Objectives : The aim of the study is to explain the general guidelines of the WHO standard acupuncture point locations (APLs). Understanding the general guidelines will enable experts to make the clear use of the standard APL for education, research and practice. Methods : In the beginning of development of the standard APL, experts made general guidelines to draw mutual agreements of the three nations (Korea, China, and Japan) on the standard APL. The guidelines include point locating methods, syntax of descriptive sentences, landmarks on body surface, reference acupuncture points, usage of anatomical terminology, and proportional bone measurements. Results : We found that there are some considerable problems in practical use of the APLs due to the strict application of anatomical terms, even on accessory phrases such as region of body in the sentence of each description. Conclusions : We hope that the study helps readers expand the understanding of the newly developed standard APLs resulting from increased application of acupuncture points. Also, it would be a reference to revise the WHO standard APLs in the future.