Gestures: It is considered rude to make a fist with your hand while placing the thumb between the middle and index finger.
Koreans make the pinky promise frequently when promising anything. This hand sign indicates that two people should cross their little fingers. It expresses the chain of promises between you and me. In Korea, for a deeper promise, While two people cross with their pinky fingers, attach the fingerprint part of the thumb.
It is not all that normal to use one thumb up to agree with what people say to you. South Koreans almost always see it as being rude. They believe that there is a proper way of doing things. Gesturing with two thumbs is seen as a sign of approval or saying a big yes to what people did right.
In recent years, a Korean import has become the gesture of choice: the 'finger heart'. Formed by slightly overlapping the thumb and index finger into a heart shape, the gesture is believed to have originated with actress Kim Hye-soo in 2010. Nowadays, every Asian heartthrob worth their salt is flashing finger hearts.
If it's considered rude in your country, it's probably considered rude in Korea. Things such as spitting, shouting, hitting people, swearing, and generally being obnoxious are definitely rude in Korea.
Eye Contact: During a discussion or friendly conversation, make full eye contact with the person you are talking to. Avoid direct eye contact if you are scolded/rebuked by someone older or of a higher status than you. Some Koreans may also avoid eye contact with their superiors on a regular basis.
Kissing in public is looked down upon and seen as highly immodest among older individuals in South Korea. This has become less taboo with the current generation of young adults, but is still widely discouraged by elders. Dressing well is important in South Korea; it is considered a sign of respect.
Wearing a ring on different fingers has different meanings in South Korea. A couple ring is traditionally worn on the ring finger. Whether it's on the right or left hand doesn't matter. A ring on the ring finger is a sign of love and commitment. A ring on your index finger represents friendship.
If you want to say okay or good, you can give a thumbs up. Most of the time, Korean people don't say how impressed they are. They would show you a thumbs-up with expressions of admiration and awe on their faces.
Two Fingers
It can also mean 'peace'; for example 'Peace and love man! '. However, if you turn your hand around – still holding up your two fingers but this time with the back of your hand facing the other person – this means something entirely different! This is a very rude gesture to mean something like 'up yours!
It is sometimes nothing more than a little gesture to go along with a 'thank you' or 'excuse me. ' To make a polite bow, simply lower your upper body by about 15 degrees as a sign of courtesy. You do not have to bow to your close friends, but it is never a bad idea to bow as you say hello to an elderly person.
Basic Etiquette
Respect is exhibited in different ways. Respect should always be shown to those that are older than you. This involves deferring to their opinion, waiting for their input and lowering your gaze if they are an elder. Objects, gifts and food should be offered and received with two hands.
Korean Heart
Your fist is the shape of a heart and your two fingers, which are the index and the thumb, are two main vessels. This Korean heart gesture is used to say “I like/love you” to someone and it's commonly used to show how much you adore someone (e.g. K-Pop idol singers at a concert).
The Origin of the Two-Finger Gesture in Korea The two-finger gesture has been used in Korea for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times when it was used as a form of greeting among warriors. The gesture was a way to show that they were unarmed and came in peace.
A ring worn on the middle finger can show that you are craving success. Individuals who are career driven and have a strong work ethic often wear a ring on the middle finger. It is also commonly worn for people who wish to have success as a good luck charm.
Whatever – made with the thumb and forefinger of both hands to form the letter "W", the gesture is used to signal that something is not worth the time and energy. It was popularized by the movie Clueless.
It is also sometimes used by placing the “gun” to the side of one's own head, in one's mouth, or under the chin, as if committing suicide, to indicate a strong desire to be put out of one's misery, either from boredom or exasperation, or to express one's dislike for a situation.
🤟 I Love You Gesture emoji
Or … is it? The love-you gesture or I love you hand sign emoji is the American Sign Language gesture for “I love you,” showing a hand with a raised index finger and pinky (little) finger and an extended thumb.
The mini heart gesture is a trend that was popularized in South Korea in which the index finger and thumb come together like a snap to form a tiny heart. The gesture was popularized by K-pop idols, who would often use the gesture to express their love and gratitude to their fans.
4 fingers have been used to signal domestic violence.
In 2021, a hand signal was created for users to show that they were in a dangerous situation but couldn't talk about it. Users would hold up 4 fingers to the camera, tuck their thumb in, and then fold their fingers over their thumb.
Rubbing Fingers Together
Rubbing the thumb against the index finger or fingertips is commonly used as a money expectancy gesture. Its symbolism is that of rubbing a coin between the thumb and fingertips.
But while the foreign conventions of individual bedrooms and raised beds have long been popular in Korea, it's still common for generations to co-sleep on the floor, particularly when a newborn baby joins the family.
In South Korea, passionate kisses and lingering hugs are considered tacky and inappropriate when they occur in public. Rather, they're seen as special, romantic moments that should be shared with your partner in a private setting.
South Korea has possibly the largest absolute number of teenage or adult circumcisions anywhere in the world. Because circumcision started through contact with the American military during the Korean War, South Korea has an unusual history of circumcision and circumcision has traditionally been practised.