Kibun is a Korean word that translates roughly as 'mood' or 'feeling' — but as a cultural concept, it carries far more social weight than these English equivalents suggest. In Korean social life, kibun is not merely a personal emotional state; it is a social fact that others are obligated to attend to and protect. This article explains what kibun is and why it matters.
The Literal Meaning of Kibun
Kibun as a Social Fact
The History and Philosophy of Kibun
Kibun in Everyday Korean Life
The Social Obligation to Protect Kibun
Kibun and the Korean Wisdom Series
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This article is based on themes explored in depth in Kibun by Kim Jungseo, part of The Korean Wisdom Series.