Ever noticed how Koreans bow to each other in K-dramas or during business meetings?
Here’s the why and the how!
Quick Summary
- Korean bow might be a small nod or a full kneeling, but it’s always done with intent.
- Korean kids are taught to perform a more polite, “belly button bow.”
- A casual nod is the most common greeting to use as a grown-up.
- A 30-45 degree bow is a default polite bow.
Bowing Means Respect
Korean bowing is all about respect and courtesy.
Korean culture is built around the idea of showing respect to others, especially those older than you or in a higher position.
Growing up in South Korea, whenever I walked around the neighborhood with my mom, she had me bow and say “Annyeonghaseyo” to every adult she knew. And she seemed to know everyone.
As kids, we did the classic “belly button bow” (배꼽인사), placing our hands over our bellies and bowing politely.
I had to do this for my kindergarten teachers and piano hagwon tutors as well.
Different Bows For Different Situations
Not all bows are equal in Korea.
We have different types of bows depending on the situation and how formal things are.
1. Casual Nod (15 degrees or less)
This is the most common greeting I use in everyday settings as a grown-up.
At work, you can lightly nod when passing by a colleague or when you catch eye contact with a coworker who is on the phone.
2. Polite Bow (30-45 degrees)
This is a default polite bow.
It requires a little bit of time and space because it’s done while standing still.
Koreans use this when meeting someone for the first time, thanking/apologizing to someone formally, or greeting someone with a significant difference in age and position.
3. Deep Bow (90 degrees)
A 90-degree bow can actually make the other person feel uncomfortable, so it’s not recommended to use it in everyday settings.
Only the Korean mafia would bow like this.
4. Traditional Kneeling Bow (keunjeol)
This one is mostly reserved for holidays like Seollal or Chuseok when paying respect to elders or ancestors.
It’s a full kneeling bow, and it’s ceremonial.
The important rule is to bow once to the living, and twice to the deceased whether at funerals or during ancestral rites.
As a kid, Seollal is amazing because you get to feel older while getting sebaetdon or cash in envelopes from every adult when performing ritualistic bowing known as sebae. It’s really quite simple. You get on your knees and bow to floor level. Say “Happy New Year!” in Korean and then collect envelope. It’s a dream come true for children.
In my book, “A Korean Girl Explains“
Say Something While Bowing
Unless you have to quietly nod, Koreans usually say something when we bow.
You can say
- Hello (“Annyeonghaseyo“)
- Thank you (“Gamsahamnida“)
- Goodbye (“Annyeonghi Gaseyo” when someone is leaving / “Annyeonghi Gyeseyo” when you’re leaving)
- Sorry (“Joesonghamnida”)
The bow is a universal gesture that fits into nearly every social situation in South Korea.
It can express gratitude, apology, or reverence depending on context, words, facial expression, and body language.
Do You Have to Bow in Korea?
If you’re visiting Korea, no one expects you to bow like a Korean.
But doing a quick head bob can go a long way.
Koreans appreciate when visitors try to understand and respect our customs.
One thing though. Don’t do the “wai,” where you press your palms together like 🙏. That’s for Thailand… or maybe your yoga class.
The Younger Bows to the Older
In Korea, age matters. A lot!
The general rule is for younger ones to bow first.
Even if it’s your co-worker or friend, if they’re a year older, you’ll probably give a small bow when you greet them.
Elders might return the bow but with a lot less depth.
Other Rules to Know
1. Eye Contact
We make eye contact with the other person right before and after the bow, not during.
Maintaining eye contact while bowing can come off as glaring, which is a major no-no in Korea.
2. Hands Out of Pockets
Never bow with your hands in your pockets. It’s considered extremely rude.
Always take them out before you bow or nod!
Whether it’s a brief nod or a formal kneeling bow on a holiday, these little gestures go a long way in Korea.
Don’t worry though. A small bow or just a polite head nod is totally fine when you’re visiting Korea!
