The first time i saw how koreans greet each other made me mesmerised that how beautiful its essence is ,making me wonder if the gesture,emotions similar to ways we indians greet each other and to my shock it was…but in a beautiful and different kinds of bows each carrying its own significant meaning .it made me realise that how still generations after generations some traditions carried and repeated—quietly, respectfully—across generations.Bowing in Korea and touching elders’ feet in India are two such movements, shaped by history and sustained by emotion.
In Korea, Bowing culture is deeply rooted to the Joseon dynasty and to the Confucian philosophy teaching everyone to carefully express their sincerity.A 15-degree bow is expressed in everyday casual exchange of greetings.A 30 degree bow offered in a formal setting to elders,teachers,and seniors and for deep gratitudes ,sincere apologies and traditional ceremonies -a 45 degree bow is reserved,like during Lunar New Year.
There is an unspoken rule which is passed down from one generation to another representing deep condolences during ancestral rites sam-bae.These bows are performed at funerals and memorial ceremonies, symbolizing reverence for those who have passed. This is why such bows are never offered to the living—they belong to remembrance, not greeting.
In India, we offer our respect in the form of touching the feet of elders, reflecting its root from Indian Vedic tradition where elders were seen as carriers of gyan (wisdom) and ashirwad (blessings) and is deeply reflected in the Guru–Shishya parampara. In ancient times, in gurukuls students lived with their gurus, learning not just knowledge but values, discipline, and humility and their action of touching their guru’s feet symbolised surrender of ego and acceptance of wisdom and in return gurus used to place their hand on the disciple’s head to return respect as blessing, protection, and guidance.
Though expressed differently, both traditions teach the same truth:
Respect is not spoken loudly; it is practiced gently because when the body bends in humility, the soul rises in respect.
Written by – Shweta Bajaj
About the Author –
I write from the heart, grounding every article in my own experiences and reflections. Inspired by the world of K-culture, I explore how music, fandom, and storytelling shape emotions and identities. In my articles highlight the beauty of connection, celebrating how art transforms people in quiet, powerful ways.