Korea has a rich culture steeped in tradition and superstition. Many Koreans believe in signs and symbols that bring good fortune and luck. There are certain objects, animals, colors, numbers and customs that are thought to attract positive energy and prosperity.
Key Symbols of Good Luck
Some of the main symbols of good luck in Korean culture include:
- Cranes – Cranes are revered as a sign of longevity, fidelity, and prosperity. Their image is often used in Korean art and folk crafts.
- Tigers – Tigers represent courage, discipline and protection. Tiger images adorn the gates of Korean palaces and temples to ward off evil spirits.
- Bamboo – Bamboo is admired for its resilience, elegance and steady growth. It symbolizes strength of character and longevity.
- Pine Trees – The evergreen pine is a symbol of longevity, steadfastness and virtue. Pine tree motifs often decorate Korean celadon ceramics.
- Peonies – Peonies bloom abundantly in spring and represent honor, prosperity and a happy marriage.
- Plum Blossoms – Plum blossoms represent perseverance and hope as they bloom early in spring, even through the snow. Their five petals symbolize the five cardinal Confucian virtues.
- Lotus Flowers – The lotus rises immaculately from muddy waters, embodying purity, enlightenment and transcendence.
- Knots – Intricate knot designs symbolize eternal love, harmony, luck and long life.
Lucky Animals
Certain animals are thought to bring good fortune in Korea, including:
- Cranes – Cranes represent nobility, longevity, and fidelity.
- Tigers – Tigers are respected for their courage and seen as guardians that drive away evil spirits.
- Dragons – Dragons symbolize power, strength, and good luck.
- Magpies – Magpies are seen as messengers of good news and fortune.
- Turtles – Turtles represent longevity, wisdom, and tenacity.
- Deer – Deer are admired for their gentleness, grace and longevity.
Lucky Colors
Some colors that symbolize good luck and prosperity in Korea are:
- Red – Passion, success, happiness and good fortune.
- Yellow – Wealth, nobility and optimism.
- Blue – Peace, calm and growth.
- White – Purity, clarity and new beginnings.
- Green – Health, vitality and harmony with nature.
- Purple – Wisdom, dignity and spiritual awakening.
Auspicious Numbers
Certain numbers are thought to be luckier than others in Korean culture:
- 3 – Represents the Trinity of heaven, earth and humanity.
- 7 – Symbolic of perfection and completion.
- 8 – Associated with prosperity and success.
- 9 – The highest single digit number, represents longevity.
- 10 – A psychologically satisfying round number.
Lucky Dates
Auspicious dates that are considered fortunate for weddings, opening businesses, travel, and other new beginnings include:
- New Year’s Day – Marks a fresh start and new opportunities.
- Second day of the Lunar New Year – Represents doubled fortunes.
- The 7th day of the 7th Lunar month – Celebrates the cosmic alignment of the Big Dipper and the Goddess star.
- Chuseok festival – Major harvest festival associated with bounty and wealth.
- Birthdays ending in 0 or 5 – Milestone ages, like 30, 40, 50 etc.
Good Luck Traditions and Customs
Some traditions believed to attract luck include:
- Ancestral memorial rituals – Honoring your ancestors is thought to garner their blessing.
- Placement of talismans or “buk” – Sacred writings meant to invoke the gods’ protection from misfortune.
- Fortune-telling – Having your fortune read by a mudang (shaman) to foresee destiny.
- First sunrise prayers – Making New Year’s wishes at a temple during the year’s first sunrise.
- Lucky rice cakes (ddeok) – Eating rice cakes especially on New Year’s symbolizes prosperity.
- Peach flowers – Placing peach blossoms on one’s door is thought to bring luck and ward off evil.
Magical Creatures and Symbols
Mythical creatures associated with good fortune include:
- Gwishin – Protective house spirits who bless the household.
- Bulgasari – A monster that eats iron and brings wealth.
- Samshin Halmoni – Grandmother spirit who bestows fertility and prosperity.
- Chilseong – Seven star spirits who oversee prosperity and destiny.
- Kirin – Benevolent unicorn-like creature that heralds forthcoming luck.
Other magical symbols include:
- Swastikas – Auspicious symbol connoting eternity, prosperity, and wellbeing.
- Pa Kua Mirrors – Octagonal mirrors that deflect evil and attract favorable energies.
- Jade gourd charms – Gourd-shaped jade charms that capture fortune and health.
Feng Shui
Koreans often apply feng shui principles in interior design to harmonize living spaces with cosmic energies and maximize luck:
- Place symbolic feng shui cures like bamboo, crystals, mirrors, bells, etc. in auspicious bagua areas.
- Incorporate natural materials, symbols of wealth, living plants and proper lighting.
- Balance yin (female) and yang (male) elements.
- Ensure proper flow of chi (life force energy).
- Avoid “poison arrows” like narrow hallways aimed at doorways.
- Position the bed, office desk and stove in “commanding” positions.
Contemporary Good Luck Charms
Some modern good luck charms in Korea include:
- Key chains – With symbols like tigers, cranes, four-leaf clovers, or the Korean character 福 (blessing).
- Jewelry – Such as jade rings or magpie-etched pendants.
- Decorative bells – Bells invoke the energy of Chilseong, the seven star spirits.
- Dollar signs – Symbols of economic fortune and prosperity.
- Finger heart signs – Cute finger heart gestures are believed to spread luck and love.
- Phrases – Sayings like “Fighting!” to cheer people on and wish good fortune.
Conclusion
From ancient traditions to modern cheerful symbols, good luck icons are intricately woven into the tapestry of Korean culture. They reflect Koreans’ deep-seated beliefs in harnessing positive cosmic forces to shape a fortunate destiny. With reverence for both whimsical mythology and pragmatic wisdom, lucky symbols promote human virtues like courage, harmony and perseverance. For contemporary Koreans, they remain powerful totems for staying hopeful and pursuing success amid life’s uncertainties.
