Korean Pressure Points: Top 50 Examples
Updated: May 15
Pressure points have been integral to Korean martial arts and healing practices for centuries. These specific points on the body, when stimulated correctly, can have a profound impact on physical and mental well-being. By understanding the location and application of these pressure points, practitioners can harness their power to alleviate pain, enhance flexibility, promote relaxation, and improve energy flow.
In this example guide, we will explore a range of pressure points used in Korean martial arts and healing. Each pressure point is accompanied by its English name, Korean name, description of its location on the body, instructions on how to manipulate it, and the specific impact it has on the body.
It is important to note that working with pressure points requires knowledge, precision, and caution. It is recommended to seek guidance from a trained instructor or practitioner to ensure safe and effective practice. With proper understanding and practice, these pressure points can become valuable tools for enhancing physical health, relieving discomfort, and promoting overall well-being.
Gwallyo (Temples)
Korean Name: 관련 (Gwan-ryeon)
Manipulation: Apply gentle circular pressure with the fingertips.
Impact: Relieves headaches, migraines, and eye strain.
Naegwan (Medial aspect of the forearm)
Korean Name: 내관 (Nae-gwan)
Manipulation: Apply firm pressure with the thumb or knuckles.
Impact: Alleviates digestive issues, nausea, and improves circulation in the arms.
Mokgwon (Base of the neck)
Korean Name: 목관 (Mok-gwan)
Manipulation: Use the thumbs or palms to apply downward pressure.
Impact: Eases neck pain, releases tension, and promotes relaxation.
Jwaseok (Mandibular angle - jaw)
Korean Name: 좌석 (Jwa-seok)
Manipulation: Use the thumb or index finger to apply deep, circular pressure.
Impact: Relieves TMJ disorders, jaw tension, and improves jaw mobility.
Haenggwon (Solar Plexus)
Korean Name: 행관 (Haeng-gwan)
Manipulation: Apply firm but gentle pressure using the palm.
Impact: Calms anxiety, reduces stress, and promotes emotional balance.
Milgwan (Wrist)
Korean Name: 밀관 (Mil-gwan)
Manipulation: Apply acupressure or massage techniques to the wrist area.
Impact: Soothes carpal tunnel syndrome, improves wrist mobility, and relieves pain.
Balmok (Ankle)
Korean Name: 발목 (Bal-mok)
Manipulation: Use the thumbs or fingers to apply pressure or perform rotational movements.
Impact: Relieves ankle pain, enhances stability, and improves overall lower body strength.
Geonmun (Between the eyebrows)
Korean Name: 건문 (Geon-mun)
Manipulation: Apply gentle upward pressure using the index finger.
Impact: Relieves sinus congestion, headaches, and promotes mental clarity.
Hansal (Collarbone)
Korean Name: 한살 (Han-sal)
Manipulation: Use the fingertips to apply deep pressure or perform circular motions.
Impact: Alleviates shoulder tension, improves posture, and promotes lymphatic drainage.
Jipdan (Abdomen)
Korean Name: 집단 (Jip-dan)
Manipulation: Apply light to moderate pressure with the palm or fingers.
Impact: Stimulates digestion, relieves abdominal discomfort, and promotes energy flow.
Nalgae (Back of the knee)
Korean Name: 날개 (Nal-gae)
Manipulation: Use the thumbs or knuckles to apply pressure or perform gentle strokes.
Impact: Relieves knee pain, reduces muscle tension, and improves joint flexibility.
Danyu (Elbow)
Korean Name: 단유 (Dan-yu)
Manipulation: Apply firm pressure using the fingertips or knuckles.
Impact: Alleviates elbow pain, reduces stiffness, and promotes better range of motion.
Gaejung (Groin)
Korean Name: 개정 (Gae-jung)
Manipulation: Use the palm or fingers to apply pressure or perform gentle kneading.
Impact: Relieves hip discomfort, improves pelvic flexibility, and enhances lower body circulation.
Balgwi (Achilles tendon)
Korean Name: 발귀 (Bal-gwi)
Manipulation: Apply gentle pressure with the thumbs or fingers.
Impact: Relieves tension in the Achilles tendon, improves ankle mobility, and reduces discomfort.
Sumuk (Crown of the head)
Korean Name: 수묵 (Su-muk)
Manipulation: Use the fingertips to apply light pressure or perform circular motions.
Impact: Promotes relaxation, relieves mental stress, and enhances overall well-being.
Sinmun (Center of the palm)
Korean Name: 신문 (Sin-mun)
Manipulation: Apply pressure with the thumb or fingers.
Impact: Eases stress, improves blood circulation, and promotes relaxation.
Pyeonsul (Outside of the knee)
Korean Name: 편술 (Pyeon-sul)
Manipulation: Apply gentle pressure using the palm or fingertips.
Impact: Relieves knee discomfort, reduces inflammation, and enhances knee stability.
Balrae (Foot arch)
Korean Name: 발래 (Bal-rae)
Manipulation: Use thumbs or fingers to apply pressure or perform circular motions.
Impact: Relieves foot pain, alleviates plantar fasciitis, and promotes balance and flexibility.
Eoreun (Behind the earlobe)
Korean Name: 어른 (Eo-reun)
Manipulation: Apply gentle circular pressure using the fingertips.
Impact: Relieves tension headaches, improves focus, and reduces neck and shoulder tension.
Danjeon (Lower abdomen)
Korean Name: 단전 (Dan-jeon)
Manipulation: Apply light pressure with the palm or fingertips.
Impact: Promotes energy flow, enhances internal organ health, and strengthens the core.
Gwallyo (Back of the hand)
Korean Name: 관련 (Gwan-ryeon)
Manipulation: Apply firm pressure or perform gentle strokes.
Impact: Relieves hand fatigue, improves grip strength, and reduces joint stiffness.
Apgu (Upper back)
Korean Name: 압구 (Ap-gu)
Manipulation: Use the palms or fists to apply pressure or perform kneading motions.
Impact: Alleviates upper back tension, promotes better posture, and relieves muscle soreness.
Saebyeok (Outer edge of the shoulder blade)
Korean Name: 새벽 (Sae-byeok)
Manipulation: Apply firm pressure with the fingertips or knuckles.
Impact: Relieves shoulder blade pain, reduces muscle knots, and improves upper body mobility.
Mulgwon (Crown of the foot)
Korean Name: 물관 (Mul-gwon)
Manipulation: Apply gentle pressure or perform circular motions with the fingers.
Impact: Eases foot discomfort, promotes relaxation, and improves overall foot health.
Gwijin (Inner wrist)
Korean Name: 귀진 (Gwi-jin)
Manipulation: Apply firm pressure using the thumb or fingers.
Impact: Relieves wrist pain, enhances flexibility, and improves energy flow.
Myeongchim (Bridge of the nose)
Korean Name: 명침 (Myeong-chim)
Manipulation: Use the fingertips to apply light pressure or perform gentle circular motions.
Impact: Alleviates sinus congestion, reduces nasal discomfort, and improves breathing.
Jeongmok (Upper lip)
Korean Name: 정목 (Jeong-mok)
Manipulation: Apply gentle pressure with the thumb or index finger.
Impact: Relieves nasal congestion, reduces stress, and promotes mental clarity.
Jucheon (Throat)
Korean Name: 주천 (Ju-cheon)
Manipulation: Use the fingertips to apply gentle pressure or perform circular motions.
Impact: Relieves throat tension, promotes vocal clarity, and soothes discomfort.
Jisul (Armpit)
Korean Name: 지술 (Ji-sul)
Manipulation: Apply moderate pressure or perform gentle circular motions.
Impact: Relieves shoulder tension, improves lymphatic drainage, and reduces underarm discomfort.
Eosae (Outer edge of the shoulder)
Korean Name: 어쇠 (Eo-sae)
Manipulation: Use the fingertips or palm to apply pressure or perform kneading motions.
Impact: Relieves shoulder pain, reduces muscle tightness, and improves range of motion.
Gisul (Inside of the thigh)
Korean Name: 기술 (Gi-sul)
Manipulation: Apply firm pressure using the palm or fingers.
Impact: Relieves inner thigh tension, improves flexibility, and promotes circulation.
Momun (Behind the knee)
Korean Name: 모문 (Mo-mun)
Manipulation: Use the thumbs or fingers to apply gentle pressure or perform circular motions.
Impact: Eases knee discomfort, improves joint mobility, and reduces swelling.
Seungmu (Outer edge of the foot)
Korean Name: 승무 (Seung-mu)
Manipulation: Apply pressure or perform rolling motions with the fingers or palm.
Impact: Relieves foot pain, reduces plantar fasciitis symptoms, and improves foot flexibility.
Palgwe (Front of the lower leg)
Korean Name: 팔궤 (Pal-gwe)
Manipulation: Apply firm pressure or perform kneading motions with the fingertips or knuckles.
Impact: Relieves shin splints, reduces muscle soreness, and improves lower leg circulation.
Cheonjim (Center of the chest)
Korean Name: 천짐 (Cheon-jim)
Manipulation: Use the palm or fingers to apply gentle pressure.
Impact: Calms the mind, relieves chest tightness, and promotes deep breathing.
Yegaek (Lower back)
Korean Name: 예각 (Ye-gaek)
Manipulation: Apply firm pressure or perform circular motions using the palm or knuckles.
Impact: Relieves lower back pain, reduces muscle tension, and promotes spinal flexibility.
Ungwan (Inner ankle)
Korean Name: 응관 (Ung-wan
Manipulation: Apply gentle pressure or perform circular motions with the fingertips or thumb.
Impact: Relieves ankle pain, enhances ankle stability, and improves overall balance.
Hwanggwan (Outer elbow)
Korean Name: 황관 (Hwang-gwan)
Manipulation: Use the palm or fingers to apply firm pressure or perform kneading motions.
Impact: Relieves elbow discomfort, reduces inflammation, and enhances joint mobility.
Geoncheon (Base of the skull)
Korean Name: 건천 (Geon-cheon)
Manipulation: Apply gentle pressure using the fingertips or palm.
Impact: Relieves tension headaches, reduces neck stiffness, and promotes relaxation.
Heomdae (Outer thigh)
Korean Name: 험대 (Heom-dae)
Manipulation: Apply firm pressure or perform kneading motions with the palm or knuckles.
Impact: Relieves outer thigh tension, improves leg flexibility, and enhances blood circulation.
Simkung (Inside of the wrist)
Korean Name: 심궁 (Sim-kung)
Manipulation: Use the thumb or fingers to apply gentle pressure or perform circular motions.
Impact: Relieves wrist pain, enhances flexibility, and improves energy flow.
Gyeong (Back of the neck)
Korean Name: 경 (Gyeong)
Manipulation: Apply gentle pressure or perform circular motions using the fingertips.
Impact: Relieves neck tension, reduces headaches, and promotes relaxation.
Sonkal (Side of the hand)
Korean Name: 손칼 (Son-kal)
Manipulation: Apply moderate pressure or perform rolling motions with the thumb or fingers.
Impact: Relieves hand and wrist pain, enhances grip strength, and reduces muscle tightness.
Balpung (Center of the sole)
Korean Name: 발풍 (Bal-pung)
Manipulation: Apply pressure or perform circular motions using the fingers or palm.
Impact: Relieves foot fatigue, improves overall foot health, and promotes relaxation.
Naeryeo (Front of the neck)
Korean Name: 내려 (Nae-ryeo)
Manipulation: Apply gentle pressure using the fingertips or palm.
Impact: Relieves neck tension, promotes better posture, and improves energy circulation.
Jungsae (Inner elbow)
Korean Name: 중새 (Jung-sae)
Manipulation: Apply firm pressure or perform circular motions with the palm or fingers.
Impact: Relieves elbow discomfort, reduces inflammation, and enhances joint mobility.
Gweol (Back of the knee)
Korean Name: 궐 (Gweol)
Manipulation: Use the fingertips or thumbs to apply pressure or perform circular motions.
Impact: Relieves knee pain, reduces swelling, and improves joint flexibility.
Yedan (Lower abdomen)
Korean Name: 예단 (Ye-dan)
Manipulation: Apply gentle pressure using the palm or fingers.
Impact: Stimulates digestion, promotes abdominal health, and enhances energy flow.
Palsaek (Outer thigh)
Korean Name: 팔색 (Pal-saek)
Manipulation: Apply firm pressure or perform kneading motions with the palm or knuckles.
Impact: Relieves outer thigh tension, improves leg flexibility, and enhances
Dajung (Between the eyebrows)
Korean Name: 다중 (Da-jung)
Manipulation: Use the index finger or thumb to apply gentle pressure.
Impact: Relieves tension, reduces headaches, and promotes mental clarity and focus.
Please note that while pressure points are commonly used in martial arts and healing practices, it is essential to receive proper training and guidance from a qualified instructor or practitioner before attempting any techniques on pressure points.
NOTE: This blog post is not official WKSA material, nor is it endorsed by the WKSA.