Gestures and body language

In Korea, people beckon with the palm facing down, moving the fingers back and forth. Curling the index finger with the palm up can seem like calling an animal and may be considered rude. At restaurants, the safest way to call staff is to raise your hand slightly and say 저기요 (jeogiyo), 'Excuse me.'

Yes, pointing directly at someone with your finger can be seen as rude, especially toward elders. When you need to indicate a person or direction, use an open hand with the palm up. Pointing at objects or pictures is generally fine, but with people, the open-hand gesture is the polite choice.

In Korea, using both hands when giving something to or receiving something from an older person shows respect. If you use one hand, lightly support your wrist or forearm with the other. This matters especially for business cards, gifts, drinks and money. Friends are more relaxed about it, but it makes a great impression with new acquaintances.

Koreans greet by bowing the head and upper body. A light nod of the head is called 목례 (mongnye) and is used for casual encounters. For more respect, bow deeper from the waist. The full traditional bow performed on the floor to elders during holidays is called 큰절 (keunjeol).

The finger heart is made by crossing the thumb and index finger to form a tiny heart shape. People use it in photos or to express thanks and affection. There is also a big heart made by raising both arms over the head and touching the fingertips. It's a cute, casual gesture popular among friends and fans.

Making a circle with your thumb and index finger usually means 'okay' or 'good.' In Korea, a similar circle gesture can also mean 'money,' but it is usually made a little differently, for example with the palm turned another way. If you use a circle gesture while talking about prices, people may think you mean money, so pay attention to context.

Many Koreans start with an open hand and fold the fingers down one by one, beginning with the thumb. After five, the hand is a fist, and some continue by unfolding fingers for six onward. Methods vary from person to person. Showing fingers along with saying the number helps at markets.

Yes. The V sign, made with the index and middle fingers, is very common in Korean photos. Finger hearts and hands-on-cheeks poses are also popular. Photographers usually count 하나, 둘, 셋 (hana, dul, set), 'one, two, three.' To ask someone to join a photo, say 같이 찍어요 (gachi jjigeoyo), 'Let's take one together.'

When shaking hands with someone senior, many Koreans use the right hand while lightly supporting their right forearm or wrist with the left hand. A slight bow of the head adds politeness. It's usually most natural for the senior person to offer their hand first. Avoid gripping too hard.

A thumbs-up means 'great' or 'well done.' In Korean it's sometimes called 엄지 척 (eomji cheok). People use it casually to praise or encourage someone, and you'll often see it when someone wants to say food is delicious. It means the same positive thing as in many other countries.

Yes, by showing the palm and waving side to side. It's common with children and friends; with elders, a bow is more polite than a wave. People usually add 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo), said to someone leaving, or 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo), said by the one leaving to those who stay.

Koreans call it 가위바위보 (gawibawibo), shouting the word as they throw their hands. It's used to decide turns or settle small bets. The rules are the same as elsewhere: scissors lose to rock, rock loses to paper, and paper loses to scissors. If it's a tie, everyone shouts gawibawibo again.

Linking pinky fingers means making a promise. In Korea, people often follow it by pressing their thumbs together, as if stamping a seal, called 도장 (dojang). It's common among children and friends and often appears in romantic drama scenes. It's a playful but sincere way of saying 'I promise.'

Yes. Nodding means 'yes' and shaking your head side to side means 'no.' During conversations, Koreans often nod and say 네, 네 (ne, ne) to show they're listening, which doesn't always mean they agree. For important matters, confirm verbally to avoid misunderstandings.

Covering the mouth while laughing is a habit associated with modesty and good manners. You'll see it especially around elders or in formal settings. Laughing openly is perfectly normal today, but the gesture remains common. Covering your mouth when you have food in it during a meal comes from the same consideration.

Bowing with both hands placed together on the stomach is often called 배꼽 인사 (baekkop insa), literally 'belly-button greeting.' You'll see children greeting elders this way and staff welcoming customers in service jobs. It looks polite and tidy, and keeping your hands together naturally improves your posture.

Rubbing your palms together means pleading or begging forgiveness. The Korean expression 싹싹 빈다 (ssakssak binda), 'to beg earnestly,' comes from this motion. You'll often see it when friends jokingly ask for favors or in variety-show apology scenes. For a serious apology, sincere words matter more.

Crossing your arms in an X in front of your chest means 'no' or 'wrong.' Raising your arms over your head to form a circle, an O, means 'yes' or 'correct.' These gestures are common in quizzes, variety shows and when answering someone far away. They're also handy when language is a barrier.

Crossing your legs or leaning far back in front of elders or superiors can look arrogant. In first meetings, interviews or formal settings, sitting upright is best. Among friends, no one minds. If the senior person tells you to relax, it's fine to follow their lead.

Most Koreans understand that foreigners won't know every rule. Still, doing the basics, using both hands to give and receive and bowing to greet, leaves a polite impression. When unsure, watch what people around you do and follow along. If you slip up, a smile and an apology are enough.