Korean Physiognomy (Gwansang) 1. What is Korean Physiognomy? Korean physiognomy, called Gwansang (관상) , is a traditional belief system that interprets a person’s character, destiny, and life path through their facial features. It has been practiced in Korea for hundreds of years and was influenced by East Asian philosophy , especially Confucianism and Taoism. Gwansang does not claim scientific accuracy. It is mainly used as a cultural and symbolic way to understand people. 2. Core Belief of Gwansang The main idea of Korean physiognomy is: The face reflects the mind, behavior, and life experiences of a person. According to this belief: A person’s thoughts and actions gradually shape their face. Good habits create positive facial impressions. Life experiences leave visible marks on the face. Therefore, the face is seen as a record of one’s life . 3. Important Facial Areas Korean physiognomy divides the face into key areas, each related to a different st...