Learn Key Words, Polite Expressions, and Cultural Insights for Attending or Talking About Funerals in Korea (장례식)
While it’s a somber topic, understanding funeral-related Korean vocabulary (장례 어휘) is essential for cultural literacy, respectful communication, and handling sensitive moments with empathy in Korea.
🪦 Must-Know Korean Funeral Vocabulary
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 장례 | jang-rye | Funeral (general) |
| 장례식 | jang-rye-sik | Funeral ceremony |
| 빈소 | bin-so | Funeral hall / mortuary |
| 상가 | sang-ga | Funeral home |
| 상주 | sang-ju | Chief mourner (family member) |
| 조문 | jo-mun | Condolence visit |
| 조문객 | jo-mun-gaek | Guest attending funeral |
| 영정사진 | yeong-jeong-sa-jin | Portrait of the deceased |
| 고인 | go-in | The deceased |
| 유족 | yu-jok | Bereaved family |
| 부의금 | bu-ui-geum | Condolence money |
| 헌화 | heon-hwa | Flower offering |
| 향 | hyang | Incense |
| 제사 | je-sa | Memorial ritual |
| 묘지 | myo-ji | Grave site |
| 화장 | hwa-jang | Cremation |
| 매장 | mae-jang | Burial |
🤍 Polite Korean Phrases & Expressions for Funerals
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다. | sam-ga go-in-ui myeong-bo-geul bim-ni-da | I sincerely pray for the repose of the deceased. |
| 유족분들께 깊은 위로를 전합니다. | yu-jok-bun-deul-kke gi-peun wi-ro-reul jeon-ham-ni-da | My deepest condolences to the family. |
| 안타까운 소식 들었습니다. | an-ta-kka-un so-sik deu-reot-seum-ni-da | I heard the sad news. |
| 힘내세요. | him-nae-se-yo | Please stay strong. |
| 조문 왔습니다. | jo-mun wat-seum-ni-da | I came to pay my respects. |
| 고인의 명복을 빕니다. | go-in-ui myeong-bok-eul bim-ni-da | May the deceased rest in peace. |
| 어떤 도움이 필요하세요? | eo-tteon do-u-mi pil-yo-ha-se-yo? | Do you need any help? |
| 무슨 말로 위로를 드려야 할지 모르겠습니다. | mu-seun mal-lo wi-ro-reul deu-ryeo-ya hal-ji mo-reu-get-seum-ni-da | I don’t know what to say to comfort you. |
🧭 Things to Know: Attending a Korean Funeral
🧥 Dress Code & Appearance
- Wear black, gray, or navy formal clothing.
- Avoid bright colors. A black tie or white shirt is recommended.
- If female: wear modest, dark clothing with minimal accessories.
💸 부의금 (Condolence Money)
- Cash is usually placed in a white envelope with your name.
- Given to the family when entering the 빈소 (funeral hall).
- Common amounts: ₩30,000–₩100,000 depending on relationship.
🙏 Visiting the 빈소
- Bow in front of the 영정사진 (portrait) and offer incense or flowers.
- Sign the guest book.
- Offer a short bow to the 상주 (chief mourner) and say a condolence phrase.
🍲 After the Visit
- Guests are often offered a meal (such as 장례 국밥 – funeral soup) in a communal space.
- Declining the meal is okay if you must leave early, but staying briefly is seen as respectful.
🧠 Bonus Vocabulary Related to Funerals & Mourning
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 국화 | guk-hwa | Chrysanthemum (used in funerals) |
| 사망 | sa-mang | Death / passing |
| 유언 | yu-eon | Will / last words |
| 애도 | ae-do | Mourning |
| 추모 | chu-mo | Memorial / remembrance |
| 장의사 | jang-ui-sa | Funeral director |
| 부고 | bu-go | Obituary |
| 상복 | sang-bok | Mourning clothes |
| 묵념하다 | muk-nyeom-ha-da | To observe a moment of silence |
| 발인 | bal-in | Funeral procession / departure ceremony |
🕊️ Cultural Notes on Korean Funerals
- Most funerals last for 3 days, with the third day being the 발인 (burial/cremation procession).
- Confucian traditions and Buddhist customs are often blended.
- Funerals are commonly held at hospital funeral halls (병원 장례식장).
- Showing respect and presence is often more important than long conversations.
- Avoid laughter or loud voices, even in the waiting room.
🎯 Vocabulary Quiz
- What is the Korean word for “condolence money”?
- How do you say “I pray for the repose of the deceased” in Korean?
- Translate: “I came to pay my respects.”
💬 Comment below if you’ve ever visited a Korean 장례식 or want help navigating funeral etiquette in Korean.
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