The Korean term for technique is soolgi (술기); loosely translated as "technique-ing"), while Hoshinsool  (호신술; meaning "self-defense") is preferred by others. general the techniques are  applied in a linear fashion more than a circular one. Hapkido's joint manipulation techniques attack both large joints (such as the elbow, shoulder, neck, back, knee, and hip) and small joints (such as wrists, ingers, ankles, toes, jaw).

 Most techniques involve applying force in the direction that a joint moves along the physiological joint structure, and then forcing it to over extend or by forcing a joint to move in a direction that goes against its natural physiological structure.

 These techniques can be used to cause pain and force a submission, to gain control of an opponent for a 'come along' techniques (as is often employed in law enforcement), to assist in a hard or gentle throw or to cause the dislocation or breaking of the joint.