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경조사

A2 noun 9 min read

경조사

gyeongjosa

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 경조사 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 경조사 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '경조사' frequently, but you will start seeing it in basic vocabulary lists related to family and social life. You should understand that it refers to big events like weddings (결혼식) and funerals (장례식). At this stage, think of it as a label for 'Big Family Days.' You might encounter it in simple sentences like 'I have a family event today' (오늘 경조사가 있어요). The focus is on recognizing that Korean society places a high value on these collective gatherings. You should learn that when someone says '경조사,' they are talking about something more important than just a party. It is a formal matter that usually involves the whole family. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand why your Korean friends might suddenly be busy on a Saturday or why they are wearing a suit to go somewhere.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '경조사' to explain your schedule or understand basic announcements. You are learning to describe your daily life and social obligations. This word is perfect for explaining why you can't attend a meeting or why you are traveling to another city. For example, 'I am going to Busan for a family event' (경조사 때문에 부산에 가요). You should also begin to understand the concept of 'Gyeongjosa-bi' (money for events), even if you don't use the full term yet. You will hear this word in the workplace or among friends when they are talking about their plans for the weekend. It is a useful 'umbrella' word that saves you from having to explain exactly what the event is if you want to keep it general. You should also be aware that 'Gyeong' is for happy things and 'Jo' is for sad things.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social implications of '경조사.' This includes the concept of reciprocity—the idea that you attend someone's event because they attended yours or will attend yours in the future. You should be able to discuss the 'burden' of these events in terms of time and money. For example, you might say, 'During the wedding season, I have so many family events that it's stressful' (결혼 시즌이라 경조사가 많아서 스트레스예요). You will also start to see this word in more formal contexts, such as company policies regarding leave. You should be able to use the word to describe social customs in Korea compared to your own country. At this level, you are moving beyond just knowing what the word means to understanding how it functions as a social glue in Korean culture.

At the B2 level, you can use '경조사' in discussions about social trends and economic issues. You might hear or read about how the 'Gyeongjosa culture' is changing with the younger generation, who might prefer smaller weddings or simplified rituals. You should be able to use the word in complex sentences with various grammatical structures. For instance, 'The culture of giving money at family events is a unique way for Koreans to help each other' (경조사비 문화는 한국인들이 서로 돕는 독특한 방식입니다). You should also be comfortable with related terms like '경조사 휴가' (family event leave) and understand the nuances of etiquette required for different types of 'Gyeongjosa.' You can participate in debates about whether these traditions are still necessary in modern society or if they have become too much of a financial burden.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the historical and Confucian roots of '경조사.' You can discuss the word in the context of 'Pumasi' (mutual aid) and how it has evolved from agricultural community traditions to urban corporate life. You can use the word in academic or professional writing without hesitation. You understand the subtle differences between '경조사,' '관혼상제,' and '의례.' You can interpret news articles that use '경조사' as a metric for social connectivity or economic health. You are also aware of the legal aspects, such as the 'Kim Young-ran Act' (Anti-corruption law) and how it limits the amount of money or gifts one can give at 'Gyeongjosa' to public officials. Your usage of the word reflects a high degree of cultural fluency.

At the C2 level, you use '경조사' with the precision of a native speaker. You can analyze the linguistic nuances of the word and its Hanja components in literature or high-level social commentary. You understand how the term is used in legal contracts, corporate bylaws, and philosophical discourses on the nature of human relationships in Korea. You can speak eloquently about the psychological pressure of 'Gyeongjosa' and the sociological role it plays in maintaining hierarchy and group harmony. You might even use it metaphorically in creative writing to describe the cycles of life. Your understanding extends to the most obscure etiquette rules associated with 'Gyeongjosa,' and you can navigate any such event with perfect social grace, understanding exactly what the term implies in every possible context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

경조사 in 30 Seconds

A collective term for weddings (celebrations) and funerals (condolences).
Highly significant in Korean social life and professional networking.
Involves the custom of giving cash gifts (Gyeongjosa-bi) in envelopes.
Used frequently to explain schedules, finances, or company leave policies.

The Korean word 경조사 (Gyeong-jo-sa) is a compound noun derived from three distinct Hanja (Sino-Korean) characters: 경 (慶 - Gyeong) meaning 'celebration' or 'congratulations,' 조 (弔 - Jo) meaning 'condolence' or 'mourning,' and 사 (事 - Sa) meaning 'affair' or 'matter.' Together, it translates literally to 'matters of celebration and mourning.' In a broader social context, it refers to the major life events of family, friends, and colleagues that require social attendance and often financial contributions, such as weddings, funerals, first birthdays (doljanchi), and 60th or 70th birthday celebrations.

The 'Gyeong' (慶) Aspect: This covers the happy milestones. Weddings are the most prominent, but it also includes births, housewarming parties (jipdeuri), and significant promotions. In Korean culture, these are opportunities to share joy and strengthen communal bonds.

나이가 들수록 경조사에 참석할 일이 많아집니다. (As you get older, the occasions to attend family events increase.)

The 'Jo' (弔) Aspect: This covers the somber events, primarily funerals. In Korea, attending a funeral is considered a paramount duty to show respect to the deceased and support the grieving family. Unlike some Western cultures where funerals might be private, Korean funerals are often large social obligations.

Understanding 경조사 is essential for anyone living or working in Korea because it dictates much of the social calendar and personal budget. For professionals, it is common for companies to have specific policies regarding 'Gyeongjosa leave' and even provide floral wreaths (geunjo-hwan or chuk-ha-hwan) on behalf of the employee. It is not merely a social outing; it is a fundamental pillar of maintaining 'In-maek' (social networks/connections).

회사에서 경조사 비용을 일부 지원해 줍니다. (The company supports a portion of the expenses for family events.)

The 'Sa' (事) Aspect: This refers to the 'affair' or the logistical side. It encompasses the planning, the monetary exchange (Gyeongjosa-bi), and the etiquette required for these specific ceremonies. It implies that these are not just random happenings but structured social events.

Ultimately, 경조사 represents the collective nature of Korean society where the milestones of an individual are shared and supported by the community. Whether it is the bright white of a wedding or the somber black of a funeral, these 'matters' are what bind families and colleagues together over decades.

Using 경조사 in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as a collective noun. It is most frequently paired with verbs like 챙기다 (to take care of/attend to), 참석하다 (to attend), and 있다 (to have/exist). Because it encompasses multiple types of events, it is often used when speaking generally about one's social obligations or financial planning.

이번 달에는 경조사가 유난히 많아서 지출이 컸어요. (There were so many family events this month that my expenses were high.)

In this example, 경조사 functions as the subject. It highlights the financial burden that often accompanies these events in Korea. Since guests are expected to bring 'Gyeongjosa-bi' (cash in an envelope), having multiple events in a single month can significantly impact a person's disposable income.

Verb Pairing: 챙기다 (To take care of): This verb implies a sense of duty. To '챙기다' your Gyeongjosa means to make sure you don't miss important events of people you are close to and that you prepare the appropriate gift or money. It shows social competence.

지인들의 경조사를 일일이 다 챙기기는 쉽지 않다. (It is not easy to attend every single family event of your acquaintances.)

Verb Pairing: 참석하다 (To attend): This is a more formal way to say you are going to the event. It is used in professional settings or when discussing official schedules.

You will also see 경조사 used in administrative contexts. For instance, '경조사 휴가' refers to the leave granted by an employer for weddings or funerals. In these cases, the word acts as a modifier for the noun that follows.

부친상을 당해 경조사 휴가를 신청했습니다. (I applied for family event leave due to my father's passing.)

Contextual Nuance: While the word includes both happy and sad events, in conversation, the specific event is usually mentioned if it's known (e.g., '결혼식' or '장례식'). Use 경조사 when you want to summarize multiple events or speak about the category of social obligations as a whole.

Finally, in formal announcements or invitations, 경조사 might appear in the title of a company bulletin board or a personal calendar category. It is a sophisticated way to manage the 'human affairs' that define Korean social life.

The word 경조사 is ubiquitous in Korean life, but the context in which you hear it changes depending on the setting. In the workplace, it is a constant topic of discussion. If a colleague is getting married or has lost a family member, the HR department will often send out a mass email or KakaoTalk message titled '경조사 알림' (Notice of Family Event).

사내 게시판에 동료의 경조사 공지가 올라왔어요. (An announcement about a colleague's family event was posted on the company bulletin board.)

In a domestic setting, you will hear adults—especially those in their 30s to 60s—discussing their monthly budget. Because 경조사비 (money for family events) can range from 50,000 to over 200,000 KRW per event, it is a significant financial consideration. Parents might tell their children about an upcoming wedding of a relative, categorizing it under the general umbrella of 'taking care of Gyeongjosa.'

News and Media: You will frequently see this word in news headlines discussing the 'burden of Gyeongjosa' during economic downturns. Journalists often use it to analyze social trends, such as the rise of 'No-show Gyeongjosa' (sending money but not attending) or the trend of 'Small Gyeongjosa' (minimalist ceremonies).

Banks and financial apps also use this word. Many Koreans have a separate 'Gyeongjosa account' where they save money specifically for these occasions. When you open a banking app like KakaoBank or Toss, you might see a category or a tag for 경조사 to help you track these specific expenses.

요즘은 경조사 봉투에 이름을 쓰는 법도 잊어버린 사람이 많아요. (These days, many people have even forgotten how to write their names on family event envelopes.)

Legal and Administrative: When applying for a passport, visa, or even emergency leave from the military, the term 경조사 is used as a valid reason for urgent processing or leave. It is a recognized legal category for personal affairs that require immediate attention.

In summary, whether it's a casual complaint among friends about the cost of living, a formal HR email, or a news report on changing social customs, 경조사 is the standard term used to describe the complex web of social celebrations and mourning rituals that define Korean communal life.

While 경조사 is a common word, learners of Korean often make specific mistakes in its usage, particularly regarding its scope and the verbs it pairs with. One of the most common errors is using it to refer to casual social gatherings like birthday parties or weekend hangouts with friends. 경조사 is strictly for formal, significant life milestones.

틀린 예: 친구들과 내일 경조사가 있어요. (Wrong: I have a 'family event' with friends tomorrow—when meaning a casual party.)

In the example above, if it's just a casual meet-up, you should use '약속' (appointment/plan) or '모임' (gathering). Using 경조사 implies something much more formal, like a wedding or a funeral, which would be an unusual way to describe a simple hangout.

Confusing 'Gyeong' and 'Jo': Another mistake is forgetting that the word covers both happy and sad events. Some learners mistakenly use it only for 'celebrations.' If you want to talk specifically about a happy event, use '경사' (Gyeong-sa). If you only mean a funeral or a death, use '조사' (Jo-sa) or '상' (Sang). 경조사 is the umbrella term.

A grammatical mistake often involves the particle usage. Since 경조사 is a noun representing a category of events, you 'attend' them (에 참석하다) or 'take care of' them (를 챙기다). Learners sometimes confuse these with simple action verbs.

맞는 예: 경조사에 참석하기 위해 고향에 내려왔습니다. (Correct: I came down to my hometown to attend a family event.)

Misunderstanding the Money Culture: In English, we might say 'I gave a gift for the wedding.' In Korean, while '선물' (gift) is used, for 경조사, the standard is 'money.' Using the word '경조사' without understanding that it almost always implies a financial obligation can lead to social faux pas.

Lastly, don't use the word for your own events when talking to superiors. While you can say '저희 집에 경조사가 있어서...' (Because there is a family event at my house...), it is often more polite to specify the event to provide clarity and respect the listener's time.

To truly master 경조사, it is helpful to compare it with other words that describe events or social gatherings. While 경조사 is the most comprehensive term for life milestones, other words offer more specific nuances.

경사 (慶事 - Gyeong-sa) vs. 조사 (弔事 - Jo-sa): These are the two components of 경조사. '경사' refers only to happy events (weddings, births), while '조사' refers only to sad events (funerals). Use these when you want to be specific about the mood of the occasion.

집안에 경사가 났어요! (A happy event has occurred in the family! - e.g., someone passed a difficult exam or got married.)

행사 (行事 - Haeng-sa): '행사' is a much broader term meaning 'event' or 'ceremony.' It can include company workshops, school festivals, or public concerts. Unlike 경조사, it doesn't necessarily carry the heavy burden of family obligation or reciprocal cash gifts.

Another term often heard is 관혼상제 (Gwan-hon-sang-je). This is a more traditional and academic term referring to the four major rites of passage: coming-of-age, marriage, funeral, and ancestral rites. While 경조사 is used in daily modern life, 관혼상제 is used when discussing history, tradition, or formal ethics.

한국의 전통적인 관혼상제 문화는 매우 복잡합니다. (Korea's traditional rites of passage culture is very complex.)

의례 (儀禮 - Ui-rye): This means 'ritual' or 'etiquette.' It is often used to describe the formal procedures within a 경조사. For example, '장례 의례' (funeral rituals). It focuses on the 'how' rather than the 'what.'

In summary, use 경조사 for the social and practical reality of life's ups and downs, 경사/조사 for specific moods, 행사 for general events, and 관혼상제 for formal or historical discussions of life cycles.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, these events were the primary way for a village to redistribute wealth and labor. If one house had a funeral, the whole village stopped working to help.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ɡjʌŋ.dzo.sa

US ɡjʌŋ.dzo.sa

The stress is equal on all three syllables, typical of Korean word structure.

Rhymes With

조사 (Jo-sa) 기사 (Gi-sa) 역사 (Yeok-sa) 의사 (Ui-sa) 행사 (Haeng-sa) 축사 (Chuk-sa) 대사 (Dae-sa) 상사 (Sang-sa)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Gyeong' as 'Gwang'.
Making the 'j' in 'jo' too hard like 'ch'.
Confusing the word with 'Gyeong-ju' (the city).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts once the Hanja roots are known.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the correct Hanja-derived spelling.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward and follows standard rules.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in office and family settings.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

결혼식 장례식 가족 친구 돈

Learn Next

부조금 축의금 조의금 화환 답례품

Advanced

관혼상제 상부상조 품앗이 허례허식

Grammar to Know

Noun + 때문에 (Because of)

경조사 때문에 바빠요.

Noun + 에 참석하다 (Attend)

경조사에 참석했어요.

Noun + 을/를 챙기다 (Take care of)

경조사를 잘 챙겨야 해요.

Noun + 비 (Fee/Cost suffix)

경조사비가 많이 들어요.

Noun + 마다 (Every)

경조사마다 정장을 입어요.

Examples by Level

오늘 경조사가 있어요.

I have a family event today.

'이/가 있어요' is used to indicate existence.

경조사 때문에 바빠요.

I am busy because of family events.

'때문에' expresses a reason.

이것은 경조사 봉투예요.

This is a family event envelope.

'예요' is the polite ending for 'to be'.

주말에 경조사에 가요.

I am going to a family event on the weekend.

'에 가요' means 'going to'.

경조사가 많아요.

There are many family events.

'많아요' means 'there are many'.

경조사는 중요해요.

Family events are important.

'은/는' is the topic marker.

어제 경조사가 있었어요.

There was a family event yesterday.

'있었어요' is the past tense of '있다'.

친구가 경조사에 왔어요.

A friend came to the family event.

'에 왔어요' means 'came to'.

경조사비를 준비했어요.

I prepared the money for the family event.

'비' added to a noun means 'cost' or 'fee'.

회사 동료의 경조사에 참석해요.

I am attending a colleague's family event.

'참석하다' means 'to attend'.

경조사 휴가를 쓸 수 있어요?

Can I use family event leave?

'-을 수 있어요?' asks for possibility.

경조사가 있을 때 정장을 입어요.

I wear a suit when there is a family event.

'-(으)ㄹ 때' means 'when'.

이번 달은 경조사가 세 번이나 있어요.

There are as many as three family events this month.

'이나' emphasizes a large number.

경조사 소식을 들었어요.

I heard the news of the family event.

'소식' means 'news'.

가족 경조사라서 꼭 가야 해요.

I must go because it's a family event.

'-아/어야 해요' means 'must'.

경조사 장소가 어디예요?

Where is the location of the family event?

'장소' means 'location'.

한국에서는 경조사를 챙기는 것이 사회생활의 기본이에요.

In Korea, taking care of family events is the basis of social life.

'-는 것' turns a verb into a noun phrase.

경조사비가 부담스러워서 걱정이에요.

I'm worried because the cost of family events is burdensome.

'부담스럽다' means 'to be burdensome'.

갑작스러운 경조사 때문에 일정을 취소했어요.

I canceled my schedule because of a sudden family event.

'갑작스러운' means 'sudden'.

경조사에 못 갈 때는 돈만 보낼 때도 있어요.

When I can't go to a family event, sometimes I just send money.

'-을 때도 있어요' means 'there are times when'.

친한 사이일수록 경조사를 더 잘 챙겨야 해요.

The closer you are, the better you should take care of family events.

'-을수록' means 'the more..., the more...'.

부모님께 경조사 예절을 배웠어요.

I learned the etiquette for family events from my parents.

'예절' means 'etiquette'.

회사에서 경조사비를 지원해 줍니다.

The company provides support for family event expenses.

'지원하다' means 'to support'.

경조사 공고가 게시판에 붙어 있어요.

A family event notice is posted on the bulletin board.

'-아/어 있다' indicates a state.

최근에는 경조사 문화가 간소화되는 추세입니다.

Recently, there is a trend of family event culture becoming simplified.

'-는 추세이다' means 'is a trend'.

경조사를 통해 인간관계를 확인할 수 있습니다.

You can confirm your human relationships through family events.

'통해' means 'through'.

불황일수록 경조사비 지출이 더 큰 부담으로 다가옵니다.

During a recession, spending on family events becomes a bigger burden.

'불황' means 'recession'.

경조사 휴가 규정은 회사마다 조금씩 다릅니다.

Family event leave regulations differ slightly from company to company.

'마다' means 'every' or 'each'.

모바일 청첩장으로 경조사를 알리는 경우가 많아졌어요.

There are more cases of announcing family events via mobile invitations.

'-아/어지다' indicates a change in state.

경조사 때마다 어떤 옷을 입어야 할지 고민이에요.

Every time there's a family event, I worry about what to wear.

'-을지 고민이다' means 'to worry about whether to'.

그는 모든 경조사를 빠짐없이 챙기기로 유명해요.

He is famous for attending every single family event without fail.

'빠짐없이' means 'without exception'.

경조사는 단순한 행사가 아니라 상부상조의 정신이 담겨 있습니다.

Family events are not just ceremonies; they contain the spirit of mutual aid.

'A 아니라 B' means 'not A but B'.

한국의 경조사 문화는 공동체 의식을 강화하는 역할을 합니다.

Korea's family event culture plays a role in strengthening community spirit.

'-하는 역할을 하다' means 'to play a role in'.

김영란법 시행 이후 경조사비의 상한선이 정해졌습니다.

After the enforcement of the Kim Young-ran Act, a ceiling was set for family event gifts.

'상한선' means 'upper limit/ceiling'.

경조사를 치르느라 정신없이 바쁜 한 주를 보냈습니다.

I had a frantically busy week dealing with family events.

'-느라' indicates a reason for a result, usually negative.

현대 사회에서도 경조사는 여전히 중요한 인맥 관리의 수단입니다.

Even in modern society, family events are still an important means of networking.

'수단' means 'means' or 'tool'.

경조사 참석 여부는 상대방과의 친밀도를 나타내는 척도가 되기도 합니다.

Whether or not one attends a family event can be a measure of intimacy with the other person.

'척도' means 'measure' or 'gauge'.

일부에서는 과도한 경조사 문화가 허례허식이라고 비판하기도 합니다.

Some criticize the excessive family event culture as mere empty formalities.

'허례허식' means 'empty formalities'.

경조사 알림을 받을 때마다 기쁨보다 걱정이 앞서는 것이 현실입니다.

The reality is that every time I receive a family event notice, worry comes before joy.

'A보다 B가 앞서다' means 'B comes before A'.

그 기업은 직원의 경조사를 세심하게 배려하는 복지 정책을 갖추고 있습니다.

The company has a welfare policy that meticulously considers employees' family events.

'세심하게' means 'meticulously'.

경조사는 한 인간의 생애 주기에서 겪게 되는 희로애락의 집약체라 할 수 있습니다.

Family events can be called the epitome of the joys and sorrows experienced in a person's life cycle.

'집약체' means 'epitome' or 'aggregation'.

관혼상제로 대변되는 전통적 경조사 관습이 핵가족화와 함께 변모하고 있습니다.

Traditional family event customs, represented by the four rites, are transforming along with the trend toward nuclear families.

'변모하다' means 'to transform'.

경조사비의 액수를 두고 벌어지는 눈치싸움은 한국 사회의 단면을 보여줍니다.

The battle of wits over the amount of family event money shows a cross-section of Korean society.

'단면' means 'cross-section'.

디지털 시대에 접어들며 경조사 문화에도 '비대면'이라는 새로운 패러다임이 등장했습니다.

As we enter the digital age, a new paradigm of 'non-face-to-face' has appeared in family event culture.

'패러다임' is the loanword for 'paradigm'.

경조사는 개인의 사적인 영역을 넘어 사회적 연대감을 확인하는 기제로 작용합니다.

Family events act as a mechanism for confirming social solidarity beyond the private sphere of the individual.

'기제' means 'mechanism'.

예법에 어긋나지 않게 경조사를 치르는 것은 가문의 품격과 직결되는 문제였습니다.

Conducting family events without violating etiquette was a matter directly linked to the dignity of the clan.

'직결되다' means 'to be directly linked'.

경조사 부조금의 상호 호혜적 성격은 한국적 자본주의의 독특한 풍경을 자아냅니다.

The reciprocal nature of family event contributions creates a unique landscape of Korean capitalism.

'상호 호혜적' means 'mutually reciprocal'.

사회적 거리두기 기간 동안 경조사 풍속도는 그 어느 때보다 급격한 변화를 맞이했습니다.

During the period of social distancing, the landscape of family event customs faced a more rapid change than ever before.

'풍속도' means 'landscape of customs'.

Synonyms

관혼상제 경사 조사 행사 의례 대사 잔치 상

Antonyms

일상 평일 무소식 사사로운 일

Common Collocations

경조사를 챙기다

경조사에 참석하다

경조사비 지출

경조사 휴가

경조사 봉투

경조사 알림

경조사가 겹치다

경조사를 치르다

경조사 답례

가족 경조사

Common Phrases

경조사비 부담

— The financial stress caused by giving money at weddings and funerals.

직장인들에게 경조사비 부담은 작지 않습니다.

경조사 공지

— An official announcement of a wedding or funeral, usually in an office.

사내 게시판에 경조사 공지가 올라왔다.

경조사 예절

— The proper etiquette and manners required for attending these events.

한국의 경조사 예절은 복잡할 수 있습니다.

경조사 명부

— A list of people who attended and the amount of money they gave.

나중에 갚기 위해 경조사 명부를 작성합니다.

경조사 지원

— Financial or logistical support provided by a company for an employee's event.

우리 회사는 경조사 지원이 잘 되어 있어요.

경조사 대행

— Services that attend events or send flowers on behalf of someone.

바쁜 사람들을 위한 경조사 대행 서비스가 있다.

경조사 시즌

— Specific times of the year (like spring or autumn) when many weddings occur.

경조사 시즌이라 주말마다 바쁘네요.

경조사 문자

— A text message sent to inform others about a wedding or funeral.

모르는 번호로 경조사 문자가 왔어요.

경조사 화환

— Large flower wreaths sent to congratulatory or condolence halls.

결혼식장 입구에 경조사 화환이 가득합니다.

경조사 불참

— Not attending a family event (often followed by sending money instead).

부득이하게 경조사 불참 소식을 전했습니다.

Often Confused With

경조사 vs 행사

Haengsa is for any event (concerts, meetings), while Gyeongjosa is strictly for major life milestones like weddings/funerals.

경조사 vs 기념일

Giniyeom-il means 'anniversary' (like a couple's 100 days), whereas Gyeongjosa refers to formal ceremonies.

경조사 vs 약속

Yaksok is a casual appointment or promise; Gyeongjosa is a formal social obligation.

Idioms & Expressions

"경조사를 쫓아다니다"

— To be very busy attending every single social event of acquaintances.

그는 인맥 관리를 위해 경조사를 쫓아다닌다.

Informal

"경조사비로 기둥뿌리 뽑힌다"

— To spend so much money on family events that it ruins one's finances (exaggeration).

이번 달은 경조사가 너무 많아 기둥뿌리 뽑히겠어.

Slang/Idiomatic

"얼굴 도장 찍다"

— To show up at an event briefly just so people know you were there.

경조사에 가서 얼굴 도장만 찍고 왔어요.

Informal

"부조를 하다"

— To help out with money or labor at a family event.

친구 결혼식에 넉넉히 부조를 했다.

Neutral

"상부상조"

— Mutual help (the core philosophy behind Gyeongjosa).

한국의 경조사 문화는 상부상조의 전통에서 왔다.

Formal

"품앗이"

— Reciprocal exchange of labor or gifts.

경조사비는 일종의 품앗이 성격이 강하다.

Neutral

"먼 사촌보다 가까운 이웃"

— A close neighbor is better than a distant relative (often proven at Gyeongjosa).

경조사 때 도와주는 이웃을 보니 정말 가족 같다.

Proverb

"기쁨은 나누면 배가 되고 슬픔은 나누면 반이 된다"

— Joy shared is joy doubled; sorrow shared is sorrow halved (often said regarding Gyeongjosa).

경조사에 함께하는 이유는 슬픔을 나누기 위해서입니다.

Proverb

"눈치껏 내다"

— To give an amount of money that is appropriate for the relationship without being too much or too little.

경조사비는 분위기를 봐서 눈치껏 내야 해요.

Informal

"봉투를 돌리다"

— To pass around an envelope (collecting money for a group gift).

사무실에서 팀장님 자녀 결혼식 봉투를 돌렸다.

Informal

Easily Confused

경조사 vs 경사

Both start with 'Gyeong'.

Gyeong-sa is ONLY happy events. Gyeong-jo-sa is happy AND sad events.

집안에 경사가 났어요! vs 이번 달에 경조사가 많아요.

경조사 vs 조사

Both contain 'Jo' and 'Sa'.

Jo-sa (弔事) is only for mourning. Jo-sa (調査) means 'investigation'. Context is key.

조사를 가다 (Go to a funeral) vs 조사를 하다 (Conduct a survey).

경조사 vs 관혼상제

They cover the same topics.

Gwan-hon-sang-je is a more academic/traditional four-character idiom. Gyeongjosa is the modern everyday term.

관혼상제는 유교의 핵심입니다. vs 경조사비가 너무 비싸요.

경조사 vs 잔치

Both refer to gatherings.

Janchi is an informal party/feast. Gyeongjosa is a formal category.

생일 잔치 vs 경조사 참석.

경조사 vs 모임

Both involve people meeting.

Moim is a general gathering/club meeting. Gyeongjosa is a specific life rite.

동창 모임 vs 친척 경조사.

Sentence Patterns

N이/가 있어요

경조사가 있어요.

N 때문에 V

경조사 때문에 못 가요.

N을/를 챙기다

경조사를 챙겨야 해요.

N에 참석하다

경조사에 참석했어요.

N은/는 N(이)다

경조사는 중요한 행사예요.

V-느라 N

경조사를 치르느라 바빴어요.

N을/를 통해 V

경조사를 통해 정을 나눠요.

N(이)라는 N

경조사라는 사회적 관습.

Word Family

Nouns

경조사비 (money for events)

경조사 휴가 (event leave)

경조사 봉투 (event envelope)

Verbs

경조사를 챙기다 (to attend to events)

경조사를 치르다 (to conduct an event)

Adjectives

경조사가 잦다 (events are frequent)

결혼식 (wedding)

장례식 (funeral)

돌잔치 (1st birthday)

칠순 (70th birthday)

부조금 (monetary gift)

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially among adults and in business.

Common Mistakes

Using '경조사' for a casual party. → 약속 or 파티
Gyeongjosa is for formal life rites like weddings and funerals, not a Saturday night drink with friends.
Congratulating someone on a '경조사'. → 결혼 축하해요 (Congratulate the specific event)
Since Gyeongjosa includes funerals, saying 'Congratulations on your Gyeongjosa' is very inappropriate.
Using '경조사' only for happy events. → It includes both happy and sad events.
The 'Jo' (弔) part specifically refers to mourning.
Writing the name in red ink on the envelope. → Use black ink.
Red ink is taboo for names in Korea, especially at formal events.
Saying '경조사를 해요' (Doing a Gyeongjosa). → 경조사가 있어요 or 경조사를 치르다.
Gyeongjosa is usually something you 'have' or 'conduct/host', not just 'do'.

Tips

Envelope Etiquette

Always use a clean white envelope. Write your name vertically on the back left side, with your organization or relationship to the person.

Using the 'Bi' Suffix

Adding '비' (fee) to '경조사' makes it '경조사비,' which is the standard term for the cash gift given at these events.

The 5-10-15 Rule

Many people follow a 50k, 100k, 150k KRW rule for gifts based on the level of closeness.

HR Policy

Always check your company's 'Gyeongjosa' policy; you might be entitled to paid leave and a floral wreath paid for by the firm.

Shoes Matter

At many Gyeongjosa (especially traditional ones or funerals), you may need to take your shoes off. Wear clean, conservative socks.

Mobile Invites

Don't be offended by a mobile wedding invite; it's the standard in modern Korea. Just make sure to RSVP or send a gift.

Separate Savings

Many Koreans have a 'Gyeongjosa' bank account to avoid financial stress during peak wedding seasons.

Verb Choice

Use '챙기다' when you want to sound like a responsible adult who manages their social duties well.

Hanja Roots

Remembering 'Gyeong' (Celebrate) and 'Jo' (Mourn) helps you understand many other Korean words like 'Chuk-ha' or 'Jo-ui'.

Funeral Timing

Korean funerals usually last three days. You can visit anytime during those three days, but the second day is most common.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Gyeong' as 'Great Joy' (Celebration) and 'Jo' as 'Join the Sorrow' (Mourning). 'Sa' is just the 'Situation'.

Visual Association

Imagine a split screen: one side has a white wedding dress (Gyeong) and the other has a black suit (Jo). In the middle is a white envelope (Sa/Money).

Word Web

Wedding Funeral Money Envelope Suit Attendance Colleague Family

Challenge

Try to find the 'Gyeongjosa' section on a Korean office bulletin board or in a news app. Count how many times the word appears in a business context.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja). 慶 (경 - Gyeong) means 'to celebrate'. 弔 (조 - Jo) means 'to condole or mourn'. 事 (사 - Sa) means 'matter or business'.

Original meaning: Matters pertaining to celebration and mourning.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Never use bright red ink to write names on Gyeongjosa envelopes, as red ink is traditionally associated with death or removing someone from a family register.

In the West, people often send gifts from a registry for weddings. In Korea, cash is the absolute standard for Gyeongjosa.

The movie 'Ode to My Father' depicts many family milestones. K-Dramas often show scenes of people writing names on white envelopes before a wedding. The 'Kim Young-ran Act' is a famous law limiting Gyeongjosa spending for public officials.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Office/Workplace

경조사 휴가 신청
경조사 공지 확인
동료 경조사 챙기기
회사 경조사 지원금

Financial Planning

경조사비 예산
경조사비 봉투
경조사 지출 내역
경조사 통장

Social Life

주말 경조사 참석
친구 경조사 소식
경조사 예절 지키기
경조사 답례 인사

Family Talk

친척 경조사
집안 경조사
부모님 경조사 돕기
큰 경조사 치르기

News/Media

경조사 문화 변화
경조사비 부담 급증
간소한 경조사
경조사 에티켓

Conversation Starters

"이번 달에 경조사가 많으신가요? (Do you have many family events this month?)"

"한국의 경조사 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about Korea's family event culture?)"

"경조사비는 보통 얼마 정도 내세요? (How much do you usually give for family event money?)"

"회사에서 경조사 휴가를 며칠이나 줘요? (How many days of family event leave does your company give?)"

"친구 경조사 때문에 이번 주말에 고향에 가요. (I'm going to my hometown this weekend for a friend's family event.)"

Journal Prompts

이번 달에 참석한 경조사에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the family events you attended this month.)

자신의 나라와 한국의 경조사 문화를 비교해 보세요. (Compare the family event culture of your country and Korea.)

경조사비가 부담스러웠던 경험이 있나요? (Have you ever had an experience where family event money was burdensome?)

가장 기억에 남는 경조사는 무엇이었나요? (What was the most memorable family event?)

미래의 경조사 문화는 어떻게 변할까요? (How will family event culture change in the future?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Weddings and funerals are by far the most common. In your 20s and 30s, you will attend many weddings; as you get older, the number of funerals increases.

For a casual acquaintance, 50,000 KRW is standard. For a closer friend or colleague, 100,000 KRW is expected. If you are attending with your family, you should give more to cover the cost of the meals provided.

Not necessarily. If you are not very close, sending money via bank transfer is now widely accepted. However, for close friends or direct colleagues, physical attendance is highly valued.

For funerals, black or dark navy is mandatory. For weddings, any formal attire is fine, but guests (especially women) should avoid wearing all-white so as not to outshine the bride.

Because it is a valid reason for taking leave that is often protected by company policy. It is also how companies manage their internal social harmony.

No, it includes friends, colleagues, and even the family members of your colleagues. It covers your entire social network.

Usually no, unless it is a major milestone like a 1st birthday (Doljanchi) or 60th/70th birthday (Hwan-gap/Chil-sun). Regular birthdays are just 'Saeng-il'.

This is a common social issue in Korea. If you are truly struggling, you might choose not to attend and send a polite message, but it can be socially awkward.

It is a neutral to formal word. You can use it in everyday conversation, but it's also the correct term for official documents.

In Korea, you will receive a 'Cheong-cheop-jang' (wedding invitation) or a 'Bu-go' (funeral notice), often via mobile messaging apps.