I doubt Simon and Martina will see this but if you guys do... I think you should do this type of video for Japan as well. Any hand gestures or certain polite ways of doing things in Japan that foreigners wouldn't know about.
i keep watching Simon and Martina's video.. Usually I find something bad about other youtube users or unlike some videos but all of their videos are so fun and interesting to watch.
RaeOfficial: I think you have a good point regarding misinterpretations. I had to explain to all 500 of my students that we call people over with our palms up or with one finger and it is not rude. They were shocked! So I told them to not be offended by a foreigner doing this, because they just don't realize it is offensive. Some students approached me after class and told me they thought their English tutors were rude, but now they realize it was a misinterpretation.
dude! this is one of the first EYK videos i saw, back when i was looking at teaching English in Korea , this brings back the memories.... and sadly I'm not as fluent in Korean as i would've liked to be by now...
am so impressive you explain Korean hand Gestures. it is really important to support hand when someone gives you liquour like Soju or whisky, especially in drinking with people.
I can imagine what a gifted teacher Martina was to her school students back in Korea. She has a very clear pronunciation and easy-to-follow examples and comparisons (re: hamster digging example).
rubbing your thumb and your index finger several times means 'getting money' or simply money (as it resembles the flicking of the cash when counting) also, the OK sign can be also interpreted as 'money' (as it resembles a coin)
Good video! O: It was fun to watch and mostly true. I'm Korea and I'm warning those people who are reading comments about people who say they're Korean with little notes and facts about being Korean, that what they say can be true and sometimes what they say can be exaggerated and can vary from different Koreans. Don't hate.
I heard in Korea when someone invites you to a party, and they offer you alcohol . You're not suppose to drink it right in front of them, you have to turn to the side.
Using both hands is very important to show your respect to others, especially to elderly people. If you're older than the other, you don't have to use both hands. Age is very important in Korean culture.
Something I learned in Korean class (when I was young, might have changed) is that in Seoul if the number of fingers you raise to hail a taxi is the number multiplied by the going rate that you're willing to pay. So for example, if you hail a taxi with an open hand, it tells the taxi that you're willing to pay 5x the going rate to get where you're going. Most likely the taxi drivers thought you were crazy and drove right by you. :_D
Wonderful! Many of these I have seen in kdramas. I would only recommend that you might add the polite way of drinking- turning their head to the side as if not wanting to be seen actually taking a drink. Thanks
Once at an outing with my Korean coworkers one of the secretaries who was only 20 did the 'turn away and cover mouth' while drinking soju. I thought it was because she was unable to handle her alcohol but was later informed that it was out of respect. Especially because everyone there was older and included our boss and faculty manager.
You know, with all the Korean pop culture I infuse into my brain, a lot of the stuff from these videos like the hand gestures I've begun to realize i already knew on some level. Some of them i have even begun doing without noticing it! Still, I learn a lot from these videos, so that you for making them!
My Tae Kwon Do instructor is Korean. He has taught us some of the same stuff. I have even found myself doing some of the same things out side of class, which gets me weird looks. (Yes, I'm American) We could learn a thing or two about politeness from other places in the world!
when i was in korea, the "come here" hand gesture didn't seem so complicated. we were always taught (by my mother- who is korean) that it's like you're "shoo-ing" someone away from you. you keep your hands lowered, even when hailing a cab, and you push your hand away from you- almost as though you're telling a dog to go away. just wanted to share my experience, as I have never seen someone hail or call someone over in the manner shown.
Hey lovehateana: If you're drinking with elders or your superiors, it is polite to turn away to drink your alcohol, but I can honestly say I've never seen anyone do that in a public restaurant. Perhaps it's for a more formal event? I have seen it in Korea dramas though... I think the hand covering the mouth when laughing is out of modesty and shyness, but I'm not totally sure. Just what some of my friends told me. Can anyone add to this answer? ^^
I just started Tae Kwon Do about 3 1/2 weeks ago and we have also been taught the same gestures! All of the Instructors and Masters at my school are Korean and the gestures have definitely worn off on me in public as well which definitely has gotten me weird looks :) I have to say though that I enjoy the respect aspect of Tae Kwon Do and also agree that other cultures could learn a thing or two from cultures like the Korean culture.
watching your old videos to see how your production and style has progressed...i am an up and coming foodie/lifestyle youtuber and im looking for tips :) i love your channel
Love the videos! I would love for you to re-do some of these old videos but with the Japanese frame of mind now. Maybe you have, and I'm just not there yet since I'm watching from the beginning now. lol
How about sideswipe for calling over? I call people over with a sideswipe gesture that's mostly up-orientated, but sometimes slips into the hamster hands thing.
I'm an American, and see what you're saying, but sometimes it's not a big deal in America to call someone over like that, like if they're a child, or if you don't think they can hear you, like in a crowd or loud room.
this is extremely helpful for students that are going for exchange programme! simon and martina, can u do more videos on korea's do and don't . thank you!
When giving or receiving anything you can use two hands, you don't always need to touch your left hand to your elbow/right arm. I find it more comfortable just to use two hands. As does my Korean husband.
in korea, if you are eating something and your friend is next to you, just ask them if they want to try some.and if they say they are good, ask them again. and when you borrowed stuffs from your friend, say thank you once again when you return them. and never ever throw them! also, when you shake hands with older people, dont just shake hand, bow a little bit at the same time. you dont have to bow in a big motion like when you bow to the audiences in concerts ;)
Peace or Victory sign (index and middle finger up forming V) is very commonly used by Korean people (majorly young) when they are taking photos also, unlike Western countries where they count 3, 2, 1 and say Cheese, they say 1, 2, 3 (Hana, Dul, Set) and say Kimchi in Korea^^
I went to Korea and when I was with friends or people I knew I would keep in mind the Korean respectful hand gestures and what not. However when I went to stores and everybody was a stranger I just handed my money with just one hand. Also when I had my drinks refilled I just let them pour the drink and didn't feel the need to bring my cup up with both hands. So my question is if you are the customer is it really necessary to follow these hand gestures if you are already polite?
I think it could be considered rude with a boss or parent, not going over to get them yourself if you do need them. That being said, it probably depends largely on their comfort level with casual interaction, rather than formal.
@Prophetess7 some what right but, calling taxi or calling someone with that hand gesture might be an old style. Korea is changing really quick, like lots of things. It is good to be polite and yes you need to be polite and respect other people in general. I suggest you to go to korea and meet other koreans and just interact with them and learn
Wow, now I know haha... I'm taking Korean lessons from this Korean lady and I felt like I did something wrong the first day when I paid her for the lesson. She took it kinda awkwardly and kinda looked offended. Now I know I'll do that elbow-supporting thing, and maybe she will react better haha.
Actually in general these things are so much more polite...Not just in Korea.It's just that Korea still observes these things with respect and importance,that we feel very rude to do usual gestures.
@lotusblack80 lol I was just thinking "wow for me that would get tiring and annoying to behave that way everyday but koreans are probably used to it and it's natural so big deal to them" I stand corrected after reading these comments, you guys feel the same way
Nice and neat! However, I think the way you wave at a taxi as if you're digging with your hand looks a little akward. It looks more natural if your fingers don't get together when waving at a taxi.
oops read it wrong: it doesnt matter, but the thing you do on your elbow is usually for alcohol p: and someone you respect/ or if someone is older than you, or if you are strangers P:
I don't know why though out the whole video I kept thinking "Siwon (of Super Junior) the Gestures Man" hahhaha. Thanks for the video, it really helped :)
damn i wish i wouldve seen this video a year ago wen i was in korea.. although i did figure it out.. had good korean friends to help me out..good insight and very helpful
@darkmagicianawsome I dont know if i'd consider it polite, I think its natural reaction? (I put my hand over my stomach, i dont know why or what its for....) and im certain the recieving and giving hand guesture shown in this video is almost outdated. It's only used in situations where you have to show utmost respect. :)
If you're left-handed does it matter if you place your right hand on your left arm? or do you have to give and receive things with your left hand on your right arm?
Wow people, let's cool the flame war! It's not very grateful behaviour to show to people who took the time to make a helpful video. I love how polite eastern cultures are. We have nothing like that here in England! :)
I just have a curious question. I am korean but I am more american than korean. What are you supose to do when a korean pays you a compliment like "Your pretty"? I know in the US you say thank you but i observe that koreans dont say any thanks for little compliments like that? What are you supose to do?
if you are left-handed, is it ok to hold, give and receive with your left hand and support with your right one? or do you always have to try and strictly hold with your right hand and support with left? I use both my hands equally so i uncosciously just use whichever hand to hold, give, receive something. would I have to be cautious in Korea?
lol... simon and martina were so canadian when they first moved to korea. their hair was so conservative! now martina has curly pink/blonde hair and simon has a red mohawk.. lol
i guess this goes past the hand gestures, but what's the rule when you actually have to drink the poured glass? turning sideways or something? is that only for alcohol? for elders? maybe i just didnt read the other posts >.
I don't live in Korean and (after watching this video) I realized that I already do everything that was mentionned in the video... tho, no one around me has ever done them... >.<
i don't know about Canada but in the states, i'd disagree that it's appropriate to beckon someone with the hand facing up. anyone who lived in the states here, can you imagine yourself calling to your boss or professor with that hand gesture? especially with one finger? completely inappropriate. what if a stranger around your age on an elevator beckoned you to get in with one finger(palm facing up)? i'd find that still a bit offensive. reply to me if there're any american here who disagree to me
just an additioal, that's actually Asians.. I'm Javanese, part of Indonesia (just in case you guys doesn't know).. we also do those hand gestures to older people. and if you drink soju in front f older people, you should avoid facing the older people, perhaps you better drink with you body facing your sides.. :)
Hi, my parents are Koreans and I was born in Argentina, country made by a vast quantity of Italian and Spanish immigrants. Just want to say that this video is actually very helpful because I kinda have some of the extrovertive gestures of Italians and now I know why Koreans feel a bit uncomfortable around me. Hehe. Oh, and it's weird to see a non- asian person explaining and rationalizing asian peculiarities. A good weirdness, though.
it freaks me out when I see martina without her signature eyeliner... she looks totally different
But totally pretty ♥
It really helped us out, especially the culinary reader section. Probably the best organized mini-Korean book we found.
I doubt Simon and Martina will see this but if you guys do... I think you should do this type of video for Japan as well. Any hand gestures or certain polite ways of doing things in Japan that foreigners wouldn't know about.
+Jennifer Anderson we see it! Thanks for the suggestion :)
YAAAAS! No problem. :0]
The hand gestures are similar in Japan, but would be great to see a video about it :D
THIS HOUSE!!! It's been so loooooooooooooooooooooooong!!!! hahahah
I just love some of your older videos T^T
i keep watching Simon and Martina's video.. Usually I find something bad about other youtube users or unlike some videos but all of their videos are so fun and interesting to watch.
I'm Korean-American trying to re-learn my roots so to speak. I really enjoyed this video...please make more. Excellent and Thank you!
RaeOfficial: I think you have a good point regarding misinterpretations.
I had to explain to all 500 of my students that we call people over with our palms up or with one finger and it is not rude. They were shocked! So I told them to not be offended by a foreigner doing this, because they just don't realize it is offensive.
Some students approached me after class and told me they thought their English tutors were rude, but now they realize it was a misinterpretation.
thank you so much for making this video!!! i'm an american who works in an outlet mall with TONS of korean shoppers - this is really helpful!
dude! this is one of the first EYK videos i saw, back when i was looking at teaching English in Korea , this brings back the memories.... and sadly I'm not as fluent in Korean as i would've liked to be by now...
am so impressive you explain Korean hand Gestures. it is really important to support hand when someone gives you liquour like Soju or whisky, especially in drinking with people.
I can imagine what a gifted teacher Martina was to her school students back in Korea. She has a very clear pronunciation and easy-to-follow examples and comparisons (re: hamster digging example).
OMG SO MANY YEARS SINCE I FIRST WATCHED THIS THE NOSTALGIA~~~
Damn, your comment was from 6 years ago.
Hey tollkevin, we were thinking the same thing! We start out with a simple video on hand gestures, and people end up screaming at each other online!
i can die peacefully now that i saw 2008 martina.
rubbing your thumb and your index finger several times means 'getting money' or simply money (as it resembles the flicking of the cash when counting)
also, the OK sign can be also interpreted as 'money' (as it resembles a coin)
I love how militant the girl is. "like say you want to buy a book from someone" puts the book down *SLAM*
+A Small Babby martina
huh?
oh
sorry, Martina
lol
Loving your videos, they really help me with my project on understanding Korean etiquette, and culture. Thanks!
Good video! O: It was fun to watch and mostly true.
I'm Korea and I'm warning those people who are reading comments about people who say they're Korean with little notes and facts about being Korean, that what they say can be true and sometimes what they say can be exaggerated and can vary from different Koreans.
Don't hate.
cool! I was wondering about the supporting elbow thingy, I see it in Korean dramas allot. thx for the explanation!!!
I heard in Korea when someone invites you to a party, and they offer you alcohol . You're not suppose to drink it right in front of them, you have to turn to the side.
Using both hands is very important to show your respect to others, especially to elderly people. If you're older than the other, you don't have to use both hands. Age is very important in Korean culture.
Something I learned in Korean class (when I was young, might have changed) is that in Seoul if the number of fingers you raise to hail a taxi is the number multiplied by the going rate that you're willing to pay. So for example, if you hail a taxi with an open hand, it tells the taxi that you're willing to pay 5x the going rate to get where you're going. Most likely the taxi drivers thought you were crazy and drove right by you. :_D
Also when handing something to somehow having your left hand touching your right arm or right wrist is a sign of respect.
Wonderful! Many of these I have seen in kdramas. I would only recommend that you might add the polite way of drinking- turning their head to the side as if not wanting to be seen actually taking a drink. Thanks
using both of ur hands gives the impression that you are fully attending to ur current action; one hand, half attentive.
Once at an outing with my Korean coworkers one of the secretaries who was only 20 did the 'turn away and cover mouth' while drinking soju. I thought it was because she was unable to handle her alcohol but was later informed that it was out of respect. Especially because everyone there was older and included our boss and faculty manager.
wow that was pretty cool. i see it in korean dramas all the time but never really thought about it
You know, with all the Korean pop culture I infuse into my brain, a lot of the stuff from these videos like the hand gestures I've begun to realize i already knew on some level. Some of them i have even begun doing without noticing it! Still, I learn a lot from these videos, so that you for making them!
Im going to Seoul in October for business, this will be helpful!
My Tae Kwon Do instructor is Korean. He has taught us some of the same stuff. I have even found myself doing some of the same things out side of class, which gets me weird looks. (Yes, I'm American)
We could learn a thing or two about politeness from other places in the world!
Extremely helpful demonstration!
when i was in korea, the "come here" hand gesture didn't seem so complicated. we were always taught (by my mother- who is korean) that it's like you're "shoo-ing" someone away from you. you keep your hands lowered, even when hailing a cab, and you push your hand away from you- almost as though you're telling a dog to go away.
just wanted to share my experience, as I have never seen someone hail or call someone over in the manner shown.
Hey lovehateana:
If you're drinking with elders or your superiors, it is polite to turn away to drink your alcohol, but I can honestly say I've never seen anyone do that in a public restaurant. Perhaps it's for a more formal event? I have seen it in Korea dramas though...
I think the hand covering the mouth when laughing is out of modesty and shyness, but I'm not totally sure. Just what some of my friends told me.
Can anyone add to this answer? ^^
Oh yeah! The "peace sign/kimchi sign" is so popular! I can't believe we didn't think about adding it to the video. *^_^*
I have so much to learn. Thank you so much!
It feels so weird watching this in 2012 before they became even more amazing.
I just started Tae Kwon Do about 3 1/2 weeks ago and we have also been taught the same gestures! All of the Instructors and Masters at my school are Korean and the gestures have definitely worn off on me in public as well which definitely has gotten me weird looks :) I have to say though that I enjoy the respect aspect of Tae Kwon Do and also agree that other cultures could learn a thing or two from cultures like the Korean culture.
watching your old videos to see how your production and style has progressed...i am an up and coming foodie/lifestyle youtuber and im looking for tips :)
i love your channel
martina seems so serious and down to business in this video
Love the videos! I would love for you to re-do some of these old videos but with the Japanese frame of mind now. Maybe you have, and I'm just not there yet since I'm watching from the beginning now. lol
yay korean phrasebook! I have this too! The best phrase in there is the "easy tiger" :D
How about sideswipe for calling over? I call people over with a sideswipe gesture that's mostly up-orientated, but sometimes slips into the hamster hands thing.
Ehmeyged....OLD SIMON OLD MARTINA OLD MAKEUP OLD CHANNEL OLD HOUSE OLD CAMERA AND OLD TV!!! Lol 2:07
민유라 Well, they're technically... younger back then. XD
:P
my friend told me that when your gonna hand over money you've got to hold the bill with two of your hands and hand it over sometimes you can bow to.
I'm an American, and see what you're saying, but sometimes it's not a big deal in America to call someone over like that, like if they're a child, or if you don't think they can hear you, like in a crowd or loud room.
this is extremely helpful for students that are going for exchange programme! simon and martina, can u do more videos on korea's do and don't . thank you!
When giving or receiving anything you can use two hands, you don't always need to touch your left hand to your elbow/right arm. I find it more comfortable just to use two hands. As does my Korean husband.
in korea, if you are eating something and your friend is next to you, just ask them if they want to try some.and if they say they are good, ask them again.
and when you borrowed stuffs from your friend, say thank you once again when you return them. and never ever throw them!
also, when you shake hands with older people, dont just shake hand, bow a little bit at the same time. you dont have to bow in a big motion like when you bow to the audiences in concerts ;)
Peace or Victory sign (index and middle finger up forming V) is very commonly used by Korean people (majorly young) when they are taking photos
also, unlike Western countries where they count 3, 2, 1 and say Cheese,
they say 1, 2, 3 (Hana, Dul, Set) and say Kimchi in Korea^^
the downward hand gesture is also in the Philippines! At first I had no idea whether or not they were telling me to leave or go to them haha
I went to Korea and when I was with friends or people I knew I would keep in mind the Korean respectful hand gestures and what not. However when I went to stores and everybody was a stranger I just handed my money with just one hand. Also when I had my drinks refilled I just let them pour the drink and didn't feel the need to bring my cup up with both hands.
So my question is if you are the customer is it really necessary to follow these hand gestures if you are already polite?
I think it could be considered rude with a boss or parent, not going over to get them yourself if you do need them. That being said, it probably depends largely on their comfort level with casual interaction, rather than formal.
@Prophetess7 some what right but, calling taxi or calling someone with that hand gesture might be an old style. Korea is changing really quick, like lots of things. It is good to be polite and yes you need to be polite and respect other people in general. I suggest you to go to korea and meet other koreans and just interact with them and learn
still adorbs, you two!! 2018 💜💕💙
THanks, could you talk about the fists that the close up camera goes to when someone is upset...I have seen a couple variations on that...
i have that same korean phrase book and it's awesome!
Excellent observation of Korean custom!! Good job!
Merry Christmas!
Dec 25 , 2011
I wonder how you found that out, people must have thought you guys were pretty rude without you guys knowing D: Thanks for the tip ^^
1:18..Is that the Lonely planet Korean phrasebook? I just bought that 2 weeks ago. It's not bad but the newer edition is coming out soon..
Wow, now I know haha...
I'm taking Korean lessons from this Korean lady and I felt like I did something wrong the first day when I paid her for the lesson. She took it kinda awkwardly and kinda looked offended.
Now I know I'll do that elbow-supporting thing, and maybe she will react better haha.
Actually in general these things are so much more polite...Not just in Korea.It's just that Korea still observes these things with respect and importance,that we feel very rude to do usual gestures.
@lotusblack80 lol I was just thinking "wow for me that would get tiring and annoying to behave that way everyday but koreans are probably used to it and it's natural so big deal to them"
I stand corrected after reading these comments, you guys feel the same way
Nice and neat! However, I think the way you wave at a taxi as if you're digging with your hand looks a little akward. It looks more natural if your fingers don't get together when waving at a taxi.
oops read it wrong:
it doesnt matter, but the thing you do on your elbow is usually for alcohol p:
and someone you respect/ or if someone is older than you, or if you are strangers P:
Thank youuuu xD This is going to be sooo useful x.x
is that the proust collection in the back? niceeee
you guys are learning well :D
so that's the reason why no taxi drivers understand my hand gestures:(
I'm gonna try it this summer in Korea!!!
in tae kwon-do when we shake hands after sparring we have to support our arm too
Love your videos.
i am dating a korean and i am trying to get his parents approvle so i am trying to learn a lot before i eat with them Thank you ALOT!
and if u want to greet somebody who is older than u
you have bow
uaually u greet someone with hand
but that's for person who really colse with u
I don't know why though out the whole video I kept thinking "Siwon (of Super Junior) the Gestures Man" hahhaha. Thanks for the video, it really helped :)
damn i wish i wouldve seen this video a year ago wen i was in korea.. although i did figure it out.. had good korean friends to help me out..good insight and very helpful
LOL! I already have a habit of calling people over the Korean way, I didn't know at first and watching this I was surprised!
very interesting and cool presentation :)
I have that same korean book does it help you much
I'm meeting my girlfriends parents in Korea soon...thank you, this helps
Well, she WAS a Korean English Teacher.
@darkmagicianawsome I dont know if i'd consider it polite, I think its natural reaction? (I put my hand over my stomach, i dont know why or what its for....) and im certain the recieving and giving hand guesture shown in this video is almost outdated. It's only used in situations where you have to show utmost respect. :)
The whole video I just couldn't stop thinking about Siwon and his hand gestures xD
If you're left-handed does it matter if you place your right hand on your left arm? or do you have to give and receive things with your left hand on your right arm?
Wow people, let's cool the flame war!
It's not very grateful behaviour to show to people who took the time to make a helpful video.
I love how polite eastern cultures are. We have nothing like that here in England! :)
I just have a curious question. I am korean but I am more american than korean. What are you supose to do when a korean pays you a compliment like "Your pretty"? I know in the US you say thank you but i observe that koreans dont say any thanks for little compliments like that? What are you supose to do?
Looks like Koreans are really polite to each other :)
LOL This video and the T-money? card video were played in our Korean Culture Class in TORONTO!!!!!
jeje so diferent Martina, this information its very good
if you are left-handed, is it ok to hold, give and receive with your left hand and support with your right one? or do you always have to try and strictly hold with your right hand and support with left? I use both my hands equally so i uncosciously just use whichever hand to hold, give, receive something. would I have to be cautious in Korea?
LOOOL .. u guys look soooo shy and formal
@silvepaper222 correct.in busy market place it doesn't matter.
lol... simon and martina were so canadian when they first moved to korea.
their hair was so conservative!
now martina has curly pink/blonde hair and simon has a red mohawk.. lol
i guess this goes past the hand gestures, but what's the rule when you actually have to drink the poured glass? turning sideways or something? is that only for alcohol? for elders? maybe i just didnt read the other posts >.
I don't live in Korean and (after watching this video) I realized that I already do everything that was mentionned in the video... tho, no one around me has ever done them... >.<
i have a question does it have to be your left hand on your elbow or in the bottom of the cup or does it not matter?
Can I substitute 'jazz hands' for any of the above?
i don't know about Canada but in the states, i'd disagree that it's appropriate to beckon someone with the hand facing up. anyone who lived in the states here, can you imagine yourself calling to your boss or professor with that hand gesture? especially with one finger? completely inappropriate. what if a stranger around your age on an elevator beckoned you to get in with one finger(palm facing up)? i'd find that still a bit offensive. reply to me if there're any american here who disagree to me
just an additioal, that's actually Asians.. I'm Javanese, part of Indonesia (just in case you guys doesn't know).. we also do those hand gestures to older people.
and if you drink soju in front f older people, you should avoid facing the older people, perhaps you better drink with you body facing your sides.. :)
Hi, my parents are Koreans and I was born in Argentina, country made by a vast quantity of Italian and Spanish immigrants. Just want to say that this video is actually very helpful because I kinda have some of the extrovertive gestures of Italians and now I know why Koreans feel a bit uncomfortable around me. Hehe. Oh, and it's weird to see a non- asian person explaining and rationalizing asian peculiarities. A good weirdness, though.
Haha Martina sounds like such a teacher (:
Martina! Why you so professional? Lol, so seroius