Bujeok guide
Short, plain-language reads about Korean folk talismans: where they come from, what the colors and symbols mean, and how people keep them today.
- Where Korean talismans come fromFolk belief, Buddhism and Taoism, and how bujeok became part of everyday Korean life.
- Yellow paper, red ink: colors and symbolsWhy talismans are yellow and red, and what the sun, moon, clouds, knots and coins stand for.
- The Korean zodiac and Lunar New YearThe twelve animals, how your animal is counted, and a table of years to find your own.
- Seasonal wishes in KoreaSeollal, Ipchun, Daeboreum, Dano and Chuseok — the days Koreans traditionally make wishes.
- How people keep, give and retire a bujeokWhere to keep a talisman, giving one as a gift, and what to do with it when its time is up.
The ten wishes
Each wish has a plain Korean word at its heart. Tap one to learn what it means and how it’s used in Korea.
- LoveFor the heart you hope to find, or keep.
- WealthFor money that comes, and stays.
- ExamsFor the test that matters most.
- CareerFor the job, the raise, the leap.
- HealthFor healing, for you or someone you love.
- ProtectionFor safe roads and calm days.
- FamilyFor a home full of laughter.
- FriendshipFor the people meant to cross your path.
- New BeginningsFor the first step of something new.
- Peace of MindFor a quieter, lighter heart.