Korean Condolence Ribbon Messages (with Translations)
By Flower Delivery in Korea · Updated
Short answer: write 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 ("We humbly pray for the peace of the departed") on the message ribbon. Put your name, or your company followed by 임직원 일동 ("all staff"), on the sender ribbon.
A Korean condolence wreath (근조화환) carries two long ribbons. One ribbon has a short condolence phrase. The other ribbon says who sent the wreath. Mourners read both as they arrive, so the wording matters.
Standard condolence phrases
| Korean | Meaning | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 samga goin-ui myeongbok-eul bimnida |
We humbly pray for the peace of the departed. | The standard phrase. Suits anyone. |
| 謹弔 (근조) geunjo |
Respectful condolences. | Very common on company wreaths. Short and formal. |
| 삼가 조의를 표합니다 samga joui-reul pyohamnida |
I offer my sincere condolences. | Formal. Good from a company or colleague. |
| 故人의 명복을 빕니다 goin-ui myeongbok-eul bimnida |
May the departed rest in peace. | The standard phrase with the Chinese character 故 (the late). |
| 삼가 명복을 빕니다 samga myeongbok-eul bimnida |
Rest in peace. | A shorter form of the standard phrase. |
| 깊은 애도를 표합니다 gipeun aedo-reul pyohamnida |
With deep sorrow and sympathy. | Personal and warm. Suits friends. |
All of these except 謹弔 are ready-made choices at checkout. For 謹弔, type 근조 as your own ribbon text. The florist prints the phrase in Korean.
If the family is Christian or Buddhist
The word 명복 (冥福, blessings in the afterlife) comes from Buddhist tradition. Some Christian families prefer a different phrase. If you know the family's faith, these are common choices:
| Korean | Meaning | Usually for |
|---|---|---|
| 편히 잠드소서 | Rest in peace. | Any faith; a common alternative to 명복 for Christian families |
| 소천을 애도합니다 | We mourn their passing to heaven. | Protestant families (소천 = called home to God) |
| 선종을 애도합니다 | We mourn their peaceful passing. | Catholic families (선종 = a good death in grace) |
| 극락왕생하소서 | May they be reborn in paradise. | Buddhist families |
These are short enough to type as your own ribbon text at checkout. If you are not sure of the family's faith, 謹弔 (근조) or 삼가 조의를 표합니다 is always safe.
How to write the sender ribbon
The sender ribbon tells the family who is thinking of them. Use the name they know you by.
- Individual: "John Smith", or add 드림 (deurim, "offered by"), for example "John Smith 드림".
- Couple or family: "John & Mary Smith" or "The Smith Family".
- Company: "ABC Inc. 임직원 일동" means all executives and staff of ABC Inc. A CEO can sign "ABC Inc. CEO John Smith".
- Group of friends or alumni: the group name followed by 일동 ("all members of"), for example "Class of 2005 일동".
Tip: English names are fine on the sender ribbon. The florist prints them as written, so check the spelling.
What to avoid
- Long sentences. A ribbon holds a short line, and our custom text is limited to 10 characters.
- Cheerful words or emojis.
- The deceased's name spelled from memory. If you add it, copy it from the obituary notice (부고).
Sending the wreath
Our condolence wreaths cost $85–$160 and include both printed ribbons and delivery to any funeral hall in South Korea. For the full checklist, including time zones and the details to copy from the 부고, read how to send funeral flowers to Korea from abroad.
Frequently asked questions
What do you write on a Korean funeral wreath ribbon?
One ribbon carries a condolence phrase, most often 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 ("We humbly pray for the peace of the departed") or simply 謹弔 (geunjo). The other ribbon carries the sender, such as "John Smith" or "ABC Inc. 임직원 일동" (all staff of ABC Inc.).
Can I write the ribbon in English?
Yes. Your name can be in English. Korean families usually expect the condolence phrase in Korean, so choosing one of the standard Korean phrases and writing your name in English is common and appropriate.
What does 일동 mean on a wreath ribbon?
일동 (ildong) means "all members of". "ABC Inc. 임직원 일동" means "all executives and staff of ABC Inc." and is how a company or group signs a wreath.
Is 명복을 빕니다 appropriate for a Christian funeral?
명복 (冥福) comes from Buddhist tradition, so some Christian families prefer 편히 잠드소서 ("Rest in peace") or 소천을 애도합니다 ("We mourn their passing to heaven"). If you know the family is Christian, one of these is a thoughtful choice.
How long can the ribbon message be?
Keep it short. At our checkout you can pick a standard phrase or type your own text of up to 10 characters, and your name goes on the second ribbon.
Choose a condolence wreath
Pick the ribbon phrase at checkout. Both ribbons are included.
View condolence wreaths