👀 The Power of Nunchi: Bridging Korean Wisdom and Global Contexts
👀 I recently had the privilege of teaching “Nunchi: The Korean Art of Understanding People and Situations” through the University of Pittsburgh’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).
✨ My curiosity was first sparked when I read The Power of Nunchi by Euny Hong. In Korea, nunchi is often perceived in a somewhat negative light, but this book reframed it in a more positive and practical way. I wanted to explore how those unfamiliar with Korean culture might perceive and engage with the concept, and to reflect on that alongside my own perspective as someone who was born and raised in Korea and has also lived in the U.S. That curiosity led me to propose and teach this course. It reminded me that everything is a double-edged sword — and that cultural wisdom can bridge generations and contexts.
Over five weeks, we explored how this subtle practice shapes human connection, decision-making, and belonging. We unpacked Nunchi as more than etiquette or simply “reading the room.” Instead, we approached it as an intentional practice of tuning into others: noticing silences as much as words, honoring collective harmony as much as individual expression, and recognizing how cultural dynamics shape belonging.
Some of the most interesting comparisons and discussions included:
• the “nunchi game” and the differences between Korean and American emojis
• nunchi in relation to introspection, peer pressure, empathy, and stoicism
• parallels between American culture and Korean emotions such as Jeong (deep affectionate bond), Han (collective grief and resilience), and Ppalli-ppalli (urgency/speed) compared with the U.S. hustle culture
These conversations highlighted how every culture carries reasons for its values — rooted in history, geography, and environment.
What struck me most was how learners connected this Korean practice to their own lives. Some reflected on how Nunchi resonated with their leadership roles, helping them listen beyond what was spoken. Others shared how it deepened their empathy with loved ones. Together, we laughed, compared cultural rhythms, and practiced slowing down to notice the small cues that often go unseen. The journey was full of curiosity, laughter, and insight.
🌱 This experience affirmed for me that cultural wisdom like Nunchi has so much to offer across contexts — from classrooms to communities. I’m deeply grateful to my students for their openness and reflections.
P.S. A few photos from class — and a glimpse of the after-class survey that truly warmed my heart with gratitude.
#Nunchi #KoreanCulture #InterculturalLearning #EmotionalIntelligence #CrossCulturalCommunication #Belonging #TeachingReflection
