Body language - know how to bow

It is widely well known that the body language is a big part of communication. Sometimes, it speaks more than words or any other world language.

There are some generally adopted body gestures, which are universally suitable, but most of them vary between different cultures. Since the body language is important while encountering people daily, in order to show manners and respect, one should study and adopt the manners before visiting a different culture.

Like many other Asian countries, South Korea is country of bowing. It's a gesture that shows respect, gratitude and it is usually used as a greeting. But, if it is to be done in the right way, there are certain rules to follow. When greeting someone, bowing is performed with legs close together and hands near the body. The depth of the bow also depends on who you greet, as deeper bend is reserved for seniors or formal occasions when you want to show more respect, while tilting your head while meeting in informal way, should be just enough. The biggest bow you can offer to someone is called keunjeol, and it shows the highest form of respect. The bow can also be accompanied with a handshake, in which case the right arm should be supported with the left hand. Similar thing applies while receiving something, especially from an older person, both hands should be used to take over the object.

Just like we adapt to locals in BIG BERRY, we tried to do the same in Korea, so we seeked for some advice on how to do a proper bow.

Our first bowing try - still learning

Difference between angle of inclination while bowing. Bigger bow shows more respect

While bowing, the hands are places in front of the body, one across another...

...or straight on the side, pressed against the body

Slight bow before the meal is also a part of the ritual

In business world, the manner of exchanging the business card is very important. The way it is handled, says a lot about a person. The card is politely handed over and received with two hands and it is reviewed with respect. We had a chance to experience this gesture while having a speed meeting with Korean tour operators in Slovenia house. Being a business brand that is meeting a lot of different people here in South Korea, it is very useful to know these tips in order to leave a good impression. Hopefully we did a good job and and made people see why it is good to do business with BIG BERRY.

Although quite new in the world of Korean body language and still have a lot to learn, no matter who we meet, we always know that with a slight bow we cannot go wrong.

BB business cards are ready to be handed in Korean way

Business cards can be received with two hands....

...or if received with only one, it is always done with the right hand

Handshake is accepted way of thanking and greeting someone, in both Western and Eastern culture

Besides the bowing, another thing we noticed here in Korea is the respect towards the elders. They are always shown the highest form of respect and take precedence in everything. This is the kindest form of gesture a culture can appreciate. Similar to handing a business card, gifts are also carefully received with two hands, in a sign of respect and gratitude.

Gifs are also received with two hands, in a sign of appreciation

Another manner that drew our attention is the man working at the entrance of the Olympic resort, whose job is to wave at every car or person that enters and passes him. This was just a sign of how thoughtful and pleasant mannered Koreans are.

Man waving at every guest that enters Olympic resort

Some body gestures do remain the same. Those are the expressions of emotions and they are universal even in the world of sports, which is especially visible in athletes reactions here at the Olympics, when they accomplish a good result.

Emotions are expressed in the universal way, even in the world of sports