Behind the Myth: Whistling with Consequences

Behind the Myth: Exploring Korean Tradition

By Stephen Redeker

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.

Whistling with consequences

There are a number of social faux pas that people avoid doing in public, as not to bother those around them. For example: using offensive language, coughing or sneezing in someone’s face, and speaking loudly on your mobile phone in the subway or on the bus. Among others, these are actions we refrain from around strangers (although they seem to occur more than often). Would you consider adding whistling to the list?
The art of the whistle can evoke a few different reactions depending on where you are in the world. Most western countries regard whistling in a positive light. An elderly man enjoying a walk while whistling his favorite tune on an ideal day might be a pleasant memory many of us have from our childhood days. Those who whistle as a habit tend to do so when they feel no stress. Let’s not forget all the recorded music which contains whistling, or the tunes handed down by generations of whistlers (“Camptown Races” comes to mind).

The innocent, “everything is right with the world” emotions induced from the sound of joyful whistling ends in Korea. It’s met with a different reaction in this part of the world. Young people aside, many Koreans frown upon the act of public whistling. Those who are superstitious are especially likely to tell you to stop whistling if they hear it. What’s the big deal? Why is such a lighthearted act met with such disdain?

Whistling in public is very unusual for normally reserved Koreans, but it goes a bit beyond being shy. Just like many other Korean myths, the main culprit is superstition. It’s said that whistling, especially at night, will attract snakes and/or ghosts. Similar to the story of the Pied Piper who used his flute to round up all the rats in the city, the sound of your whistle (or playing the flute) in the cool night air will bring about evil spirits, hissing reptiles, and who knows whatever else.
Do people actually believe this is true? Possibly not, but this is the reason why whistling is frowned upon by many. It might go back to the early days before Korea had widespread electricity. Candles and oil were at a premium. Families would go to sleep early in order to wake up at dawn and tend to their farm. Children often played woodwind instruments and parents needed a way to keep them quiet after the sun went down. This is the most likely reason why the myth came about in the first place. It has survived through the generations and today it still keeps whistlers at bay.

Have you noticed any Koreans walking around and whistling? Probably not. Learning how to whistle is not a part of the maturing process for young Koreans. What about foreigners? Should you continue to whistle while out and about? Unless you want to elicit the displeasure of a nearby ajumma, it’s best to steer clear of your whistling ways.

A version of this article appeared in the March 2012 Gwangju News print edition.