Imagine you've recently landed a new job. You want to make an excellent first impression at the office party. As soon as you enter the room, you observe a bulky man you've never met before making a bad joke, yet everyone is cackling. How would you act in such a situation?

If your nunchi is well-developed, you might suggest this man is a bigwig. Perhaps he's even the boss. Apparently, that is why everybody in the room is laughing at his unfunny joke. In this case, you'd wait for an opportunity to introduce yourself and start a dialogue with him.

Nunchi is the Korean art of reading others' thoughts and emotions based on their behavior. This skill can come in handy when navigating tricky social situations. Translated from Korean, the word nunchi means "eye measure." It's the capability to perceive your surroundings and adjust your behavior accordingly.

The art of nunchi arose from Korea’s unique history. At the intersection of the two dominant powers in Asia, China and Japan, Korea has experienced approximately 800 invasions. Despite all the devastating events, Korea not only protected its identity but also developed significantly. This was possible thanks to the practice of nunchi. Korea didn't have enough resources to fight against two huge empires. It had to adapt to foreign rule and survive under harsh conditions. For instance, during the Japanese occupation from 1919 to 1945, Koreans balanced on a knife edge trying to stay alive and safeguard their culture without infuriating the Japanese government. They made efforts to preserve Korean literature, religions, and schooling.

Nunchi is a revered aspect of Korean history and culture, as evidenced by its prominent depiction in Korean folklore, including the tale of the 16th-century hero Hong Gildong, often called the "Korean Robin Hood." He utilized nunchi to thwart an assassination plot against him, overthrow a king, and ascend to the throne.

Despite its origins in Korean culture, anyone can adopt nunchi, regardless of background. Incorporating nunchi into your life can help you select a suitable romantic or business partner or achieve professional growth. It may help you shield yourself from those who may benefit from your shortcomings.

The professor of psychology at Kyungpook National University in Korea, Jeohong Heo, reckons that individuals with exceptional nunchi skills tend to be self-assured and more satisfied with their lives. If you want to improve your quality of life, it's worth learning nunchi skills.