First, What Is Jeong (정)?
먼저, ‘정’이란 무엇인가요?
Jeong (정) is a uniquely Korean concept that doesn’t quite translate into English.
It describes a deep emotional bond that grows over time — through shared experiences, kindness, and familiarity.
‘정’은 영어로 똑 부러지게 번역하기 어려운 한국 고유의 정서예요.
함께 시간을 보내며 자연스럽게 생기는 애정, 배려, 친밀감이 바로 ‘정’이죠.
It’s not exactly love, not exactly friendship.
It’s that warm feeling you get when someone gives you food without asking, or when a neighbor helps shovel your snow just because.
사랑도 아니고, 단순한 우정도 아니에요.
밥을 덜어주거나, 아무 말 없이 도와주는 따뜻함 – 그게 바로 ‘정’입니다.
Everyday Jeong Moments in Korea
일상 속의 ‘정’ – 한국에서는 이렇게 드러나요
If you stay in Korea long enough, you’ll start to notice how Jeong shows up in daily life:
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Restaurant ajummas giving you extra side dishes with a smile
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Bus drivers waiting for you when you run toward the stop
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Neighbors helping each other carry groceries or fix things
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Co-workers worrying if you skipped lunch
외국인들이 한국에서 살다 보면, 이런 따뜻한 행동에 자주 감동받아요.
말보다 행동으로 표현되는 게 바로 ‘정’입니다.
Jeong can even form between strangers, and that’s what makes it so special.
Why Foreigners Are Surprised (and Touched)
외국인들이 ‘정’에 감동받는 이유는?
In many Western cultures, interactions can be more individualistic and formal.
So when a Korean goes out of their way to help you, even though you’re not close, it often feels surprising — in the best way.
개인주의가 강한 문화에서는 낯선 이의 과한 친절이 어색할 수도 있어요.
하지만 한국에서는 그게 자연스럽고, 그 진심이 외국인에게 큰 감동으로 다가갑니다.
This is why many foreigners say,
“I came to Korea for the K-pop… but I stayed because of the people.”
Jeong Is in Korean Culture, Too
‘정’은 문화 곳곳에 스며들어 있어요
You’ll find Jeong in many aspects of Korean life:
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Food culture: Sharing everything, eating together from one big pot
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Language: Honorifics, caring questions, and soft tones
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Family ties: Deep connections even beyond blood relatives
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Farewell rituals: Long goodbyes, walking you to the bus stop
밥을 함께 나누고, 길게 작별 인사하고, 존댓말로 서로를 배려하는 모든 모습 속에 ‘정’이 들어 있어요.
Final Thoughts
마무리
Jeong isn’t something you can learn from a textbook.
You have to feel it, by spending time with Korean people — and before you know it, you’ll find yourself doing the same kind acts for others.
‘정’은 책으로 배우는 게 아니라, 몸으로 느끼는 감정이에요.
한국에서 사람들과 어울리다 보면 어느새 나도 누군가에게 ‘정’을 베풀고 있죠.
It’s what makes Korea not just a country to visit — but a place to call home.