When discussing moving with students in my Korean class, I noticed many differences between Korea and other countries. So today, I thought I’d introduce you to some unique aspects of Korean moving culture. It might be fun to compare it to the moving traditions in your country as you read along!
Professional Moving Services and Ladder Trucks
One of the biggest differences between moving in Korea and other countries is the way household items are handled. In Korea, all furniture and belongings are packed up and moved to the new home. In contrast, I learned that in some other countries, people often leave behind their furniture and appliances, taking only their personal items when they move. When buying or selling a house, the price often includes the furniture and appliances.
In Korea, many people live in high-rise apartments, making ladder trucks essential for moving. On moving day, a team from the moving company arrives early in the morning with a ladder truck. They quickly and skillfully pack all your belongings into boxes and lower them down using the ladder truck. It’s impressive to watch the movers pack everything so precisely, cutting and fitting boxes around each item, adding padding for protection.
Once everything is packed up and loaded onto the truck, your apartment is completely empty. For those who have lived in the home for a long time, seeing the empty space can bring back memories and leave you with a bittersweet feeling.
Deep Cleaning Before Moving In
The new home you’re moving into will also be completely empty by the time you arrive. A day or two before moving in, Koreans usually hire a cleaning service for what’s called “입주청소” (move-in cleaning). The cleaning company thoroughly cleans and disinfects every corner of the new house, often making it feel as clean as a brand-new home. There’s something satisfying about walking into a spotless house, knowing it’s ready for you to start fresh.
Housewarming Parties
After settling in, it’s common to invite friends or family over for a meal, a tradition known as “집들이” (housewarming party). This is especially common for newlyweds moving into their first home together. There’s a fun custom where guests bring gifts like toilet paper or laundry detergent. Many of my foreign students found this amusing! While the exact origin isn’t clear, these gifts are practical and symbolize a wish for cleanliness and good fortune in the new home.
➤ Koreans seem to move more frequently than people in other countries for various reasons, which has led to the development of a well-organized moving and cleaning service industry. While housewarming parties remain a beloved tradition, other customs like offering rice cakes or small gifts to new neighbors have started to fade as people have less interaction with their neighbors.
Is the moving process in Korea different from what you’re used to? Feel free to share your thoughts!
