"Obituary notice. We respectfully inform you that our grandfather has passed away. ○○ Hospital Funeral Hall, Room 3." What should you do if a Korean friend sends you a text like this? Even the international student got this text message and just stared at their phone for a long while. Let's walk in together. ## At the Door: The Reception Desk On the screen at the entrance, find the deceased's name and the room number. There is a reception desk in front of the room's door. You give your condolence money here. The envelope is white, and you write '조의' or '부의' on the front. They sell them at the funeral hall's kiosk or convenience store. On the back, I always write my name. It's so the family can remember later who came. In Korea, people remember this kind of kindness for a long time, and sometimes return it when I'm in need. ## When You Step Inside, the Funeral Room Inside, there is a portrait of the deceased and white chrysanthemums. You place one chrysanthemum and then bow or observe a moment of silence. Next, greet the chief mourner (the family). You don't need to say much. A simple "My deepest condolences" is enough. Here, you don't say cheerful things like "Congratulations" or "Fighting!" Black or dark-colored clothes are best. ## Inside, the dining hall A table is set in the large room at the back. Family and guests sit together and eat yukgaejang. Why do they serve a meal? In the old days, funerals were held at home over several days, and neighbors helped with the work and chipped in money too. It's a way of helping a family together when they suddenly face a large expense. Condolence money is exactly that kind of mutual help. The amount depends on the relationship, so there's no set answer. You can just ask a Korean friend or coworker, "How much do people usually give?" It's not a strange question.