Unlock True Happiness: The Korean Guide to the PERMA Model
Hello! It’s [Maeil Hangeul] here to upgrade your Korean skills!
Today, we’re diving into a profound topic: the philosophy of happiness. We’ll explore this through the lens of positive psychology, specifically Martin Seligman’s PERMA model, a framework for well-being. Why this topic? Because these days in Korea, there’s a huge cultural shift towards prioritizing mental health and personal fulfillment. Bestselling books and viral social media content are no longer just about career success, but about how to build a genuinely happy life. Understanding the vocabulary around this trend will not only elevate your Korean but also give you a deep insight into the modern Korean psyche.
Core Concepts for a Flourishing Life (핵심 표현)
Here are five essential expressions that align with the five pillars of the PERMA model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment).
- 소확행을 추구하다 (Sohwakhaeng-eul chuguhada)
- Romanization: So-hwak-haeng-eul chu-gu-ha-da
- English Meaning: To pursue small but certain happiness.
- Detailed Explanation: This term is a neologism, short for 소소하지만 확실한 행복 (sosohajiman hwaksilhan haengbok). It corresponds to the ‘P’ (Positive Emotion) in PERMA. It’s about finding joy in small, everyday moments, like the first sip of coffee in the morning or reading a book in a quiet café. It’s an informal but widely understood concept, representing a conscious choice to appreciate the little things rather than chasing grand, elusive goals.
- …에 몰입하다 (…e moriphada)
- Romanization: …e mo-rip-ha-da
- English Meaning: To be immersed in… / To be in a state of flow with…
- Detailed Explanation: This verb perfectly captures the essence of ‘E’ (Engagement). It describes a state of being so completely absorbed in an activity that you lose track of time. This isn’t just “focusing” (집중하다); 몰입하다 implies a deep, almost meditative connection to the task, whether it’s coding, painting, or playing an instrument.
- 유대감을 형성하다 (Yudaegam-eul hyeongseonghada)
- Romanization: Yu-dae-gam-eul hyeong-seong-ha-da
- English Meaning: To form a sense of connection / To build a bond.
- Detailed Explanation: Representing ‘R’ (Relationships), 유대감 is a more profound term than the simple word for relationship (관계). It signifies a deep, emotional bond and a feeling of belonging with others. 형성하다 means “to form or build.” You use this phrase when talking about creating meaningful connections within a team, a family, or a community.
- 삶의 의의 (Salm-ui ui-ui)
- Romanization: Salm-ui ui-ui
- English Meaning: The meaning/significance of life.
- Detailed Explanation: This is the ‘M’ (Meaning) in our model. While you could say “삶의 의미” (salm-ui uimi), 의의 (ui-ui) carries a more philosophical and profound weight, often referring to the greater purpose, value, or significance of one’s existence. It’s a term you’d encounter in literature, philosophy, or deep conversations about one’s life purpose.
- 성취감을 느끼다 (Seongchwigam-eul neukkida)
- Romanization: Seong-chwi-gam-eul neu-kki-da
- English Meaning: To feel a sense of accomplishment.
- Detailed Explanation: This phrase is the heart of ‘A’ (Accomplishment). 성취감 is that satisfying feeling you get after reaching a goal, big or small. It could be from completing a difficult project at work, running a marathon, or even mastering a complex Korean grammar point! It’s a key driver of motivation and self-esteem.
Example Dialogue (예시 대화문)
A and B are discussing a popular self-help book they’ve both been reading.
A: 요즘 번아웃이 온 것 같아서 고민이야. 일은 열심히 하는데, 마음이 텅 빈 느낌이랄까?
(Lately, I think I’m experiencing burnout. I work hard, but my heart feels empty.)
B: 아, 나도 그랬는데, 최근에 읽은 심리학 책에서 PERMA 모델을 보고 생각이 바뀌었어. 단순히 성공이 아니라, 삶의 의의를 찾는 게 중요하대.
(Ah, I was like that too, but my perspective changed after reading about the PERMA model in a psychology book. It says finding the meaning of life is more important than simple success.)
A: 맞아. 나도 작은 목표를 세우고 그걸 이뤘을 때 성취감을 느끼다 보면 좀 나아지더라.
(Right. I’ve found that I feel a bit better when I set small goals and feel a sense of accomplishment from achieving them.)
B: 바로 그거야! 그리고 일과 상관없이 네가 좋아하는 취미에 완전히 몰입해 봐. 동호회에 나가서 비슷한 관심사를 가진 사람들이랑 유대감을 형성하는 것도 좋고. 일상에서 소확행을 추구하는 것도 잊지 말고!
(That’s it exactly! And try to become completely immersed in a hobby you love, regardless of work. Joining a club to form bonds with people who have similar interests is great, too. And don’t forget to pursue small but certain happiness in your daily life!)
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive: PERMA in the K-Context
The PERMA model has resonated so strongly in Korea because it offers an alternative to the traditional, hyper-competitive definition of success.
- From “Fighting!” to “Flourishing”: The relentless “파이팅!” culture, while motivating, has also led to widespread burnout. Concepts like 소확행 are a direct cultural response, prioritizing sustainable, personal joy. You’ll see this hashtagged all over Instagram with pictures of lattes, pets, and pretty sunsets.
- The New Community: While Korea has a strong tradition of collectivism, modern urban life can be isolating. This is why activities that help 유대감을 형성하다—like hobby clubs (동호회), study groups, and online communities—are booming. It’s about finding your tribe in a new way.
- “Meaning” as a Bestseller: Walk into any major Korean bookstore like Kyobo, and the bestseller tables are filled with books on philosophy, psychology, and finding your purpose. Titles often grapple with discovering one’s 삶의 의의, signaling a collective thirst for deeper meaning beyond material wealth. Using this term shows you’re not just learning Korean; you’re engaging with the intellectual currents of modern Korean society.
Let’s Practice & Wrap-Up!
Today, we went beyond simple vocabulary and explored the sophisticated language Koreans use to discuss happiness and well-being through the PERMA framework. We learned about 소확행을 추구하다, …에 몰입하다, 유대감을 형성하다, 삶의 의의, and 성취감을 느끼다.
Now, it’s your turn!
- Fill in the blank:
- 저는 마라톤을 완주했을 때 엄청난 ___________ 느꼈어요. (I felt a tremendous ___________ when I finished the marathon.)
- Your Turn to Share:
- In Korean, briefly describe one activity that helps you feel 몰입 (engagement) or one small thing that gives you 소확행 (small, certain happiness).
Leave your answers in the comments below! I can’t wait to read about what brings you joy.
