Prepare Condolence Money (부의금) Calmly and Simply

In Korea, guests normally bring condolence money in a plain envelope. This is called bui-geum (부의금). There is no gift registry or flowers from guests – just a quiet cash offering.

• Use a simple white or dark-colored envelope.
• In many cases, ₩50,000 is a common amount for colleagues or acquaintances.
• For closer relationships, people often give around ₩50,000–₩100,000 or more, depending on their situation.

한국에서는 화려한 선물 대신 부의금 봉투 하나로 마음을 전하는 문화입니다.
구체적인 “정답 금액”이 있는 것은 아니고, 보통은 5만 원 정도를 가장 많이 사용하고, 더 가까운 사이라면 5만~10만 원 선에서 본인의 형편과 관계에 맞게 조용히 결정하면 됩니다.

Arrival: Find the Mourning Room and Reception Desk

At the funeral hall, look for a board that lists the deceased’s name and the room number. Each room is called a bin-so (빈소).

Near the entrance of the room, you’ll see a reception desk with people sitting and guest books in front of them.

• Hand your envelope to the person at the desk.
• Write your name and affiliation (company, relationship) in the guest book.
• You may receive a meal ticket for the dining area.

빈소 앞 접수대에서 부의금을 건네고, 방명록에 이름과 소속을 적으면 조문이 공식적으로 기록됩니다.
이때 식사할 수 있는 식권을 함께 주는 장례식장도 많아요.

Greet the Bereaved Family: Bow, Prayer, or Handshake

After the reception desk, you’ll usually meet the bereaved family near the entrance of the room. You don’t need a long speech – a short, sincere gesture is enough.

Pay Respects to the Deceased: Incense or Flowers

Inside the room, you’ll see a portrait of the deceased and a table with incense or flowers. The exact ritual depends on religion, but foreigners can follow a simple, respectful version.

Option 1 · Offering a Flower (헌화)

• Take a chrysanthemum or white flower from the tray.
• Place it gently in front of the portrait, flower facing the portrait.
• Step back, stand straight, and bow your head for a short silent prayer.

Option 2 · Incense (분향, if present)

• Hold one stick of incense.
• Place it on the incense burner (often just lay it down rather than stick it in).
• Join your hands or keep them at your sides, then bow your head in silence.

종교에 따라 분향만 하거나, 꽃만 올리기도 합니다.
외국인 입장에서는 헌화만 해도 충분히 예의를 갖춘 것으로 받아들여지니 가장 편한 방식을 선택해도 괜찮아요.

Have a Simple Meal – And Don’t Worry About Staying Long

After paying respects, guests are usually invited to have a meal. This is often in a separate dining area in the same building.

• Use your meal ticket if you received one.
• Seats are usually free seating; sit anywhere that feels comfortable.
• The food is simple and warm – soups, rice, side dishes, sometimes meat.

한국 장례식장 식사는 예의의 연장선으로 보는 경우가 많지만, 오래 머무르는 자리는 아닙니다. 조용히 식사하고 일어나는 것만으로도 충분히 예를 갖춘 행동이에요.

How to Leave Quietly and Politely

When you are ready to leave, you don’t need a formal goodbye ceremony. Korean funerals value quiet respect more than long conversations.

• If you see the family again near the entrance, give a short bow.
• You can say “Take care of yourself” or “힘내세요” softly.
• Walk out calmly without loud talking or laughter.

떠날 때는 짧게, 조용하게, 방해 없이가 핵심입니다.
일부러 다시 찾아가 길게 인사하지 않아도 되고, 눈이 마주치면 한 번 더 고개 숙여 인사하는 정도면 충분해요.

Essential Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

Do · 이렇게 하면 좋아요

• Bring a simple condolence envelope.
• Write your name in the guest book.
• Offer a flower or incense and bow your head in silence.
• Wear dark, modest clothing.
• Eat quietly and leave without drawing attention.

Don’t · 피하면 좋은 행동

• Wear bright or flashy clothes.
• Use strong perfume.
• Speak loudly or laugh inside the hall.
• Take photos or videos – this is strongly discouraged.
• Ask detailed questions about the cause of death.

한국 장례식장의 핵심은 “조용한 배려”입니다.
위의 기본 매너만 지키면, 외국인 조문객이라도 누구에게나 예의 바르고 따뜻한 손님으로 보일 거예요.