There is etiquette when giving money. They don't do it as much, but go to a Korean store and they give you change that way. It's just a respect thing. It's the same with pouring drinks. Watch them next time.

Finally a Korean answers a Korean's question!

CSH1229 obviously represents the "New" etiquette that kj50 spoke of in his original post. CSH1229"s experience in the Western world has broadened his horizons beyond his Korean roots. Quite a few Koreans (At least in Korea) though, do retain the old custom. I would agree with Willy, that using both hands is often done from habit, and requires no thought.

It may go back as far as the Western custom of shaking the right hand, which was originally to show that we had no weapon, I hear. We all still do it a lot, spreading untold numbers of germs and diseases aroud the world!
Do you cough into your hand and then shake hands? The Orientals mostly bow. Which idea seems to be smarter?