Korean Blood Type Personality: What Your Blood Says About You
A, B, AB, or O? What Your Blood Type Says About You in Korean Culture
Are you an outgoing O type? Perhaps a passionate B, an organized A or a mysterious AB? 🩸
In Korea, blood type isn’t just a medical detail—it’s a popular way to understand personality traits, much like astrology in the West.
In South Korea, the concept of blood type personality has always been an integral part of life among people.
Similar to how people ask about your MBTI or horoscope in the U.S., Koreans ask about your blood type.
In this blog, let’s find out what are the different blood types and what each blood types are like according to Koreans!
Korean Blood Type Personality | The Origins of Blood Type Personality
Korean Blood Type Personality | Blood Type in the Workplace
Korean Blood Type Personality | Blood Type Personality in Media and Popular Culture
Korean Blood Type Personality | FAQ
Korean Blood Type Personality | The Origins of Blood Type Personality
The idea that blood types could correlate with personality traits started as a Japanese theory. This blood type personality theory, also known as ketsueki-gata in Japan, proposes that your personality traits can be associated with one of the four blood types in the ABO Blood Grouping System.
It was suggested that people with different blood types exhibited distinct personality traits. This theory later spread to Korea, where it became especially popular.
성격
sung-gyuk
Personality
혈액형
hyeo-rek-hyeong
Blood type
If you want to ask someone what is your blood type, you can say:
FORMAL EXPRESSION
혈액형이 뭐에요?
hyeo-rek-hyeong-yi mo-e-yo
What is your blood type?
CASUAL EXPRESSION
혈액형이 뭐야?
hyeo-rek-hyeong-yi mo-ya
What is your blood type?
Here are some ways to express personalities:
수줍
su-jup
Shy
수줍은 성격
su-jup-eun sung-gyuk
Shy personality
자신있는
ja-sin-it-neun
Confident
자신있는 성격
ja-sin-it-neun sung-gyuk
Confident personality
조용한
jo-yong-han
Quiet
조용한 성격
jo-yong-han sung-gyuk
Quiet personality
The Four Blood Types and Their Characteristics
Koreans typically classify personalities into four main categories based on blood type:
A 형 (A-hyung) – Type A: People with type A blood are often described as meticulous, organized, and sensitive. They tend to be diligent and prefer harmony in their relationships.
Type A individuals are viewed as hard-working but may struggle with stress due to their perfectionist tendencies.
Koreans often stereotype A blood type as timid and lacking in courage.
소심하다
so-shim-ha-da
Timid
B 형 (A-hyung) – Type B: B blood types are considered creative, free-spirited, and independent. They are often seen as outgoing and enthusiastic but can also be perceived as unpredictable or self-centered.
This personality type values personal freedom and tends to resist conformity.
Koreans often stereotype a typical B-blood-type man to be short-tempered and impatient.
다혈질
da-hyul-jil
Short tempered
AB 형 (AB-hyung) – Type AB: Type AB individuals are often characterized as rational and adaptable. They are seen as a mix of type A and type B traits, making them versatile and complex.
However, they can also be viewed as enigmatic, making it challenging for others to understand them fully.
Koreans often stereotype a typical AB blood type as either genius or stupid due to their eccentric nature.
천재 아니면 바보
Genius or Stupid천재
cheon-jae
Genius
아니면
ah-ni-myeon)
Or
바보
babo
Stupid
O 형 (A-hyung) – Type O: People with type O blood are often described as confident, ambitious, and natural leaders. They are usually seen as social and outgoing.
However, they can also be perceived as overly aggressive or domineering at times.
In Korean, stubbornness is called 고집 (go-jip). Here are some ways you can say someone is stubborn in Korean.
고집이 세다
Stubborn고집
go-jip
Stubborn
세다
se-da
Strong
Although this will translate to “strong stubbornness” it means you are very stubborn.
고집을 부리다
To be stubborn
고집
go-jip
Stubborn
부리다
bu-ri-da
To act
Koreans often assume people who are outgoing and actively socialize as an O blood type.
How Blood Type Personalities Affect Relationships in Korea
Koreans enjoy finding a person with a certain blood type as they believe this will complement theirs.
For instance, people with type A blood are often encouraged to be with type O partners because it’s believed to create a good balance between sensitivity and assertiveness.
On the other hand, type B individuals might find compatibility with other type B or type AB partners, which can combine creativity and freedom.
In Korea, asking for someone’s blood type is a usual practice.
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Korean Blood Type Personality | Blood Type in the Workplace
The influence of blood type personality extends beyond personal relationships into the professional realm. Many employers in Korea may consider blood type during hiring processes, just like how MBTI tests are done before job acceptance.
For instance, type A candidates may be favored for roles requiring attention to detail and teamwork. In contrast, type B candidates might be sought after for positions that demand creativity and innovation.
This perspective can shape hiring practices, team dynamics, and even leadership styles within organizations.
Korean Blood Type Personality | Blood Type Personality in Media and Popular Culture
Celebrities and public figures sometimes disclose their blood types, influencing fans and followers. A male artist who seems very outgoing and confident on stage might actually be a timid A blood type in real life. This personality twist comes as something new and wins the attention of fans.
Although Koreans are huge believers in blood type, these are generalizations and can’t fit every person into a category. These are meant for fun and to be discussed lightheartedly and shouldn’t be taken very seriously.
Korean Blood Type Personality | FAQ
Why do Koreans believe in blood type personality traits?
In Korea, blood type personality theory is a popular cultural belief, similar to astrology in Western countries. It became widely known in the 1970s and is often used in casual conversations about relationships and friendships.
What are the personality traits associated with each blood type?
Type A: Organized, responsible, and sensitive but sometimes shy.
Type B: Passionate, creative, and independent but perceived as unpredictable.
Type AB: Intelligent, logical, and unique but seen as mysterious.
Type O: Confident, outgoing, and natural leaders but can be competitive.
Do Koreans use blood types for dating and relationships?
Yes, many Koreans consider blood type compatibility when dating, believing that certain types are more compatible than others. However, it is mostly for fun and not taken too seriously by everyone.
What blood type is the most common blood type in Korea?
According to a research by Gallup Korea, 6 out of 10 Koreans are type A blood type
Which blood type is said to be the most sociable?
Koreans believe blood type O is the most outgoing and sociable
How do you say Horoscope in Korean?
별자리 (byul-ja-ri)
별 (byul) – star
자리 (ja-ri) – place, sign
Is there any scientific evidence supporting the blood type personality theory?
No, there is no scientific proof that blood type affects personality. The belief is purely cultural and is not backed by psychology or genetics.
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