Body Language in South Korea 

Communication is the transfer of information from one person to another. In other words, we can say communication as the exchange of ideas, information, etc. between two or more people. Most of us spend about 75 percent of our waking hours communicating our knowledge, thoughts, and ideas to others. One type of communication is Body language. Body language is very universal and doesn’t have one meaning only. Every country has some of the same body languages but may have very different meanings. In another country that body language might be positive or for another country it has a very negative meaning.

            So for today we will explain to you some of the body languages in South Korea. You could implicate this body language if you visit South Korea. Be careful with somebody's language cause it might be an insult to another culture. 

1.      Peace Sign

Peace sign or V sign is commonly used for taking a photo in South Korea or used to show how proud you over something. This sign meaning is victory. It’s a very common gesture in South Korea.

2.      Korean Heart

            Korean the heart is a very easy gesture, you just need to put the tip of your thumb and index finger and cross them to make a heart shape. It’s commonly used to say “I like you/I love you” over someone and things.

 

3.      Let’s go for a Drink Gesture

        The gesture is done by holding an empty glass of soju and pretending to drink it. It’s really is a friendly gesture to tell your friend to grab a drink together. But don’t use this gesture to the elderly because it’s considered rude and not appropriate in culture etiquette.

4.      Two Thumbs Up

    Two thumbs up is a gesture to say a good job or it’s super awesome or incredible. Commonly used among friends.

5.      Promise Hand Shake

        Promise handshake in South Korea has the same meaning as our pinky swear but it’s may vary from one and another. South Korean usually add more to only pinky swear.

6.      Come Over Here

        If South Korean people want to call a person and come to them, they are holding their hands up with the backside on the top and move it up and down. This gesture the same as in America and Indonesia. Don’t use this gesture to elders or someone superiors causes it’s rude.

7.      The Double Hand Wave

            This gesture is done by putting your palm in front and wave them. It’s used if you want to say NO to someone or you could use one hand. It also means “No, thank you”.

8.      Hand on Nape

                Hand on the nape is a polite way to express laughter over something ridiculous and a way of disagreeing. It’s very informal and done by put one hand on their nape.

9.      Money sign

        The money sign is the same as the ok sign in Indonesia. It’s done by making a circular shape with your thumb and index finger resembles a coin. It has the meaning of money or finances.

10.  Go away

        The go-away gesture is almost the same as come over here. But if the come over here is only done with your palm. The go-away gesture also uses your arm. It’s used to make people go away. Be careful when using go away and come over here, people might get the wrong message.

11. The Bow 

Same as Japan, South Korea also do bow, it is a very traditional Korean greeting. It is used in any aspect of their life. When leaving, South Korea people bow to one and another, younger one bow to elders, and also a person who is had lower status bow to those with higher status. There is 3 different bow which is the 15-degree bow, 30-degree bow, and 45 degree bow.

 12. Rubbing Palm Together 

This gesture had a meaning to ask for forgiveness but this gesture is also used by people who pray and they ask forgiveness to god or asking something to the god they believe. 

13. Crossing Arm 

This gesture is commonly used in South Korea to say no or something prohibited. Some people add head shaking with this gesture too.

14. V-shaped

The V-shaped gesture is done by making a V using your thumb and index finger. It has the meaning of the complimentary term for a slim face with a narrow V-shaped chin.

Body Language During Business Meeting 

     

1. Direct eye contact is impolite if the businessman is a junior or a senior.

2. If you are employees don't look directly to your boss.

3. Exchange gifts during the first business meeting are used to show respect. 

4. Woman talking or laughing loudly is considered unprofessional. Also, a woman had to cover their mouth when they are laughing.

5. Many South Korean people shake hands with expatriates after bowing. 

Others Body Language during Social Gathering 

- Don't cross legs or stretch them out in front of you.

- Keep feet on the floor.

- Elder may touch younger people with force to get through a crowd, but youth cannot do the same.

- Silence during a conversation doesn't always mean awkwardness or being uncomfortable, it usually means an agreement between two people or parties.

- always pass or receive something using your right arm supported by your left arm or using both of your arms.

    That is a few body language that you should know. We hoped that learning body language from South Korea, it will help you to be more respectful and know more about the culture in South Korea.

Source : 

https://www.koreanclass101.com/blog/2019/08/16/korean-body-gestures/

https://www.expatguidekorea.com/article/body-language-hand-gestures-in-the-korean-culture.html

https://prezi.com/srkgdgy_vsvz/south-korea-body-language/

https://www.slideshare.net/imtihan22/south-korea-and-germany-business-and-political-relationship