Seoul Subway Line 2 is a route that makes a big circular loop. If you stand in this car during rush hour, you often bump shoulders with someone. But sometimes the person you bumped into just walks past without saying a word. A foreign student once asked, "Is that person angry?" He actually asked me that once. They're not angry. ## Using the body instead of words Many Koreans slightly turn their body or move their bag to the front. Some also lower their eyes. That is how they show they are sorry. In crowded places, bumping into people happens several times a day. If you spoke up every time, everyone would have to keep saying "I'm sorry." So a kind of promise, "we understand each other this much," naturally came about. ## Talking to a stranger is a bit of a big deal Koreans find it a little burdensome to talk to strangers. That's because once you speak, you form a relationship with that person, even if only briefly. Passing by quietly is also a way of saying, "I don't want to bother you." Even if it looks cold, the real meaning is consideration. ## Try This in These Situations - If you bump into someone hard, it's fine to say "I'm sorry." No one will think it's strange. - If you need to pass through a crowd, say "Excuse me." - When you get off the subway, if you say "I'm getting off," the person in front of you will make way. Not saying anything doesn't mean you don't care. In tight spaces, Koreans show consideration through gestures before words.