Korean Death rituals

Korean Death Rituals

Everyone dies in the end and the customs and rites performed by the living vary depending upon ethnic beliefs, myths, and sometimes from religious ceremonies adopted from, or imposed by, any conquering tribe or race (Spencer 1991).
I decided to describe the views and practices regarding death of the Korean people. I have first hand knowledge to add to the essay because I spent an extended period of time there while I was in the military. I had the opportunity to attend the last rites and funeral of a friend’s relative so I can describe from personal experience what I have seen and what I experienced.
It is common for Koreans to believe that if a person dies from either illness or natural causes outside the home, their spirit will roam aimlessly then will eventually become a ghost ( gaekgwi ) (Woo 2000). Many Koreans take precautions to ensure that a relative who is near death is brought home. It is very important that family members surround the r...