Taxi!

So I wanted to catch a taxi in Seoul. At first it was not easy and there were lots of rules to learn. I will tell you about my first attempt in a later post, but first, let me tell you one of the most important rules.

The Wave.
Anyone who has ever hailed a taxi knows that "the wave" is a gesture that all taxi drivers know and to which they respond. However, in Korea, whether trying to get the attention of a taxi driver or your Korean friend down the hall, there is a specific wave that will work. On the other hand, if you are looking piss off the taxi driver (or your friend for that matter), the US version of the wave will do quite fine. Put your arm at a 90 degree angle with palm facing you and gesture with your hand "come hither" style. It turns out that in Korea, that kind of wave is only used for calling animals -- your pet, a stray dog, etc. The taxi driver (or your friend) will not take kindly to such a gesture. Instead, extend your arm straight out parallel to the ground with your palm down and subtly flap your hand up and down.