Kibun is most often translated into English as 'mood' — but this translation misses the most important dimension of the concept. In Korean culture, kibun is not merely a personal psychological state; it is a social fact with collective implications. This article examines the difference between kibun and the Western concept of mood.
What Is Mood in Western Psychology?
What Is Kibun in Korean Culture?
The Key Difference: Personal vs. Social
Why Kibun Has Collective Implications
The Social Protocols That Protect Kibun
What the Difference Reveals About Korean Emotional Culture
Read the Book
This article is based on themes explored in depth in Kibun by Kim Jungseo, part of The Korean Wisdom Series.