, be happy: this is a great sign of luck. Eating rice there could also ward off evil spirits.
For a North Korean, having a photo or statue of Kim Jong-Un is the assurance of exceptional luck and abundance. (At least that's what the Korean government says!)
Anything remotely related to the number four is seen as a lucky charm in Korea. Four-leaf clover, collection of four coins or set of four matching jewelry will therefore all be lucky charms.
Don't sleep with a fan on! In Korea, people fear “fan death”, a terrible curse which states that a fan turned on all night would inevitably fall on the person sleeping below.
If you make your legs shake, expect to attract success and wealth.
Last superstition: run away from butterflies. If unfortunately one of them were to touch your eyes, you would go blind.
The weight of shamanism in Korea
Korean shamanism encompasses a variety of religious beliefs and practices, sometimes folkloric, which have been influenced by other Asian movements such as Buddhism and Taoism.
Even if Korean society is today quite far from religion (for the majority anyway), there are still traces of this shamanism in the culture... and therefore in Korean lucky charms!
The term traditionally used to refer to shamanism on the Korean Peninsula is “ Musok ” (or Musok-Shinang)
To a Korean's ear, Musok might describe some sort of large collection of disparate religious practices based on a belief in a natural world animated by spirits and some idea of destiny.
A fairly porous current, there are in fact dozens of branches, schools and movements within Musok.
Some practitioners were able to add Christian teachings, others Shinto or Taoist. Most, however, linked their practice to Korean Buddhism.
Regardless, everyone shares the same respect for nature, the same love of the world and the same search for harmony.
