6/25 Talk about funerals in Korea.

When someone passes away, the family members normally rent out a funeral parlor at a hospital.

* funeral parlor: 장례식장, 빈소

ex> The funeral parlor was crowded with mourners.

The wake goes on for two days. Mourners normally dress in black and come to pay their respects.

* wake: 철야 애도 기간

* pay one’s respect: 경의를 표하다

ex> Everyone paid their respect to those who lost their lives in the accident.

The remaining family stays at the parlor to greet the guests. Funeral-goers perform ceremonial bows and offer money gifts to express their sympathy.

* express one’s sympathy: 애도의 뜻을 전하다

ex> We expressed our sympathy to his family members.

When the wake is over, the body is taken to either the burial site or the crematorium.

* burial site: 장지, 묘소

ex> We all headed for the burial site.

Only the remaining family and close friends attend this last stage of the funeral. There are funeral agencies that offer packages for funerals. Many people make use of these companies.

* funeral agency: 상조 회사

ex> Funeral agencies provide one-stop services.

@ Now is not a good time.  지금은 좋은 타이밍이 아니야.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I always cry whenever I go to a funeral parlor.

2. I’d like to pay my respect to your efforts.

3. I expressed my sympathy to him.

4. There aren't enough burial sites in Korea.

@ Related Topics>> Funeral Services (2011.9.30)