Korean Reading Practice

“상조 비용만 1000만원…조용히 보내드리고 싶다” 무빈소 장례 확산

📅 January 20, 2026

1Introduction

This reading explores the growing trend of “no-mourning hall” funerals in Korea, where families choose to hold private, simplified funeral services. We’ll examine the cultural and economic factors driving this shift away from traditional elaborate funeral practices toward more intimate family-centered ceremonies.

2Vocabulary

Korean Romanization Meaning Example
무빈소 mubinso no mourning hall 요즘 무빈소 장례가 늘어나고 있다.Nowadays, no mourning hall funerals are increasing.
장례 jangrae funeral 가족끼리 조용한 장례를 치렀다.The family held a quiet funeral together.
조문객 jomunkaek mourners, condolence visitors 조문객이 많이 줄어들었다.The number of mourners has decreased significantly.
빈소 binso mourning hall 빈소 사용료가 너무 비싸다.The mourning hall rental fee is too expensive.
안치실 anchisil mortuary room 안치실에서 간단히 장례를 지냈다.They held a simple funeral in the mortuary room.
부담 budam burden, pressure 경제적 부담 때문에 간소하게 했다.They simplified it due to economic burden.
확산 hwaksan spread, expansion 새로운 문화가 빠르게 확산되고 있다.The new culture is spreading rapidly.
신념 sinnyeom belief, conviction 가족의 신념에 따라 결정했다.They decided according to the family’s beliefs.
접객 jeopgaek hospitality, reception 접객 비용이 많이 든다.Hospitality costs are expensive.
발인 barin funeral procession 내일 오전에 발인할 예정이다.The funeral procession is scheduled for tomorrow morning.
치르다 chireuda to hold (ceremony) 결혼식을 성대하게 치렀다.They held a grand wedding ceremony.
조용히 joyonghi quietly, peacefully 조용히 보내드리고 싶었다.They wanted to send him off quietly.

3Reading Text

한국에서 전통적인 장례 문화가 변화하고 있다.

Traditional funeral culture in Korea is changing.

과거에는 3일장으로 많은 조문객을 맞이하는 것이 일반적이었다.

In the past, it was common to hold three-day funerals welcoming many mourners.

하지만 요즘에는 빈소 없이 가족끼리만 조용히 장례를 치르는 경우가 늘어나고 있다.

However, nowadays, cases of families holding quiet funerals together without mourning halls are increasing.

이러한 빈소 장례는 보통 2일장으로 진행되며, 안치실에서 간단히 치른다.

These no mourning hall funerals usually proceed as two-day ceremonies, held simply in mortuary rooms.

빈소 장례를 선택하는 주된 이유는 경제적 부담 때문이다.

The main reason for choosing no mourning hall funerals is economic burden.

빈소 사용료와 접객 비용이 상당하기 때문에 많은 가족들이 부담을 느낀다.

Many families feel burdened because mourning hall rental fees and hospitality costs are substantial.

또한 현대 사회에서는 가족 형태가 변화하고 조문 문화도 축소되고 있다.

Additionally, in modern society, family structures are changing and mourning culture is also shrinking.

많은 사람들이 고인을 조용히 보내드리는 것이 더 의미 있다고 생각하게 되었다.

Many people have come to think that sending off the deceased quietly is more meaningful.

4Comprehension Questions

Q1
What is the main difference between traditional Korean funerals and the new trend described in the text?
Q2
How long do no mourning hall funerals typically last, and where are they held?
Q3
What are the main economic factors that make families choose simpler funeral services?
Q4
How have changes in family structure and social customs influenced funeral practices?
Q5
What philosophical reason do families give for preferring quieter funeral ceremonies?

5Cultural Notes

Traditional Korean funerals have historically been elaborate three-day affairs emphasizing Confucian values of filial piety and community support. The shift toward simpler ceremonies reflects broader changes in Korean society, including urbanization, smaller family sizes, and evolving attitudes about debt and social obligations. This trend represents a significant departure from centuries-old customs that prioritized public mourning and extensive hospitality for visitors.

Source: Naver News |
Original Article

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