There isn't one single Korean symbol universally representing love. The most widely recognized symbol of affection in South Korea is the finger heart, also known as the Korean finger heart gesture.
The Finger Heart: A Symbol of Love and Affection
The finger heart, a gesture made by forming a heart shape with the thumb and index finger, has become incredibly popular globally, but its origins lie in South Korea. Initially referred to as the "timid V" (소심한 브이) in the 1990s by older generations, it gained widespread popularity as the "finger heart" among younger generations in the 2000s. It's used to express love, friendship, and affection. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finger_heart
While the finger heart is a prominent visual symbol, the Korean language itself offers another way to express love:
사랑 (Sarang): The Korean Word for Love
The word 사랑 (sarang) directly translates to "love" in Korean. It's a versatile word used in various contexts, expressing romantic love, familial love, and platonic affection. This word is often used in written form, for example, in tattoos or cards. https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-way-to-write-love-in-Korean-hangul-It-is-for-a-tattoo
Beyond these, other concepts of love exist within Korean culture, such as inyeon, a philosophy exploring the formation of relationships across multiple lifetimes. http://theconversation.com/past-lives-inyeon-is-a-korean-philosophy-of-how-relationships-form-over-many-lifetimes-213289 However, these aren't specific visual symbols.
In summary, depending on the context, the Korean "finger heart" gesture or the word 사랑 (sarang) best represents love within Korean culture.
