Facts About Korea ; The Appropriate Handshake

Facts About Korea ; The Appropriate Handshake 

Bill Gates sent the South Korean media into a frenzy earlier this year when he met South Korean president Park Geun-hye. 

Many people found his behavior inappropriate, newspapers and talk shows analyzed his insensitivity, and Internet chat rooms debated his rude gesture.

What did he do to upset so many people? When Gates gave President Park a handshake, he kept his left hand in his pocket. In South Korea, there’s a right and wrong way to shake hands, and it has to do with status.

One-arm handshakes are casual, and in certain circumstances, they can imply superiority. If you’re shaking hands with a buddy or someone your age or younger, feel free to use one hand. But if you’re meeting someone older or someone in a position of authority, you’d better use two. (On the flip side, it’s okay for seniors to use one hand. They outrank you).

So if you ever shake hands with your South Korean boss, you need to prop up your forearm with your free hand. A small bow would be nice, and always look into the eyes. After all, good manners are important, even if you’re the richest man in the world.

this is how it should be done in an appropriate manner