Ancestor / The Departed
Dreams of ancestors or of someone who has died are the weightiest thread in Korean interpretation. Appearing bright, or in fine clothes, is a good omen of their blessing — a season when family matters ease and help arrives. Being handed something was considered especially favorable and read as wealth or valuable news. Appearing dark, or asking for something, was taken as a sign that something needs attention. If they appear often, though, it may be the mark grief leaves rather than an omen.
A dream of ancestors deals less with the living than with what has been handed down and what was left behind. The blessing of the ancestors was held to reach the affairs of their descendants, so the figure’s appearance and expression, and whatever passed between you, were each read closely. Where the loss is recent, or the same dream keeps returning, it is far more likely to be the work of grief than a forecast of anything.
Readings by Situation
Appearing with a bright face or in fine clothes
This is the most favourable form. It is read as a season when the ancestors’ blessing reaches you: household matters ease, and help arrives for what had been stuck. A broad smile in particular points to a long-running problem coming to a close.
Being handed something
Whatever you receive, this counts as fortunate. Money or grain was read as wealth, clothing as position or standing, a letter or book as welcome news. If you remember whether you took hold of it or let it slip, that detail decides the reading.
Appearing dark, or asking something of you
This was taken as a sign that something needs attention. Tradition read it as a call to see to a grave or a memorial rite; today it serves better as a prompt to think of household matters you have put off, or someone you have not looked after. It does not mean misfortune is settled.
The same person returning again and again
Here the mind comes before the symbol. For a while after a death it is common for the person to appear repeatedly, and it is closer to the mark left by missing them. If it keeps breaking your sleep or weighs on your days, it is worth speaking to a professional.
An ancestor dream settles nothing by itself, whether it comes bright or dark. Let a bright one ease your mind and a dark one prompt you to see to what you have deferred. In particular, we would not advise spending heavily or quarrelling with family on the strength of it.