Behind the Myth: The Deadly 4

Behind the Myth: Exploring Korean Tradition
This series of articles will shed light on some Korean myths, folklore, traditions and superstitions. Every country has their own share of beliefs, fact or fiction, and many foreigners living in Korea have not yet heard or understand the basis of various Korean beliefs that may be different from their own.

The Deadly 4

Article by  Stephen Redeker

Do you believe in “unlucky” numbers? In some western countries, the number 13 is considered to be bad luck. It is often avoided, and even the 13th day of the month, if it falls on a Friday, is considered to be an unlucky day. Sufferers of triskaidekaphobia are scared of anything labeled 13.

In the United States, the two-dollar bill was phased out because people believed using them brought bad luck. They are still printed, but are only available by request at the bank. On the flip side, the number seven is considered a “lucky” number, especially evident at casinos where a seven is a good dice roll at the craps table, or a “777” at the slot machines wins the jackpot. Nowadays, seven has been adopted as a lucky number in Korea. Traditionally, the number three was considered good luck.

In Korea, the number 4 is considered to be bad luck. It goes even further: this number is believed to symbolize death itself.  Unlike the unlucky number 13, which does not have a real explanation for the bad luck, the basis behind number 4’s superstition is logical. The Chinese character for the word “death” is pronounced “sah”. This is the same sound as the Korean word for “four”. For this reason, Koreans associate the number 4 with death, and thus consider it bad luck.

For example, some buildings don’t have a fourth floor and have elevators without the number 4 button (using the letter “F” instead). Table settings don’t come in sets of four, so you will find sets of two, three or five. Also, it is customary to give monetary gifts, but not in denominations of four. Thirty-thousand won or 50,000 won would be acceptable, but 40,000 won could be considered impolite.

The times are changing quickly in Korea, so the question about this unlucky number remains: Do Koreans still believe in this superstition? For the older generation, many still see 4 as a bad number and tend to avoid it. As for the younger Koreans, you’ll find mixed emotions on the topic. The youth is generally not as superstitious as the elders, so they see the number 4 as any other number and not worth a care.

However, there are still quite a few conservative-thinking young Koreans who do not appreciate the appearance of this number. They might ask for no 4s when signing up for a new phone number. They would probably be upset at reading “4:44” on the clock. While one four may not be bad, seeing 44 or more 4s consecutively would certainly be disturbing.

Even though the superstitious belief behind the number 4 is really just based on language, it’s important to understand and act accordingly. It might not be westerners’ particular belief that it brings bad luck, but when dealing with our Korean friends, family, co-workers and students, let’s consider the possibility that they might not welcome that number. By all means necessary, stick with odd numbers and avoid that dreaded 4.