Nunchi: the Korean art of intuition that puts your life in easy mode
If we're being serious, we call it cognitive intuition, emotional intelligence…
In Spain we call it: Corazonada, Pálpito, Sentir en los huesos que va a llover, Un no-sé-qué… que qué sé yo.
In Korea? They call it “nunchi" or "noonchi" and it's trendy.
Everything Korean is cool
Lately, Korean things are all the rage: Squid Game, Parasite, K-Pop, cosmetics… . They're so #real, like language schools are filling up with Korean students (true story).
And of course, exporting series also means exporting their way of understanding life; that's a natural progression. That's where "nunchi" (눈치) comes in. Literally translated, It means something like this such as "the force" or "the power of the gaze"... which already gives an idea of what they're getting at.
It is a concept steeped in mystique and history that goes beyond simply reading people well, having people skills, or being good at a party.
It sums up a character and a spirit; the kind of people who have a good nose for things and good intuition. Those who go through life on a hunch… and it always works out well for them.
Intuition is something you're born with... and something you develop.
When we think about "skills" that will be useful in life (or in a job interview)... we always think about logic and reason. If we act in an orderly and sound manner, we will do well.
Nunchi is the complete opposite. It's about appealing to emotions. If you can read the room and interpret people's moods, you'll not only be happier on a basic level, but, from a Machiavellian perspective, you can manipulate everything and everyone around you to dance to your tune.
Several researchers from a Korean university (of course) have even developed a “nunchi scale”.
And so, if your level of intuition can be measured with objective parameters, it can also be studied. And if it can be studied… well, it can be improved. As?, Those who understand say that by reading fiction, studying acting, practicing mindfulness, developing empathy—which basically means listening to people—…
Very well, but... practically speaking, what is the nunchi used for?
This is all very cool, but it can feel very abstract. Let's think about some practical applications of the nunchi:
- To find parking at Ikea. The nunchi, in this case, helps you "read" the movements of others and see where you can fit.
- Dodge sneakers.Whether it's to predict the trajectory of your mother's flying flip-flop or to sense where things are starting to get interesting on the street or in the club, and change sides or escape for a drink at the right moment
- To escape a toxic relationship. Noticing that creepy comment when you're out partying with your friends, that setting of boundaries, that narcissism. The red flags, basically. 🚩🚩🚩
- To get a job. Does your future boss prefer listening to himself to interviewing you? Easy peasy: your nunchi tells you that, in that case, it's best to stay quiet, open your eyes wide as if you're interested in what he's saying, and fulfill his need for validation.
- To really shine. To be at every party and flow effortlessly. To be in your element in any situation. To be charming without needing to be the center of attention is also a matter of intuition.
And much more:
Looking for a cool new place to grab a drink while you're out walking? No problem. Someone you meet briefly and sense something special about them? No problem. A party that seems boring at first but you end up staying for two hours and it's packed? No problem.
Go full speed on the nunchuck.
Call it what you want: that indefinable something or universal superpower.
P.S.: This week's post is sponsored by our Peter Pack, which includes the pro-aging cream WOYOUNG + Heroes' Recharging Mask. Because the devil knows more because he's old than because he's the devil, because experience is valuable but you look better without wrinkles, and because we sense that you'll like to pause time on your face.
PETER PACK
€73.95
€78.90
Two top sellers at the best price. Anti-aging night cream + recharging hydrogel masks. They fight wrinkles, hydrate, and help with blemishes.
Siwon
We do cool, right!
