COMMON GESTURES AND THEIR MEANING

1. Peace Sign

In Korea, the peace sign is commonly

used when taking pictures. Also, it can be
used to show how proud you are of
something.

2. Korean Heart

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.
3. “Let’s go for a drink” gesture

This hand gesture is commonly used among friends, as a friendly

gesture.

4. Receiving and giving something to someone

In Korea, you need to receive or give

something with both hands; this is to
show that you’re showing respect.

5. Covering Mouth when Laughing

Korean women are shy in general

and by hiding their mouth while
laughing, they can avoid
embarrassment (for instance, of food
stuck in their teeth).
6. Two Thumbs Up

The one thumb up gesture is to say “great

job,” but if you do the two thumbs up gesture,
it’s equivalent to “it’s super awesome.” This
gesture is used only among friends.

7. Promise Handshake

In Korea, a promise hand gesture

itself isn’t enough; we have many
more hand gestures after that.

8. Come over here

If Koreans want to ask someone to come to

them with a gesture.
9. The double hand wave

Used when you want to strongly say “NO” to someone.

10. Korean “Rock, Paper, Scissors”

In Korea, “Rock, Paper, Scissors” is called 가위 바위 보 (gawi bawi

bo).