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Ever Heard of “Leave Work on Time” Amulets?

Lately, a growing number of young people in Korea seem to turn to amulets and fortune-telling, but in ways that differ from times of old. The youth seek advice for their future on YouTube channels, smartphone apps, or via direct messages on social media. They have their fates and fortunes foretold via face, saju (four pillars of destiny), or tarot card readings. According to Naver eXpert, an online platform for real-time counseling and lessons from verified experts, the fortune-telling sector accounted for 74 percent of the total sales in December of last year, with 80 percent coming from users in their 20s and 30s.

Bujeok, traditional Korean paper talismans believed to ward off evil spirits, have also taken on new forms. Now, they are rather viewed as entertaining and representative of one’s individuality. Bujeok charm young people with their fun messages and cute images. Kaltoe bujeok help you to leave work on time; “Solo Escape” bujeok find a person that is well-suited to you; and there are even bujeok that keep you slim or make your real estate prices leap. Other well-wishing varieties include key rings for preventing bad luck, good-luck bracelets, and bujeok in the form of miniature cards and stickers. Living each day consumed with anxiety about an uncertain future, those in their 20s and 30s seem to be attracted to bujeok’s simple and intuitive yet powerful messages.

Riding on this trend are various fortune-telling platforms that provide tarot and it saju readings or other forms of divination. The platforms connect professional fortune-tellers and divination practitioners who have passed strict screening. Some also operate AI fortune-telling chatbots. Additionally, as more people study saju, tarot, and physiognomy, online classes teaching such practices have been rapidly expanding.

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