Why You Shouldn’t Write Names in Red Ink in Korea – A Superstition About Death
As a korean child, you might have heard someone say, "Never write a name in red ink!"
In Korea, teachers use red pens to mark homework, circle correct answers, or point out mistakes, but writing someone’s name in red? That’s a big no-no! But why is that?
1. Red Ink = A Name of the Deceased
In Korea, the color red is often associated with danger, prohibition, and strong emotions. More importantly, it has long been connected to death.
In the past, it was a common practice to write the names of deceased individuals in red ink on family records or tombstones. This was believed to ward off evil spirits and prevent bad energy from lingering around the deceased. Because of this, writing a living person’s name in red ink could be seen as a bad omen, as if they were already dead or might face misfortune soon.
2. Not Just a Korean Belief?
This superstition isn’t unique to Korea. Japan and China also have similar beliefs about red ink and names. In Japan, writing a name in red ink is considered unlucky, as it resembles writing names on a list of the deceased. In China, red is generally a lucky color, but writing someone’s name in red can be seen as a sign of bad luck or even a curse.
3. Should You Still Avoid It Today?
These days, not everyone believes in this superstition, and writing in red ink doesn’t necessarily carry the same weight as before. However, many older generations in Korea still say, "Better safe than sorry!" That’s why most people naturally avoid writing names in red, especially in official documents, letters, or diaries.
So, if you ever need to write someone’s name in Korea, it’s best to put down the red pen and pick up a black or blue one instead! 😊
