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a lot of ajummas

Love ’em or hate ’em, the only thing that’s certain is that you’ll never forget your first meeting with the ajumma of Korea!

ajumma in visor swimming in red pool

Ajumma (not in natural habitat)

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Meaning of Ajumma in Korean | 아줌마

If you watch K-dramas, listen to K-pop or just love Korea in general, you’ve no doubt heard the term ajumma. But what does it actually mean?

In real terms, ajumma in Korean (아줌마), simply means married or marriage age woman. That would make me one… you know, on account of having been married.

ajumma on beach in thailand

My mom and aunt are married – are they ajumma? Hmm… they ARE wearing visors.

However, many women (myself included) balk at being called as such, despite it technically being a “respect” word in the Korean language. But why is that?

Because it has a wider cultural meaning…

What is an Ajumma? (aka Ahjumma)

The ajumma can be found in large concentrations in any major city on the Korean peninsula, although they may sometimes be found settling overseas in sub-Korean habitats. They typically communicate with a loud, raspy cackle. Solo ones are common, but they’re usually found in hordes. May be confrontational.

a lot of ajummas

The ajumma horde taking a rest

Description

For a species that appears in such great quantities on the peninsula, the appearance of the Ajumma is surprisingly uniform. Typically, they’re over 60 years of age, though younger variants have been found in nature.

They’re usually marked by tightly permed and short, black hair, although in major habitats like Seoul, mutated varieties with purple and pink hair have been spotted out and about.

an ajumma performing a jesa ceremony

Mind the perm: ajumma during a jesa ceremony on New Year’s Day (actually it’s my aunt)

From afar, the hair is usually covered by an extremely oversized visor, but upon closer examination, it is very easy to spot the perm lurking beneath. They’re usually less than 5 feet tall, but their build can range from lean to stocky. No matter the build, they are all incredibly strong and should be approached with caution.

ajumma with her dog

This dog has ajumma style too!

The coat is usually made up of an eye-searing mishmash of checked patterns, stripes and sometimes sparkles. During certain seasons, the entire body of the ajumma is covered up with different pieces of clothing to prevent the sun from reaching the skin and turning it brown.

TIP  |  Ajumma keep their skin plump and healthy-looking with regular skincare and facial massage. SPA 1899 is a favourite amongst Korean celebrities and visitors from all over the world for its signature red ginseng treatments. Get yourself some ajumma skin by booking a facial at Spa 1899 here.

Signs and Sounds

The call of the ajumma horde is one of the most bewildering wilderness sounds around. The low, raspy cackle, neither male nor female, can be heard for miles in any direction. They often cackle together at their rendezvous sites, whether it be a subway platform, department store or coffee shop, and seem to enjoy it very much.

Ajumma Habitat and Habits

Ajummas are territorial. Each horde occupies an area and will defend against intruders by pushing, shoving or cackling. Sizes of territories vary greatly, and are dependent on the abundance of prey available. Extreme caution should be taken in the entrances of subway cars, on escalators, and on pedestrian sidewalks.

A group of Korean ajummas sitting together on a bench sharing a snack

Spot the visor, spot the ajumma

The hordes can often be spotted in the early morning, marching together around Namsan Park or the Han River. They usually camouflage themselves in matching vinyl jackets and ill-fitting shoes for these habitats. They can also be found clapping their hands in unison and singing off-key at public cultural performances, such as those found in front of City Hall in Seoul.

Feeding Habits of the Ahjumma

These women have healthy, but finicky appetites. Usually their own home cooking is the only acceptable alternative. However, when they do venture outside of their homes, they expect to get the most for the least, and nothing is ever good enough, comparatively speaking.

ajumma in restaurant

It’s not uncommon for 아줌마 to randomly take care of your child.

Mostly found only in Korean restaurants, the ajumma horde will have the young staff running around in panic within minutes.

Unique characteristics

While these women can sometimes be dangerous, if you approach one with caution, you will find that under their gruff exteriors, they are usually kind and willing to feed you ridiculous amounts of food. They are usually good cooks.

ajumma in korea

Ajumma usually give me a few extra pieces for free!

Though the men and governments of Korea think they are running the country, in reality, it is the ajumma that has all the power.

TIP  |  You’re sure to meet plenty of ajumma at the jjimjilbang or Korean bathhouse. Maybe one will even teach you how to make Korean sheep head. Dragon Hill Spa is a massive place full of saunas, baths, swimming pools, amusement areas, and places to relax. Score discounted tickets to Dragon Hill Spa here.

Conservation Efforts

In recent years, this species was thought to be dying out, due to an influx of western media styles and influences. However, this has proven false. The ajumma is one of the most durable genetic strains in nature and should remain a force to be reckoned with for many years to come.

gwangjang market in seoul korea

Gwangjang Market is a great place to look out for ajumma!

Power and Gratitude to the Ajumma

These amazing women lived through the scarcity of the Korean War and it was through some of their hard work and indeterminable mental and physical strength that South Korea was raised from total poverty to the modern and wealthy country it is today. We owe them our thanks, so overlook their pushiness when you can – remember what they lived through. 🙂

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Ajumma | Ahjumma: Essential Info and FAQs

1
What is an ajumma really? In Korea by definition, in the broadest sense, it's a middle-aged, married woman, up to 60 years old.
2
Is it rude to call someone 아줌마 in Korea? It isn't technically rude, but people definitely prefer kinship terms, like 언니 or 누나 (unni | noona | older sister), 오빠 (oppa | older brother) or 이모 (ee-mo | auntie). Which you use depends on your gender and the relative age of the person you are talking to.
3
What should I call someone in the service industry, like in a restaurant or store? If they are older, you can flatter them by calling them unni or noona. If you want to be very polite, you can use ``boss`` (사장님 | Sa-Jang-Nim). And of course, it's always safe to say ``auntie`` (이모 | auntie).

Have you had any run-ins with these amazing Korean women? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Comments:

  • Elliot

    March 11, 2022

    Haha. This article made me laugh. I was out to diiner with some Korean friends and I called my (slightly older) Korean friend an Ajumma just to see her reaction. Both of them said it was risky to call people that, but knew I was just joking.

    Looking forward to visiting this year and putting my very limited Korean to the test now that the quarantine requirement is gone. Maybe meet an Ajumma who is happy to feed me haha

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  • January 8, 2022

    Loved this post! I started a fun Ajumma group here in San Diego called Ajumma EXP (ajummaexp.com) and we embody many of these concepts, but go a little deeper. Ajummas work really hard, and carry a lot of burden for their families and communities. We believe that being an ajumma should carry a sense of pride instead of shame, and we hope to shine a bright spotlight on the joy of middle agedom. 🙂

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  • Sue Vosper

    April 28, 2021

    Well, that was a fun read! I can now totally picture, and kind of love, the Ajumma. Thanks!

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  • April 21, 2021

    That was very fun to read! I’ve never been to Korea, but I teach English to Koreans online. One of my students described herself as an ajumma. Now I know what that is! Thank you.

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  • April 16, 2019

    This post is really on point! Ahjumma is actually one of a kind in Korea

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  • March 31, 2019

    Ahjumma is one of a kind. I remember one Ajumma in the train offer me to come to her house to have chit chat and snacks, so sorry I was in hurry and have some business to do back then. 😀

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  • July 7, 2014

    This is a very entertaining article! Great job!

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  • Sandy

    May 10, 2014

    Monty Python would be proud of this article. Have you ever watched their comedy skit called “Hell’s Grannies”? The dry humour in this and the subject matter reminds me to some extent of that. (Only, you know, for real.) 😀

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    • May 10, 2014

      Oh wow! Thanks for the amazing comment. 😀 I haven’t seen that skit, but it seems I’ll have to find it and watch it immediately!!

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      • Sandy

        May 11, 2014

        Tell me what you think of it when you do. 🙂

        It’s the best quality one on Youtube if you just ignore the subtitles. I know it was meant to mock the image of teenagers that we have in the west, but the ajummas are very susceptible to a similar presentation in humour. Hope you like it too!

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        • May 12, 2014

          Aww thanks for finding that link for me! Lol…it’s been awhile since I watched any Monty Python…not since University Days and afternoons watching Life of Brian.

          You’re right, there could be a whole series of skits dedicated to the ajumma in the same style. I’ve been meaning to write a similar thing on the Soybean Paste Girl here in Korea, which is another archetype that could be treated in a similar way. Have you heard of them?

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  • March 18, 2014

    Very amusing and entertaining article!

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  • ud

    November 7, 2013

    hilarious and on point

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  • March 12, 2013

    Oh How I MISS the ajjumma’s offering me food in the streets, especially in the winter. Mmmm warm chestnuts or a hot sweet potato. For real. So does not happen with their western counterparts. Do not miss getting shoved in the subway.

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    • March 16, 2013

      We just moved house and are on Line 2 now, and it is crazy crowded, compared to Line 6. The shoving part is definitely not fun!

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      • April 28, 2013

        I was on the orange (think line 3) at 8am every morning for a year. sardine can!!!! feel ya girl…just hold your own.

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        • April 29, 2013

          You know the funny thing…ever since traveling by public transit in India and Egypt, the crowds on the Seoul subway no longer bother me. Instead, I am amazed by the efficiency and cleanliness and grateful to have such a safe, inexpensive and amazing mode of public transit.

          In India and Egypt, you have to ride in “Women Only” subway cars to ensure you don’t get groped!!!

          Shows once again that perspective is everything. 🙂

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