제 25 호 Aboha
Kicker: LIFE
Aboha
By Ji-Won Choi, Reporter
Have you ever heard of the term “Aboha”? “Aboha” is an abbreviation for “A Very Ordinary Day” and is emerging as a new trend in 2025. This term refers to a day that is neither filled with great fortune nor marked by misfortune—just a simple, uneventful, and peaceful day.
In our busy lives, we often find ourselves swayed by big and small events. However, sometimes, a day that passes without any incidents can provide an even greater sense of stability and comfort. “Aboha” sheds new light on the value of ordinary daily life, emphasizing that a day doesn’t need to be extraordinary to be fulfilling. So, why has the term “Aboha” recently emerged?
The Background of "Aboha"
Before the term "Aboha" emerged, many people were already familiar with the concept of "Sohwakhaeng". Originally used by Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami, "Sohwakhaeng" refers to "small but certain happiness." It means the joy found in simple moments of everyday life, such as tearing apart freshly baked bread by hand or seeing neatly organized underwear in a drawer. This concept spread widely in South Korea in 2018, becoming a key trend.
At that time, consumer-driven culture was expanding, and many people began to associate happiness with consumption. As a reaction, there was a growing awareness that happiness could also be found in smaller, everyday experiences with minimal spending. This shift in mindset led to the widespread embrace of "Sohwakhaeng."
However, over time, the meaning of "Sohwakhaeng" started to shift. What initially emphasized modest happiness gradually became a form of social display. People began associating "Sohwakhaeng" with purchasing luxury goods or traveling abroad, presenting these activities as examples of small but certain happiness. As a result, happiness turned into a competition, where people compared and measured the scale of their joy. This created pressure to achieve "certain happiness" and ultimately led to fatigue and dissatisfaction.
In response to this trend, the concept of "Aboha" was born. "Aboha" serves as both a reaction against and an alternative to the performance-driven interpretation of "Sohwakhaeng." Instead of striving to achieve special moments of happiness or living under constant pressure to reach new goals, "Aboha" embraces the idea that an ordinary day, just as it is, can be fulfilling. This perspective has gained traction as a new cultural value, encouraging people to appreciate life without the need for extraordinary achievements.
Characteristics of "Aboha"
First, Aboha values the significance of an ordinary day. A daily routine that repeats without any special events can actually be a key factor in determining quality of life. Engaging in small but meaningful practices such as transcribing favorite passages, running, or keeping a gratitude journal are prime examples of how Aboha is put into practice.
Second, Aboha emphasizes finding mental stability in small achievements and ordinary days, rather than feeling pressured to pursue grand happiness. By shifting the focus away from the need for significant milestones, Aboha helps reduce stress and enhance overall life satisfaction.
People Practicing "Aboha"
그림 1A person who is knitting
People who practice "Aboha" tend to prefer simple activities that bring satisfaction, rather than complex hobbies. For example, they enjoy knitting at home, transcribing impressive passages from books, or baking. Recently, knitting books have topped the hobby section in bookstores, indicating a surge in popularity among the 20s and 30s generation.
Additionally, in the fast-paced modern society, Aboha advocates for a slower lifestyle. For instance, starting the day by leisurely sipping a cup of coffee or beginning with meditation are typical ways of practicing Aboha.
Furthermore, those who embrace Aboha tend to give special attention to their homes. Instead of investing in expensive furniture or trendy décor, they decorate their spaces with meaningful items. Whether it's souvenirs from a trip or homemade decorations, they transform their homes into personal spaces filled with their unique stories, rather than just places for living.
Effects of "Aboha"
First, Aboha helps slow down the pace of life and provides mental stability through the small joys of everyday life. This, in turn, helps reduce stress and maintain positive emotions.
Second, by reducing consumption and seeking personal happiness, Aboha naturally leads to an environmentally friendly lifestyle. By cutting down on unnecessary spending and fostering habits that utilize sustainable resources, it encourages a more mindful way of living.
Lastly, focusing on the small moments of daily life, rather than glamorous external activities, Aboha helps enhance quality of life and fosters true satisfaction. This attitude also strengthens relationships with those around you, contributing to deeper, more meaningful human connections.
How to Practice "Aboha"
You don't need to make drastic changes to practice Aboha. Small shifts in your habits are enough to embrace this philosophy in daily life.
Start by easing into your day with a bit more time. Try waking up just 10 minutes earlier to meditate or listen to your favorite music, which can help set a calm tone for your day. Creating and sticking to a simple routine that suits you is also effective. For example, make it a habit to go for a jog every Friday evening or cook a simple meal every weekend to bring stability and satisfaction to your routine.
Lastly, mindful consumption is key. Instead of buying things impulsively, take a moment to think if you truly need them. Thoughtful, intentional spending is a core part of Aboha, helping you create a balanced and meaningful life.
Now I've realized happiness doesn't have to be grand, simply having a peaceful day and coming home to enjoy something I love in a comfortable spot is enough to feel truly happy. Why not find a small hobby you can practice as part of "Aboha" and take a moment to appreciate the simple, thankful moments in your ordinary life?
Source:
https://www.newsmkt.co.kr/news/news-detail/0194af57c9c37c7cb5bddb81e046f615
