The significance of the numbers 3 and 9

[Shu2jack]

I have heard from different people that the numbers 3 and 9 are significant in Korean culture. I have heard the reasons for why that is, but does any one have any links or list any books to any independent (non TKD) sources for they are?

 

[Miles]

Never heard of that, though it would not surprise me. In Korea, the hotels don't generally have a 4th floor since "4" (sa) sounds like the hanja for "death." In the USA, we don't have 13th floors.....

Suggest you take a look at the Korean ministry of culture site-something like www.korea.net. Another interesting website is the English language version of the choson ilbo newspaper. The editorials are very Pro-American.

Miles

 

[arnisador]

Yes, the 4 issue arises in Japanese too, and for the same reason (hence yondan for 4th degree black belt, not shidan).

 

[Gemini]

Never heard this before. I'll ask Subumnim tomorrow night and get back to ya.