Korean Housewarming Culture: Food, Gift, Traditions, and more!

If you’ve ever been invited to a Korean housewarming party — called Jipdeuri (집들이) — you’re in for a warm, welcoming, and uniquely Korean experience. A Korean housewarming isn’t just about showing off a new home; it’s a tradition that combines celebration, cultural meaning, and symbolic gifts that represent good fortune.

What is a Korean Housewarming (Jipdeuri)?

In Korean, “집 jip” means “house,” and “들이 deuri” means “entering.” Traditionally, it’s when someone moves into a new home and invites friends, relatives, or neighbors over for the first time. While housewarmings exist in many cultures, in Korea, they’re often accompanied by symbolic gifts, special foods, and a dash of superstition.

Koreans usually host a housewarming a few weeks (or months) after moving in, once the home is organized enough to welcome guests. Unlike in some countries, it’s common to invite not just close friends but also coworkers or neighbors.

Traditional Korean Housewarming Rituals

Traditionally, before officially settling into a new home, families held a ritual called “고사 gosa” (告祀). This was a shamanistic or ancestral rite to honor the Seongju-shin (성주신) — the guardian spirit of the house — and to ask for protection, prosperity, and peace for the family.

Offerings such as a pig’s head, fruits, rice, vegetables, and alcohol were placed on a table, and participants bowed to pray for good fortune. The ritual was also believed to ward off misfortune and invite blessings.

If you are interested in more superstitions related to Korean house culture, please click here to read my other post.

Modern Korean Housewarming Culture

These days, very few people hold the traditional ritual for housewarmings. Instead, it has become a social event where friends and family gather, share food, and exchange gifts. Traditionally, the host would prepare a variety of home-cooked dishes, but nowadays it’s just as common to order food from nearby restaurants to make things easier.

Typical housewarming foods are not only delicious but also symbolic in Korea.

• Rice and soup: As essential parts of every Korean meal, rice and soup represent the foundation of life and the wish for stability in the household.

• Galbijjim (갈비찜, braised short ribs): This rich and hearty dish is often served at celebrations. Because it takes time and care to prepare, it represents generosity and the host’s warm hospitality.

• Japchae (잡채, stir-fried glass noodles): With its long glass noodles, japchae symbolizes longevity and continuous prosperity. It’s one of the most popular festive foods in Korea.

• Tteok (떡, rice cakes): Rice cakes have long been associated with good fortune and abundance. Sharing tteok at a housewarming means sharing blessings with everyone present.

• Jeon (전, Korean pancakes): Savory pancakes made with seafood, vegetables, or mung beans. The sizzling sound and oil represent wealth and abundance, and since jeon is easy to share, it symbolizes togetherness and hospitality.

• Namul (나물, seasoned vegetables): Dishes made with wild greens or vegetables symbolize health, balance, and harmony with nature. They also carry the wish for long-lasting well-being in the new home.

• Bulgogi (불고기, marinated beef): Once considered a special treat, bulgogi symbolizes generosity and abundance. Its sweet, savory flavor makes it a favorite for celebrations.

• Kimchi-jjigae or Doenjang-jjigae (김치찌개, 된장찌개, stews): Stews represent warmth, stability, and the foundation of everyday life in a Korean household.

• Fruit platters: Fruits often symbolize prosperity and harmony. For example, apples stand for peace, pears for honesty, and persimmons for sweetness and abundance.

If you are invited to a housewarming, it is considered polite to compliment the food and show genuine appreciation to the host.

Best Korean Housewarming Gifts

When you’re invited to a Korean housewarming party, it’s customary to bring everyday household goods as gifts. The most common choices are toilet paper (in rolls, tissue boxes, or kitchen towels), laundry detergent, towels, or other practical hygiene items like shampoo. These gifts aren’t just convenient — they carry symbolic meaning.

Toilet Paper 🧻

This might sound funny to outsiders, but it’s actually symbolic — toilet paper rolls easily unravel, which represents your good luck and success “rolling out” smoothly in your new life.

Laundry Detergent, soap, shampoo 🫧

Detergent creates bubbles, symbolizing wealth and prosperity multiplying in the household.

Practicality is another reason these items are so popular. Essentials like tissues, soap, and detergent never expire, and since they are things every household constantly needs, they’re always appreciated. Plus, even if several guests bring the same gift, it’s not a problem — the more, the better.

For those who want to offer something less ordinary, here are some alternative gift ideas. Stylish lighting, air fresheners, bottles of wine or liquor, cooking oils, or decorative interior pieces make thoughtful options. While these may not be daily necessities, they add charm to a new home or come in handy when hosting guests. For many gift-givers, they strike a nice balance: meaningful without being overly burdensome to purchase.

Wrap-up

Jipdeuri is more than just a party. It’s about sharing joy, creating memories, and bringing good energy into a new home.

If you’re ever invited, don’t worry too much about doing it “perfectly.” Bring a thoughtful gift, enjoy the food, and most importantly — celebrate the new chapter together.

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