
Korean fashionistas let us know why they choose to wear rings on certain fingers.
While we all know a ring worn on the left-hand ring finger is likely to mean you’re married or engaged in most western cultures, there are nine other fingers that also hold some significance. In Korea, online forums have recently been addressing their own meaning of the fingers, and revealing what each one symbolises with a ring on it. Let’s take a look at all the different signs and symbols that can be read from this latest fashion trend as summarized by Mouda, a Japanese website that shares news about hot topics in Korea.
The thumb ring is said to symbolise freedom. Worn by singles and those with a free-spirited attitude, it’s not just a fashionable way to wear your accessories, but also a clever way to send a sign to any potential partners.
A ring on the index finger is said to represent friendship, making it the ideal spot for a friendship ring. If you give a piece of jewellery to a girl you’re interested in and she ends up wearing it on this finger, it might just be a subtle way of telling you that you’re firmly stuck in the friendship zone.
A ring worn on the middle finger is a sign that you’re craving success. Career-driven individuals and those setting out to pass an exam can get some positive vibes by wearing a ring here.
The ring finger is reserved for love. While it’s widely believed to symbolise the connection to the heart, in Korea its significance is said to remain the same no matter which hand you choose to wear it on.
A ring on your right pinky symbolises an “achievement of wishes”, while a ring on your left pinky means “opportunity” and “change”. If you’re looking to say goodbye to a chapter that’s ended in your life, this is a good way to remind yourself to open up to new opportunities and fresh beginnings.
Whether you buy in to the ring placement philosophy or choose to see it as a passing trend, it’s still an interesting guide to understanding the ins and outs of ring-wearing etiquette, and will definitely come in handy for those planning a trip to Korea. Just make sure you wear your rings on the right fingers so you don’t give out any wrong messages!
Source: Mouda
Top Image: Wikimedia Commons/Jeff Belmonte (edited by RocketNews24)
Insert Images: Pixabay/blickpixel, Pixabay/dockyujo, Pixabay/angelafineart, Wikimedia Commons/menina (edited by RocketNews24), Wikimedia Commons/Abulic Monkey, Wikimedia Commons/Naoharu,







New Japanese Pokémon rings feature silver Venusaur, Blastoise and Charizard designs
You can wear the Princess Mononoke curse on your fingers with new Ghibli ring and accessory line
Onigiri jewellery from Japan lets you wear your love of Japanese food on your fingers
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Starbucks Japan adds new Sweet Potato Frappuccino and Latte to the menu, but do they deliver the taste of autumn?
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
American tourist in Japan arrested on charges of attempted murder and arson
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
German woman rescued from Mt. Fuji after suffering altitude sickness symptoms, hiking to peak anyway
Solo travel in Japan: $3 all-you-can-drink deal at this conveyor belt restaurant is a fun time for one
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
Mini CRT-lookalike Final Fantasy figurines are awesome pixel art music boxes [Video]
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】