Sujeo

Chopsticks may be put down on a table or on a purpose designed chopstick rest, but never put into food standing up, particularly rice, as this is considered to bring bad luck since it resembles food offerings at a grave to deceased ancestors. In various Asian cultures, burning incense at shrines and graves is a common practice to honor ancestors, deities, and the deceased. It is considered offensive to the dead and gods to put chopsticks vertically into food as it mimics this practice. The spoon may be laid down on the rice bowl, or soup bowl, if it has not been used. As food is eaten quickly, and portions are small, little time is spent in putting eating utensils down.

Cases for sujeo in paper or Korean fabrics were often embroidered with symbols of longevity and given as gifts, particularly at weddings. They are now sold as souvenirs.