Singaporean Artist Introduces The Korean Concept Of Social Awareness Called "Nunchi" With Adorable Comics And How To Practice It

Life would become a can be bit easier with a little nunchi!

Chelsi

• Published in Interesting
• November 29, 2022

When in social situations, wouldn’t it be great if you can easily read minds to know how to respond? This power would come in handy, especially with work and family.

Unfortunately, this isn’t really possible and the next best thing is to read between lines and listen attentively. This way you’ll know if your next move or words would be appropriate for the situation. 

A Singaporean artist who goes by the social media name, robert.the.otter introduced something he learned that might be helpful to those who struggle to pick up social cues. Robert narrated that with workplaces transitioning to work-from-home setups, he thought he was adapting well until his interaction with his family filled him with doubts. 

That’s when he found out about “Nunchi” or a Korean concept used to better read the room and adapt accordingly. This concept helped him better listen to his family and co-workers, resulting in successful interactions!

In his illustrations, he explained the difference between western and eastern cultures and how they build relationships with each other. Nunchi is a big part of eastern culture more than the others. 

So how do you practice nunchi and what will you get out of it? Well, Robert made it easier to understand with these steps.

What exactly is Nunchi from the perspective of robert-the-otter?

During tough times of employees transitioning to work-from-home situations, Robert finally thinks he’s got the hang of it

He talked with his family in an optimistic manner and went about his usual ways

It would’ve been okay, if only he picked up the signs first

He then found a solution so he wouldn’t have doubts like that the next time, which is something called “nunchi”

In other terms, it can also be called heightened social awareness where the way listen and observe can help how you would react next in a situation

If you practice enough, you’ll be able to hone the skill of having quick nunchi!

In the West, nunchi isn’t as practiced often as people in the East

It takes a lot of nunchi in the East to be able to catch their social cues

If you’re a young graduate trying to get your first job, it would do well for you to practice it so you’ll be able to adapt well

You might make mistakes that you could’ve easily prevent

It’s normal for Korean parents to instill knowing your place among others

How to practice nunchi? Look and listen to others first before going on about yourself

Sometimes you have to read between the lines

Overtalking means there is less room for you to listen

Nunchi helps with having good timing

This doesn’t mean you’ll always be going with the flow

An example of how successful the concept of nunchi is the growth of South Korea

Robert finally learned how to listen and respond to his family

It might not be something that you can do all the time but with a little effort, you’ll be able to understand your surroundings better

Well, this was definitely useful. Whether you work with very vocal people or live somewhere silence is more appreciated, nunchi should be learned.

Naturally reading a room will make you a better listener and would lead you to better reactions than accidentally saying something wrong in social situations.

Chelsi