Dojangs

You might have noticed in Kdramas that legal documents are signed differently in Korea than in the United States. We use signatures whereas Koreans use dojangs. These are the stamps or 'chops' that Asian countries have used for centuries. Apparently they're accepted instead of signatures... or at least in Kdramas they're accepted.

I must say this seems a bit weird to westerners. I mean, couldn't you just get someone to make a dojang for you with another person's 'identity?' Couldn't I get a dojang made for the King of Korea, for example? Another method used in earlier times was an actual handprint or thumbprint. This method was memorably used in Mr Sunshine when the rebels put their handprints on the flag of resistance. This method certainly seems more secure than a dojang but what do I know?

I have my own personal dojang... shown below. Favorite daughter had it custom made when we were in Seoul. It came with the traditional red inkpad and a cute carrying case. Next time I have to sign a legal document I may give it a go.

Know what it says? Kdrama Halmeoni of course! (Kdrama Gmama!)

Pat here: not to be outdone, I’ve got my own Chinese version of Judy’s dojang. It’s called a chop, and my husband and I got it when we lived in Taiwan in the ‘70’s. It’s got our last name on it in English and then our name in Chinese characters. At least that’s what they told us it says! The ink is long gone, so I had to borrow a stamp pad from a neighbor for the photo shown here.

For those of you from the printing industry I'm sure you're noticing that Pat's Chop is Embossed whereas Judy's Sojang is de-bossed.... Fascinating, isn't it?

I wonder if this is a good place to gently correct Judy and let her know there is no King of Korea. What do you think?