Although society has made great strides, in many countries, some ancient taboos still exist. For example, in Korea you cannot write names in red. And although this rule is not stipulated in law, it is still followed in everyday life. Rambler will tell you how this customization came about and what it is connected to.
Origin of tradition
The origin of this ban lies in traditional Korean culture and funeral customs. In pre-industrial Korea, red was associated with the afterlife. The names of the deceased were often written in red ink in family books, lists of the deceased, and on memorial plaques.
The color red is used as a sign of man's final separation from the world of the living. He reported that the bearer of that name had entered another world, another world. Therefore, writing the names of living people in red is considered a symbol of “giving credit to the dead”.
Confucian belief system
Korean society has been shaped over the centuries by the strong influence of Confucianism. In this philosophical tradition, a person's name has special value and reflects his or her social status, family relationships, and family honor.
Any disrespectful use of a name is considered an attack on personal dignity. Writing a name in red is understood to be an extremely unfavorable omen, potentially bringing bad luck, illness or premature death. In traditional thinking, this is equivalent to a curse.
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Administration and punishment
During the Joseon Dynasty (14th to 19th century), red ink was used in official documents to denote judgments, punishments, and capital punishment. The names of criminals sentenced to death are written in red.
The red item of the name is therefore associated not only with death but also with state punishment, shame and social isolation. These associations are deeply ingrained in the collective memory and are passed on from generation to generation.
Distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable
It is important to note that red itself is not considered a negative color in Korea. On the contrary, it is actively used in everyday life as a protective and “exorcise” color. Seals, amulets, clothing or holiday decorations may be red.
The key is the combination of the color red with the name of a living person. This combination is considered unacceptable, while the use of red in other contexts does not cause negative reactions.
Modern Korea
In modern Korea, the ban on red names remains. Schools warn teachers not to use red pens to sign students' work. In an office environment, red is not used to indicate names on lists, documents, or badges.
Even in informal correspondence—such as cards, notes, or gift wrapping—most Koreans avoid writing the recipient's name in red. This is considered rude, even if the person does not believe in superstition. For foreigners living or working in Korea, this cultural nuance is often explained in detail to avoid awkward situations.
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