Korean Funeral Condolence Money Calculator
Last updated: 2026-06-25
The right Korean funeral condolence money depends on relationship and closeness: typically ₩50,000 for a coworker or acquaintance, ₩100,000 for a close friend or colleague, and ₩100,000–300,000 for a very close tie or near relative.
Like wedding gift money, condolence money is customarily set to odd numbers (₩30,000, ₩50,000, ₩70,000) or round tens. This result is a reference estimate.
Condolence Money Details
Recommended condolence money
₩0
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base recommended amount | |
| Sensible range (low–high) | |
| Visit adjustment | |
| Final recommendation |
The amount shown is a reference estimate based on common customs. The real amount varies by region and family culture, so use it only as a guide and decide the final amount yourself.
How to use
- Choose relationship — Select your relationship to the deceased or the chief mourner (the bereaved).
- Choose closeness and visit — Select closeness (normal, close, very close) and whether you visit the funeral hall.
- See the result — Press Calculate to see the recommended condolence amount and a sensible range.
Korean condolence money standards by relationship
Condolence money expresses shared grief and helps with funeral costs, so it is given at a similar level to wedding gift money, but without the meal add-on concept. The key factors are relationship and closeness. The table below shows approximate amounts at 'normal' closeness.
| Relationship | Typical amount | When close |
|---|---|---|
| Acquaintance · just know them | ₩30,000–50,000 | ₩50,000 |
| Coworker · classmate | ₩50,000 | ₩100,000 |
| Friend · senior/junior | ₩50,000–100,000 | ₩100,000–200,000 |
| Relative (cousin, etc.) | ₩50,000–100,000 | ₩100,000–200,000 |
| Close relative | ₩100,000–200,000 | ₩200,000–300,000 |
| Sibling · immediate family | ₩300,000–500,000+ | ₩500,000+ |
On the envelope, write '賻儀' (buui), '謹弔' (geunjo), and the like; amounts are customarily set to odd numbers or round tens. For more on writing the envelope and condolence etiquette, see the Korean gift money amount guide.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much Korean funeral condolence money is appropriate?
It depends on relationship and closeness. A coworker or ordinary acquaintance is typically ₩50,000, a close friend or colleague ₩100,000, and a very close tie or near relative around ₩100,000–300,000. Like wedding gift money, condolence money is customarily set to odd numbers (₩30,000, ₩50,000, ₩70,000) or round tens.
Are buuigeum and joeuigeum different terms?
They are used almost interchangeably. Buuigeum (賻儀金) is the general term for money given to a bereaved household, while joeuigeum (弔意金) refers to money expressing mourning for the deceased. On the envelope, '賻儀' (buui) is most common, but '謹弔' (geunjo) and '弔儀' (joui) are also used.
What if I cannot attend the funeral?
If you cannot pay respects in person, it is common to send the condolence money by bank transfer or through an acquaintance. Even without attending, if the relationship is close you do not reduce the amount much, and it is polite to reach out separately with words of comfort afterward.
What do you write on a Korean condolence envelope?
On the front center, write vertically '賻儀' (buui), '謹弔' (geunjo), and the like; on the lower left of the back, write your affiliation and name. Since it is not a celebratory occasion, avoid flashy expressions and keep it neat.
Are the amounts from this calculator accurate?
This calculator provides reference estimates based on common customs. The actual appropriate amount can vary by region, family culture, and what you received in the past, so use it only as a guide and decide the final amount yourself.
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Last updated: 2026-06-25