In many cultures, certain numbers are considered lucky or unlucky. In Korea, the number 4 is one of the most unlucky numbers, and the number 44 is considered twice as unlucky. The reason for this belief is deeply rooted in Korean culture and language.
In Korean, the number 4 is pronounced as “sa,” which sounds similar to the Korean word for death, also pronounced as “sa.” This homophonic association has led to the belief that the number 4 is associated with death and bad luck. This belief is so strong that many buildings in Korea, such as hospitals and hotels, do not have a fourth floor. Instead, the floor is labeled as the third floor, followed by the fifth floor.