Emoticons ^^... Korean Style

They're Everywhere! See how many you can find around the web.

Korea takes cuteness up a notch. When it comes to Emoticons in today's social networks, they have come up with creative ways to express their feelings with combinations of keyboard symbols and Hangeul **(Korean language). If you've been around Facebook, Twitter or any other messaging site, you are sure to have seen many of these. Since the translate option is limited to words, meanings will be lost in translation. Here are some basics.

No need to turn your world on it's side to see the smiles!

^;^  and  ^^ take care of that.


When something brings tears to your eyes

TT TT   lets you cry, and  -;-  let's everyone know you are ANGRY!


Perhaps you just can't contain that giggle. Hangeul lettering will show the sound of your laughter.

ㅋㅋ (keke) or ㅎㅎ (hehe)


Short greetings and replies

ㅇㅇ yes
ㅂㅂ bye
ㅊㅋ congratulations
ㄱㄱ let's go
ㄴㄴ no
ㅎㅇ hi
ㅈㅇ sorry
감사감사 “thank you very much” shortens to ㄳㄳ

This is just a taste of what is out there. See if you can recognize any of these and more as you check out posts and comments!

I'll close with one of my favorites. ~~ is used with an expression of endearment in greeting someone or signing off, so...

~~ 안녕히계세요

ㅂㅂ!                              
               HOW MANY CAN YOU ADD TO THIS LIST?
                        (add to the list in the comments)

by Melodie Everson, International Journalist & HUGE Hallyu fan, founder of To: Hallyu, with Love 
**Hangeul vs. Hangul debate... That is another story for another day.